Understanding the neurodevelopmental effects of youth tackle football participation

The ongoing public health concerns about the long-term effects of childhood participation in tackle football have spurred new research funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This project aims to address gaps in understanding the causal links between youth tackle football and subsequent clinical outcomes, which are essential for informed decision-making at patient and policy levels. By establishing a “true baseline” before children start tackle football and tracking them across their first season, this research will identify risk factors for higher exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHIs) and measure the effects of RHIs on neurodevelopment. Using instrumented mouthguards to measure RHIs and conducting brain imaging and various cognitive tests, the study will analyze both short-term and long-term neurodevelopmental impacts of football-related neurotrauma. This project engages the community and involves a multidisciplinary team to potentially reshape guidelines and perceptions regarding youth participation in tackle football.

Law Enforcement Officers and Traumatic Brain Injuries

This research project focuses on enhancing the health and wellness of civilian law enforcement officers who, in their duty to protect and serve, are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), musculoskeletal injuries, and mental health problems like PTSD. The primary goals are to assess the prevalence of TBIs and related health conditions among law enforcement officers, measure blunt head impacts and blast exposures during law enforcement training using wearable sensors, and evaluate the effects of these exposures on various aspects of human performance, including cognitive functions and physical abilities. Collaborating with community partners like the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbus Police Department, this initiative aims to provide actionable insights to improve training, operational strategies, and officer wellness programs. This work is supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs endorsed by the Department of Defense, through the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program under Award No. HT9425-23-1-0520 and HT9425-23-1-0521.

Sport Science and Medicine for Enhanced Resiliency and Health of Law Enforcement Personnel

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) must perform at high levels at all times. Significant physical and psychological stress threatens the long-term health and wellness of LEOs. The performance demands of LEOs are like the demands of collegiate athletes. In this light, the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation has funded research to apply Sport Science and Sport Medicine methods into law enforcement to improve performance and reduce the burden from injuries. This research aims to improve health behaviors and overall performance for LEOs’ career by involving law enforcement cadets when they begin the training academy. Cadets undergo comprehensive assessments at the beginning and end of their training while receiving occupation-specific performance coaching throughout the academy. Additionally, Athletic Trainers have been hired to provide clinical services to an entire law enforcement agency. This “Sports Medicine” component attempts to bring the athletic health care model commonly seen in high school into the law enforcement profession. Overall, this research will inform the training methods used to shape the next generation of LEOs and will provide evidence regarding the usefulness of embedded healthcare within law enforcement organizations.