Repeated head knocks in boxing or American football can lead to personality changes, cognitive problems, and depression years later. This neurodegenerative condition, known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), is associated with the gradual accumulation of a protein called tau in the brain.
A 2017 study of 111 brains taken from deceased former National Football League players found that 99% had CTE. “What we’ve shown, pretty conclusively, is the relationship between years of play and disease risk,” says Jesse Mez, a neurologist at Boston University.
The NFL has developed an artificial intelligence tool that uses television footage and sensors embedded in helmets, mouthguards and shoulder pads to reduce injuries to American football players. It uses machine learning and computer vision technology to accurately identify impacts and injuries, providing insights to make players safer. “By having the computer understand how many times a player hits his helmet during a game, we can[helps] Find ways to reduce the amount of contact with your helmet. ” This has led to several rule changes in the sport, aimed at reducing risk.
Any steps taken to reduce injuries can only be a good thing. However, Mez added, “The NFL is improving some things, but football is inherently about hitting, and I don’t think you can ever fully mitigate the risk.”
