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OBJECTIVE: To assess whether National Football League (NFL) players diagnosed with a concussion have an increased risk of injury after return to football. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study analysed the hazard of subsequent time-loss lower extremity (LEX) or any musculoskeletal injury among NFL players diagnosed with a concussion in 2015-2021 preseason or regular season games compared with: (1) all non-concussed players participating in the same game and (2) players with time-loss upper extremity injury. Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for number of injuries and concussions in the prior year, player tenure and roster position. Additional models accounted for time lost from participation after concussion. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the hazards of LEX injury or any musculoskeletal injury among concussed players compared with non-concussed players, though concussed players had a slightly elevated hazard of injury (LEX injury: HR=1.12, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.41; any musculoskeletal injury: HR=1.08, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.31). When comparing to players with upper extremity injuries, the hazard of injury for concussed players was not statistically different, though HRs suggested a lower injury risk among concussed players (LEX injury: HR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.02; any musculoskeletal injury: HR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.04). CONCLUSION: We found no statistical difference in the risk of subsequent injury among NFL players returning from concussion compared with non-concussed players in the same game or players returning from upper extremity injury. These results suggest deconditioning or other factors associated with lost participation time may explain subsequent injury risk in concussed players observed in some settings after return to play.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Futebol Americano , Volta ao Esporte , Humanos , Concussão Encefálica/epidemiologia , Futebol Americano/lesões , Estudos Retrospectivos , Traumatismos em Atletas/epidemiologia , Masculino , Modelos de Riscos Proporcionais , Sistema Musculoesquelético/lesões , Fatores de Risco , Extremidade Superior/lesões , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Early medical attention after concussion may minimize symptom duration and burden; however, many concussions are undiagnosed or have a delay in diagnosis after injury. Many concussion symptoms (eg, headache, dizziness) are not visible, meaning that early identification is often contingent on individuals reporting their injury to medical staff. A fundamental understanding of the types and levels of factors that explain when concussions are reported can help identify promising directions for intervention. PURPOSE: To identify individual and institutional factors that predict immediate (vs delayed) injury reporting. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of data from the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium study. The sample included 3213 collegiate athletes and military service academy cadets who were diagnosed with a concussion during the study period. Participants were from 27 civilian institutions and 3 military institutions in the United States. Machine learning techniques were used to build models predicting who would report an injury immediately after a concussive event (measured by an athletic trainer denoting the injury as being reported "immediately" or "at a delay"), including both individual athlete/cadet and institutional characteristics. RESULTS: In the sample as a whole, combining individual factors enabled prediction of reporting immediacy, with mean accuracies between 55.8% and 62.6%, depending on classifier type and sample subset; adding institutional factors improved reporting prediction accuracies by 1 to 6 percentage points. At the individual level, injury-related altered mental status and loss of consciousness were most predictive of immediate reporting, which may be the result of observable signs leading to the injury report being externally mediated. At the institutional level, important attributes included athletic department annual revenue and ratio of athletes to athletic trainers. CONCLUSION: Further study is needed on the pathways through which institutional decisions about resource allocation, including decisions about sports medicine staffing, may contribute to reporting immediacy. More broadly, the relatively low accuracy of the machine learning models tested suggests the importance of continued expansion in how reporting is understood and facilitated.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Aprendizado de Máquina , Humanos , Concussão Encefálica/diagnóstico , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Masculino , Traumatismos em Atletas/diagnóstico , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Militares , Adolescente , Estados Unidos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Atletas , AdultoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: A sport-related concussion (SRC) is a common injury that affects multiple clinical domains such as cognition, balance, and nonspecific neurobehavioral symptoms. Although multidimensional clinical assessments of concussion are widely accepted, there remain limited empirical data on the nature and clinical utility of distinct clinical profiles identified by multimodal assessments. PURPOSE: Our objectives were to (1) identify distinct clinical profiles discernible from acute postinjury scores on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), composed of a symptom checklist, a cognitive assessment (Standardized Assessment of Concussion), and a balance assessment (Balance Error Scoring System), and (2) evaluate the clinical utility of the identified profiles by examining their association with injury characteristics, neuropsychological outcomes, and clinical management-related outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Up to 7 latent profiles were modeled for 1885 collegiate athletes and/or military cadets who completed the SCAT at 0 to 12 hours after an injury. Chi-square tests and general linear models were used to compare identified profiles on outcomes at 12 to 72 hours after the injury. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to investigate associations between clinical profiles and time to return to being asymptomatic and to return to play. RESULTS: There were 5 latent profiles retained: low impairment (65.8%), high cognitive impairment (5.4%), high balance impairment (5.8%), high symptom severity (16.4%), and global impairment (6.5%). The latent profile predicted outcomes at 12 to 72 hours in expectable ways (eg, the high balance impairment profile demonstrated worse balance at 12 to 72 hours after the injury). Time to return to being asymptomatic and to return to play were different across profiles, with the high symptom severity and global impairment profiles experiencing the longest recovery and the high balance impairment profile experiencing an intermediate-length recovery (vs low impairment profile). CONCLUSION: An SRC is a heterogeneous injury that presents in varying ways clinically in the acute injury period and results in different recovery patterns. These data support the clinical prognostic value of diverse profiles of impairment across symptom, cognitive, and balance domains. By identifying distinct profiles of an SRC and connecting them to differing outcomes, the findings support more evidence-based use of accepted multimodal clinical assessment strategies for SRCs.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Cognição , Equilíbrio Postural , Humanos , Concussão Encefálica/diagnóstico , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Adolescente , Volta ao Esporte , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Estudos de Coortes , Militares/psicologia , AdultoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mental health disorders are linked to prolonged concussion symptoms. However, the association of premorbid anxiety/depression symptoms with postconcussion return-to-play timelines and total symptom burden is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of self-reported premorbid anxiety/depression symptoms in collegiate student-athletes with (1) recovery times until asymptomatic, (2) return-to-play, and (3) postconcussion symptom burden. STUDY DESIGN: Athletes in the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education Consortium completed baseline concussion assessments (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool [SCAT3] and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 [BSI-18]). Athletes were tested postinjury at <6 hours, 24 to 48 hours, time of asymptomatic and start of return-to-play protocol, unrestricted return-to-play, and 6 months after injury. Injured athletes were categorized into 4 groups based on BSI-18 scores: (1) B-ANX, elevated anxiety symptoms only; (2) B-DEP, elevated depression symptoms only; (3) B-ANX&DEP, elevated anxiety and depression symptoms; and (4) B-NEITHER, no elevated anxiety or depression symptoms. Relationship between age, sex, BSI-18 group, SCAT3 total symptom and severity scores, and time to asymptomatic status and return-to-play was assessed with Pearson's chi-squared test and robust analysis of variance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. RESULTS: Among 1329 athletes with 1352 concussions, no respondents had a self-reported premorbid diagnosis of anxiety/depression. There was no difference in time until asymptomatic or time until return-to-play between BSI-18 groups (P = 0.15 and P = 0.11, respectively). B-ANX, B-DEP, and B-ANX&DEP groups did not have higher total symptom or severity scores postinjury compared with the B-NEITHER group. CONCLUSION: Baseline anxiety/depression symptoms in collegiate student-athletes without a mental health diagnosis are not associated with longer recovery times until asymptomatic, longer time to return-to-play, or higher postconcussion total symptom and severity scores compared with athletes without baseline symptoms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Anxiety and depression symptoms without a clear mental health diagnosis should be considered differently from other comorbidities when discussing prolonged recovery in collegiate student-athletes.
