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Hagopian M, Jorgensen MP, Lehmann H, O’Hagan F. Navigating uncertainty: exploring parents' knowledge of concussion management and neuropsychological baseline testing. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1360329. [PMID: 38799030 PMCID: PMC11116697 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1360329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parents play an important role in preventing and managing sport-related concussions among youth sport participants. Research indicates that parents understand the severity and consequences associated with the injury but gaps exist in their knowledge of its management. Neuropsychological baseline testing (NBT) is a modality that has gained interest in youth sport to purportedly better manage concussion injuries. Little is known about parents' perspectives on the use of NBT in the management process. Methods The present qualitative study used Protection Motivation Theory as a guiding framework and employed focus groups (N = 2) with parents (N = 11) to gain insight into parents' perceptions and experiences with concussion management, specifically focusing on NBT. Results Inductive Content Analysis developed a core theme of navigating uncertainty. Participants expressed uncertainty about the nature of concussion and its management process, where concussion was not always easy to identify, youth were not always reliable reporters, and there was no prescribed or proscribed path for recovery. Personal experience and concussion management policy provided participants with a degree of certainty in managing concussions. Participants gave NBT mixed reviews in potentially promoting greater certainty but also held reservations about its usefulness in concussion management. Discussion We discuss findings relative to existing knowledge and theory in youth sport concussion and identify implications for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hagopian
- Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Michael P. Jorgensen
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hugo Lehmann
- Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Fergal O’Hagan
- Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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Eliason P, Galarneau JM, Shill I, Kolstad A, Babul S, Mrazik M, Lebrun C, Dukelow S, Schneider K, Hagel B, Emery C. Factors Associated With Concussion Rates in Youth Ice Hockey Players: Data From the Largest Longitudinal Cohort Study in Canadian Youth Ice Hockey. Clin J Sport Med 2023; 33:497-504. [PMID: 37432327 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine factors associated with rates of game and practice-related concussion in youth ice hockey. DESIGN Five-year prospective cohort (Safe2Play). SETTING Community arenas (2013-2018). PARTICIPANTS Four thousand eighteen male and 405 female ice hockey players (6584 player-seasons) participating in Under-13 (ages 11-12), Under-15 (ages 13-14), and Under-18 (ages 15-17) age groups. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS Bodychecking policy, age group, year of play, level of play, previous injury in the previous year, lifetime concussion history, sex, player weight, and playing position. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS All game-related concussions were identified using validated injury surveillance methodology. Players with a suspected concussion were referred to a study sport medicine physician for diagnosis and management. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis including multiple imputation of missing covariates estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs). MAIN RESULTS A total of 554 game and 63 practice-related concussions were sustained over the 5 years. Female players (IRR Female/Male = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.26-2.53), playing in lower levels of play (IRR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.10-1.77), and those with a previous injury (IRR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.88) or lifetime concussion history (IRR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.34-2.00) had higher rates of game-related concussion. Policy disallowing bodychecking in games (IRR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.40-0.72) and being a goaltender (IRR Goaltenders/Forwards = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.38-0.87) were protective against game-related concussion. Female sex was also associated with a higher practice-related concussion rate (IRR Female/Male = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.24-5.59). CONCLUSIONS In the largest Canadian youth ice hockey longitudinal cohort to date, female players (despite policy disallowing bodychecking), players participating in lower levels of play, and those with an injury or concussion history had higher rates of concussion. Goalies and players in leagues that disallowed bodychecking had lower rates. Policy prohibiting bodychecking remains an effective concussion prevention strategy in youth ice hockey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Eliason
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Galarneau
