Journal CME, January 2022: Individual and cumulative health afflictions are associated with greater impairment in physical and mental function in former professional American style football players-Individual and cumulative health afflictions

Individual and cumulative health afflictions - article.pdf

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A study focused on assessing the health effects of former professional American style football (ASF) players revealed significant impairments in both physical and mental functions linked to various health conditions or "afflictions" such as neurocognitive, cardiovascular, cardiometabolic diseases, sleep apnea, and chronic pain. The study involved 3,913 former players who participated professionally from 1960 to 2019 and used self-reported surveys to gather data on their health and functional abilities.<br /><br />Key findings indicated that each individual affliction was associated with reduced physical and mental function as measured by Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scales, except for cardiovascular disease, which was not significantly linked to mental function. Chronic pain emerged as the most impactful affliction, showing the lowest functional scores among all participants. Additionally, the study found that cumulative afflictions exacerbated impairments, with those having multiple afflictions exhibiting greater reductions in both physical and mental functions.<br /><br />The study underscores the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies that not only address specific diseases but also the overlapping and cumulative health issues faced by former ASF players. This approach could include integrated care models that emphasize physical therapy, mental health support, and possibly lifestyle interventions, aiming to enhance overall function and quality of life in this unique population. <br /><br />The authors recommend future research to further explore the mechanisms behind these health afflictions and how they interact, which could lead to more effective treatments and preventive strategies for former professional athletes. The findings also emphasize the importance of pain management and addressing both physical and mental health comprehensively in this demographic.

Keywords

American style football

former professional players

health effects

neurocognitive diseases

cardiovascular diseases

chronic pain

Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System

cumulative afflictions

integrated care models

pain management