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BACKGROUND: After COVID-19 lockdown, studies across Europe and Asia examined its effect on professional soccer injury rates and severity; however, COVID-19 lockdown influence on injuries in United States men's professional soccer has not been evaluated. HYPOTHESIS: Injury and illness rates during the 2020 season were higher than the previous 2 seasons. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Medical staff from participating Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs entered injuries and athletic exposures during the study period into a league-wide electronic medical record system. Injury rate and severity were analyzed to examine differentials between the 2020 COVID season and historical controls. RESULTS: The injury incidence rate per 1000 hours in 2020 was 10.8, ie, higher than 2018 (5.4) and 2019 (5.0) (P < 0.05). Training injury incidence rate increased in 2020 (8.9) compared with 2018 (2.5) and 2019 (2.6) (P < 0.05), whereas match injury incidence decreased in 2020 (18.3) compared with 2018 (24.0) and 2019 (22.7) (P < 0.05). Incidence rates of lower extremity muscle injuries (6.04), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (0.17), and concussions (0.49) were also higher in 2020 compared with 2018 (2.5, 0.07, 0.27) and 2019 (2.36, 0.05, 0.22) (P < 0.05). More injured players in 2020 missed >90 days (17.7%) than in 2018 (10.2%) and 2019 (10.1%) (P < 0.05). Incidence of all non-COVID-19 illness was higher in 2020 (3.93) than 2018 (1.53) and 2019 (1.32) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During 2020, there were significant increases in incidence rates of overall injuries, training injuries, lower extremity muscular injuries, ACL injuries, concussions, and non-COVID illness, along with a higher percentage of players missing >90 days compared with the 2 previous seasons. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results may help clarify the effects of future MLS inseason work stoppages and periods of restricted training.
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ABSTRACT: Mass participation events include endurance events (e.g., marathon, triathlon) and/or competitive tournaments (e.g., baseball, tennis, football (soccer) tournaments). Event management requires medical administrative and participant care planning. Medical management provides safety advice and care at the event that accounts for large numbers of participants, anticipated injury and illness, variable environment, repeated games or matches, and mixed age groups of varying athletic ability. This document does not pertain to the care of the spectator.
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Beisebol , Médicos , Futebol , Tênis , Humanos , Futebol/lesõesRESUMO
ABSTRACT: Mass participation events include endurance events (e.g., marathon, triathlon) and/or competitive tournaments (e.g., baseball, tennis, football (soccer) tournaments). Event management requires medical administrative and participant care planning. Medical management provides safety advice and care at the event that accounts for large numbers of participants, anticipated injury and illness, variable environment, repeated games or matches, and mixed age groups of varying athletic ability. This document does not pertain to the care of the spectator.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Beisebol , Médicos , Futebol , Tênis , Humanos , Futebol/lesões , Traumatismos em Atletas/terapiaRESUMO
ABSTRACT: Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently in sport during practice, training, and competition. Injury assessment and management are common responsibilities for the team physician. Initial Assessment and Management of Musculoskeletal Injury-A Team Physician Consensus Statement is title 23 in a series of annual consensus documents written for the practicing team physician. This statement was developed by the Team Physician Consensus Conference, an annual project-based alliance of six major professional associations. The goal of this document is to help the team physician improve the care and treatment of the athlete by understanding the initial assessment and management of selected musculoskeletal injuries.