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Isla Shill
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ash Kolstad
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shelina Babul
- British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Mrazik
- Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Constance Lebrun
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Glen Sather Sport Medicine Clinic, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sean Dukelow
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kathryn Schneider
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brent Hagel
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; and
- Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carolyn Emery
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; and
- Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Tator CH, Blanchet V, Ma J. Persisting Concussion Symptoms from Bodychecking: Unrecognized Toll in Boys' Ice Hockey. Can J Neurol Sci 2023; 50:694-702. [PMID: 35993484 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Youth hockey is a high-impact sport and can cause concussions with lasting effects. We hypothesized that important injury prevention information would accrue from longitudinal tracking of concussed players with persisting concussion symptoms (PCS). METHODS This case series comprised 87 consecutive concussed ice hockey players aged 10-18 including 66 males and 21 females referred to our Concussion Clinic from 1997 to 2017 and followed longitudinally by clinic visits and questionnaires. RESULTS PCS occurred in 70 (80.4%) of 87 concussed players and lasted 1-168 months in males and 3-26 months in females. Bodychecking was the most common concussion mechanism in 34 (39.1%) players and caused PCS in 24 (70.6%) with symptom duration 4.00 [2.75, 14.50] months (median [IQR]). The remaining 53 players had other concussion mechanisms with PCS in 86.8% (p = 0.113) with similar duration (p = 0.848). CONCLUSIONS This is the first longitudinal study of concussion with PCS in youth hockey and showed that symptoms can last for several years. Bodychecking was the commonest mechanism of prolonged disability from concussion in boys and girls' hockey with average PCS duration of 12.3 months but several years in some players. The injury prevention message is to raise the age of permitted bodychecking to 18 in boys' hockey from age 13 to 14 where it is currently. In this case series, this change could have prevented the majority of the bodycheck concussions and several years of suffering from PCS and is strong evidence for raising the permitted age for bodychecking in boys' ice hockey to age 18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles H Tator
- Canadian Concussion Centre, Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria Blanchet
- Canadian Concussion Centre, Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jin Ma
- Biostatistical Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Does Increasing the Severity of Penalties Assessed in Association With the "Zero Tolerance for Head Contact" Policy Translate to a Reduction in Head Impact Rates in Youth Ice Hockey? Clin J Sport Med 2022; 32:e598-e604. [PMID: 35981453 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The risk of concussion is high in Canadian youth ice hockey. Aiming to reduce this burden, in 2011, Hockey Canada implemented a national "zero tolerance for head contact (HC)" policy mandating the penalization of any player HC. In 2018 to 2020, Hockey Canada further amended this HC policy including stricter enforcement of severe HCs. This study aimed to compare HC rates, head impact location, and HC enforcement prepolicy, postpolicy, and after policy amendments in elite U15 Canadian youth ice hockey. DESIGN This is a prospective cohort study. SETTING A collection of events with the video camera located at the highest point near center ice in public ice hockey arenas in Calgary, Alberta. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 10 AA U15 games prepolicy (2008-2009), 8 games postpolicy (2013-2014), and 10 games after policy amendments (2020-2021). INDEPENDENT VARIABLES An analysis of 3 cohort years regarding the HC-policy implementation and amendments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Using Dartfish video-analysis software, all player contacts and HCs [direct (HC1), indirect (eg, boards, ice) (HC2)] were tagged using validated criteria. Univariate Poisson regression clustering by team-game offset by game length (minutes) was used to estimate incidence rates (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) between cohorts. RESULTS With additional rule modifications, a 30% reduction in HC1s emerged (IRR 2013-2020 = 0.70, 95% CI, 0.51-0.95). Since the HC-policy implementation, HC1s decreased by 24% (IRR 2008-2020 = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.58-0.99). The proportion of HC1s penalized was similar across cohorts (P 2008-2009 = 14.4%; P 2013-2014 = 15.5%; P 2020-2021 = 16.2%). CONCLUSIONS The HC-policy amendments have led to decreased HC1 rates. However, referee enforcement can further boost the HC-policy effectiveness. These findings can help future referee training and potential rule modifications to increase player safety nationally.
