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There is an urgent need for an improved understanding of the relationship between repetitive sports concussion and cognitivedecline risk. The Argentina- Sports Concussion Assessment & Research Study (Arg-SCARS) explores the link between repetitivesports concussion and cognitive function decline in rugby players. Its objective is to describe the study design and the preliminary results concerning clinical profiles of rugby players following sports concussion. The current paper is a descriptive study of select characteristics and clinical symptoms identified from concussed athletes within 72 h after the injury. The 92 participants had an average age of 22.64 years and had been playing rugby for a mean of 14.72 years. 66.3% had history of concussions, with an average number of clinical concussions of 1.94. The mean of symptoms reported on Post-Concussion Symptoms Scale was 5.41. The mean symptom severity score was 14.49. Acute concussion symptoms, Beck’s Depression Inventory and attentional composite score were significantly predictive of symptoms within the first 72h following concussion. As conclusions it was possible to recognize the full spectrum of post-concussion related situations is essential to monitor recovery and tailor interventions for specific cases. Arg-SCARS’s findings will help understand the influence of repetitive head trauma in the progress of neurological damage in athletes.

Background: A better understanding of the healthcare provider's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) level would help athletes, trainers, and athletic administrators, implement more effective concussion-management recommendations and guidelines. This survey aims to understand healthcare provider's KAP dimensions regarding the diagnosis and management of sports-related concussions. Methods: Cross-sectional study. An online-based KAP survey was carried out on a convenience sample of healthcare providers, coaches, parents, and athletes (n=626) in partnership with sports concussion clinics, rugby union, and rugby league in Argentina. The questionnaire incorporated 25 questions. Descriptive analysis was estimated as means, SD, and proportion. Chi-square tests, two-sample t-tests, and regression analysis were utilized for the response analysis. Results: Seventy-four percent of the respondents reported having concussion training. Respondents correctly answered on average 6.23, SD 2.16 (out of 10) knowledge questions. The largest gaps were related to the clinical interpretation of symptom severity and neuroimaging. The smallest gaps were identified in young athletes' management. There was a significant difference in mean survey respondent's knowledge scores [F (1,622) =109.479, p<0.001] between those who had received formal concussion training and those who had not. Conclusions: This study reveals that healthcare providers have appropriate knowledge and attitude regarding sport-related concussions but there are important knowledge gaps and practices that are often wanting. Our findings confirm the need for training and education on sport-related concussions. It would be advisable to implement educational campaigns specifically focused on the diagnosis and management of sports concussions, to raise awareness about this topic in schools, leagues, and sports associations.