Citation

Scheier LM. J. Neurotrauma 2019; 36(2): 408-410.

Affiliation

LARS Research Institute, Inc. , 15029 N. Thompson Peak Parkway , B111-443 , Scottsdale, Arizona, United States , 85260 ; scheier@larsri.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/neu.2017.5465

PMID

30180782

Abstract

Montenigro et al. (2016) assert that repetitive head impacts obtained while playing football increases later-life neurological consequences. While this is an important line of research inquiry that can be very fruitful, several faulty scientific premises undermine the veracity of these claims. In this Commentary piece, we outline a few of the problems with the basic research premise, arguing first and foremost that "causality" cannot be established given the research design. Also, the absence of authoritative controls for spurious relations and confounding weaken the argument that participation in contact sports like football is related to later clinical symptoms and even lasting neurological problems. We also discuss the requirements for establishing linkages between early adolescent or young adult activities and long-term neurological impairment. The basic premise that repetitive head impacts can contribute to later life problems requires first establishing a scientific paradigm to examine these developmental relations beyond reproach. We conclude with several suggestions that have ramifications for future studies of this nature, utilizing more robust methodology and statistical techniques to clarify whether the chicken invariably preceded the egg.

Keywords: American football

Language: en

Keywords

AGE; Behavior; COGNITIVE FUNCTION; HEAD TRAUMA; LEARNING AND MEMORY