Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Concussion in Western Province Rugby Union Senior Club Rugby Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (13) ◽  
pp. 825-830
Author(s):  
Wilbur Kraak ◽  
Lize Coetzee ◽  
Anika Kruger ◽  
Reeco Stewart ◽  
Hanno van Vuuren
Keyword(s):  
Medical Staff ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Western Province ◽  
Superior Knowledge ◽  
Student Version ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Super League

AbstractConcussion is a frequently occurring injury in rugby which is not usually reported to coaches or medical staff. Recognition and treatment of concussion should be a priority; however, education surrounding concussion knowledge and attitudes of the players have been lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes toward concussion in Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) Super League senior club rugby players. This study focused on gathering quantitative information from WPRU club rugby players, using the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey-Student Version (RoCKAS-ST). The correlation between the Concussion Attitude Index (CAI) and Concussion Knowledge Index (CKI) was (r=0.14). The CKI average for the players was (16.72±2.96). The participants answered 67% (16.72±2.96) of the CKI questions and 62% (46.54±5.75) of the CAI questions correctly. The participants demonstrated sufficient knowledge of concussion, as well as safe attitudes toward concussion. A small number of players lacked knowledge of symptoms and attitudes toward concussion, which may have been influenced by the importance of games. Overall, the participants in this study demonstrated superior knowledge and safe attitudes compared to other studies. The current study found that the players had good knowledge and safe attitudes regarding the severity of concussion.

Concussion knowledge and attitudes amongst community club rugby stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-305
Author(s):  
Hanno van Vuuren ◽  
Karen Welman ◽  
Wilbur Kraak
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Medical Staff ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
Attitude Survey ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Student Version ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

Due to the nature of rugby, concussions are a frequent occurrence and can go undetected by different stakeholders. Knowledge regarding identification of symptoms, management and prevention of re-injury is crucial for the welfare of players. The aim of the study was to determine the concussion knowledge and attitudes among different community club rugby stakeholders. The study gathered quantitative information by utilizing the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitude Survey-Student Version (RoCKAS-ST). Of all the participants (N = 434), medical staff (79 ± 10%) provided the highest Concussion Knowledge Index scores followed by referees (78 ± 8%) and players (67 ± 13%). The stakeholders scored 76% overall for Concussion Attitude Index. Across the scenarios the different participants believed to have safer attitudes compared to that of others within their team. Statistical differences were found between stakeholders when asked if concussion is less important than other injuries, as players, coaches and administrative staff all indicated an unsafe response in contrast to that of referees (p < 0.01). Players indicated an unsafe attitude towards returning to play, while symptomatic as a result of a concussion whereas coaches indicated a safer response (p < 0.01). Only two out of eight legitimate symptoms, headaches and dizziness, were correctly identified by 80% or more of participants, which warrants concern that identification of symptoms could be lacking on this level. Investigating the knowledge and attitudes of concussion at community club rugby level could identify which areas are to be further targeted by the South African Rugby Union.

scholarly journals Concussion knowledge and attitudes amongst Stellenbosch University hostel rugby players

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Kraak ◽  
B Bernardo ◽  
H Gouws ◽  
A Loubser ◽  
J Vuuren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Sufficient Knowledge ◽  
Student Version ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
Concussion Attitudes ◽  
Rugby Players

   Background: Concussion occurs more frequently in contact sports, such as rugby, and is furthermore not fully recognised during play. It is also underreported in the literature, to medical personnel, or to coaches.  Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge about and attitudes towards concussion by Stellenbosch University hostel rugby players.  Methods: The study focussed on gathering quantitative information through implementing a cross-sectional study design. One hundred and eighty Stellenbosch University hostel rugby players completed the modified Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey - Student Version (RoCKAS-ST). The RoCKAS-ST questionnaire is divided into three parts, namely, the evaluation of the Concussion Knowledge Index (CKI) and Concussion Attitudes Index (CAI), and a 16-symptom checklist.  Results: The participants scored on average 75% in the CKI and 81% in the CAI. The correlation between CKI and CAI was r=0.14 which is considered a weak positive correlation.  Discussion: The participants demonstrated sufficient knowledge of concussion and thus a safer attitude towards concussion. There were some concerning factors from the knowledge of the concussion questions and the symptoms that may have an effect on attitudes towards concussion.  Conclusion: The study revealed that Stellenbosch University hostel rugby players have sufficient knowledge of what constitutes concussion, as well as the necessity of having safe attitude towards it. However, a small number of participants showed that they still may lack knowledge in certain areas concerning concussion. 

