The issue of concussion prevention and treatment in sports has been a growing concern for many years, especially in the National Football League (NFL). In 2022, the NFL made a significant commitment to addressing this issue by funding a clinical trial on the use of CBD for pain and concussion management. Now, it seems that the study is finally starting to take shape.
This collaboration between the NFL and the University of Regina is a groundbreaking effort that has the potential to revolutionize how concussions are managed and treated not only in professional football but also in other sports. With this partnership, we have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of cannabinoids, specifically CBD, as an alternative treatment for pain management and neuroprotection for concussions.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. This impact can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to changes in brain function. Symptoms of concussions may include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss and sensitivity to light and noise.
In sports, concussions are most commonly caused by contact with another player, the ground, or equipment. According to data from the NFL, there were 149 concussions suffered over 271 games this season. That’s an 18% jump from 2021 (126) and 14% higher than the three-year average (130) between 2018 and 2020 as reported by ESPN. This issue is not limited to football; it affects athletes in many other sports as well.
Currently, concussions are managed through a combination of rest and gradual return-to-play protocols. There are also various medications recommended for pain relief, but these may come with potential side effects and risks. That’s why the collaboration between NFL and University of Regina to explore alternative options is so crucial for the health and well-being of athletes.
Collaboration Between NFL and University of Regina
In 2022, the NFL made a commitment of $1 million to fund a clinical trial led by the University of Regina’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies in collaboration with My Next Health Inc. This study aims to investigate the potential use of a CBD/THC formulation for pain management and concussion prevention in athletes.
“As with the league’s broader approach to health and safety, we want to ensure that our players are receiving care that reflects the most up-to-date medical consensus,” said Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer. “While the burden of proof is high for NFL players who want to understand the impact of any medical decision on their performance, we are grateful that we have the opportunity to fund these scientifically-sound studies on the use of cannabinoids that may lead to the discovery of data-based evidence that could impact the pain management of our players.”
My Next Health Inc. is a medical research company focused on developing and testing cannabis-based therapies. Their role in this collaboration is to provide the CBD/THC formulation for the clinical trial, as well as their expertise in cannabinoid research and product development.
The multidisciplinary team leading this study includes researchers with backgrounds in neuroscience, kinesiology, sports medicine, and pharmacology. This diverse range of expertise ensures a comprehensive and rigorous investigation into the potential benefits of CBD for concussion management.
The clinical trial at the University of Regina will involve 35 male adult participants between the ages of 18-35 who are involved in contact sports. These individuals cannot have any history of cerebrovascular or cardiovascular complications and must not be habitual recreational users of cannabis or tobacco.
Participants selected for the study will go through a series of biopsychological, health questionnaires, and laboratory tests to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of CBD for concussions.
The main question researchers are wondering is if cannabis/hemp-based products with high CBD safe, well-tolerated and without adverse physiological and psychological dysfunction, when administered on a daily basis per the clinical trial registry.
“This research project will be a Phase I clinical trial to test the safety, efficacy and tolerability of the drug formulation. Specifically, the investigators will use a dose escalation study with all participants taking a placebo before starting the CBD regimen. This study is designed to investigate anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection of the CBD formulation to determine whether it can be used on a daily basis safely during the periods of intensive exercise (resistance) training during the off-season prior to competition.”
The research team’s hypotheses include improved brain function and reduced pain sensitivity in individuals who receive the CBD/THC formulation compared to those who receive a placebo.
“The primary research hypothesis is that cannabis/hemp-based products with high CBD are safe, well-tolerated and do not cause adverse physiological and psychological dysfunction when administered on a daily basis. Specifically, the investigators will investigate the pharmacokinetic, physiological, and psychological effects of CBD. The investigators hypothesize that the CBD formulations will be non-intoxicating (non-psychotropic), safe, well-tolerated and do not cause adverse physiological or psychological dysfunction.”
If proven effective, this trial could have significant implications for future concussion management and treatment not only in sports but also in other areas where traumatic brain injuries are prevalent. The use of CBD as a potential alternative to traditional medications could also reduce the risk of side effects and improve overall athlete health and well-being.
Possible Impact on Athletes and Beyond
The collaboration between the NFL and the University of Regina has the potential to make a significant impact on athletes, not just in football but in all contact sports. If proven effective, CBD could provide a safer and more natural option for treating concussions and managing pain.
But this study’s implications go beyond just athletes. Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are also prevalent in other areas, such as military personnel and victims of car accidents. If CBD is found to be an effective treatment for concussions, it could have a wider impact on society.
This study also opens the door for future research in this field. While this trial focuses on athletes and concussion management, there are still many potential benefits of CBD that have yet to be explored fully.
Dr. Patrick Neary, exercise physiologist and professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, says he’s excited to have the NFL’s support.
“Our interdisciplinary research team believes that different cannabinoid formulations found in medical cannabis have the potential to benefit athletes suffering from the acute and long-term chronic effects of concussions. Our research will also examine whether cannabinoids can be used as an alternative to opioids and other prescription medications for pain management. Ultimately, this study has the potential to change not only the lives of current and former NFL players, but also the lives of anyone who may suffer from a concussion, whether it’s sport-related or acquired elsewhere.”
The collaboration between the NFL and the University of Regina on this clinical trial is a significant step in further understanding the potential benefits of CBD for concussion management. With major sports organizations such as the MLB partnering with CBD companies and relaxing rules on cannabinoids, this study reflects a growing trend toward the normalization of CBD and other cannabinoids.
But beyond just sports, this research can have positive implications for anyone who may suffer from a concussion. From athletes to military personnel to victims of car accidents, the potential benefits of CBD could improve the lives of many people.
As this study continues and future research builds upon it, we hope to see more evidence supporting the use of CBD as a natural and safe alternative for treating concussions and managing pain. The collaboration between the NFL and the University of Regina is a promising step towards making this a reality.
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