A study published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that certain weather may affect NFL players' potential risk for sustaining concussions, as reported by Forbes.
A total of 296 concussions were identified across the 512 regular season games played between 2012 and 2014 for all 32 teams.
Here are four points:
1. Researchers found NFL players had a two-fold greater risk of concussions when games were played at colder temperatures. The higher injury rates occurred during games played in 50 degrees Fahrenheit or colder compared to games played in temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
2. The risk of concussion was not associated with game outcome, divisional opponents, time zone change prior to a game, altitude of the game or playing surface.
3. Previous research has found concussion risk for NFL players is three times higher than rugby and five times higher than the NHL.
4. Recently, the NFL has come under fire for allegedly misreporting the numbers on concussion research. In February, the NFL stated they would review their current concussion protocol during the off-season.