Sports medicine stats: Head impacts among college football offensive linemen
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
A recent study of NCAA Division I college football players looked at rates of concussions, the frequency of concussion-related symptoms, and return to play rates while experiencing symptoms consistent with a concussion during a single season. While there was no difference in the number of diagnosed concussions among athletes at different positions, there were great differences in undiagnosed concussions and “dings.” Offensive linemen reported significantly more undiagnosed concussions and “dings” during the football season than all other position groups. Players at those positions also reported returning to play despite having symptoms significantly more often than all other positions except running backs.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
return to play rates while experiencing symptoms consistent with a concussion during a single season. While there was no difference in the number of diagnosed concussions among athletes at different positions, there were great differences in undiagnosed concussions and “dings.” Offensive linemen reported significantly more undiagnosed concussions and “dings” during the football season than all other position groups. Players at those positions also reported returning to play despite having symptoms significantly more often than all other positions except running backs.