Baseline Concussion Assessment in Varsity Athletes

Baseline Concussion Assessment in Varsity Athletes
Author: Nicole I. Lemke
Publisher:
Total Pages: 91
Release: 2014
Genre: Brain
ISBN:

Objectives: To compare the self-report of symptoms on two commonly used tools: Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2), and Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT). To identify potential variables on ImPACT and a preseason questionnaire that might predict concussion. Results: Eighteen "matched" symptoms were analyzed for 349 athletes. There were significant differences between 10 symptoms. Athletes who scored in the lowest 10th percentile at baseline on ImPACT for the visual memory composite score were 2.5 (95% CI 1.09 - 5.46) times more likely to suffer a concussion. Male athletes with a family history of concussion were 0.4 (95% CI 0.17-0.93) times less likely to suffer a concussion. Conclusions: Athletes' self-report of post-concussion symptoms differed, depending on the type of concussion evaluation tool used. ImPACT may be able to identify athletes at increased risk for concussion. More research is needed on preseason screening questionnaires.

Sports-Related Concussions in Youth

Sports-Related Concussions in Youth
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 215
Release: 2014-02-04
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309288037

In the past decade, few subjects at the intersection of medicine and sports have generated as much public interest as sports-related concussions - especially among youth. Despite growing awareness of sports-related concussions and campaigns to educate athletes, coaches, physicians, and parents of young athletes about concussion recognition and management, confusion and controversy persist in many areas. Currently, diagnosis is based primarily on the symptoms reported by the individual rather than on objective diagnostic markers, and there is little empirical evidence for the optimal degree and duration of physical rest needed to promote recovery or the best timing and approach for returning to full physical activity. Sports-Related Concussions in Youth: Improving the Science, Changing the Culture reviews the science of sports-related concussions in youth from elementary school through young adulthood, as well as in military personnel and their dependents. This report recommends actions that can be taken by a range of audiences - including research funding agencies, legislatures, state and school superintendents and athletic directors, military organizations, and equipment manufacturers, as well as youth who participate in sports and their parents - to improve what is known about concussions and to reduce their occurrence. Sports-Related Concussions in Youth finds that while some studies provide useful information, much remains unknown about the extent of concussions in youth; how to diagnose, manage, and prevent concussions; and the short- and long-term consequences of concussions as well as repetitive head impacts that do not result in concussion symptoms. The culture of sports negatively influences athletes' self-reporting of concussion symptoms and their adherence to return-to-play guidance. Athletes, their teammates, and, in some cases, coaches and parents may not fully appreciate the health threats posed by concussions. Similarly, military recruits are immersed in a culture that includes devotion to duty and service before self, and the critical nature of concussions may often go unheeded. According to Sports-Related Concussions in Youth, if the youth sports community can adopt the belief that concussions are serious injuries and emphasize care for players with concussions until they are fully recovered, then the culture in which these athletes perform and compete will become much safer. Improving understanding of the extent, causes, effects, and prevention of sports-related concussions is vitally important for the health and well-being of youth athletes. The findings and recommendations in this report set a direction for research to reach this goal.

Concussion Management for Wheelchair Athletes

Concussion Management for Wheelchair Athletes
Author: Kenneth Lee
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 238
Release: 2021-11-18
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3030830047

This book arises from the challenges and difficulties involved in the evaluation and management of concussions in wheelchair athletes. Concussions are most readily identified in the ambulatory population via identifying gross motor instability or when athletes lose their balance and stumble after a blow to the head or neck region. Because wheelchair athletes participate in sport while sitting down and using a wheelchair, clinicians must be extra attentive to identify a potential concussion. Once a potential concussion is identified, there are many challenges in evaluation of the wheelchair athlete population due to their comorbidities. At baseline, they may have signs and symptoms that mimic a concussion, and their impairments can also alter their cognitive and balance assessments. Therefore, it is critical to make a distinction between these athletes’ baseline comorbid impairments and potential new exam findings in a concussion. Filling in a critical gap in the literature, this is a concise pocket guide for any clinician, trainer, or rehabilitation specialist who is involved in wheelchair sports. It focuses on the unique challenges in evaluating a concussion in the wheelchair athlete, including baseline testing, the process of evaluating the signs and symptoms of a concussion, cognitive and vestibular examination, new clinical techniques specific to wheelchair athletes, and the return to play process. A Concussion Management Program (CMP) for use on the sideline as well as in the office is included. Practical and timely, Concussion Management for Wheelchair Athletes is a valuable resource to increase awareness, provide guidance on the unique challenges within this population, and generate interest in future research and investigation.

