ObjectivePoor concussion knowledge in the community has been linked to reduced injury identification. This study investigated if concussion knowledge could be improved by providing standard postinjury advice (written brochure).MethodsThis study was a prospective, controlled study, with random allocation of 199 Australian adults to receive either a concussion information (CI, n=101), or non-CI (n=98). All participants completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey on three occasions: pre-education and posteducation, and 1 week later.ResultsA 2 (condition) × 3 (occasion) mixed analysis of variance with concussion knowledge as the dependent variable did not find a statistically significant interaction (p>0.05). This result was unchanged: (1) with the covariate addition of background education and; (2) in a subgroup analysis (individuals with initially ‘low’ self-rated knowledge). Some key misconceptions about concussion were identified.ConclusionThe community knowledge of concussion was not significantly improved by the concussion advice. Since injury recognition relies ton an extent on community knowledge, the identified misconceptions should be addressed. This could occur via public health messaging. In clinical settings and for future research, the next steps should also include regular updating of concussion information to keep pace with advances in the field.

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The aim of this thesis was to examine the literature on exercise rehabilitation for post-concussion symptoms and make recommendations for such exercise programs to be tested and implemented for the wider population. This research program identified exercise parameters that have shown promise in post-concussion rehabilitation studies carried out mostly on athletes, investigated existing knowledge gaps and misinformed attitudes about post-concussion rehabilitation in the community, and explored desirable features and barriers to exercising. The findings and recommendations from this research are expected to shape future post-concussion rehabilitation studies among diverse populations.

Objectives: Increasing concussion knowledge could contribute to improving injury outcomes. Understanding the predictors of concussion knowledge could determine the areas of educational need. This study examined whether individual factors, prior brain injury, prior concussion education, and contact-sports participation predicted concussion knowledge. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional study with recruitment of community volunteers. Participants: An online survey was completed by 525 adults, 443 of whom provided useable responses. Main Measures: The respondents provided background information and completed the Concussion Knowledge Index from the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (RoCKAS). Results: On average, the participants answered 19.8 out of 25 items correctly. A multiple regression model with demographic, injury, and sport-related variables did not significantly predict concussion knowledge. Conclusion: This community sample had higher than expected concussion knowledge (restricted range), but some important misconceptions were still present. The model reflecting a combination of self-reported factors did not predict concussion knowledge. The implications for concussion education are discussed, including the need for targeted education to address specific misconceptions.

Objective Insufficient public knowledge of concussion is thought to contribute to poor injury recognition and management, particularly in community sports. It is not clear whether such knowledge can be improved by standard post-injury discharge advice. This study determined if a widely used concussion leaflet would improve concussion knowledge in a community sample of adults. Method Prospective, controlled study, with random allocation to advice conditions. One hundred and ninety-nine Australian adults received either concussion (CA, n = 101) or non-concussion advice (NCA, n = 98). All volunteers completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (RoCKAS) on three occasions (baseline, immediately post-advice, and after a one-week delay). Standard scores were derived, including for the 25-item Concussion Knowledge Index. Results A 2 (condition) X 3 (occasion) mixed ANOVA did not find a statistically significant interaction or any main effects on concussion knowledge (p < 0.05). On all three occasions, both groups obtained a RoCKAS total score of ~80% correct; but they also held some key misconceptions about concussion. Conclusions Compared to giving non-concussion information, public knowledge of concussion was not significantly improved by the concussion advice. The leaflet may not have conveyed the information needed to improve test scores, or the baseline performance of the groups could have suppressed the effect. Since correct injury recognition and management relies on community knowledge, alternate means of improving public knowledge of concussion should be explored. Concussion advisories should also be reviewed to ensure they can correct public misconceptions about concussion.