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Médicos , Esportes , Humanos , Atletas , Consenso , Exame FísicoRESUMO
ABSTRACT: Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently in sport during practice, training, and competition. Injury assessment and management are common responsibilities for the team physician. Initial Assessment and Management of Musculoskeletal Injury-A Team Physician Consensus Statement is title 23 in a series of annual consensus documents written for the practicing team physician. This statement was developed by the Team Physician Consensus Conference, an annual project-based alliance of six major professional associations. The goal of this document is to help the team physician improve the care and treatment of the athlete by understanding the initial assessment and management of selected musculoskeletal injuries.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Médicos , Medicina Esportiva , Humanos , Traumatismos em Atletas/diagnóstico , Traumatismos em Atletas/terapiaRESUMO
CONTEXT: Concussion research has primarily focused on sport-related mechanisms and excluded non-sport-related mechanisms. In adult populations, non-sport-related concussions (non-SRCs) demonstrated worse clinical outcomes compared with sport-related concussions (SRCs); however, investigations of non-SRCs in college-aged patients are limited. OBJECTIVES: To examine clinical outcomes in collegiate athletes with non-SRCs compared with SRCs and explore sex differences in outcomes among collegiate athletes with non-SRCs. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Clinical setting. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3500 athletes were included (n = 555 with non-SRCs, 42.5% female) from colleges or universities and service academies participating in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Department of Defense Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Dichotomous outcomes (yes or no) consisted of immediate reporting, mental status alterations, loss of consciousness, posttraumatic amnesia, retrograde amnesia, motor impairments, delayed symptom presentation, and required hospital transport. Continuous outcomes were symptom severity, days with concussion symptoms, and days lost to injury. Data were collected within 24 to 48 hours of injury and at return to play. Adjusted relative risks (ARRs) compared the likelihood of dichotomous outcomes by mechanism and by sex within patients with non-SRCs. Multivariate negative binomial regressions were used to assess group differences in continuous variables. RESULTS: Athletes with non-SRCs were less likely to report immediately (ARR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65, 0.81) and more likely to report delayed symptom presentation (ARR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.32), loss of consciousness (ARR = 3.15, 95% CI = 2.32, 4.28), retrograde amnesia (ARR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.22, 2.57), and motor impairment (ARR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.84). Athletes with non-SRCs described greater symptom severity, more symptomatic days, and more days lost to injury (P < .001) compared with those who had SRCs. Within the non-SRC group, female athletes indicated greater symptom severity, more symptomatic days, and more days lost to injury (P < .03) than male athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes with non-SRCs had worse postinjury outcomes compared with those who had SRCs, and female athletes with non-SRCs had worse recovery metrics than male athletes. Our findings suggest that further investigation of individuals with non-SRCs is needed to improve concussion reporting and management.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Esportes , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Traumatismos em Atletas/diagnóstico , Traumatismos em Atletas/terapia , Estudos Prospectivos , Concussão Encefálica/diagnóstico , Concussão Encefálica/terapia , InconsciênciaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To perform a Delphi consensus for on-field and pitch-side assessment of sports-related concussion (SRC). METHODS: Open-ended questions in rounds 1 and 2 were answered. The results of the first 2 rounds were used to develop a Likert-style questionnaire for round 3. If agreement at round 3 was ≤80% for an item, if panel members were outside consensus, or there were >30% neither agree/disagree responses, the results were carried forward into round 4. The level of agreement and consensus was defined as 90%. RESULTS: Loss of consciousness (LOC) or suspected LOC, motor incoordination/ataxia, balance disturbance, confusion/disorientation, memory disturbance/amnesia, blurred vision/light sensitivity, irritability, slurred speech, slow reaction time, lying motionless, dizziness, headaches/pressure in the head, falling to the ground with no protective action, slow to get up after a hit, dazed look, and posturing/seizures were clinical signs of SRC and indicate removal from play. Video assessment is helpful but should not replace clinical judgment. LOC/unresponsiveness, signs of cervical spine injury, suspicion of other fractures (skull/maxillo-facial), seizures, Glasgow Coma Scale score <14 and abnormal neurologic examination findings are indications for hospitalization. Return to play should only be considered when no clinical signs of SRC are present. Every suspected concussion should be referred to an experienced physician. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was achieved for 85% of the clinical signs indicating concussion. On-field and pitch-side assessment should include the observation of the mechanism, a clinical examination, and cervical spine assessment. Of the 19 signs and red flags requiring removal from play, consensus was reached for 74%. Normal clinical examination and HIA with no signs of concussion allow return to play. Video assessment should be mandatory for professional games but should not replace clinical decision-making. Sports Concussion Assessment Tool, Glasgow Coma Scale, vestibular/ocular motor screening, Head Injury Assessment Criteria 1, and Maddocks questions are useful tools. Guidelines are helpful for non-health professionals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Esportes , Humanos , Traumatismos em Atletas/diagnóstico , Técnica Delphi , Concussão Encefálica/diagnóstico , ConvulsõesRESUMO
