The Impact of Concussions and Head Trauma in Youth Sports Joseph Atkinson Exercise Science- MS 08/17/2022.
Introduction. Preventing Concussions in youth sports is crucial for their development People younger than thirteen can seriously damage their development in life. By preventing concussions with spreading awareness and newer safer equipment, we can limit the amount of concussions in youth athletes..
Introduction (cont.). Contact sports like tackle football and youth hockey should not allow hitting until later ages. In states like Texas and Florida, they start as early as eight years old The younger the athlete is the higher the chances of them falling behind are It is important to demonstrate the impact of receiving head trauma at a young age. By educating people on the importance of brain development, we can build a better future for these young kids..
Method. Participants People who had a mild or greater concussion from the ages of eight through twelve. The participants would be thirteen through twenty five year old. In an ideal world I would have 65 participants as it would be five for each age. This would give a wide variety of people and help demonstrate brain development after a concussion at a young age..
Method. Instruments Interviews with the participants, their parents/guardians, their school psychologist or counsellor, and their boss/teachers This brings information from their superiors and people who work with them everyday. When interviewing school faculty, we can see their record and the behavioral development from them. With these interview, they give insight to how they are developing at specific times in their lives..
Method. Procedures The data would be obtained through surveys. Answers to questions will be specifically documented. For example, the reading level that the participant is at at the age of 14 compared to the rest of their class. Asking questions about behavioral development, academic development, physical development, and ability to form friendships and bonds with peers..
Method. Design and Analysis Pie Charts and other graphs will help easily document the specific questions and all answers that are given. The independent variable is a person having a concussion from sports before the age of twelve. The dependent variable is the answers given in the interviews as well as the statistical evidence provided from their school..
Discussion. Practical Applications With these findings we can help demonstrate the importance of protecting the heads of our young athletes. With these findings, we can look to find new technology to help advance the protection of young athletes and make sure that they can have a higher chance of success in life outside of sports..
Discussion. Limitations Potential limitations are being able to interview and have access to files of the participants. Finding enough people for each age group that are willing to share their long lasting injuries with the world..
Discussion. Recommendations for Further Research Finding new equipment that can continue to better protect the heads of our young athletes. Concussion training for players, coaches, and everyone else involved in the programs. Educating players, families, and coaches on the importance of the young athletes brain development is a great step in the right direction..
Discussion. Conclusion Educating and expanding our knowledge on concussions can help us better prepare for preventing them. Showing the aftermath of serious concussions at a young age can help benefit the future People who suffer from adolescent head trauma impact all of us. By helping prevent them, we are helping these young athletes have more normal lives outside of sports..
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