Synthetic Sports Turf and CTE

This week the New York Times wrote an in-depth expose on the brains of NFL players.  The piece follows a study headed by Dr. Anne McKee, a neurologist from the Boston University School of Medicine.  During this 9 year initiative, McKee examined the link between playing professional-level sports (later revised to specifically focus on NFL) and CTE.

CTE, short for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a degenerative disease of the brain that can only be diagnosed postpartum via direct tissue examination.  The disease is usually caused by repetitive mid-traumatic brain injuries-such as concussions or other blows to the head- and causes symptoms such as erratic behavior, progressive dementia, and suicidal ideation.  A large number of the brains donated to the studies were from the families of NFL players who believed their loved ones exhibited symptoms of CTE.  Because of this, 110 of the 111 NFL players in this study were found to have CTE.

CTE has been found in all players, but there is a correlation in prevalence and certain positions.  McKee found that 44 of the 110 brains were those of linemen, the most common players on the field.  These players take non-violent blows on almost every play- the perfect recipe that is thought to cause CTE.  The next position with the most confirmed cases was running backs (20), followed by defensive backs (17), linebackers (13), quarterbacks (7), wide receivers (5), tight ends (2), and place-kickers and punters each at 1.

“It is no longer debatable whether or not there is a problem in football — there is a problem,” Dr. McKee said.

At Act Global, we believe that it is our responsibility as a synthetic turf manufacturer to continuously dedicate ourselves to research and development of sports injuries prevention.  Athletes, no matter the level they play at, deserve a surface that helps keep them safe during moments of impact and that works to protect them when they need it.  We believe that the best moments in sports can only occur when athletes have the confidence to perform; our sports field turf helps do just this.