PURPOSE: To perform a Delphi consensus for return to sports (RTS) following sports-related concussion (SRC). METHODS: Open-ended questions in rounds 1 and 2 were answered. The results of the first 2 rounds were used to develop a Likert-style questionnaire for round 3. If agreement at round 3 was ≤80% for an item, if panel members were outside consensus or there were >30% neither agree/disagree responses, the results were carried forward into round 4. The level of agreement and consensus was defined as 90%. RESULTS: Individualized graduated RTS protocols should be used. A normal clinical, ocular and balance examination with no more headaches, and asymptomatic exertional test allows RTS. Earlier RTS can be considered if athletes are symptom free. The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 and vestibular and ocular motor screening are recognized as useful tools to assist in decision-making. Ultimately RTS is a clinical decision. Baseline assessments should be performed at both collegiate and professional level and a combination of neurocognitive and clinical tests should be used. A specific number of recurrent concussions for season-or career-ending decisions could not be determined but will affect decision making for RTS. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was achieved for 10 of the 25 RTS criteria: early RTS can be considered earlier than 48 to 72 hours if athletes are completely symptom-free with no headaches, a normal clinical, ocular and balance examination. A graduated RTS should be used but should be individualized. Only 2 of the 9 assessment tools were considered to be useful: Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 and vestibular and ocular motor screening. RTS is mainly a clinical decision. Only 31% of the baseline assessment items achieved consensus: baseline assessments should be performed at collegiate and professional levels using a combination of neurocognitive and clinical tests. The panel disagreed on the number of recurrent concussions that should be season- or career-ending. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert Opinion.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Esportes , Humanos , Traumatismos em Atletas/diagnóstico , Volta ao Esporte , Técnica Delphi , Concussão Encefálica/diagnóstico , Concussão Encefálica/prevenção & controle , AtletasRESUMO
The 6th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport, Amsterdam 2022, addressed sport-related concussion (SRC) in adults, adolescents, and children. We highlight the updated evidence-base and recommendations regarding SRC in children (5-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years). Prevention strategies demonstrate lower SRC rates with mouthguard use, policy disallowing bodychecking in ice hockey, and neuromuscular training in adolescent rugby. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tools (SCAT) demonstrate robustness with the parent and child symptom scales, with the best diagnostic discrimination within the first 72 hours postinjury. Subacute evaluation (>72 hours) requires a multimodal tool incorporating symptom scales, balance measures, cognitive, oculomotor and vestibular, mental health, and sleep assessment, to which end the Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tools (SCOAT6 [13+] and Child SCOAT6 [8-12]) were developed. Rather than strict rest, early return to light physical activity and reduced screen time facilitate recovery. Cervicovestibular rehabilitation is recommended for adolescents with dizziness, neck pain, and/or headaches for greater than 10 days. Active rehabilitation and collaborative care for adolescents with persisting symptoms for more than 30 days may decrease symptoms. No tests and measures other than standardized and validated symptom rating scales are valid for diagnosing persisting symptoms after concussion. Fluid and imaging biomarkers currently have limited clinical utility in diagnosing or assessing recovery from SRC. Improved paradigms for return to school were developed. The variable nature of disability and differences in evaluating para athletes and those of diverse ethnicity, sex, and gender are discussed, as are ethical considerations and future directions in pediatric SRC research.