The research, published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, relates to a 10-year comparison of the incidence of sports-related concussions between 2008 and 2017 in the English Premier League and the United States’ Major League Soccer.
The MLS players were found to have missed an average 7.3 games after a concussion (37 days) compared to an average 0.6 games (10.9 days missed) for Premier League players.
Statistical performance in relation to games started, assists, shots on goal, and total shots after concussion was reduced in all outfield positions for players in the Premier League.
For the MLS players, there were no significant decreases in performance.
The Premier League was not involved with the study, but has stressed how new concussion protocols were introduced in 2014 that included a new tunnel doctor and annual baseline testing, and how players have been working with researchers trying to develop a pitchside concussion diagnosis tool.
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