Football causes changes in young brains, new study finds

CHICAGO — A new study released Thursday adds to the body of evidence that youth football is dangerous for young brains.

The doctors who conducted this particular research say the years from 9 to 12 are very important when it comes to brain development. That's also the age many athletes start football.

According to this study, released at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, that puts those athletes at greater risk.

Lead Study Author Dr. Jeongchul Kim found repetitive hits to the head alter nerve fibers of the brain in kids. Bundles of those fibers connect both sides of the brain and are responsible for memory, motor, and cognitive functions.

The study looked at 48 boys around the age of 12 and compared the 26 male football players to the 22 boys who didn't participate in contact sports. In the group that played football, MRI images showed changes in the brain.

Concerns surrounding brain injuries in football and youth football have lead to changes in the way players are treated when they show the symptoms of concussion. But this study's authors say many injuries are subconcussive -- meaning hits that don't cause concussions and don't show any symptoms.

The concern is that youth football players may be vulnerable to the impact of the game even without traumatic injuries.

The full results of the study are expected to be released later Thursday.

Cox Media Group