Higher Lower Body Power Associated with Higher Concussion Risk in Young Tackle Football Players

Strategic Insights -

Research at the University of Calgary has found a strong association between higher lower body power and concussion risk in young tackle football players. The study, which involved 595 Canadian adolescent-age players, discovered that participants with higher lower body power were 3.18 times more likely to experience a concussion per 1000 watts of power. Conversely, younger age was associated with a lower concussion risk. This study's findings highlight the complex relationship between physical performance and concussion risk in sports, particularly in tackle football.

Key Takeaways:

  • A prospective cohort study of 595 Canadian adolescent-age tackle football players found a strong association between higher lower body power and concussion risk.
  • Participants with higher lower body power (2000W-5000W) were 3.18 times more likely to experience a concussion per 1000 watts of power (IRR = 3.18, 95% CI; 1.24-8.17).
  • Younger age was associated with a lower concussion risk, with a 0.49-fold lower SRC rate (IRR = 0.49, 95% CI; 1.08-4.00).
  • The study suggests that there may be a trade-off between physical performance and concussion risk in tackle football, with participants prioritizing strength and conditioning over injury prevention.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Sports Sciences.

Statistics:

  • 595 Canadian adolescent-age tackle football players participated in the study.
  • 3.18-fold higher concussion risk associated with higher lower body power (2000W-5000W) per 1000 watts of power.
  • 0.49-fold lower SRC rate associated with younger age.
  • 95% confidence intervals for the incidence rate ratios: 1.24-8.17 (IRR = 3.18).

Sources:

  • Age, power, and sport-related concussion. Is there a tension between sport performance and concussion risk in tackle football? Journal of Sports Sciences, 2025:1-9.
  • Jean-Michel Galarneau, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
  • Matthew G. Neill, Ash T. Kolstad, Joshua Cairns, Matt Jordan, Jonathan D. Smirl, and Carolyn A. Emery.
  • Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OR14 4RN, Oxon, England.