Citation

Maxwell N, Redhead L, Verhagen E, Spörri J. Br. J. Sports Med. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Sports Medical Research Group, Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland joerg.spoerri@balgrist.ch.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bjsports-2019-101544

PMID

32217523

Abstract

In the past two decades, there has been a revolution in literature relating to the epidemiology, aetiology, early recognition, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sports-related concussion (SRC). This research has resulted in the publication of five international concussion in sport consensus statements.1 Are those recommendations impacting on pitch-side rulings and contributing to the real-life management of SRC? We ask: ‘Is evidence-based SRC information reaching those it concerns the most, i.e. the athletes?’2

Athletes’ understanding of concussion and its management within alpine ski racing: so far not so good!

Within alpine ski racing, SRC is the most frequent head injury.3 The International Ski Federation (FIS) has established SRC return-to-play guidelines,4 but athletes aim to dodge the guidelines by under-reporting their symptoms (eg, persistent headache, blurred vision),5 possibly resulting in premature return to sport. Besides this, athlete adherence to such guidelines may be impeded by insufficient understanding of the potential long-term consequences of SRC (eg, increased risk of reinjury, prolonged recovery from subsequent concussions, mild cognitive impairment or depression).

To better understand alpine ski racing athletes’ perceptions, beliefs and experiences of concussion, we conducted a qualitative interview study with 11 participants. These 11 participants were representatives from a world-leading ski association comprising 88 athletes. The underlying …

Language: en

Keywords

alpine skiing; head; injury prevention; knowledge translation; rehabilitation