The Summer of Sport

As the school year comes to a close, families will be gearing up to spend some quality time together hopefully in the warmer weather! An opportunity to be more active and get outside.

Coupled with major sports tournaments like Wimbledon, UEFA European Football, and the Paris  Para/Olympics, these examples of athletic prowess will bring excitement and sense of unity.

However, we have all seen famous faces be injured in the pursuit of winning, which can be traumatic for them, their career and their family.

Sports, and physical activities such as water based sports, cycle riding, trampolining  and trying out new hobbies are all opportunities for families learn skills and keeping healthy  whilst having fun, however injuries as a result could be an unfortunate experience.

Data published in 2023 shows that more than 4000 children were treated for head injuries sustained during sport over the last year, with injuries noted from netball, lacrosse, hockey and rugby.

After falls, sports activities were the second most frequent injury type, with rugby, football and horse riding being most prevalent. Sprains and strains are recorded highly, whilst playground injuries are prevalent in those under 10.

With developments in testing, training and practice, becoming part of the science of sport, Organisations are becoming more aware of the mechanisms of injury, and changes that may be needed.

The Football Association (FA) has introduced a new rule to reduce and remove ‘heading’ the ball for those under 11 after research shows the relationship between early dementia, With World Ruby aware of the impacts of the game on long term neurological damage.

Although parents, schools and sports groups can try and mitigate risks under national guidance such as using helmets, mouthguards and body protective equipment, trying to get an active child to comply can be tricky!

But, overall, evidence indicates the benefits of playing sports and being active, far outweigh the risks of injury. Improvements to memory, problem solving, increased concentration, and a boost to mental health, an issue which is becoming more prevalent in our youth.

Here at the Brain Injury Group, we know that a brain injury can happen at any age, which is why we are proud to sponsor the upcoming Cerebral Palsy Sport National Athletic Championships in September, and our children focused brain injury conference  in January.

Looking for activities this summer?

National Parks UK have accessible adventures up and down the country, and the Every Body Moves initiative has a local search facility to find accessible activities near you.

https://everybodymoves.org.uk/

Also, check out HAF vouchers on the Government’s website for activites during the Summer holidays.

Each council is also required by law to have a ‘Local Offer’  specifically for parents and families of children with SEND.  Check out your local council’s offering.

Resources

Ang ET, Gomez-Pinilla F. Potential therapeutic effects of exercise to the brain. Curr Med Chem. 2007;14(24):2564–2571.

Boone E, Leadbeater B. Game on: diminishing risks for depressive symptoms in early adolescence through positive involvement in team sports. J Res Adolesc. 2006;16(1):79–90.

Braak H, Del Tredici K. The pathological process underlying Alzheimer’s disease in individuals under thirty. Acta Neuropathol (Berl) 2011;121(2):171–181

Collins M, Lovell MR, Iverson GL, Ide T, Maroon J. Examining concussion rates and return to play in high school football players wearing newer helmet technology: a three-year prospective cohort study. Neurosurgery. 2006;58(2):275–286. discussion 275–286.

De Moor MH, Beem AL, Stubbe JH, Boomsma DI, De Geus EJ. Regular exercise, anxiety, depression and personality: a population-based study. Prev Med. 2006;42(4):273–279

Trefan L , Houston R , Pearson G , et al . Epidemiology of children with head injury: a national overview. Arch Dis Child 2016;101:527–32.

Wise EK, Hoffman JM, Powell JM, Bombardier CH, Bell KR. Benefits of exercise maintenance after traumatic brain injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012;93(8):1319–1323.