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NFL players face high CTE risk in new study
A new study published in The BMJ indicates that at least 24.5% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Researchers from institutions including Mass General Brigham and Boston University analyzed 878 former players who passed away during this period, finding that 215 of them had the neurodegenerative disease.
The study suggests the actual prevalence could be significantly higher, with estimates ranging from a conservative minimum of 18.5% to a maximum of 98.7%. This is because CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem, and many brains were not examined. If these findings are applied to the 1,696 currently active players in the league, it is estimated that at least 400 could eventually develop the condition.
Lead researcher Dr. Daniel Daneshvar noted that while the NFL faces scrutiny, many of the cumulative head impacts contributing to CTE occur at the collegiate, high school, and youth levels. The NFL has responded by stating it is committed to player safety and implementing strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts.
Entities
Boston University · Daniel Daneshvar · Mass General Brigham · NFL · NFL Players Association · National Football League · Occupational Safety and Health Administration · The Athletic · The BMJ · The New York Times
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Applying the study's proportions to the 1,696 currently active NFL players suggests at least 400 could develop CTE. www.dire.it · foxsportsradionewjersey.com · www.cinquecolonne.it
- [● 15 SOURCES] At least 24.5% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). www.dire.it · foxsportsradionewjersey.com · notiziedi.it · www.cinquecolonne.it · www.haberaktuel.com · +10 more
- [● 15 SOURCES] The study analyzed 878 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021. www.dire.it · foxsportsradionewjersey.com · notiziedi.it · www.cinquecolonne.it · www.haberaktuel.com · +10 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The maximum possible prevalence of CTE among the studied group could be as high as 97.7% or 98.7%. foxsportsradionewjersey.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.news-medical.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Most head impacts leading to CTE occurred at the collegiate, high school, or youth levels rather than the professional level. ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The NFL states it is working to make football safer through strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts. foxsportsradionewjersey.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.nbcsports.com · www.ledauphine.com