A recent article “What Happens When a University Football Player Takes Repeated Head Impacts?” by Michelle Werdann, University of Nevada highlights a growing concern for athletes: the effect of repeated head impacts on brain function, even when no concussion is diagnosed. The study referred to in this article shows that subtle changes in eye movement, particularly smooth pursuit tracking, may occur in athletes exposed to repeated impacts. As we enter 2026, these findings are relevant for contact-sport athletes, coaches, and parents who want to ensure safe participation and long-term brain protection.
The study tracked football players head impacts and eye movements, linked to attention and visual coordination. At the end of the season, the results showed minor declines in high-impact players, however overall changes weren’t significant.
Key Findings
- Repeated head impacts are common in contact sports and may cause subtle brain changes even when a formal concussion is not diagnosed.
- Smooth pursuit eye movements involve attention, coordination, and cognitive processing.
- High impact athletes showed slight decline in smooth pursuit tracking over the season, suggesting that cumulative exposure matters.
- Individual factors, such as training, neck strength, and neuromuscular adaptation, influence how athletes’ brains respond to repeated hits.
- While traditional concussion protocols catch many injuries, subtle functional changes may go undetected without objective testing.
How EyeBOX Supports Safer Play
Even minor head impacts can affect brain function without obvious symptoms. EyeBOX objectively measures eye movements to detect early signs of brain disruption. For athletes, it helps monitor brain health, guide rest or modified play, and support safer return-to-play decisions.
Conclusion
This article reinforces an important point: repeated head impacts may subtly influence brain function even when an athlete appears fine. EyeBOX provides an objective, eye tracking tool to detect these functional changes early, helping clinicians, coaches, and athletes make informed decisions and play safer. As we move into a new year of sports, understanding and monitoring brain health is key to keeping athletes performing at their best, and protecting them for the long term.