Link Between Hockey Career Length and CTE Risk

SOURCE www.npr.org
A new study from Boston University found a link between the length of a hockey player's career and their risk of developing CTE, with longer careers increasing the likelihood of the disease. The study examined 77 deceased male ice hockey players and found that more than half had CTE, with incidence rising based on the length of their careers. The study does not establish the absolute risk of developing CTE for hockey players. Despite efforts to reduce head impacts in hockey, concerns remain about player safety at all levels of play.

Key Points

  • Longer hockey careers increase the likelihood of developing CTE
  • Over half of the studied hockey players were found to have CTE
  • Efforts have been made to reduce head impacts in hockey, but concerns persist

Pros

  • Study sheds light on the relationship between hockey career length and CTE risk
  • Raises awareness about the risks of head impacts in ice hockey

Cons

  • Study does not establish the absolute risk of developing CTE for hockey players
  • Concerns remain about player safety in ice hockey despite efforts to reduce head impacts