Citation

Hirst RB, Haas AL, Teague AM, Whittington LT, Taylor E. J. Pediatr. Health Care 2019; 33(1): 14-25.

Affiliation

Rayna B. Hirst, Assistant Professor, PhD Program, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA.; Amie L. Haas, Assistant Professor, PhD Program, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA.; Anna M. Teague, Doctoral Candidate, PhD Program, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA.; L. Taighlor Whittington, Doctoral Candidate, PhD Program, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA.; Eric Taylor, Doctoral Student, PhD Program, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pedhc.2018.05.009

PMID

30146363

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sports-related concussion is a significant pediatric health risk, given the number of children involved in sports and the vulnerability of developing brains. Although most research has focused on high school/college athletes, these findings may not be applicable to younger athletes.

METHOD: A mixed-methods analysis examined concussion incidence and sequelae in a cohort of 8- to 13-year-old males (N = 31) playing youth football and their parents. Parents provided background information and completed mood/behavioral questionnaires, and each athlete completed a neuropsychological battery.

RESULTS: Eight athletes (26%) had a history of concussion before assessment. Concussion risk was related to lack of medical evaluation in prior concussions, tackling exposure (in both offensive and defensive positions), and multisport participation. There were no cognitive or psychological differences based on concussion history.

DISCUSSION: Findings identify factors that may contribute to concussion risk in children and show the need for further research in this understudied population.

Copyright © 2018 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: American football

Language: en

Keywords

Athletes; concussion; football; medical evaluation; mild traumatic brain injury; parents