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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To create and implement an educational curriculum to raise awareness about concussions and head injuries as well as provide information for safe participation in sports. The goals of this study are to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum for youth athletes and determine long-term retention in those who have previously participated.
BACKGROUND: Recently, numerous organizations have implemented prevention measures for athletes in high-risk sports and are promoting programs for prevention of head injuries. We believe that a significant underserved population of athletes remains: youth athletes.
METHODS: Middle-school students, ages 11 to 16 years, were tested to evaluate knowledge of basic neuroanatomy and concussion; and appropriate response to head injury. Tests were administered before and after HSYS Program participation and data were analyzed utilizing paired and unpaired t-tests and analysis of variance. Analysis evaluated for short-term and long-term retention as well as differences in gender and socioeconomic status affecting baseline scores.
RESULTS: The pre-workshop and post-workshop mean test scores for participants from all five middle schools were 68[percnt] +/- 2[percnt] and 85[percnt] +/- 3[percnt], respectively, which demonstrated significant improvement in test scores after participation in the HSYS Program (paired t-test, P< 0.0001). Each school demonstrated significant improvement between pre- and post-workshop mean test scores (paired t-test, p < 0.0001). Regarding long-term retention, students (n=78) from MS3 who had previously participated in the HSYS Program scored 7[percnt] higher than those students (n=145) who had no prior exposure (unpaired t-test, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Previous participants in the HSYS Program demonstrate long-term retention with increased pre-workshop test scores reflecting improved baseline knowledge. The HSYS Program is a multifactorial educational curriculum that effectively engages youth athletes in understanding the significance of head safety and creates an opportunity to initiate this discussion early on and potentially influence youth athletic behavior to improve head safety.
Disclosure: Dr. Elliott has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leary has nothing to disclose.
Language: en |