Independent appraiser assessment of the quality, methodological rigour and transparency of the development of the 2008 international consensus statement on concussion in sport
- White, Peta, Wong Shee, Anna, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: White, Peta , Wong Shee, Anna , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 48, no. 2 (2014), p. 130-134
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: In recent years, considerable effort has been devoted to the development and revisions to an international consensus statement on concussion in sport (ICSCS). The aim of this study was to obtain expert views on the methodological rigour and transparency with which the 2008 ICSCS was developed, as a precursor to the development of the 2012 update. Methods: Delegates registered for the 2012 fourth International Conference on Concussion in Sport, selected local concussion researchers not involved in any prior international consensus meetings, and all authors of the 2008 ICSCS published paper were invited to assess the methodological rigour and transparency with which the 2008 ICSCS was developed. The online Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II assessment tool, with six quality domains, was used and domain scores were expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible score for that domain. Results: 18 appraisers completed the online AGREE II assessment. Ten appraisers said they would recommend the 2008 ICSCS for use (without modification) and seven said they would recommend its use with some modification. The 'scope and purpose' and 'clarity of presentation' were rated highest, both scoring 78%. The lowest scoring domain was 'applicability' with a score of 55%. Conclusions: The quality of the ICSCS is important because it is used to guide return-to-play decisions and the management of sport-related concussions. This appraisal of the 2008 ICSCS suggests that a greater focus is needed on the actual implementation of future ICSCS and the relationship between implementation and desired health outcomes.
- Authors: White, Peta , Wong Shee, Anna , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 48, no. 2 (2014), p. 130-134
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: In recent years, considerable effort has been devoted to the development and revisions to an international consensus statement on concussion in sport (ICSCS). The aim of this study was to obtain expert views on the methodological rigour and transparency with which the 2008 ICSCS was developed, as a precursor to the development of the 2012 update. Methods: Delegates registered for the 2012 fourth International Conference on Concussion in Sport, selected local concussion researchers not involved in any prior international consensus meetings, and all authors of the 2008 ICSCS published paper were invited to assess the methodological rigour and transparency with which the 2008 ICSCS was developed. The online Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II assessment tool, with six quality domains, was used and domain scores were expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible score for that domain. Results: 18 appraisers completed the online AGREE II assessment. Ten appraisers said they would recommend the 2008 ICSCS for use (without modification) and seven said they would recommend its use with some modification. The 'scope and purpose' and 'clarity of presentation' were rated highest, both scoring 78%. The lowest scoring domain was 'applicability' with a score of 55%. Conclusions: The quality of the ICSCS is important because it is used to guide return-to-play decisions and the management of sport-related concussions. This appraisal of the 2008 ICSCS suggests that a greater focus is needed on the actual implementation of future ICSCS and the relationship between implementation and desired health outcomes.
Are patients with concussion getting optimal discharge advice at a regional emergency department?
- Brown, Ashlee, Twomey, Dara, Wong Shee, Anna
- Authors: Brown, Ashlee , Twomey, Dara , Wong Shee, Anna
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 26, no. 2 (2018), p. 134-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), known as concussion, is receiving increasing global attention. Growing concerns about the potential long-term effects of mTBI have highlighted the need for good management and follow- up care.1 Given that regional emergency departments (EDs) experience higher rates of mTBI presentations compared with metropolitan EDs and are often the first point of contact, the provision of evidence-based care in these settings is crucial for positive patient outcomes.2 Followup after mTBI has shown promising results in reducing the number and severity of symptoms.
- Authors: Brown, Ashlee , Twomey, Dara , Wong Shee, Anna
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 26, no. 2 (2018), p. 134-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), known as concussion, is receiving increasing global attention. Growing concerns about the potential long-term effects of mTBI have highlighted the need for good management and follow- up care.1 Given that regional emergency departments (EDs) experience higher rates of mTBI presentations compared with metropolitan EDs and are often the first point of contact, the provision of evidence-based care in these settings is crucial for positive patient outcomes.2 Followup after mTBI has shown promising results in reducing the number and severity of symptoms.
Concussion in community Australian football - epidemiological monitoring of the causes and immediate impact on play
- Fortington, Lauren, Twomey, Dara, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Twomey, Dara , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Epidemiology Vol. 2, no. 1 (2015), p. 1-6
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: BACKGROUND: Head injuries, particularly concussion, are a major cause of concern in many sports, particularly the football codes, driving a need to better understand injury mechanisms and potential methods of prevention. The aim of this study was to describe the mechanisms and follow up care of concussion injuries sustained in adult male community Australian football to identify target areas for prevention and management. METHODS: Secondary analysis of injury data collected in a cluster randomised controlled trial in community Australian football across two states of Australia in 2007 and 2008. There were 1564 players from 18 clubs. The main outcome measures were the number and rate of head/neck/face (HNF) injuries and concussion sustained in games. A specific description of the mechanisms of the concussion injuries is presented along with the immediate return-to-play status of concussion cases. RESULTS: 143 HNF injuries were sustained by 132 players. The game HNF injury incidence was 4.9 per 1000 game hours (n = 138; 95 % confidence interval 4.1; 5.7). Just under a quarter (n = 34) of all HNF injuries were recorded as concussion. All concussions occurred during games (none in training), with all but one related to body contact with other players. Overall, 68 % of the concussions were considered within game rules, while 32 % were either outside of the rules or unclear. Most (88 %) players left the field immediately following concussion but 47 % later returned to play in the same game. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention strategies for concussion need to be based on knowledge of the mechanisms of injury. Most concussions in community Australian football occurred through body contact with other players or during tackling. Management of players post-concussion was generally poor with over half of the cases continuing to play in the same game. Therefore, new primary prevention strategies that target body-contact/tackling skills and improved secondary prevention measures relating to compliance with return-to-play protocols would be valuable.
- Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Twomey, Dara , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Epidemiology Vol. 2, no. 1 (2015), p. 1-6
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: BACKGROUND: Head injuries, particularly concussion, are a major cause of concern in many sports, particularly the football codes, driving a need to better understand injury mechanisms and potential methods of prevention. The aim of this study was to describe the mechanisms and follow up care of concussion injuries sustained in adult male community Australian football to identify target areas for prevention and management. METHODS: Secondary analysis of injury data collected in a cluster randomised controlled trial in community Australian football across two states of Australia in 2007 and 2008. There were 1564 players from 18 clubs. The main outcome measures were the number and rate of head/neck/face (HNF) injuries and concussion sustained in games. A specific description of the mechanisms of the concussion injuries is presented along with the immediate return-to-play status of concussion cases. RESULTS: 143 HNF injuries were sustained by 132 players. The game HNF injury incidence was 4.9 per 1000 game hours (n = 138; 95 % confidence interval 4.1; 5.7). Just under a quarter (n = 34) of all HNF injuries were recorded as concussion. All concussions occurred during games (none in training), with all but one related to body contact with other players. Overall, 68 % of the concussions were considered within game rules, while 32 % were either outside of the rules or unclear. Most (88 %) players left the field immediately following concussion but 47 % later returned to play in the same game. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention strategies for concussion need to be based on knowledge of the mechanisms of injury. Most concussions in community Australian football occurred through body contact with other players or during tackling. Management of players post-concussion was generally poor with over half of the cases continuing to play in the same game. Therefore, new primary prevention strategies that target body-contact/tackling skills and improved secondary prevention measures relating to compliance with return-to-play protocols would be valuable.
Do neurocognitive SCAT3 baseline test scores differ between footballers (soccer) living with and without diability? A cross-sectional study
- Weiler, Richard, van Mechelen, Willem, Fuller, Colin, Ahmed, Osman, Verhagen, Evert
- Authors: Weiler, Richard , van Mechelen, Willem , Fuller, Colin , Ahmed, Osman , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Vol. 28, no. 1 (2018), p. 43-50
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVE:: To determine if baseline Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, third Edition (SCAT3) scores differ between athletes with and without disability. DESIGN:: Cross-sectional comparison of preseason baseline SCAT3 scores for a range of England international footballers. SETTING:: Team doctors and physiotherapists supporting England football teams recorded playersʼ SCAT 3 baseline tests from August 1, 2013 to July 31, 2014. PARTICIPANTS:: A convenience sample of 249 England footballers, of whom 185 were players without disability (male: 119; female: 66) and 64 were players with disability (male learning disability: 17; male cerebral palsy: 28; male blind: 10; female deaf: 9). ASSESSMENT AND OUTCOME MEASURES:: Between-group comparisons of median SCAT3 total and section scores were made using nonparametric Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon ranked-sum test. MAIN RESULTS:: All footballers with disability scored higher symptom severity scores compared with male players without disability. Male footballers with learning disability demonstrated no significant difference in the total number of symptoms, but recorded significantly lower scores on immediate memory and delayed recall compared with male players without disability. Male blind footballersʼ scored significantly higher for total concentration and delayed recall, and male footballers with cerebral palsy scored significantly higher on balance testing and immediate memory, when compared with male players without disability. Female footballers with deafness scored significantly higher for total concentration and balance testing than female footballers without disability. CONCLUSIONS:: This study suggests that significant differences exist between SCAT3 baseline section scores for footballers with and without disability. Concussion consensus guidelines should recognize these differences and produce guidelines that are specific for the growing number of athletes living with disability.
- Authors: Weiler, Richard , van Mechelen, Willem , Fuller, Colin , Ahmed, Osman , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Vol. 28, no. 1 (2018), p. 43-50
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVE:: To determine if baseline Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, third Edition (SCAT3) scores differ between athletes with and without disability. DESIGN:: Cross-sectional comparison of preseason baseline SCAT3 scores for a range of England international footballers. SETTING:: Team doctors and physiotherapists supporting England football teams recorded playersʼ SCAT 3 baseline tests from August 1, 2013 to July 31, 2014. PARTICIPANTS:: A convenience sample of 249 England footballers, of whom 185 were players without disability (male: 119; female: 66) and 64 were players with disability (male learning disability: 17; male cerebral palsy: 28; male blind: 10; female deaf: 9). ASSESSMENT AND OUTCOME MEASURES:: Between-group comparisons of median SCAT3 total and section scores were made using nonparametric Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon ranked-sum test. MAIN RESULTS:: All footballers with disability scored higher symptom severity scores compared with male players without disability. Male footballers with learning disability demonstrated no significant difference in the total number of symptoms, but recorded significantly lower scores on immediate memory and delayed recall compared with male players without disability. Male blind footballersʼ scored significantly higher for total concentration and delayed recall, and male footballers with cerebral palsy scored significantly higher on balance testing and immediate memory, when compared with male players without disability. Female footballers with deafness scored significantly higher for total concentration and balance testing than female footballers without disability. CONCLUSIONS:: This study suggests that significant differences exist between SCAT3 baseline section scores for footballers with and without disability. Concussion consensus guidelines should recognize these differences and produce guidelines that are specific for the growing number of athletes living with disability.
Head accelerations during a 1-on-1 rugby tackling drill performed by experienced rugby union players
- Reha, Tahere, McNabb, Colm, Netto, Kevin, Davey, Paul, Lavender, Andrew
- Authors: Reha, Tahere , McNabb, Colm , Netto, Kevin , Davey, Paul , Lavender, Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 11, no. 11 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rugby Union is a popular sport played by males and females worldwide, from junior to elite levels. The highly physical skill of tackling occurs every few seconds throughout a match and various injuries associated with tackling are relatively common. Of particular interest are head injuries that result in a concussion. Recently, repeated non-injurious head impacts in sport have attracted the attention of researchers interested in brain health. Therefore, this study assessed head movement during repeated rugby tackle drills among experienced Rugby Union players. Experienced male and female participants performed 15 1-on-1 tackles in a motion analysis laboratory to measure the head movements of the ball carrier and tackler during each tackle, using three-dimensional motion capture. The average peak acceleration of the head for ball carriers was 28.9 ± 24.08 g and 36.67 ± 28.91 g for the tacklers. This study found that the type of head impacts common while performing a tackle in Rugby Union are similar to those experienced by soccer players during heading, which has been found to alter brain function that lasts hours after the event. This has important implications for player health and suggests that mitigation strategies should be considered for Rugby Union. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Head accelerations during a 1-on-1 rugby tackling drill performed by experienced rugby union players
- Authors: Reha, Tahere , McNabb, Colm , Netto, Kevin , Davey, Paul , Lavender, Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 11, no. 11 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rugby Union is a popular sport played by males and females worldwide, from junior to elite levels. The highly physical skill of tackling occurs every few seconds throughout a match and various injuries associated with tackling are relatively common. Of particular interest are head injuries that result in a concussion. Recently, repeated non-injurious head impacts in sport have attracted the attention of researchers interested in brain health. Therefore, this study assessed head movement during repeated rugby tackle drills among experienced Rugby Union players. Experienced male and female participants performed 15 1-on-1 tackles in a motion analysis laboratory to measure the head movements of the ball carrier and tackler during each tackle, using three-dimensional motion capture. The average peak acceleration of the head for ball carriers was 28.9 ± 24.08 g and 36.67 ± 28.91 g for the tacklers. This study found that the type of head impacts common while performing a tackle in Rugby Union are similar to those experienced by soccer players during heading, which has been found to alter brain function that lasts hours after the event. This has important implications for player health and suggests that mitigation strategies should be considered for Rugby Union. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
The effect of sub-concussive impacts during a rugby tackling drill on brain function
- McNabb, Colm, Reha, Tahere, Georgieva, Julia, Jacques, Angela, Netto, Kevin, Lavender, Andrew
- Authors: McNabb, Colm , Reha, Tahere , Georgieva, Julia , Jacques, Angela , Netto, Kevin , Lavender, Andrew
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 10, no. 12 (2020), p. 1-12
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Concussion is known to detrimentally affect brain health. Rugby tackles commonly occur with high collision force between tackler and ball carrier, and low impact head contact is not uncommon. Cognitive deficits following a bout of soccer ball heading has been attributed to the impact and termed sub-concussion. Although soccer ball heading studies provide evidence for acute effects of sub-concussion, it is unknown whether this phenomenon occurs following rugby tackles. This study investigates the acute effects of rugby tackles on brain function and balance in rugby players. Twenty-six volunteers were assigned to either the ball carrier (9), tackler (9) or control (8) group. Controls performed running without the tackle. Outcome measures included corticomotor function using transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) and balance was assessed by a series of tasks performed on a NeuroCom Balance Master before and immediately after a tackle training drill. Following the tackling bout, the cortical silent period (cSP) increased for the tacklers with no change for ball carrier and control groups, and no differences between groups for balance measures were observed. Lengthening of cSP observed in the tacklers following the bout has been reported in studies of concussion and may indicate long term detrimental effects. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: McNabb, Colm , Reha, Tahere , Georgieva, Julia , Jacques, Angela , Netto, Kevin , Lavender, Andrew
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 10, no. 12 (2020), p. 1-12
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Concussion is known to detrimentally affect brain health. Rugby tackles commonly occur with high collision force between tackler and ball carrier, and low impact head contact is not uncommon. Cognitive deficits following a bout of soccer ball heading has been attributed to the impact and termed sub-concussion. Although soccer ball heading studies provide evidence for acute effects of sub-concussion, it is unknown whether this phenomenon occurs following rugby tackles. This study investigates the acute effects of rugby tackles on brain function and balance in rugby players. Twenty-six volunteers were assigned to either the ball carrier (9), tackler (9) or control (8) group. Controls performed running without the tackle. Outcome measures included corticomotor function using transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) and balance was assessed by a series of tasks performed on a NeuroCom Balance Master before and immediately after a tackle training drill. Following the tackling bout, the cortical silent period (cSP) increased for the tacklers with no change for ball carrier and control groups, and no differences between groups for balance measures were observed. Lengthening of cSP observed in the tacklers following the bout has been reported in studies of concussion and may indicate long term detrimental effects. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
On average, a professional rugby union player is more likely than not to sustain a concussion after 25 matches
- Rafferty, James, Ranson, Craig, Oatley, Giles, Mostafa, Mohamed, Mathema, Prabhat, Crick, Tom, Moore, Isabel
- Authors: Rafferty, James , Ranson, Craig , Oatley, Giles , Mostafa, Mohamed , Mathema, Prabhat , Crick, Tom , Moore, Isabel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 53, no. 15 (2019), p. 969-973
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To investigate concussion injury rates, the likelihood of sustaining concussion relative to the number of rugby union matches and the risk of subsequent injury following concussion. A four-season (2012/2013-2015/2016) prospective cohort study of injuries in professional level (club and international) rugby union. Incidence (injuries/1000 player-match-hours), severity (days lost per injury) and number of professional matches conferring a large risk of concussion were determined. The risk of injury following concussion was assessed using a survival model. Concussion incidence increased from 7.9 (95% CI 5.1 to 11.7) to 21.5 injuries/1000 player-match-hours (95% CI 16.4 to 27.6) over the four seasons for combined club and international rugby union. Concussion severity was unchanged over time (median: 9 days). Players were at a greater risk of sustaining a concussion than not after an exposure of 25 matches (95% CI 19 to 32). Injury risk (any injury) was 38% greater (HR 1.38 95% CI 1.21 to 1.56) following concussion than after a non-concussive injury. Injuries to the head and neck (HR 1.34 95% CI 1.06 to 1.70), upper limb (HR 1.59 95% CI 1.19 to 2.12), pelvic region (HR 2.07 95% CI 1.18 to 3.65) and the lower limb (HR 1.60 95% CI 1.21 to 2.10) were more likely following concussion than after a non-concussive injury. Concussion incidence increased, while severity remained unchanged, during the 4 years of this study. Playing more than 25 matches in the 2015/2016 season meant that sustaining concussion was more likely than not sustaining concussion. The 38% greater injury risk after concussive injury (compared with non-concussive injury) suggests return to play protocols warrant investigation.
- Authors: Rafferty, James , Ranson, Craig , Oatley, Giles , Mostafa, Mohamed , Mathema, Prabhat , Crick, Tom , Moore, Isabel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 53, no. 15 (2019), p. 969-973
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To investigate concussion injury rates, the likelihood of sustaining concussion relative to the number of rugby union matches and the risk of subsequent injury following concussion. A four-season (2012/2013-2015/2016) prospective cohort study of injuries in professional level (club and international) rugby union. Incidence (injuries/1000 player-match-hours), severity (days lost per injury) and number of professional matches conferring a large risk of concussion were determined. The risk of injury following concussion was assessed using a survival model. Concussion incidence increased from 7.9 (95% CI 5.1 to 11.7) to 21.5 injuries/1000 player-match-hours (95% CI 16.4 to 27.6) over the four seasons for combined club and international rugby union. Concussion severity was unchanged over time (median: 9 days). Players were at a greater risk of sustaining a concussion than not after an exposure of 25 matches (95% CI 19 to 32). Injury risk (any injury) was 38% greater (HR 1.38 95% CI 1.21 to 1.56) following concussion than after a non-concussive injury. Injuries to the head and neck (HR 1.34 95% CI 1.06 to 1.70), upper limb (HR 1.59 95% CI 1.19 to 2.12), pelvic region (HR 2.07 95% CI 1.18 to 3.65) and the lower limb (HR 1.60 95% CI 1.21 to 2.10) were more likely following concussion than after a non-concussive injury. Concussion incidence increased, while severity remained unchanged, during the 4 years of this study. Playing more than 25 matches in the 2015/2016 season meant that sustaining concussion was more likely than not sustaining concussion. The 38% greater injury risk after concussive injury (compared with non-concussive injury) suggests return to play protocols warrant investigation.
A suggested new term and definition to describe the cumulative physiological and functional effects of non-injurious head impacts
- Lavender, Andrew, Georgieva, Julia, Takechi, Ryusuke
- Authors: Lavender, Andrew , Georgieva, Julia , Takechi, Ryusuke
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Neurology Vol. 13, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Authors: Lavender, Andrew , Georgieva, Julia , Takechi, Ryusuke
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Neurology Vol. 13, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
Concussion assessment and management — what do community-level cricket participants know?
- Kodikara, Dulan, Plumb, Mandy, Twomey, Dara
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan , Plumb, Mandy , Twomey, Dara
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 26, no. 9 (2023), p. 448-453
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To explore Australian cricket participants' knowledge of concussion assessment and management, and awareness of current concussion guidelines. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Novel and validated surveys were disseminated online, among over 16 year Australian cricket players and officials at the end of the 2018/19 cricket season. Data were collected on knowledge and awareness of concussion and analysed using descriptive statistics and crosstabulations. Further comparisons were made for the players between injured and non-injured, and helmet wearers and non-helmet wearers using Fisher's exact statistical test. Results: Both players (n = 224, 93 %) and officials (n = 36, 100 %) demonstrated strong knowledge of the importance of immediately evaluating suspected concussions. In comparison with players without helmets (n = 11), those using helmets (n = 135) considered replacing their helmets after a concussion to be vital to concussion assessment (p = 0.02). Overall, 80–97 % of players and 81–97 % of officials understood the importance of many factors regarding concussion management. When concussion management knowledge was compared by injury status, injured players (n = 17, 94 %) believed someone with a concussion should be hospitalised immediately, in contrast to non-injured players (n = 154, 69 %) (p = 0.04). Players (63 %) were less aware of concussion guidelines than officials (81 %). Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge of concussion assessment and management was satisfactory. However, there were discrepancies among players on some aspects of awareness of concussion guidelines. Increasing players' familiarity and experience in using the concussion guidelines is warranted. Targeted campaigns are needed to further improve concussion recognition and treatment at community-level cricket, so all participants play a role in making cricket a safe sport. © 2023
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan , Plumb, Mandy , Twomey, Dara
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 26, no. 9 (2023), p. 448-453
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To explore Australian cricket participants' knowledge of concussion assessment and management, and awareness of current concussion guidelines. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Novel and validated surveys were disseminated online, among over 16 year Australian cricket players and officials at the end of the 2018/19 cricket season. Data were collected on knowledge and awareness of concussion and analysed using descriptive statistics and crosstabulations. Further comparisons were made for the players between injured and non-injured, and helmet wearers and non-helmet wearers using Fisher's exact statistical test. Results: Both players (n = 224, 93 %) and officials (n = 36, 100 %) demonstrated strong knowledge of the importance of immediately evaluating suspected concussions. In comparison with players without helmets (n = 11), those using helmets (n = 135) considered replacing their helmets after a concussion to be vital to concussion assessment (p = 0.02). Overall, 80–97 % of players and 81–97 % of officials understood the importance of many factors regarding concussion management. When concussion management knowledge was compared by injury status, injured players (n = 17, 94 %) believed someone with a concussion should be hospitalised immediately, in contrast to non-injured players (n = 154, 69 %) (p = 0.04). Players (63 %) were less aware of concussion guidelines than officials (81 %). Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge of concussion assessment and management was satisfactory. However, there were discrepancies among players on some aspects of awareness of concussion guidelines. Increasing players' familiarity and experience in using the concussion guidelines is warranted. Targeted campaigns are needed to further improve concussion recognition and treatment at community-level cricket, so all participants play a role in making cricket a safe sport. © 2023
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »