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Liz600 t1_j6let51 wrote

Reply to comment by CryoAurora in New study (n = 15,764) shows repeated concussions are linked to worse brain function in later life by unswsydney

Not just combat sports. Figure skating, gymnastics, competitive cheerleading… basically anything where you’re moving at higher speeds, hurling yourself or someone else into the air, across a hard surface, with zero protective gear. I got at least 3 concussions (that I know of) figure skating when I was a teenager. The first thing you learn in skating is how to fall, but that’s not always enough to protect you.

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CryoAurora t1_j6nbsmv wrote

Yup. Any traumatic brain injury is rough.

Look at the number of Nascar drivers with cte and cte type symptoms. Earnhardt Jr. retired due to repeated traumatic brain injury.

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Queasy-Bite-7514 t1_j6n5p3e wrote

You mean life? Driving, running, biking

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Liz600 t1_j6oi11c wrote

No, I mean going 20+ mph across a slick and extremely hard surface, hurtling yourself into the air while spinning backwards, aiming to land perfectly balanced on one foot, all while while wearing leather boots with steel ankle plates, 1.5 inch heels, wheels of extremely sharp spikes on your toes that are attached to concave razor blades that glide across the top of the ice, and are designed not to cut into it like hockey skates. And doing all of that in only tights and what amounts to a stretchy velvet swimsuit; no padding or helmets in sight (or allowed). For 4+ hours a day, depending on what level you compete at. Unless you’re in a competition, you’re also doing that in the same space as 3-9 other skaters at the same time.

It’s a bit more involved than running.

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Queasy-Bite-7514 t1_j6op3yg wrote

Yes, jockeys are in a similar situation. There’s actually research on jockeys. I don’t necessarily disagree that there’s a lot of potential risk from cumulative effects of the brain bouncing around in the skull. The problem is there’s also a lot of hype about it and not enough good science. I try to stay open and skeptical as a society should be.

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