PSY FPX 6840 Assessment 1 CTE and the effects on Cognitive Performance

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Capella university

PSY FPX 6840 Current Issues in Sport Psychology

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Date

CTE and the effects on Cognitive Performance

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Implications for Athlete Well-being

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition stemming from repeated head traumas (Lepage et al., 2019). Its impact on cognition, mood, and behavior is well-documented (Laffey et al., 2018). Sadly, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem (Lepage et al., 2019). As a former college football player, I’ve witnessed firsthand how repetitive head injuries can erode an athlete’s confidence and affect their performance (Barr, 2020). The intersection of sports-related concussions and CTE has garnered significant attention worldwide (Barr, 2020).

Psychological Interventions for Athletes with CTE Risk

Sport psychology aims to optimize athletes’ mental state for peak performance (Lavaellee & Wylleman, 2000). However, CTE poses unique challenges to achieving this goal due to its cognitive and emotional implications (Laffey et al., 2018). Symptoms such as memory loss, impulsivity, and depression can hinder an athlete’s ability to thrive (Laffey et al., 2018). Nonetheless, strategies like goal-setting, concentration techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offer promising avenues for managing CTE-related stressors (Lavaellee & Wylleman, 2000).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a Promising Approach

Among these strategies, CBT, particularly mindfulness techniques, stands out as effective for mitigating the impact of CTE (Lavaellee & Wylleman, 2000). By fostering self-awareness and emotion regulation, athletes can better cope with the challenges posed by CTE (Lavaellee & Wylleman, 2000).

Challenges and Stigma in Professional Football

In professional football, the emphasis on toughness often discourages players from acknowledging or seeking help for head injuries (Barr, 2020). This stigma has led to legal battles between former players and the NFL over negligence in managing head trauma cases (Abreu et al., 2016). However, discussions about concussions and CTE remain taboo in the league, with players fearing repercussions from team management (Abreu et al., 2016).

Emerging Research and Interventions

Despite these challenges, ongoing research offers hope for managing and preventing CTE. Techniques like low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) show promise in mitigating the neurological effects of traumatic brain injury, including CTE (Tsai, 2020). Furthermore, animal studies provide valuable insights into the progression of CTE pathology, informing potential interventions and treatment strategies (Kahriman et al., 2021).

In conclusion, addressing the complex interplay between sports, head injuries, and mental health is crucial for safeguarding athletes’ well-being. By implementing evidence-based interventions and fostering open dialogue, we can better support athletes at all levels in navigating the challenges posed by CTE.

References

Abreu, M. A., Cromartie, F. J., & Spradley, B. D. (2016). Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and former national football league player suicides. Sport Journal, 1-12.

Barr, W. B. (2020). Believers versus deniers: The radicalization of sports concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) science. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 61(2), 151–162. https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000210

PSY FPX 6840 Assessment 1 CTE and the effects on Cognitive Performance

Kahriman, A., Bouley, J., Smith, T.W. et al. (2021) Mouse closed head traumatic brain injury replicates the histological tau pathology pattern of human disease: characterization of a novel model and systematic review of the literature. Acta Neuropathol Commun, 9, 118. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-021-01220-8

Lavaellee, D., & Wylleman, P. (2000). Career transitions in sport: International perspectives. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Lepage, C., Muehlmann, M., Tripodis, Y., Hufschmidt, J., Stamm, J., Green, K., Wrobel, P., Schultz, V., Weir, I., Alosco et al. (2019). Limbic system structure volumes and associated neurocognitive functioning in former NFL players. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 13(3), 725–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-018-9895-z

NFL Players Sound Off On Concussions. (2016, February 4). Associated Press.