Protecting Those Who Serve: Understanding Concussions and Repetitive Head Impacts in Law Enforcement

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Presentation Description: In this presentation, we delve into a crucial and often overlooked issue - concussions and repetitive head impacts in law enforcement officers. We'll explore the science behind concussions, the cumulative effects of repetitive head impacts and blast exposures, and the unique challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing these concerns. Through a comprehensive discussion of current research and expert insights, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, proper management, and preventive measures. Join us to understand the multifaceted impact of these injuries on the well-being of our law enforcement officers and discover strategies for ensuring their safety and long-term health in the line of duty.

Methodology: The information will be shared in a series of presentations followed by a panel discussion. The speakers/panelists will include engineers/biomechanists, clinicians, and researchers who all specialize in concussion management. This team has published and ongoing research on concussion management, blunt head impact and blast exposure monitoring, and long-term outcomes of concussions and repetitive head impacts in sport and tactical athletes, including law enforcement officers.

Identify the signs and symptoms of someone who may have sustained a concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
Implement a return-to-duty protocol for managing concussions/mTBIs in law enforcement officers
Describe the effects of blunt head impacts and blast exposure experienced by law enforcement officers in training and on duty

Nathan Edwards

Research Scientist, Human Performance Collaborative

The Ohio State University

Dr. Nathan Edwards, PhD, TSACF is a Research Scientist with the Human Performance Collaborative and leads their Tactical Research Program. He has expertise in tactical athlete movement assessments and the application of biomechanics to human performance, and he is also interested in improving the holistic health of first responders. He has worked with local law enforcement to improve testing and evaluation of physical performance and equipment carriage. Over the last 5 years, Nathan has grown a strong research program that incoporates human performance experts with local law enforcement agencies to maximize officer health. Nathan is currently leading the integration of sports science and sports medicine methods into law enforcement training with a local sheriff’s department.

Jaclyn Caccese

Assistant Professor, Health and Rehabilitation Science

The Ohio State University

Dr. Jaclyn B. Caccese, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and a member of Ohio State’s Chronic Brain Injury Program. She completed her BSE in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, and MS and PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science at the University of Delaware. Dr. Caccese is currently the Co-Director of the Ohio State Sport and Tactical Athlete Injury Resiliency Science (STAIRS) Lab, which aims to raise awareness, monitor, and enhance sport and tactical athlete brain health across the lifespan. Her current research focuses on understanding the short- and long-term effects of concussions and repetitive head impacts in law enforcement officers with the overarching goal to inform safety policies and procedures, ultimately improving outcomes in current and former law enforcement officers.

Enora Le Flao

Post-Doctoral Researcher

The Ohio State University

Dr. Enora Le Flao, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher with 15 years of expertise in injury prevention and human performance, is a member of the STAIRS Lab (Sport and Tactical Athlete Injury Resiliency Science) and the Human Performance Collaborative (HPC). Specializing in head impacts and concussions, she focuses on optimizing the health, wellness, and performance of diverse populations, including athletes, military personnel, and clinical patients.

Dr. Le Flao's professional journey at OSU has led her to engage with various law enforcement agencies, studying the demands of such occupations, and teaching self-improvement modules on health and well-being. She recognizes the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers in maintaining their physical and psychological health due to the demanding nature of their work and the frequency of high-stress situations experienced in the line of duty. By integrating her expertise in injury biomechanics and athletic performance with a broader concern for overall well-being, Dr. Le Flao strives to develop comprehensive solutions that cater to law enforcement officers' distinct needs.

Carly Smith

Graduate Research Associate, Health and Rehabilitation Science

The Ohio State University

Dr. Carly Smith PT, DPT is a physical therapist and PhD student at The Ohio State Univeristy who focuses on repetitive head impacts and concussions in sports and tactical athletes. Her ultimate goal is to improve the health and wellness of those who serve, on both an individual and policy level.

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