Creation of Argentina-Sports Concussion Assessment & Research Study (Arg-SCARS): study protocol

Abstract

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.