Skateboarding has long been a popular pastime and a great way to stay active, but concerns have been raised in recent years about its potential link to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease with serious symptoms.
After some studies suggested skateboarders are at risk of CTE due to repetitive collisions between the head and ground, more research is needed on how common it is for skateboarders specifically to experience such impacts.
There is also speculation that grinding may cause wear and tear on the neck vertebrae, which can lead to head trauma. Despite all, more investigation should be done into what effects skateboarding could have on CTE before definitive conclusions can be reached.
Relationship between skateboarding and CTE
Skateboarding and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) have a complex relationship. While there is no conclusive evidence that suggests skateboarding is linked to CTE, studies of the activity’s impact on the brain have been conducted with promising results.
One study found that participants who took part in frequent skateboarding activities had better cognitive functioning than those who didn’t. It was hypothesized that this could be due to improved reaction times, increased coordination and balance, and higher levels of physical activity which all contribute to better brain health. However, this study was limited in scope and further research needs to be done to confirm its findings.
Despite these positive results, it is important to note that skateboarding can result in serious head injuries which can lead to long-term damage, particularly when protective gear isn’t used or when experienced riders attempt more demanding tricks without proper supervision. Studies have found that repeated head injuries can increase an individual’s risk of developing CTE later in life; however, it is not yet known how much exposure or what type of exposure is necessary for development of the condition.
It is currently unknown just how much skateboarding contributes to the development of CTE in individuals; however, it is important to take precautions when participating in skateboarding activities such as wearing a helmet and other protective gear and ensuring proper supervision from experienced riders when attempting more challenging tricks. While there may be some potential benefit from participating in skateboarding activities with regards to improved cognitive functioning, caution should still be taken as there are also risks involved which could lead to long-term health consequences if not properly managed.
How many brain injuries are from skateboarding?
According to a 2017 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skateboarding has been the cause of over 200,000 traumatic brain injuries each year since 2011.
This amounts to 3 out of 4 patients treated in emergency rooms for traumatic brain injuries associated with an action sport.
Though any contact with a hard object can result in a head injury, skateboarders have higher odds as they often do risky tricks and stunts that increase their chances of knocking heads.
Thankfully, most of these incidents are minor and can be alleviated over time with rest and proper medical care.
Eventually, it is important to wear protective gear like helmets while engaging in skateboarding to help prevent or reduce the severity of any concussion or other brain injuries.
Final Words
Skateboarding and CTE have an uncertain relationship. While some studies suggest skateboarders may benefit from improved cognitive functioning, there is still a risk of long-term health consequences should an individual experience repetitive head trauma or other serious injuries while engaging in the activity.
Ultimately, it is important to consider potential risks and take protective measures when participating in skateboarding to help reduce the chances of developing CTE in later life.
Moreover, further research needs to be conducted to understand the potential effects of skateboarding on CTE and understand how much exposure or what type of exposure is necessary for the development of the condition.
By taking several precautions and being aware of the potential risks, skateboarders can enjoy this popular activity while minimizing the potential harm to their health in the long run.