What is the knowledge of Newfoundland and Labrador Coaches’ regarding recognition of and response towards sports related concussive injury in the adolescent?

Abstract

Objective: To examine coaches’ knowledge, recognition of, and response to, concussion in the adolescent athlete population.

Methods: Using a non-experimental correlational design, adult coaches (N = 120) responsible in the coaching of adolescent junior high and high school athletes were recruited from sports associations and schools in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). A 28 item questionnaire called Coaches’ Knowledge of Sports Related Concussive Injury in the Adolescent Athlete Survey was provided online.

Results: Majority of participants were knowledgeable of what is a concussion, its causes, and what visual clues observed that indicate a possible concussion in a player. In relation to the Age of coach category, only the 55+ age group responded correctly to what is an example of sport specific activity with body contact. Years of coaching and return-to-play knowledge after a concussion showed incorrect responses for both the step wise approach and the 20-30 minute player participation with no contact. Having attended an education concussion session or not showed no difference on return-to-play knowledge in the step wise approach progression as the majority responded incorrectly with 71.4% (attended an education session) versus 91.7% of participants (no attendance on concussion education), respectively.

Conclusions: Benefits gained through this research study will serve to evaluate coaches’ knowledge and improve standardized concussion knowledge. Such preparation can assist in better recognizing and effectively managing a sports related concussion (SRC) and the potential to facilitate sport policy changes. Actions by coaches can impact preventative education, encourage safe behaviors and the reporting of concussive symptoms by the adolescent, therefore reducing burden on overall long term negative health outcomes.