The National Football League (NFL) is a billion-dollar industry with hundreds of players competing at the highest level of professional football. With concussions and brain injuries being major concerns of the NFL and its fans alike, the league has been constantly looking for new ways to improve player safety. One of the innovative methods that the NFL has started using recently is cognition tests.
What are Cognition Tests?
Cognition tests are designed to assess a player’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and reaction time. These tests are conducted to help identify players who may be at risk of developing cognitive impairments due to repeated head injuries. By assessing cognitive abilities, medical professionals can determine the level of impact a head injury has had on a player’s brain.
How the NFL is Using Cognition Tests to Improve Player Safety
The NFL has been using cognition tests as part of its concussion protocol since 2015. Every player is required to take a baseline cognition test before the season begins, and if a player is suspected of having a concussion during a game, they are immediately removed from play and are required to pass a modified version of their baseline test before they can return to the field.
The modified version of the cognition test has been put in place to ensure that the player has fully recovered from their concussion and does not have any cognitive impairments that could place them at risk of further injury.
What Are the Benefits of Cognition Tests?
Cognition tests have numerous benefits in terms of improving player safety. First and foremost, the tests help to identify players who may be experiencing cognitive impairments due to repeated head injuries. By identifying these players, medical professionals can take steps to prevent further injury and provide necessary treatment to help the player recover.
Furthermore, cognition tests can also be used to monitor a player’s progress and recovery from a concussion. This allows medical professionals to ensure that the player is fully recovered before they return to the field, reducing the risk of further injury.
Conclusion
Cognition tests are a crucial tool in the NFL’s efforts to improve player safety. By assessing a player’s cognitive abilities, the league can identify players who may be at risk of developing cognitive impairments due to repeated head injuries, and take steps to prevent further injury. The use of cognition tests has been an essential step forward in ensuring the long-term health and safety of NFL players.
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