Seasonal, Demographic, and Climatic Patterns of Sports-related Concussions in South Florida: A 15-year Retrospective Analysis Within a 60-year Climate Context
Daniel Samano Martin Del Campo1, Danielle Bass2, Abraham Chileuitt3
1University of Miami/Jackson Health Systems, 2Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-North Georgia, 3University of Miami
Objective:
- To evaluate the seasonal, demographic, and sport-specific patterns of sports-related concussions in South Florida from 2010 to 2025
- to assess their association with regional extreme heat trends derived from six decades of weather data
- to inform climate-sensitive concussion research, prevention and preparedness strategies
Background:
In the U.S., about 3 million concussions occur annually, with 1 in 5 causing prolonged symptoms. Youth athletes are disproportionately affected, especially in football, soccer, and basketball. Females show higher rates in comparable sports, and recurrent injuries increase long-term risks. As regional weather intensifies with climate change, this study explores the link between six decades of extreme heat (EH) trends and concussion incidence in South Florida, highlighting growing athlete vulnerability
Design/Methods:
We analyzed 2,284 sports-related concussions from 2010–2025 in Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach counties. Hourly weather data from NOAA spanning six decades were used to define EH (≥90th percentile) for two tri-decadal periods: 1970–2000 (A) and 1990–2020 (B). Weather (B) and concussion data (C) were merged and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Poisson regression.
Results:
Mean age was 16.14 ± 1.22 years; 71% were male, 54% Hispanic, and 57% Caucasian. Concussions occurred in the fall semester (77.55%), during regular season (77%), and in football (54%), soccer (12%) and basketball (9%).
Significant monthly variation was found by sex, sport, and time of day (p < 0.0001). EH days increased from 993 (A) to 1,202 (B), a 17% rise. If current temperatures were applied to the historical baseline, EH days would reach 1,553—a 64% increase, yet implications on physiology and physical adaptation of athletes is unclear.
Conclusions:
Concussion patterns in South Florida show seasonal and sport-specific clustering. Rising EH may contribute to increased risk of concussions and long term disability. Our model links past and present climate trends to concussion risk, underscoring the urgent need for climate-informed healthcare strategies.
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.