Schmidt JD, Johnson RS, Lempke LB, Anderson M, Le RK, Lynall RC. Youth Tackle Football Head-Impact Estimation by Players and Parents: Is the Perception the Reality?
J Athl Train 2023;
58:285-292. [PMID:
35475900 PMCID:
PMC11215644 DOI:
10.4085/1062-6050-0560.21]
[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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT
With growing concerns surrounding exposure to head impacts in youth tackle football, players and parents must understand the exposure level when assenting and consenting to participate.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether youth football players and parents could estimate on-field head-impact frequency, severity, and location.
DESIGN
Prospective cohort study.
SETTING
Football field.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
We administered a 10-question head-impact estimation tool to parents (n = 23; mean age = 36.5 years [95% CI = 31.7, 37.3 years]) and players (n = 16 boys; mean age = 11.1 years [95% CI = 10.3, 11.8 years]).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Player on-field head-impact exposure was captured using the Triax SIM-G system. We determined the accuracy between player and parent estimates relative to on-field head-impact exposures using κ and weighted κ values.
RESULTS
Youth tackle football players and parents did not accurately estimate on-field head-impact frequency (κ range = -0.09 to 0.40), severity (κ range = -0.05 to 0.34), or location (κ range = -0.30 to 0.13). Players and parents overestimated head-impact frequency in practices but underestimated the frequency in games. Both groups overestimated head-impact severity, particularly in games. Most players and parents underestimated the number of head impacts to the top of the head, particularly during practices.
CONCLUSIONS
Underestimations of head-impact frequency in games and to the top of the head suggest that informed consent processes aimed at educating players and parents should be improved. Overestimations of head-impact frequency in practices and severity may explain declining rates of youth tackle football participation.
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