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Bazo M, Arpone M, Baioccato V, Ermolao A, Gregori D, Da Dalt L, Bressan S. Concussion Knowledge and Self-Reported Behaviors in Youth Rugby Players and Their Coaches: A Population-Wide Cross-Sectional Survey. Clin J Sport Med 2023; 33:541-551. [PMID: 37185576 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate concussion knowledge and self-reported behaviors in Italian youth rugby players and their coaches. To investigate predictors of lower concussion knowledge and association between athletes' self-reported knowledge and behavior. DESIGN Cross-sectional, population-wide, survey study. SETTING All rugby clubs (n = 52) of the Veneto region (Italy). PARTICIPANTS Players and coaches of all under 15, 17 and 19 teams. Overall, 1719 athlete surveys (92.2% male; response rate, 71.1%) and 235 coach surveys (93.6% male; response rate, 93.2%) were eligible for analysis. INTERVENTION Surveys circulated from September 20 to December 13, 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Knowledge scores were reported as a percentage of correct answers. Descriptive statistics were reported for all answers. The primary outcomes were concussion knowledge and self-reported behaviors. The secondary outcomes were the association between knowledge and participant individual factors and self-reported behaviors. RESULTS Median knowledge score for athletes was 55% (IQR: 44-67) and for coaches was 60% (IQR: 52.5-69). Only 33.3% of athletes and 40% of coaches were aware of an increased risk of a second concussion after sustaining one. Athletes who had never heard of the word concussion (effect: -9.31; SE: 1.35, 95% CI: -12.0 to -6.7; P < 0.0001) and coaches with longer coaching experience (effect: -4.35; SE: 2.0, 95% CI: -8.29 to -0.41; P < 0.03) reported lower knowledge scores. There was no statistical association between knowledge scores and athlete self-reported behavior. CONCLUSION Athletes and coaches had a similar level of concussion knowledge. Knowledge score of athletes did not predict self-reported behaviors. Although enhanced concussion education should be undertaken, interventions to ensure appropriate concussion reporting behaviors are also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bazo
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Arpone
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Baioccato
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
| | - Andrea Ermolao
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
| | - Dario Gregori
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Liviana Da Dalt
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bressan
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Suzuki K, Nagai S, Nishida S, Iwai K, Takemura M. Reasons for the Reporting Behavior of Japanese Collegiate Rugby Union Players Regarding Suspected Concussion Symptoms: A Propensity Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2569. [PMID: 36767935 PMCID: PMC9915167 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While previous research has identified the reasons for the concussion-reporting behavior of rugby union players, the influence of confounding factors such as concussion experience, education, and knowledge of concussion symptoms, any of which may have influenced the results, has not been considered. This study aimed to clarify the reasons for the reporting behavior of college rugby union players regarding suspected concussion symptoms by adjusting for confounding factors using the propensity score. A questionnaire about both concussion knowledge and concussion-reporting behavior was administered to 240 collegiate rugby union players. Of the 208 (86.7%) valid respondents to the questionnaire, 196 (94.2%) had experienced any one symptom of a suspected concussion, such as headache, at least once, and 137 (65.9%) reported symptoms to someone else. This study's results revealed two important reasons for reporting symptoms: (1) the willingness of players to report experienced symptoms to someone else, along with realizing a concussion, and (2) the willingness of players to report suspected concussion symptoms, despite the absence of a doctor or trainer. These results suggest that providing educational opportunities to recognize suspected concussion symptoms and establishing a team culture of reporting physical problems to someone else is important for improving concussion-reporting behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Suzuki
- Faculty of Health and Sports, Nagoya Gakuin University, 1350 Kamishinano, Seto, Aichi 480-1298, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, 6-8-33 Manabe, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki 300-0051, Japan
| | - Satoru Nishida
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, 120 Hirahata, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki 301-8555, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwai
- Center for Humanities and Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, 4669-2 Ami, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-0394, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takemura
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
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Jervis CG, Adams SA, Fawkner S, Griffin SA. Concussion education in medical students studying in Scotland: an assessment of knowledge and future needs. Brain Inj 2022; 36:1196-1203. [PMID: 35996323 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2115139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physicians play a key role in ensuring athletes with concussion safely return to sport. Research has shown deficiencies in concussion education amongst physicians and medical students. However, studies have not previously been conducted in UK medical schools. OBJECTIVES To assess students' concussion knowledge and learning in Scottish Medical Schools. DESIGN A survey with 23 questions was distributed to Year 3-6 medical students studying in Scotland in October 2020. The survey included the following: (1) demographics, (2) concussion knowledge, e.g. 'What is the role of headgear in preventing concussion?' (3) concussion learning, 'In which part of the curriculum should concussion be taught?.' Frequencies of responses were calculated for each question. RESULTS 200 students responded (response rate 8%). The average symptoms and management score were 87.3% and 31% respectively. 15% of participants knew that headgear has no role in preventing concussions and one participant identified the minimum "return to sport" timeframes for adults and children. 15% had learnt about concussion at medical school with 92.5% interested in receiving concussion teaching at medical school. CONCLUSION Knowledge gaps exist in managing and preventing sports-related concussion. There is a discrepancy between levels of concussion teaching and the desire and importance placed on concussion education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie A Adams
- Moray House School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samantha Fawkner
- Moray House School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Steffan A Griffin
- Moray House School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Medical Services, Rugby Football Union, London, UK.,Centre for Sport and Exercise, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Rosenbloom C, Chatterjee R, Chu W, Broman D, Okholm Kryger K. Sport-related concussion return-to-play practices of medical team staff in elite football in the United Kingdom. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2021; 6:317-324. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1983921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig Rosenbloom
- The Football Association, Technical Directorate, Burton-upon-Trent, UK
- Sport and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Robin Chatterjee
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, London, UK
- British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Doncaster, UK
| | - Wing Chu
- Vita Health Group, London, UK
- Freedom Clinics, London, UK
| | - Daniel Broman
- The Football Association, Technical Directorate, Burton-upon-Trent, UK
- Isokinetic Medical Group, London, UK
| | - Katrine Okholm Kryger
- Sport and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Health and Applied Science, St Mary’s University, London, UK
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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King C, Coughlan E. Blowing the Whistle on Concussion Knowledge and Education in Youth Sport Referees. Open Access J Sports Med 2021; 12:109-117. [PMID: 34377036 PMCID: PMC8349549 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s324191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To gain an understanding of referee concussion knowledge, what sporting organizations were doing to prepare their referees to recognize concussions in youth sport, and what role referees could play in overall concussion safety. Materials and Methods A total of 134 referees participated in the study across four provincial sporting organizations (rugby, soccer, ice hockey, and football). Participants completed a concussion knowledge questionnaire that explored knowledge about concussion education, recognition, management, preparedness, and the role of the referee in overall concussion management. Results Overall, the sample was found to be moderately knowledgeable about concussions. Referees that received previous formal concussion education had statistically significant higher average scores when compared to those without formalized concussion education (P=0.001). However, only 24% of respondents reported receiving any formal education from their sporting body or referee organization. About 85% felt that referees could play an important role in concussion recognition in youth sport, but only 41% felt they were adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize these injuries. Conclusion The findings from this study suggest that national, provincial, and individual sporting organizations should ensure that all stakeholders (including referees) are formally educated about concussions to encourage a safety-first environment for youth athletes. Educational sessions should focus on the general aspects of SRC while also focusing on the specific role of the referee in concussion recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin King
- School of Kinesiology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Erin Coughlan
- School of Kinesiology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
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Yeo PC, Yeo EQY, Probert J, Sim SHS, Sirisena D. A Systematic Review and Qualitative Analysis of Concussion Knowledge amongst Sports Coaches and Match Officials. J Sports Sci Med 2020; 19:65-77. [PMID: 32132829 PMCID: PMC7039019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a public health issue of increasing concern. Sports coaches and match officials are important stakeholders in facilitating early recognition, immediate management and appropriate return-to-play following SRC. This systematic review analyses the current evidence on SRC knowledge amongst sports coaches and match officials. The review was conducted in accordance to PRISMA guideline. A qualitative analysis of knowledge on identification, management, prevention and consequences of SRC as well as return-to-play principles was performed. The Appraisal Tool for Cross-sectional Studies was employed to assess the quality and reliability of each study. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Psycinfo. Studies included were primary studies in English published in peer-reviewed journals assessing the level of concussion knowledge or education level amongst coaches, officials or both, regardless of sports or competitive level. A total of 20880 studies were identified, from which 27 were included in this review. There were 26 cross-sectional studies and one randomized controlled trial; 20 assessed SRC knowledge amongst coaches, one considered only officials and six studies assessed both groups. Concussion knowledge amongst coaches and match officials was deemed moderate in most studies, although significant knowledge gaps were identified. There is considerable room for further education on SRC amongst coaches and officials, particularly with the less commonly recognized symptoms of SRC and misconceptions about SRC management and prevention. Beyond knowledge assessment, further investigation should explore the translation of concussion knowledge to on-field management of players with SRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Chong Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Edgar Q Y Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Joanne Probert
- Department of Acute and Emergency Care, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
| | - Shauna H S Sim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
| | - Dinesh Sirisena
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
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