Key result
The concussion rate in the NFL was 0.38 per game during 2002-2007, a 7.6% decrease from 0.42 per game in 1996-2001, accompanied by a significant decrease in players returning to the same game.
Why the study?
Did the management and outcomes of concussions in NFL players change between 1996-2001 and 2002-2007?
Population
National Football League players with documented concussions over two 6-year periods
Comparison
Management and observation during the 2002-2007… vs Management and observation during the 1996-2001…
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
12 years (1996-2007)
Authors
Loading...
May reflect more conservative NFL return-to-play practices; leaves open whether rate changes represent true incidence shifts.
Observational (n=1,290)
Yes
Did the management and outcomes of concussions in NFL players change between 1996-2001 and 2002-2007?
Effect estimate: -7.6%
Absolute Event Rate: 0.38% vs 0.42%
NFL concussion management became more conservative from 2002 to 2007, with fewer players returning to the same game and longer recovery times compared to the 1996-2001 period.
Casson et al. (2010) conducted an observational in Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) (n=1,290). 2002-2007 NFL seasons vs. 1996-2001 NFL seasons was evaluated on Documented concussions per NFL game (-7.6%). The concussion rate in the NFL was 0.38 per game during 2002-2007, a 7.6% decrease from 0.42 per game in 1996-2001, accompanied by a significant decrease in players returning to the same game.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: