Understanding of Sport Concussion by the Parents of Young Rugby Players: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Parents of male high school rugby players reported having basic knowledge of concussion symptoms and the seriousness of concussion. Parents are potentially key figures in the detection of a possible concussion in the postgame/practice home environment.

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

“…Taken together, the findings with regard to RTP attitudes are consistent with other studies on concussion-related RTP. [11][12][13][14]21,22] Furthermore, the discrepancy between the participants' knowledge and their RTP attitudes suggests that knowledge alone is not sufficient to bring about attitudinal and behavioural change in this regard. It would be advisable for future initiatives to specifically target attitudes and motivation in addition to the existing information dissemination strategies.…”

“…Similar to findings in other countries, not only are educational indicatives in SARU seemingly not having the desired impact, but a substantial proportion of subelite players do not view information dissemination initiatives as an effective means of reducing concussion rates. [12][13][14]17,21] Slightly more than half of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding the range of activities that players recovering from concussion should avoid, and the vast majority (79%) were of the opinion that professional players could RTP much faster than amateurs. Although the reasons for the latter view are not apparent, it is troubling that there appears to be a perception that players competing at higher levels are somehow less affected by concussion.…”

“…[12] The parents of schoolboy rugby union players generally seemed more knowledgeable than their children with regard to the identification of concussion and the potential dangers thereof. [13] However, these parents still demonstrated less than optimal knowledge regarding recommended concussion-related RTP guidelines. Similarly, a recent investigation into the concussion knowledge of coaches in Australian Rules Football and Rugby League concluded that the prescribed guidelines on concussion prevention and management did not appear to be filtering down to the coaches and paramedical staff involved in these sports in Australia.…”

“…[1,4] However, the limited number of studies published in the field suggest that educational interventions aimed at increasing concussion knowledge and promoting player compliance with RTP guidelines have been less successful. [11][12][13][14] This is of particular concern when the dangers associated with premature postconcussion RTP are considered. Premature RTP following a concussion may result in a number of complications that include prolonging cognitive and self-regulation difficulties frequently associated with concussion, increasing the risk of subsequent concussions, post-concussion syndrome, second impact syndrome or even chronic traumatic encephalopathy.…”

Parents Take-On Concussion: Advances in Sideline Research and Culture in Youth Sports

“…Parents can help recognize a concussion during play and are also wellpositioned to notice symptoms after play (behavioral or emotional changes) that are not noted by the coach. However, many parents of youth athletes may not yet fully understand the signi icance of concussion [16][17][18][19].…”