Concussion incidence in professional football: position-specific analysis with use of a novel metric

Background:In the United States alone, millions of athletes participate in sports with potential for head injury each year. Although poorly understood, possible long-term neurological consequences of repetitive sports-related concussions have received increased recognition and attention in recent years. A better understanding of the risk factors for concussion remains a public health priority. Despite the attention focused on mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in football, gaps remain in the understanding of the optimal methodology to determine concussion incidence and position-specific risk factors.Purpose:To calculate the rates of concussion in professional football players using established and novel metrics on a group and position-specific basis.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Athletes from the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 National Football League (NFL) seasons were included in this analysis of publicly available data. Concussion incidence rates were analyzed using established...