Understanding of sport concussion by the parents of young rugby players: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Establish the knowledge and beliefs of the parents of high school rugby players about concussion.


METHODS
Descriptive cross-sectional intercept style face-to-face pilot survey.


METHODS
The survey was conducted during high school rugby games.


METHODS
Two hundred parents of male high school rugby players who were attending their teenagers' games.


METHODS
Exploratory analysis of the closed- and open-ended questionnaire. Concussion signs and symptoms were subsequently mapped onto the framework of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool.


RESULTS
Most parents (83%; 165 of 198) reported that they were able to recognize a concussion in their teenager and provide a list of well-accepted signs and symptoms. Nearly all (96%; 188 of 196) were aware of the risks of continuing to play while concussed, and approximately half (51%; 99 of 196) were aware of return-to-play guidelines/recommendations after a concussion.


CONCLUSIONS
Parents of male high school rugby players reported having basic knowledge of concussion symptoms and the seriousness of concussion. Parents are potentially key figures in the detection of a possible concussion in the postgame/practice home environment.
Centre for Physiotherapy Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. sjohn.sullivan@otago.ac.nz
S John
SJ
Sullivan
Liam
L
Bourne
Sharon
S
Choie
Brigitte
B
Eastwood
Sarah
S
Isbister
Paul
P
McCrory
Andrew
A
Gray
D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001924:Brain Concussion; D032882:Comprehension; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires