Validating Tackle Mechanics in American Football: Improving Safety and Performance
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Annals of Biomedical Engineering (Ó 2020) https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-020-02625-7
Concussion Biomechanics in Football
Validating Tackle Mechanics in American Football: Improving Safety and Performance ARTHUR MAERLENDER ,1 CAITLIN J. MASTERSON,2,3 REX NORRIS,4 and ADAM HINTHORNE4 1
Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, East Stadium, UNL, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; People Data Clarity, LLC, Springfield, MO, USA; 3Department of Psychology, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, USA; and 4Atavus Football Performance Company, Seattle, WA, USA
2
(Received 25 August 2020; accepted 16 September 2020) Associate Editor Stefan M Duma oversaw the review of this article.
Abstract—Research has helped to understand the risks of injuries of tackling in American football and rugby; however, approaches to teaching and analysis are not well-documented. Shoulder-led tackling has been proposed as a safer approach to tackling even though data on the effectiveness for safety and defensive performance is limited. Additionally, some have argued that safety and effectiveness are incompatible. The purpose of the study was to validate a specific sequence of tackling actions as a tool for teaching safer and more effective tackling skills. Results suggested tackle scores help predict presence of head contact, and that higher tackle scores were associated with reductions in Yards After Contact (YAC). Eight hundred and thirty-two (832) American high school football tackles were rated using a 12element rating system. Estimated Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) was employed to identify the factor structure of the elements with three factors identified: Track, Engage, and Finish. ANOVA, along with logistic and linear equation models were run to determine relationships between tackle scores and outcomes. Tackle scores predicted head-contact category (binary logistic regression accuracy = .76). Yards after contact (YAC) were significantly reduced [Finish factor: MANOVA F(3, 828) = 105.825, p < .001]. Construct and predictive validity were demonstrated and show that these tackle elements provide valid foci for teaching better tackling as well as analyzing both teaching effectiveness and performance. Keywords—Concussion prevention, Tackle kinematics, American football, Head impact exposure (HIE), Defensive performance.
Address correspondence to Arthur Maerlender, Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, East Stadium, UNL, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA. Electronic mail: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION Head impact exposure (HIE) is the proximate cause of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).21 Although individual impacts of high magnitude have been related to concussions, some researchers feel that the cumulative amount of HIE can cause concussions and may be a factor in more distant problems such as neurodegenerative disease.3,18,22,28 Head contact in tackling often results in the highest magnitude of HIE,1,9,16,25 and it is believed that recurring biomechanical force is link
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