Diversifying sport-related concussion measures with baseline balance and ocular-motor scores in professional Zambian football athletes

A cross-sectional study examining Nigerian footballers’ knowledge and attitudes towards sport-related concussion and associated contextual factors

“…In this study, 7.6% of participants reported being diagnosed with SRC which is lower than 23.4% and 29.9% recorded in high school and university football players, respectively (Delaney, Lacroix, Leclerc, & Johnston, 2002; McCrea et al, 2004). This was, however, similar to the 7.2% reported by Wallace et al (2021) who studies the incidence of SRC amongst Zambian footballers. In total, 12.1% of respondents felt they might have had a SRC but did not receive a formal diagnosis, whilst 10.6% felt they might have had a SRC but did not seek medical help.…”

“…Additionally, elite male and female football players competing for 10 years have a 50% and 20% chance, respectively, of developing symptoms associated with multiple SRCs (Covassin, Swanik, & Sachs, 2003). In Africa, Wallace et al (2021) recently stated that, amongst 125 Zambian footballers, 7.2% reported that they had previously sustained a concussion which is likely to be higher when considering reporting behaviours, attitudes and knowledge of players.…”

Breaking research barriers in the global south: insights from sports and exercise medicine and sports physical therapy research in Zambia and a call to action

“…Concussion Care in Zambia is a collaborative research initiative between the University Teaching Hospital, department of Physiotherapy and researchers from the USA Institutions that include University of Alabama to provide evidence-based practice in concussion management 6 7…”

“…For example, the aforementioned initiative facilitated a collaborative relationship among the authors of this editorial. Further, collaborative efforts across cultures and nations like the ‘Concussion care in Zambia’ research initiative between the University Teaching Hospital Physiotherapy Department and concussion researchers in the USA can guide evidence-based practice in research and clinical practice and enhance equity and inclusion 6 7. These ‘top-down’ initiatives are essential; however, local settings benefiting must be receptive to achieve the greatest impact.…”