Exploring Minor Hockey Players' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Concussion. Issue 3 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mrazik, Martin; Perra, Andrea; Brooks, Brian L.; Naidu, Dhiren; Bell, Jeneita M.; Taylor, Christopher A.; Breiding, Matthew J.; Caplan, Bruce; Bogner, Jennifer; Brenner, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Journal of head trauma rehabilitation. Volume 30:Issue 3(2015:May/Jun.)
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Brain damage -- Periodicals; 617.4810443
• DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-9701

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Objective:</title> <p>To evaluate minor hockey players' attitudes and knowledge about sport concussions.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Participants:</title> <p>Male and female Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget level players (n = 183) participating in minor hockey and a comparison group of non–hockey players (n = 57).</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Design:</title> <p>Survey.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Main Measures:</title> <p>Player knowledge and attitudes were evaluated with a standardized questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. Descriptive statistics including cross-tabulations and proportion comparisons were used to report the data.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> <p>Players had foundational knowledge about concussions; however, more than half underestimated the prevalence and more than 30% were unaware of return to play protocols. Although nearly all players knew what they "should" do when concussed, 33% did not follow recommendations. Players reported more concern and appreciation of the seriousness of concussion than non-players, but they tended to minimize their vulnerability. The most common and helpful information sources were parents, doctors, and coaches, and therefore knowledge translation efforts should target theses audiences. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Young athletes continue to demonstrate gaps in their knowledge of concussions. In addition, attitudes toward concussion suggest a developmental trajectory with younger athletes being most likely to ignore current recommended guidelines.</p> </sec> </abstract>