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Esportes , Adulto , Adolescente , Humanos , Criança , Traumatismos em Atletas/diagnóstico , Concussão Encefálica/diagnóstico , Concussão Encefálica/terapia , Exercício Físico , PrevisõesRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine sex differences in recovery trajectories of assessments for sport-related concussion using Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium data. METHODS: National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes (N = 906; 61% female) from sex-comparable sports completed a pre-season baseline assessment and post-sport-related concussion assessments within 6 h of injury, 24-48 h, when they initiated their return to play progression, when they were cleared for unrestricted return to play, and 6 months post-injury. Assessments included the Standardized Assessment of Concussion, Balance Error Scoring System, Brief Symptom Inventory-18, Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3 symptom evaluation, Clinical Reaction Time, King-Devick test, Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. RESULTS: Only the Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen Total Symptom Score at the 24-48 h timepoint (p = 0.005) was statistically significantly different between sexes. Specifically, female athletes (mean = 60.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 51.5-70.4) had higher Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen Total Symptom Scores than male athletes (mean = 36.9, 95% CI 27.6-49.3), but this difference resolved by the time of return-to-play initiation (female athletes, mean = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9; male athletes, mean = 4.1, 95% CI 1.5-10.9). CONCLUSIONS: Sport-related concussion recovery trajectories for most assessments were similar for female and male National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes except for Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen symptoms within 48 h of sport-related concussion, which was greater in female athletes. Female athletes had a greater symptom burden across all timepoints, suggesting that cross-sectional observations may indicate sex differences despite similar recovery trajectories.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Concussão Encefálica , Volta ao Esporte , Humanos , Concussão Encefálica/diagnóstico , Feminino , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Fatores Sexuais , Atletas , Adolescente , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica , Testes NeuropsicológicosRESUMO
Mental health (MH) symptoms and disorders are common in adolescents and young adults, and athletes may be at risk due to sport-specific triggers such as injury or illness as well as stressors related to performance, transition, or retirement from sport. Anxiety and depression are reported frequently in this age group, and early recognition and treatment can improve outcomes. The medical team (eg, athletic trainers or therapists, team physicians) should be familiar with the symptoms of depression and anxiety, recognize "red flags" for these symptoms and disorders, and seek to provide screening assessments and develop MH plans and MH emergency action plans. As a part of their scope of practice, team physicians should have the initial assessment and management of patients with these MH conditions and appreciate the importance of referrals to other MH providers with expertise caring for athletes. Athletic trainers are often the first point of contact for athletes who may be experiencing MH symptoms and therefore play a key role in early recognition and referrals to team physicians for early diagnosis and treatment. Additional resources that provide more in-depth information regarding the treatment and management of anxiety and depression are provided herein.
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Traumatismos em Atletas , Transtornos Mentais , Esportes , Humanos , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Depressão/diagnóstico , Depressão/terapia , Transtornos Mentais/diagnóstico , Atletas/psicologia , Ansiedade/diagnóstico , Ansiedade/terapia , Traumatismos em Atletas/terapia , Traumatismos em Atletas/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been described in the United States (US) military service academy cadet population, but female-specific characteristics and recovery outcomes are poorly characterized despite sex being a confounder. Our objective was to describe female cadets' initial characteristics, assessment performance, and return-to-activity outcomes post-mTBI. Female cadets (n = 472) from the four US military service academies who experienced a mTBI completed standardized mTBI assessments from pre-injury to acute initial injury and unrestricted return-to-duty (uRTD). Initial injury presentation characteristics (e.g., delayed symptoms, retrograde amnesia) and return-to-activity outcomes [i.e., return-to-learn, initiate return-to-duty protocol (iRTD), uRTD] were documented. Descriptive statistics summarized female cadets' injury characteristics, return-to-activity outcomes, and post-mTBI assessment performance change categorization (worsened, unchanged, improved) relative to pre-injury baseline using established change score confidence rank criteria for each assessment score. The median (interquartile range) days to return-to-learn (n = 157) was 7.0 (3.0-14.0), to iRTD (n = 412) was 14.7 (8.6-25.8), and to uRTD (n = 431) was 26.0 (17.7-41.8). The majority experienced worse SCAT total symptom severity (77.8%) and ImPACT reaction time (97.0%) acutely < 24-h versus baseline, but unchanged BESS total errors (75.2%), SAC total score (72%), BSI-18 total score (69.6%), and ImPACT verbal memory (62.3%), visual memory (58.4%), and visual motor speed (52.5%). We observed similar return-to-activity times in the present female cadet cohort relative to the existing female-specific literature. Confidence ranks categorizing post-mTBI performance were heterogenous and indicate multimodal assessments are necessary. Our findings provide clinically relevant insights to female cadets experiencing mTBI across the US service academies for stakeholders providing healthcare.