May 2016
American football has grown in popularity since its inception in 1869. Not only has the fan base grown, but more and more men and women are showing an increased interest in playing the game than ever before. Behind the highlight reel catches and storybook victories lies the risk of injury players put themselves through when they step on to the football field that can last beyond their playing career. Even with the latest advancements in protective gear and improved in-game regulations, the risk for injury is still higher than any other team sport. Given the rising popularity of the sport, along with the inherent dangers of playing the sport, one question that has arisen among players and fans alike: what can be done to improve player …show more content…
There are two types of stretches that will help reduce the possibility of injury and improve overall flexibility; ballistic and static stretches. Ballistic stretches “force the limb into an extended range of motion” through dynamic movement (Donald Kirkendall). Static stretches perform the same function of stretching out the range of motion in muscles, with primary difference being these stretches are done at rest. By combining both static and ballistic movements in a stretching routine, muscles and tendons are introduced to these movements in a non-contact regimen to improve overall strength and …show more content…
Concussions in football have been a focal point in recent medical research, and government funding has been dedicated towards technology research to help improve player safety. The Army Research Laboratory, or ARL, has been studying the effects of impact resistant materials in football helmets. The material that stretches at “low speeds, but freezes up if pulled quickly—in other words, a “rate-dependent” substance” (Roberts). At high impact speeds – such as those in the act of a tackle – the head tends to snap back either by the force of the blow or the impact from hitting the ground. This substance, when applied, can help dampen the initial impact of the trauma to the head, while decreasing the risk of concussions from hitting the
American football has grown in popularity since its inception in 1869. Not only has the fan base grown, but more and more men and women are showing an increased interest in playing the game than ever before. Behind the highlight reel catches and storybook victories lies the risk of injury players put themselves through when they step on to the football field that can last beyond their playing career. Even with the latest advancements in protective gear and improved in-game regulations, the risk for injury is still higher than any other team sport. Given the rising popularity of the sport, along with the inherent dangers of playing the sport, one question that has arisen among players and fans alike: what can be done to improve player …show more content…
There are two types of stretches that will help reduce the possibility of injury and improve overall flexibility; ballistic and static stretches. Ballistic stretches “force the limb into an extended range of motion” through dynamic movement (Donald Kirkendall). Static stretches perform the same function of stretching out the range of motion in muscles, with primary difference being these stretches are done at rest. By combining both static and ballistic movements in a stretching routine, muscles and tendons are introduced to these movements in a non-contact regimen to improve overall strength and …show more content…
Concussions in football have been a focal point in recent medical research, and government funding has been dedicated towards technology research to help improve player safety. The Army Research Laboratory, or ARL, has been studying the effects of impact resistant materials in football helmets. The material that stretches at “low speeds, but freezes up if pulled quickly—in other words, a “rate-dependent” substance” (Roberts). At high impact speeds – such as those in the act of a tackle – the head tends to snap back either by the force of the blow or the impact from hitting the ground. This substance, when applied, can help dampen the initial impact of the trauma to the head, while decreasing the risk of concussions from hitting the