The NCAA and Uniformed Services University have been collaborating for 10 years on sports-related concussion studies, shedding light on the impact of concussions on military service academy cadets and midshipmen compared to NCAA student-athletes.
Football emerges as the leading cause of concussions among military cadets and midshipmen, accounting for over half of all sports-related concussions. Girls’ soccer follows closely behind, highlighting the prevalence of concussions in women’s sports.
The partnership between the NCAA and the Uniformed Services University has led to the creation of the CARE Consortium, the largest study of its kind examining the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) and repetitive head impact exposure. Dr. Paul Pasquina, a lead investigator in the Consortium, emphasizes the importance of advancing knowledge to improve the care of those affected by brain injury.
The CARE-SALTOS Integration (CSI) study, funded to track the long-term effects of concussions and head impact exposure, has enrolled over 53,000 participants from various colleges, universities, and military academies. The study aims to develop predictive models to assess the risk of long-term neurological health problems associated with concussions.
The findings from the CSI study will not only benefit athletes but also warfighters, as the research aims to improve concussion management protocols in military operations. By focusing on post-exposure assessments rather than pre-injury screenings, the study seeks to individualize management strategies and optimize brain health in at-risk populations.
Overall, the collaboration between the NCAA and the Uniformed Services University underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of concussions on military personnel and athletes, with the ultimate goal of enhancing care and prevention strategies for those at highest risk.