Headline, article dated, NY TIMES, Concussions tied to Depression in N.F.L. players story, that states "The rate of diagnosed clinical depression among Natl. Football players is strongly correlated with the number of concussions they sustained according to a published study, by University of North Carolina's
Center for the Study of Retired Athletics on a general health survey of 2550 retired N.F.L. players.
It confirms other findings regarding brain trauma and later life depression, but runs counter to long time assertions by the N.F.L. that concussions in football have no long term effect. (N.Y.Times, 6-1-07)
Dr. Ira Casson, Co-Chairman of committee, stated "Survey studies are the weakest type of research study, "... subject to all kind of error and interpretation and miscalculation," although they are using them by taking people's words without verifying them. On the other hand, Dr. John White, Director of the Moss Rehabilitation Institute in Philadelphia disagreed with this criticism. "Do I think this one study proves the point beyond doubt? No.
Does it contribute in a meaningful way? You bet."
This report that 600 players, in a formal, anonymous peer review, before putlication, reported approximately 600 players recalled sustaining three or more concussions on the football field, of which the physician found they had depression.
This formal, anonymous peer review, underwent formal review before publication. (Respondents were on average 54 years old having played almost seven season, and a minimum of two seasons.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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