Age of First Exposure Does Not Relate to Post-Career Health in Former Professional American-Style Football Players.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Prior studies examining small samples of symptomatic former professional football players suggest that earlier age of first exposure (AFE) to American football is associated with adverse later life health outcomes. This study examined a larger, more representative sample of former professional American football players to assess associations between AFE before age 12 (AFE < 12) and clinical outcomes compared with those who started at age 12 or older (AFE 12 +).

Methods

Former professional American football players who completed a questionnaire were dichotomized into AFE < 12 and AFE 12 + . AFE groups were compared on outcomes including symptoms of depression and anxiety, perceived cognitive difficulties, neurobehavioral dysregulation, and self-reported health condi

SUBMITTER: Terry DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11467122 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature