The Effects of Preparedness and Activity on Head Impacts in Lacrosse Athletes.

Considering the frequency and magnitude of head impacts occurring during sport participation is important to guide prevention initiatives. Our purpose was to compare magnitude and frequency of lacrosse players' head impacts based on anticipation level and impact activity. Lacrosse athletes (16 men, 15 women) wore xPatch sensors during games and practices that measured impact magnitude (linear and rotational accelerations) and frequency of video verified head impacts. The interaction between impact activity and preparedness was not significant, multivariate: F(8, 1,730) = 1.03, p =.41, η² =.01. Having a detailed understanding of the characteristics of head impacts could allow for focused interventions to reduce injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]