Concussion knowledge and return-to-play attitudes among subelite rugby union players

Abstract

Background. Concussion is a significant health issue in rugby union. However, little is known about players' levels of concussion knowledge or return-to-play (RTP) attitudes. Objectives. To determine the concussion knowledge and concussion-related RTP attitudes of subelite rugby union players in South Africa. Methods. Subelite rugby union players (n=127; mean age 24.1 years) completed a measure of concussion knowledge and a concussionrelated RTP attitude scale. Frequencies were calculated with regard to concussion knowledge and RTP attitudes for the total sample, as well as separately for previously concussed and non-concussed participants. Pearson's χ 2 tests and t-tests for independent groups were employed to determine significant differences in concussion knowledge and RTP attitudes between previously concussed and nonconcussed participants. Results. Participants displayed varying, yet generally less than optimal levels of concussion knowledge. Knowledge of concussion-related RTP protocols (20 -23%) and the efficacy of safety equipment (20 -25%) was particularly poor. The subelite rugby players included in the sample did not hold notably conservative RTP attitudes, with the majority expressing a willingness to participate in practice (74%) and competition (47 -56%) without having fully recovered from a concussion. No significant differences were apparent with regard to the RTP attitudes and concussion knowledge of the previously concussed and non-concussed players. Conclusion. The general level of concussion knowledge among subelite rugby union players appears less than optimal. Moreover, the majority of these players expressed an intention to RTP before they had fully recovered from concussion.

Concussion knowledge and attitudes amongst Stellenbosch University hostel rugby players

“…[4] Players who had a previous history of concussion showed a greater knowledge of this type of injury, thus indicating that knowledge potentially comes from experience rather than from educational programmes. [4] The knowledge of concussion in rugby players can nevertheless have a vital impact on its management and the road to recovery after a player has been concussed. [3] If players have a better understanding of the consequences of concussion and they follow proper protocols, their rate of recovery may drastically improve.…”

“…[2] A study by Viljoen indicated that rugby players lacked roughly one-third of the necessary concussion knowledge, which may affect their attitudes towards concussion and increase the risks associated with concussion. [3] Walker found that sub-elite South African rugby players had a fair knowledge of concussion in terms of identification and diagnosis. [4] Players who had a previous history of concussion showed a greater knowledge of this type of injury, thus indicating that knowledge potentially comes from experience rather than from educational programmes.…”

“…[3] Walker found that sub-elite South African rugby players had a fair knowledge of concussion in terms of identification and diagnosis. [4] Players who had a previous history of concussion showed a greater knowledge of this type of injury, thus indicating that knowledge potentially comes from experience rather than from educational programmes. [4] The knowledge of concussion in rugby players can nevertheless have a vital impact on its management and the road to recovery after a player has been concussed.…”

“…[4] The knowledge of concussion in rugby players can nevertheless have a vital impact on its management and the road to recovery after a player has been concussed. [3] If players have a better understanding of the consequences of concussion and they follow proper protocols, their rate of recovery may drastically improve. [3] Viljoen stated that the players themselves can play an essential role in reducing the incidences of concussion and improving the management thereof.…”

“…[3] If players have a better understanding of the consequences of concussion and they follow proper protocols, their rate of recovery may drastically improve. [3] Viljoen stated that the players themselves can play an essential role in reducing the incidences of concussion and improving the management thereof. [3] In the same study which evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of concussion by junior amateur high school and senior amateur club rugby players, it was found that these players had insufficient knowledge of concussion and their attitudes/behaviours were deemed unsafe.…”