Concussions in Athletics

Concussions in Athletics
Author: Semyon M. Slobounov
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 463
Release: 2021-08-18
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3030755649

Now in a fully revised and expanded second edition, this comprehensive text remains a timely and major contribution to the literature that addresses the neuromechanisms, predispositions, and latest developments in the evaluation and management of concussive injuries. Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury, continues to be a significant public health concern with increased attention focusing on treatment and management of this puzzling epidemic as well as controversies within the field. The book is comprised of five thematic sections: current developments in evaluation; biomechanical mechanisms; neural substrates, biomarkers, genetics and brain imaging; pediatric considerations; and clinical management and rehabilitation. Since the publication of the original edition in 2014, much has changed regarding the current understanding of mild traumatic brain injury including development of more precise imaging modalities, development and classification of new biomarkers, and updates to clinical treatment and management of athletic concussion. This new edition will include new chapters targeting the influence of genetics on concussive injury, as well as an expansion on the knowledge of pediatric response to concussion and the influence of repetitive subconcussive impacts on athlete health. An invaluable contribution to the literature, Concussions in Athletics: From Brain to Behavior reestablishes itself as a state-of-the-art reference that will be of significant interest to a wide range of clinicians, researchers, administrators, and policy makers, and this updated version aims to narrow the gap between research findings and clinical management of sports-related concussion and other mild traumatic brain injury. The second edition also attempts to broaden the scope of the knowledge to apply to more professionals and pre-professionals in the fields of neuroscience, neuropsychology, and other allied health professionals that closely work with athletes and sports medicine professionals.

An Evaluation of the Clinical Utility of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3 (SCAT3) in Varsity Athletes

An Evaluation of the Clinical Utility of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3 (SCAT3) in Varsity Athletes
Author: Rachel Downey
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2016
Genre:
ISBN:

Sport-related concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that remains challenging to identify and diagnose. The development of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3 (SCAT3) provides a strong framework for evaluating concussion by amalgamating well-established assessment tools. The current study evaluated the clinical utility of the SCAT3 in identifying concussion across time by comparing varsity athletesâ post-concussion scores to pre-injury baseline scores, and also to normative data. Results suggest that the SCAT3 is sensitive to detecting concussion within 3 to 5 days and 3 weeks post-injury, with the utility being greatest using a normative approach, compared to the baseline-retest method. The symptom scale included in the SCAT3 largely contributed to the overall sensitivity of the tool, followed by the balance and cognitive measures. This study provides evidence to support the use of the SCAT3 within the first 3 weeks post-injury, however might be limited beyond this timeframe.

Cram Session in Evaluation of Sports Concussion

Cram Session in Evaluation of Sports Concussion
Author: Tamerah Hunt
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2024-06-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1040136532

When you need a fundamental and clinical understanding of sports concussions, supplemented by current research and management techniques, look to Cram Session in Evaluation of Sports Concussion: A Handbook for Students & Clinicians for quick and at-your-fingertips facts. Cram Session in Evaluation of Sports Concussion: A Handbook for Students & Clinicians by Dr. Tamerah N. Hunt is a succinct and descriptive quick reference that provides the health care professional with a simple step-by-step approach to various sports concussion assessment and management techniques. Cram Session in Evaluation of Sports Concussion: A Handbook for Students & Clinicians is designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice to improve assessment and management of sports-related concussion and return-to-play decisions. What is in your “Cram Session”: Concept maps Red flags for differential diagnoses Return to participation guidelines Detailed algorithms for evaluation, testing, and working with other health care professionals Model protocols and management strategies that can be implemented with minimal resources and support staff Cram Session in Evaluation of Sports Concussion: A Handbook for Students & Clinicians is an informative, well-organized handbook for all students and clinicians in athletic training, physical therapy, and allied health professionals who evaluate and manage concussions.

