Longitudinal Brain Health in Youth Tackle Football Players

The purpose of this study is to determine the neurologic and cognitive effects of playing tackle football in grade school and high school. During contact practices and games, players wear a football helmet containing an impact sensor. Before and after each season, players complete neurological testing to measure several different aspects of brain function. Two groups of football players will be in the study: 5th and 6th grade tackle football players from the Brighton Bulldogs Football and Cheer league (about 70 players). Varsity football players from Brighton High School (about 70 players per year). The study begins in July 2016 and will continue for 4 years (through the winter of 2020).