McIntosh and McCory 2005 performed a literature review of head and neck injuries in the sports medicine literature. They surveyed rugby, ice hockey, American football, baseball, soccer, boxing, cricket, horse racing, skiing and snowboarding.

One of the major factors that can help prevent head injury was found to be the hardness of a surface. They cited Marshal et al, 2003 showing how when lighter and less dense materials are used in a baseball there was a 28% reduction in injury rates. Ground surfaces have also been found to play a role, Naunheim et al, 2002 reported that softer fields in Australian football lead to fewer concussions. They continue with the reviews by Thompson et al, 1999 and Levy et al, 2004 reporting how helmets can bring down concussion rates 74% and fatalities by 84% when implemented across the board for a sport like cycling or football. Ski helmets were also shown to decrease injury by 56%.

At this time, it is safe to say that helmets should generally be worn where possible and materials should be engineered so that they minimize the risk to the players and audience of a traumatic brain injury. As we’ve seen from our series on concussion and on neck injuries, these injuries happen far too frequently and can have consequences that change a player’s life.

Author

  • We are physiotherapists passionate about movement and rehabilitation, with a clear goal: helping people better understand their pain and return to an active, unrestricted life.

    Through our practice and content, we share practical, science-based approaches to prevent injuries, relieve pain, and sustainably improve mobility. We believe that well-informed patients make better decisions and achieve better outcomes.

    Richard Bouzaglou, B.Sc. PT

    Physiotherapist | Co-Founder

    An experienced professional, Richard is the co-founder of the AMS Medical and Rehabilitation Center, where he has played a key role since 2008. With a background in sports medicine and physiotherapy, he has developed strong clinical expertise, particularly working with elite athletes.

    His practice is based on a comprehensive approach that integrates advanced manual therapy, functional rehabilitation, and personalized care. Committed to continuous education and mentoring students, he is known for his clinical rigor and his ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with his patients.

    Moshe Vazana

    Physiotherapist

    With over 15 years of experience, Moshe is recognized for his precise, evidence-based approach. A physiotherapy graduate with advanced training in several methodologies, including the McKenzie Method (MDT) and the Mulligan Concept, he specializes in treating musculoskeletal and spinal conditions.

    His international background and commitment to excellence enable him to provide care that is tailored, effective, and sustainable. Passionate about knowledge sharing, he is also actively involved in training the next generation of physiotherapy professionals.