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Waltzman D, Daugherty J, Sarmiento K, Haarbauer-Krupa J, Campbell H, Ferrell D. Prevalence of Suspected Concussions Among K-12 Students in Utah: Findings From Utah's Student Injury Reporting System. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2022; 92:241-251. [PMID: 34927246 PMCID: PMC8831567 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To inform prevention strategies, this study provides incidence, factors, and actions taken when a suspected concussion occurred in K-12 schools in Utah. METHODS Data were collected using Utah's Student Injury Reporting System (SIRS) from the academic years 2011-2012 to 2018-2019. SIRS is a unique online system that tracks injuries that occur in the school setting among K-12 students in Utah. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize students with a suspected concussion. Chi-square (χ2 ) analysis looking at characteristics by school level was also conducted. RESULTS Over 63,000 K-12 students in Utah sustained an injury at school during the study period. Suspected concussions comprised 10% of all injuries. The prevalence of concussions was highest among males (60.6%) and elementary school students (42.6%) and most often occurred outdoors (57.6%) or on a playground/playfield (33.9%), and in sports- and recreation-related activities (75.1%) (specifically contact sports, 24.0%). Most students with a suspected concussion were absent 1 day or less from school (71.4%) but about 68% were seen by a medical professional. Further, there were differences by school level. Females and students playing contact sports had a higher percentage of suspected concussions as school level increased, whereas males and concussions sustained during school hours had a lower percentage of suspected concussions as school level increased. CONCLUSIONS SIRS enables schools in Utah to identify groups at risk for concussion, as well as activities most commonly associated with these injuries, within the school environment. Using this information, schools may implement targeted prevention strategies to protect students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Waltzman
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop: F62, Atlanta, GA, 30341
| | - Jill Daugherty
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Chamblee Campus, Bldg. 106/9110.17, Atlanta, GA, 30341
| | - Kelly Sarmiento
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop: F62, Atlanta, GA, 30341
| | - Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa
- Traumatic Brain Injury Team, Applied Sciences Branch Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway NE | MS S106-9, Atlanta, GA, 30341
| | - Hillary Campbell
- Violence and Injury Prevention Program, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Deanna Ferrell
- Violence and Injury Prevention Program (VIPP), Utah Department of Health, 288 North 1460 West, PO Box 142106, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-2106
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Pankow MP, Syrydiuk RA, Kolstad AT, Hayden AK, Dennison CR, Mrazik M, Hagel BE, Emery CA. Head Games: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Examining Concussion and Head Impact Incidence Rates, Modifiable Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies in Youth Tackle Football. Sports Med 2021; 52:1259-1272. [PMID: 34894348 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01609-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims were to (1) examine the rates and mechanisms of concussion and head impact in youth football (high school level or younger); (2) identify modifiable risk factors for concussion and head impact; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies in tackle football at any level. METHODS Nine databases (CINAHL Plus with Full Text; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; EMBASE; ERIC; Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global Database; PsycINFO; Scopus; and SPORTDiscus with Full Text) were searched using the search strategy focusing on four main concepts: concussion/head impact, tackle football, modifiable risk factors, and primary prevention. Two reviewers completed title, abstract, and full-text screening as well as risk of bias assessment (using the Downs and Black checklist), with a third author available to resolve any disagreements. MAIN RESULTS After removing duplicates, 1911 articles were returned. Fifty-eight articles were included in the review and 20 in the meta-analysis. The overall combined rates of concussion (including game and practice-related concussion) based on the meta-analysis were 0.78 concussions/1000 athlete exposures [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.89] for high school football (ages 13-19) and 1.15 concussions/1000 athlete exposures (95% CI 0.89-1.41) for minor football players (ages 5-15). There is evidence that contact training and practice contact restrictions have reduced the rate of head impacts and concussion. Heads Up Football (an intervention focused on coach education and contact training) has been shown to reduce the rate of concussion by 32% and head impacts by 38% amongst high school football players. Limiting contact practices in high schools to 2 days per week reduced practice head impacts per player-season by 42%, and limiting full contact in practice to 75 min per week in the second week of the season and 60 min in week 3 and beyond resulted in a 54% decrease in the practice-related concussion rate (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS This review identified a critical need for interventions to address the high rates of concussion and head impact in youth football. To date, contact training and contact restrictions have the strongest evidence supporting their effectiveness at reducing these rates. Future research should use consistent concussion definitions and validated injury surveillance systems, and ensure complete reporting of participant characteristics and sampling details. Prospero ID CRD42020193775.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Patrick Pankow
