The Lived Experiences of Retired Collegiate Athletes With a History of 1 or More Concussions

Abstract

Adolescent exposure to concussions is of concern due to the risk imposed on the developing brain and the potential for adverse outcomes later in life. Although a graduated return to play is heavily emphasized in concussion management, researchers need to investigate barriers inhibiting the implementation of return-to-learn protocols. Concussion education should aim to modify indifferent attitudes toward concussive injuries. Additionally, investigators should continue to assess how a history of concussion affects quality of life in recently retired collegiate athletes.

An exploration of the antecedents and mechanisms causing athletes’ stress and twisties symptom

“…Besides, young athletes show they're willing to find assistance for personal cases from coaches, family and friends ( Hilliard et al., 2020 ; Murray et al., 2020 ). However, lacking support and discouragement from them severely interrupt the mental resilience of athletes ( Cover et al., 2018 ; Hussey et al., 2019 ; Ward and Clair-Thompson, 2018 ). At the macro level, sport and health development, government and policymakers are considered major bodies for designing productive frameworks ( Schulenkorfa and Siefken, 2018 ).…”

Participating in Two Video Concussion Education Programs Sequentially Improves Concussion-Reporting Intention

“…Although changes in concussion-reporting intention has been estimated to account for 20% of concussion-reporting behavior, 24 the clinical relevance of a specific change in intention to report concussions, assessed with a Likert scale, is uncertain. However, given estimates of >1 million unreported concussions, 1 , 2 , 4 and the risk of prolonged recovery associated with improperly managed injuries, 3 , 5 , 8 , 9 even a small improvement in concussion reporting would yield significant public health benefits. Participants may have also responded in a manner that they perceive is “preferred,” but their responses may not reflect true concussion-reporting intention.…”

“… 1 , 2 These underdiagnosed concussions increase the risk of subsequent concussion or persistent symptoms from concussion, especially when an athlete continues to participate in activities with a high risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). 3–8 Given the increased risks of successive concussion and prolonged recovery associated with ongoing play, undiagnosed concussions pose a serious public health issue. 9 …”

Athlete Enjoyment of Prior Education Moderates change in Concussion-Reporting Intention after Interactive Education

“… 6 - 8 The majority of concussions are limited to acute symptoms that resolve in days or weeks; however, serious acute and chronic neurological consequences are possible, especially when repeated untreated concussions occur because an athlete continues to engage in high impact activities. 9 - 11 …”

“…[6][7][8] The majority of concussions are limited to acute symptoms that resolve in days or weeks; however, serious acute and chronic neurological consequences are possible, especially when repeated untreated concussions occur because an athlete continues to engage in high impact activities. [9][10][11] Unfortunately, despite these risks, athletes continue to underreport and play through concussions. 10,12 Concussion education has sought to target concussion reporting to address these issues.…”