Citation

Sullivan SJ, Bourne L, Choie S, Eastwood B, Isbister S, McCrory P, Gray A. Clin. J. Sport. Med. 2009; 19(3): 228-230.

Affiliation

Centre for Physiotherapy Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. sjohn.sullivan@otago.ac.nz

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JSM.0b013e3181a41e43

PMID

19423976

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Establish the knowledge and beliefs of the parents of high school rugby players about concussion. DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional intercept style face-to-face pilot survey. SETTING: The survey was conducted during high school rugby games. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred parents of male high school rugby players who were attending their teenagers' games. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Exploratory analysis of the closed- and open-ended questionnaire. Concussion signs and symptoms were subsequently mapped onto the framework of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool. RESULTS: Most parents (83%; 165 of 198) reported that they were able to recognize a concussion in their teenager and provide a list of well-accepted signs and symptoms. Nearly all (96%; 188 of 196) were aware of the risks of continuing to play while concussed, and approximately half (51%; 99 of 196) were aware of return-to-play guidelines/recommendations after a concussion. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of male high school rugby players reported having basic knowledge of concussion symptoms and the seriousness of concussion. Parents are potentially key figures in the detection of a possible concussion in the postgame/practice home environment.

Language: en