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. .,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. .,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. .,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - R A Syrydiuk
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - A T Kolstad
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - A K Hayden
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - C R Dennison
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Biomedical Instrumentation Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - M Mrazik
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - B E Hagel
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - C A Emery
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Garnett D, Patricios J, Cobbing S. Physical Conditioning Strategies for the Prevention of Concussion in Sport: a Scoping Review. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2021; 7:31. [PMID: 33999301 PMCID: PMC8128965 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00312-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concussion in sports has received a great deal of media attention and may result in short and longer-lasting symptoms, especially in adolescents. Although significant strides have been made in the identification and management of concussion, less is known about the primary prevention of this condition. The aims of this scoping review are to (1) summarize the current research of physical conditioning strategies to reduce or prevent concussion incidence in individuals participating in sport, especially adolescents, and (2) to identify gaps in the knowledge base. Our research question was what is known from the existing literature about physical preparation strategies to reduce or prevent concussion in adult and adolescent sports? METHODS Three literature searches were conducted by information officers at two universities at six-month intervals, using five electronic databases (PubMed; WorldCat.org ; Mendeley; EBSCOHost and Ovid MEDLINE). To increase the search range, subject experts were consulted and articles and reference lists were hand searched. A scoping review methodology identified eligible studies that analyzed physical preparation techniques on modifiable physical risk factors in athletes to reduce the incidence of concussion. The PRISMA-ScR checklist guided the reporting of the findings. RESULTS A total of 1414 possible articles were identified, after duplicates removed, and articles analyzed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 9 articles qualified for analysis. Two articles were found from studying reference lists. Thus, a total of 11 articles were included in the final evaluation for the purposes of this study. Data are reported from mostly adolescent subjects participating in nine different sports from three countries. Findings are presented with specific reference to previously recognized modifiable risk factors of concussion which include neck strength, neck size, cervical stiffness, type of sport, and pre-activity exercises. CONCLUSIONS There is limited research examining the physical preparation of athletes, especially in adolescents, to reduce or prevent concussion, and conflicting evidence in the few small sample studies that were identified. This scoping review identifies the research gap for a potentially vital modifiable risk factor, notably in the physical preparation of children and adolescents to reduce or prevent sports-related concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Garnett
- Physiotherapy Department, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Jon Patricios
- Wits Sport and Health (WiSH), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saul Cobbing
- Physiotherapy Department, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Sarmiento K, Waltzman D, Borradaile K, Hurwitz A, Conroy K, Grazi J. A Qualitative Study of Youth Football Coaches' Perception of Concussion Safety in American Youth Football and Their Experiences With Implementing Tackling Interventions. INTERNATIONAL SPORT COACHING JOURNAL 2021; 1:10.1123/iscj.2020-0004. [PMID: 33598504 PMCID: PMC7884092 DOI: 10.1123/iscj.2020-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Due in part to concern about the potential long-term effects of concussion and repetitive head injuries in football, some programs have implemented tackling interventions. This paper explores youth football coaches' perception of football safety and their experiences implementing these interventions aimed at athlete safety. Using a qualitative approach, coaches were interviewed by means of a semi-structured protocol that covered: (a) demographics; (b) background and experiences; (c) personal relevance risks, safety, and benefits of youth football; (d) experiences with tackling technique; (e) experiences with mouth guard sensors; and (f) opinions on disseminating information on football safety. Most coaches felt that learning tackling at a young age helped prepare them for their playing later in life and believed that youth should begin playing tackle football at a young age. Coaches were mixed regarding their concerns about the risk for concussion and subconcussive head impacts. Still, most were receptive to changes in rules and policies aimed at making football safer. Findings from this study demonstrate that youth football coaches are important stakeholders to consider when implementing changes to youth football. Understanding coach perceptions and experiences may inform future efforts aimed to educate coaches on rules and policies to make the game safer for youth athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Sarmiento
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Waltzman
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
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