Concussions in Athletics

Concussions in Athletics
Author: Eric E. Hall
Publisher:
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2017
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9781536106510

Eric E. Hall, PhD has expertise in the area of exercise psychology focusing on how physical activity affects mental health (e.g., affect and cognition) and the underlying neuroscientific mechanisms. Dr. Hall has been forming collaborations around concussion work since 2009 and has been co-principal investigator on two grants from American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. He has served on the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports and is currently on the NCAA Concussion Protocol Committee. He is also on the editorial board for the journals: Psychology of Sport and Exercise as well as Sports. His excellence in research and mentorship has been recognized at Elon. Caroline J. Ketcham, PhD has expertise in the area of motor control and focuses on how movements are controlled, organized and coordinated. Her work includes assessing movement and developing therapeutic interventions for neurodiverse populations to improve coordination and integration. Caroline''s expertise in balance assessment and sensorimotor integration were incorporated into Elon''s concussion work 4 years ago and she has continued to lead on investigations between neurocognitive and motor function in brain injury and recovery. Together Drs. Hall and Ketcham established and Co-Direct Elon BrainCARE Research Institute with a mission to 1) help create a supportive environment for students and student-athletes to become educated concerning the potential impact of concussions through evidence based practices and research; and 2) to create health promoting environments that support resilience and positive mental wellness. Since 2012, Elon BrainCARE has resulted in over 40 presentations at regional, national and international conferences, published over 10 papers and mentored or co-mentored over 25 undergraduate students engaged in Elon BrainCARE research. In addition, Hall and Ketcham have organized and hosted annual symposia for 4 years inviting the Elon and surrounding community. The goal is to provide concussions education for parents and youth sport leaders in the area along with Elon and surrounding university concussion researchers and practitioners. Some of the seminal work from Elon BrainCARE includes an evidence informed return to learn protocol for collegiate student-athletes and understanding modifiers that affect baseline performance and recovery from a concussive injury in neurocognition, balance, gait and symptom reporting. Elon BrainCARE Research Institute not only serves as a service to sports medicine and student health staff at Elon, but also a model of co-mentored undergraduate research training for students headed into both academic and clinical health profession fields. Book Description: Sports related concussions and the implications of short-and long-term outcomes is a concern to athletes, parents, coaches, academics, and health care professionals. Leading clinicians and scientists across a variety of fields have come together to collaborate around topics related to concussion education, assessment, management and treatment of head injuries that occur in sports. Athletes of all levels not only have to perform on the field, but may also have to perform in the classroom where symptoms of a concussion can have profound impacts. As health care professionals work to implement the best practices around concussive injuries, scientists assess outcomes, implications and emerging topics related to management and recovery. This book aims to gather leaders in the field of concussion assessment and management to highlight the state of evidence-based practice. In addition, authors explore emerging issues around the care of athletes in returning to play as well as returning to academic settings. Concussion assessment and management is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and topics around pre-existing factors like cultural, ethnic and sex differences are essential to consider as we attempt to change reporting behaviors and positively impact recovery and outcomes from injury. As new information continues to emerge, the education, assessment, management and treatment of concussion evolves with the health and safety of athletes taking a front seat. This book is a timely snapshot of concussion assessment and management, and it is also a leader in emerging issues in the ever-changing science and evidence-based practice of sport-related concussion research. Target Audience: This book is targeted for a wide audience including scientists and health professionals doing concussion work as well as students, parents, and newcomers to concussion education and research.

Concussion Assessment in California Community College Football

Concussion Assessment in California Community College Football
Author: Nancy Resendes Chinn
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2010
Genre: Athletic trainers
ISBN:

The purpose of this mixed method study was to compare current practices of athletic trainers in the management of concussion in football at California Community Colleges (CCC) with the concussion management guidelines set forth by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). The study also set out to gain understanding of why some athletic trainers comply with best practices in concussion management, such as performing baseline testing, while others do not. In the first phase of the research, telephone surveys were conducted with 64 of 72 CCC athletic trainers (all at colleges with football teams). The second part of the research consisted of follow-up in-depth interviews with eight of the athletic trainers at their corresponding work sites. Quantitative data was analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression utilizing SPSS. Qualitative data was systematically analyzed and synthesized into corresponding themes. The results of this research indicated that 71% of CCC athletic trainers surveyed are not currently conducting baseline testing. Further, number of years practicing as an athletic trainer negatively correlated with frequency of obtaining cognitive baselines. At the sideline, informal cognitive assessment was performed by half of the study's subjects, while approximately one third incorporated a standardized assessment. Methods of assessment for return to play also varied. Those subjects in the study who conducted baseline testing considered it part of providing the best care for athletes, linking it to meeting "the gold standard" in concussion management. Themes identified for not conducting baseline testing included time constraints, and viewing baseline testing as an unnecessary component of a concussion management program. Respondents reported on pressure to return an athlete to play, frequency of receiving concussion education and amount of workload. Results of these variables are discussed as they relate to concussion assessment and return to play practices. Recommendations are offered that include the creation of a system-wide approach to concussion management that reflects best practices, including baseline testing of athletes in all contact sports at California Community Colleges.