Sports-Related Concussion in Adolescent Gaelic Games Players

Abstract

Background: Gaelic games are some of the most popular sports played by Irish adolescents, and the Gaelic Athletic Association has undertaken educational initiatives to improve awareness of a sports-related concussion (SRC). However, SRC underreporting is common among adolescent athletes internationally, potentially due to poor knowledge or attitudes toward SRC. This study aimed to examine previous experiences with, knowledge of, and attitudes toward reporting SRCs, as well as views on future education in adolescent Gaelic games players and their parents. Hypotheses: The hypotheses were as follows: (1) A significant number of adolescent Gaelic games players will have experienced an SRC, (2) nondisclosure of SRCs will be common, and (3) adolescents will display poorer attitudes toward reporting than parents. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Adolescent male and female Gaelic games players (n = 113) and parents (n = 151) completed an anonymous questionnaire examining previous experiences with, knowledge of, and attitudes toward reporting SRCs, as well as views on future SRC education initiatives. Results: Overall, 57.5% of adolescent Gaelic games players suspected they had suffered an SRC previously, and a greater number of suspected SRCs were reported than were medically diagnosed. Adolescent players (mean score, 11.4/14) and their parents (mean score, 11.8) displayed good knowledge of SRC signs and symptoms. However, adolescents were less likely to report an SRC during an important game or if an important game was coming up. Both adolescents and their parents would like more SRC education, particularly in the format of online videos or medical professional–led workshops. Conclusion: Underreporting of SRC occurs in adolescent players, despite good knowledge of SRC signs and symptoms. Education is required to highlight the importance of completing a return-to-play program after an SRC regardless of match importance. Clinical Relevance: A multifaceted educational strategy that targets the wider Gaelic games community in the preferred formats identified by key stakeholders is required.

The Effects of Anticipation and Visual and Sensory Performance on Concussion Risk in Sport: A Review

“…Sport and recreational activities are a major cause of concussions and present a serious public health concern worldwide [2,5,6]. In New Zealand, 16,994 sportsrelated concussions (SRCs) were reported in 2018-2019, comprising~48% of all reported concussions and traumatic brain injuries during that period [7]. In the USA, it has been estimated that approximately 1.6-3.8 million SRCs occur annually [8].…”

“…Rugby union and rugby league also have high concussion rates internationally among youth athletes, with reported concussion rates ranging between 0.2 and 14.7 concussions per 1000 player-hours [ 12 ]. Of the participants surveyed in the respective studies, 48–62% of adolescent or under 20 rugby union players [ 13 , 14 ], 45% of elite rugby union players [ 15 ] and 57% of adolescents involved in the Gaelic Games [ 16 ] reported having sustained at least one SRC. Meanwhile, approximately one in five American adolescents involved in various competitive sports has reported sustaining at least one diagnosed concussion during their lifetime [ 17 ].…”

Video analysis of potential concussions in elite male Hurling: are players being assessed according to league guidelines?

“…Although resources and manpower may be understandably limited across different levels of play, perhaps there is a practical way to overcome this challenge. A recent survey found that over 90% of adolescent GAA players and parents would value further education on sport-related concussion [ 7 ]. We recommend that educational training programs for players, coaches, volunteers, and parents are promoted and made available at all levels of play.…”

“…In 2017, a survey of 80 GAA athletes revealed that 54% reported a personal history of concussion, with 44% reporting more than one incidence [ 6 ]. Confirming this, a 2019 survey suggested that while 57.5% of GAA athletes suspected they had suffered a concussion in the past, many were undiagnosed [ 7 ]. Our recent research in Gaelic Football, another national sport in Ireland that is also governed by the GAA, reported 2.2 potential concussive events (PCEs) per match at the elite inter-county level [ 8 ].…”

The Team Physician

“…While the helmeted sports usually draw more attention to concussion, those caring for female athletes in these sports must keep a watchful eye for hazardous activity. The research by O’Connor et al 7 demonstrates the high frequency of concussion in adolescent contact sports, recognizing that underreporting likely occurs.…”