Concussive signs and symptoms following head impacts in collegiate athletes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between having a previously documented concussion and experiencing concussive signs and symptoms (S&S) following head impacts in collegiate athletes.


METHODS
Two hundred and one college male football (n = 168) and female women's soccer (n = 33) athletes participated in this retrospective case-control study. Athletes completed a questionnaire and reported if they had been diagnosed with concussion and if they experienced concussive S&S following a head impact during a game or practice in the previous year.


RESULTS
Almost 60% (89 of 152) of non-concussed athletes reported experiencing S&S following head impacts in the previous year compared to 80% (39 of 49) of concussed athletes. The Phi coefficient (r = 0.196, p = 0.005) results indicated a significant association between previous history of concussion and the occurrence of S&S following a head impact.


CONCLUSIONS
A large percentage of non-concussed athletes are experiencing concussive S&S following head impacts during games and practices. Previously concussed athletes, however, report experiencing S&S more frequently following head impacts than their non-concussed counterparts. Although this study is subject to the limitations of a retrospective research design, these findings highlight the need for more diligent surveillance from clinicians, as many concussions are being missed.
Mansell
Jamie L
JL
Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, Lincoln University, PA 19352, USA. jmansell23@gmail.com
Tierney
Ryan T
RT
Higgins
Michael
M
McDevitt
Jane
J
Toone
Nieka
N
Glutting
Joseph
J
D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult