Kirk, B, Pugh, JN, Cousins, R and Phillips, SM (2018) Concussion in University Level Sport: Knowledge and Awareness of Athletes and Coaches. Sports, 6 (4). ISSN 2075-4663

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Abstract

Using a cross-sectional survey concussion knowledge was evaluated among forty university-level athletes (n = 20, rugby union players; n = 20, Gaelic football players) and eight experienced team coaches (n = 2, rugby union; n = 2, Gaelic football; n = 1, soccer; n = 1, hockey; n = 1, netball; n = 1, basketball). Levels of knowledge of concussion were high across all participants. Coaches had higher knowledge scores for almost all areas; however, there was evidence of important gaps even in this group. Knowledge was not sufficient in identifying concussion, and when it is safe to return to play following a concussion. Impaired knowledge of how to recognise a concussion, and misunderstanding the need for rest and rehabilitation before return to play presents a hazard to health from second impact and more catastrophic brain injury. We discuss reasons for these guideline misconceptions, and suggest that attitude issues on the significance of concussion may underlie a willingness to want to play with a concussion. This suggests the current education on sport-related concussion needs to be expanded for the appropriate management of university-level contact sports.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	return to play guidelines; signs; sport-related concussion; symptoms; traumatic brain injury
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport & Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	MDPI
Related URLs:	Author
Date Deposited:	21 Apr 2020 10:41
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2021 07:26
DOI or ID number:	10.3390/sports6040102
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12774

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