A-27 Stakeholder Attitudes and Perceptions regarding Concussion in Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities. (13th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madden, M; McGill, C; Klima, D W
• Is Part Of: Archives of clinical neuropsychology. Volume 37:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1068
• Page End: 1068
• Publication Date: 2022-07-13
• Subjects: Clinical neuropsychology -- Periodicals; 616.805
• DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac32.27
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-6177

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a public health concern with particular complexities that occur in Special Olympics (SO) because injuries and acute identification tools are not well understood for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of this study was to explore current education, recognition and management strategies among coaches and caregivers in Special Olympics North America (SONA). Methods: A descriptive survey via the Qualtrics platform was distributed to coaches and caregivers in SONA through their electronic newsletter. Analyses included descriptive statistics and Chi square frequencies. Results: Out of a total 103 returned surveys, 77 were fully completed by coaches (83%) and caregivers (17%) from 10 states. The majority of coaches (91%) completed concussion education within the last two years. Sixty-one percent of coaches reported coaching a contact or high concussion-risk sport; moreover, these coaches were more likely to recognize injuries (p = 0.02). Forty-three percent of coaches disclosed that concussions may be underreported in SO, but 72.5% agreed that concussion are serious injuries. Although coaches generally felt prepared to recognize (95%) and remove (95%) athletes with SRC symptoms, management strategies to recognize (34%) or treat (39%) SRC athletes with ID was low. Coaches described feeling less confident to manage these return-to-play decisions following injury (76%). Non-healthcare professionals were first responders for injuries during non-competition (68%) events and competition (14%). Conclusions: Coaches involved in SO should complete tailored concussion education training to enhance recognition and management strategies. Future initiatives should target curriculum adapted to communication needs of athletes with ID.