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Focus on goalkeepers: Masks protect against head injuries in sports!
VfL Wolfsburg raises awareness of head injuries in sport. Goalkeepers wear masks for prevention and protective measures.
Focus on goalkeepers: Masks protect against head injuries in sports!
VfL Wolfsburg is not only at the forefront when it comes to goals. This season, some goalkeepers, including two men and one woman, are wearing masks to raise awareness of head injuries in competitive sports. This measure is more than just an eye-catcher - it is at the heart of a serious issue that has come into increasing focus in recent years. Head injuries are often difficult to recognize and the adrenaline of competition reduces awareness of dangers such as these WAZ reported.
Doctors and experts have been warning for some time about the potential long-term consequences of head injuries, which can, among other things, result in an increased risk of dementia. In this context, more and more studies are being carried out that examine the effects of such injuries. It is no longer a secret that the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been proven to be high, particularly in sports such as football, boxing and ice hockey.
Take head injuries seriously
A mild TBI is often referred to as a concussion or concussion, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea and confusion. The Atos Clinics show that between 6 and 17 percent of all injuries in professional leagues are caused by TBI. However, there is a paradigm shift in the perception of these injuries: the German Football League (DFL) has introduced a comprehensive “concussion protocol” aimed at better protecting athletes.
This protocol allows neutral doctors to temporarily withdraw players from the game if a head injury is suspected. These guidelines, which are also supported by the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG), are now more important than ever. It is also crucial that coaches, parents and athletes are informed of the new recommendations to ensure that all stakeholders in sports recognize the seriousness of the situation.
Long-term consequences and research
Anyone who thinks that such injuries only have momentary effects is wrong. Studies show that many professional athletes have a significantly increased risk of dementia. A 2023 study in Lancet Public Health found that former professional footballers have an 8.9% risk of dementia, while the general population has a 6.2% risk. Long-term consequences of such injuries, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy or even Alzheimer's, are no longer a taboo topic.
It is necessary to further promote awareness and research in the area of sports-related concussion. This topic is met with different reactions and discussions, which are often less rational than emotional. It is not enough to just take preventive measures; There is also a need for high-quality scientific data to address all relevant questions arising from these injuries. The Federal Institute for Sports Science (BISp) actively supports research projects on this subject.
VfL Wolfsburg sets a good example and promotes awareness of the challenges that head injuries pose in competitive sports. With the decision to wear masks, the team shows that it is not just about sporting success, but also about the health and safety of their athletes.