Citation

Ingram BM, Kay MC, Vegt CBV, Register-Mihalik JK. J. Sport Rehab. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-4.

Affiliation

Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jsr.2018-0102

PMID

30300048

Abstract

CLINICAL SCENARIO:: Current studies have identified body checking as the most common cause of sports-related concussion in ice hockey across all divisions and levels. As a result, many hockey organizations, particularly in youth sports, have implemented rules making body checking to the head, face, and/or neck, illegal. Such a rule, in Canada, makes age 13 the first age in which individuals can engage in body-checking. Despite these changes, effectiveness of their implementation on the incidence of concussion in Canadian male youth ice hockey players remains unclear. CLINICAL QUESTION:: What is the effect of body checking policy changes on concussion incidence in male youth ice hockey players? SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS:: Two out of the three included studies reported a decrease in the incidence of concussion once a body checking policy change was implemented. The third study showed an increase; however, it is important to note that this may be due, in part, to increased awareness leading to better reporting of injuries. CLINICAL BOTTOM LINE:: Current evidence supports a relationship between body checking policy implementation and decreased concussion incidence; however, more research is needed to understand the long-term implications of policy change and the effects in other leagues. In addition, further data are needed to differentiate between increased concussion incidence resulting from concussion education efforts that may improve disclosure and increased concussion incidence as a direct result of policy changes. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION:: Grade B evidence exists that policy changes regarding body checking decreases concussion incidence in youth, male ice hockey players.

Language: en

Keywords

concussion; disclosure; education; rates; rule changes