Concussion through my eyes: a qualitative study exploring concussion experiences and perceptions of male English blind footballers

Abstract

ObjectivesAthletes with impairments play sports with a risk of sustaining head injuries and concussions. However, the scientific knowledge needed to improve care is lacking. This qualitative study explores English blind 5-a-side footballers’ perceptions of concussion, concussion risks and prevention to improve para concussion care.MethodsNine semi-structured interviews were conducted with male English blind footballers (six current and three retired). Data were analysed by thematic analysis using a six-stage approach.ResultsBlind footballers were not sure about the number of concussions they had sustained. They lacked an understanding of what to experience when concussed, and they perceived the diagnosis and experience of a concussion to be different for a person without vision. Perceived concussion severity and previous concussion experiences were key concepts affecting their concussion reporting behaviours. Participants mentioned spatial orientation and sleep are important to function in daily life and were affected by concussions. However, these factors are not adequately included in current assessment tools or clinical guidance for sports-related concussions.ConclusionBlind footballers suggested the quality and accuracy of reported concussions were impacted by lack of concussion experience, knowledge and concomitant impairment. A better understanding of concussion symptoms and injury mechanisms will improve concussion reporting for athletes with visual impairments. These athlete insights should guide future studies and para sports governing body initiatives to improve concussion reporting, diagnosis and management in para athletes.

A call to action: the need for concussion assessment and diagnostic protocols for use in the different elite cycling disciplines, including paracyclists

“…For example, how do we make the assessment process appropriate for those visually impaired cyclists who are being ‘piloted’ by a fully sighted co-pilot at the front of the bike? Authors have recently considered adapting the concussion assessment and increasing concussion knowledge in blind football 3. Still, further work is required in this area of cycling.…”

“…Authors have recently considered adapting the concussion assessment and increasing concussion knowledge in blind football. 3 Still, further work is required in this area of cycling. Additionally, in such ‘piloted’ events, there may be more than one casualty and event medical teams need to ensure they are equipped to manage several athletes simultaneously.…”

Infographic. Concussion through my eyes: a qualitative study exploring concussion experiences and perceptions of male English blind footballers

“…Guidelines for para concussion clinical assessment and management have only recently been published 3. Our qualitative study explored English blind 5-a-side footballers’ perceptions of concussion, concussion risks and concussion prevention to improve para concussion care 4. Nine semistructured interviews were conducted with male English blind footballers underpinned by a pragmatic paradigm.…”