Researchers have found a connection between playing American football and its players temporarily losing a few inches in stature.
The average person loses inches throughout the day as they move from a sleeping position to a standing and walking position due to the compression of the vertebral discs which causes a temporary reduction in their height. Recently, researchers have also found that due to the additional weight of protective football equipment, as well as the hits taken by the players, this shrinking process speeds up.
The study consisted of 10 high school football players who played positions with the most likelihood of taking direct hits. Ball blocking, tackling and other football necessities were included in the study group. The sidelines trainer measured the height of the players before the game and once again after the conclusion of the game. The average height of the football players prior to the game was just over 176 centimeters and after the game, those same players averaged just over 175 centimeters. Researchers link the impact compression of hits sustained during the game to the increased shrinkage.
The water in the discs acts as a shock absorber and when that water is compressed, injuries may be more likely to occur. When the
Spine is compressed, it is unable to compensate for the force and to prevent injury as it is able to do so when it is lengthened. In order to prevent injuries and decrease the overall shrinking effect, researchers recommend players lie down during half time in hopes that the water will reenter the vertebrae.
