Exploring Risks of Repeated Head Impacts in Youth and Strategies to Minimize Exposure: Proceedings of a Workshop (2026)
Chapter: Appendix A: Statement of Task
A
Statement of Task
A planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will organize a public workshop that brings together researchers, medical professionals, and other key audiences to examine the evidence on the risks of repeated head impacts among youth (ages 17 and under) and explore effective strategies to minimize exposure to repeated head impacts. Repetitive head impacts have been described in the literature as repeated hits to the head that lead to pathophysiological changes in the brain but may or may not result in the manifestation of clinical signs and symptoms indicative of concussion.
Invited presentations and discussions may be designed to:
- Describe activities that increase the risk for exposure to repetitive head impacts.
- Consider what is known and unknown about the risks of repeated head impact exposure among youth.
- Examine health differences in exposure to repeated head impacts among youth.
- Share perspectives of people and families with lived experience.
- Discuss available evidence on effective interventions to minimize exposure to repeated head impacts in youth.
- Discuss the current gaps and needs within clinical guidelines and state systems of care regarding youth exposed to repeated head impacts.
- Highlight research gaps and opportunities at the local, state, and national level on repeated head impacts in youth.
The planning committee will develop the agenda, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate or identify moderators for the discussions. Brief proceedings of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.
