As a sports neurologist, I am constantly amazed by the advancements in technology that are revolutionizing how we care for athletes. From wearable sensors to sophisticated imaging techniques, technology is increasingly vital in helping us prevent, diagnose, and treat neurological injuries in athletes at every level of play.
Wearable Sensors
One of the most exciting developments in sports neurology is wearable sensors. In real-time, these devices can monitor an athlete's vital signs, such as heart rate and brain activity. Sports neurologists can use this information to identify problems and adjust training and competition schedules. For example, if a sensor detects an athlete's heart rate is elevated during rest, this could indicate an underlying medical condition. Wearable sensors can also detect irregular sleep patterns in athletes, assisting neurologists in helping their patients get to the bottom of sleep issues to achieve better rest.
Imaging Techniques
Another essential technological advancement in sports neurology is sophisticated imaging techniques. These techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), can provide detailed brain and spinal cord images. The information these imaging modalities offer can help the sports neurologist diagnose neurological injuries and assess the extent of the damage. For example, some of these advanced imaging techniques can be used in the research setting to identify areas of the brain that are not functioning correctly or optimally after a traumatic brain injury.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality (VR) is also used in sports neurology to help athletes recover from injuries and train for peak performance. VR can simulate real-world sports situations, including running or jumping, which can help athletes retrain or further hone their balance and coordination. VR can also provide athletes with feedback on their performance, which can help them improve their technique and reduce their risk of future injury.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology with promise in sports neurology. AI can help sports neurologists analyze large amounts of data, such as medical records and imaging studies, to identify patterns and trends. The sports neurologist can then use this information to develop more effective and 'tailored-to-the-athlete' treatments for neurological injuries. For example, AI can also be employed to predict which athletes may be at an increased risk for injuries specific to their sport based on their medical history and playing style, thereby helping us prevent these injuries.
In addition to the technologies mentioned above, I would also like to highlight the following:
- Cyclical Variation in Adaptive Conditioning (CVAC) is a technology that treats various conditions. CVAC can assist with maintaining fitness in athletes who have been "sidelined" by injury and cannot participate in normal training activities. We are studying CVAC's potential to help with concussion recovery, sleep disorders, and other chronic neurological dysfunction and impairment.
- Quantitative EEG and Event Related Potentials Brainwave activity can be assessed by recording and processing electrical information at rest and after stimulation. This information provides us with a wealth of information about the efficiency and overall health of an athlete's brain.
- MeRT Therapy for AthletesMagnetic e-Resonance Therapy, or MeRT℠, is a suite of tools that gives Dr. Williams a platform to assess, monitor, and optimize athletes' brain performance. During MeRT℠ therapy sessions, an electromagnetic coil induces mild electrical currents, similar to what an individual experiences during an MRI, to targeted areas of the brain. MeRT℠ treatments for athletes are typically focused on optimizing brain function and promoting recovery from injuries.
The Future of Technology in Sports Neurology
The use of technology in sports neurology has only just begun, but it offers the potential to revolutionize further how we care for athletes. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to even more innovative and effective tools that will help us keep athletes safe and healthy – across the lifespan.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11209071/
https://www.vernonwilliamsmd.com/approach-tools-services/mert-theory-for-athletes/