Baseline Concussion Testing Increases Agreement With Favorable Concussion Safety Decisions in Hypothetical Scenarios

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110035
Author(s):  
Christina Deuschle ◽  
Julian Keith ◽  
Kelly Dugan ◽  
Mark Williams ◽  
Sasi Taravath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Student Version ◽  
Baseline Testing ◽  
Added Benefit ◽  
Concussion Knowledge

Background Dangers of sports-related concussion are well documented, and those participating in sports involving significant contact are at an even higher risk relative to the general population. Despite extensive concussion education, athletes still make decisions that would be considered unsafe, such as underreporting and continuing to play despite experiencing symptoms. Although baseline testing is an increasingly common practice at all levels of sport, little is known about its ability to improve player safety perceptions. Aims The current study examines whether taking part in a standardized baseline concussion assessment changes athletes’ knowledge, attitudes, or perceptions of concussion safety decisions. Method A total of 229 club and National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes completed a modified Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey–Student Version (RoCKAS-ST), which was used to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of concussion safety decisions in hypothetical scenarios. Athletes were randomly assigned to either complete baseline concussion testing prior to the RoCKAS-ST or complete baseline testing after the RoCKAS-ST. Results Athletes randomly assigned to complete baseline testing before the RoCKAS-ST demonstrated greater agreement with favorable concussion safety decisions in hypothetical scenarios relative to athletes completing baseline testing after the RoCKAS-ST. The two conditions did not differ with respect to concussion knowledge or attitudes. Discussion Baseline testing appears to have an added benefit of resulting in more favorable perceptions toward making safe decisions following suspected concussions. Conclusion Baseline testing may provide an effective means of improving a broader constellation of concussion safety behavior, particularly in club athletes, who are typically underserved in terms of concussion-related resources and care.

scholarly journals Concussion knowledge and attitudes among amateur South African rugby players

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Viljoen ◽  
M Schoeman ◽  
C Brandt ◽  
J Patricios ◽  
C Van Rooyen
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
Concussion Attitudes ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Concussion Education

Background: The South African Rugby Union’s BokSmart programme currently educates coaches and referees on concussion. Rugby players are often more familiar with their teammates than the coach or referee. Therefore they are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in rugby safety if they have adequate knowledge to identify subtle signs and abnormal behaviour displayed by a concussed teammate. However, no programme focuses on concussion education among South African rugby players and there is a dearth of literature on concussion education programmes among rugby players which could lead to safer return to play (RTP) habits.Objectives: To evaluate South African rugby players’ concussion knowledge and attitudes/behaviours regarding RTP following a concussion.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used. Participants (n=294) were divided into junior amateur high school (JAHS) (n=216) and senior amateur club (SAC) (n=78) players. The modified RoCKAS-ST questionnaire was used to evaluate their concussion knowledge index (CKI) and concussion attitudes/behaviours index (CAI) regarding RTP.Results: On average, 62% (JAHS) and 60% (SAC) of the CKI questions were answered correctly. JAHS participants correctly identified 66% of concussion symptoms, similarly to the SAC participants (63%), rendering similar (p=0.37) overall CKI scores when comparing the two groups. The CAI questions yielded similar (p=0.98) results between the groups, reporting safe responses in 66% (JAHS) and 67% (SAC) of the items.Discussion and conclusion: Junior and senior South African amateur rugby players lacked approximately one-third of essential concussion knowledge, which may lead to a display of unsafe attitudes/behaviours to concussion and RTP. Further research is warranted to inform educational programmes on concussion among rugby players.

scholarly journals Concussion knowledge and attitudes among amateur South African rugby players

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
C Viljoen ◽  
M Schoeman ◽  
C Brandt ◽  
J Patricios ◽  
C Van Rooyen
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
Concussion Attitudes ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Concussion Education

Background: The South African Rugby Union’s BokSmart programme currently educates coaches and referees on concussion. Rugby players are often more familiar with their teammates than the coach or referee. Therefore they are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in rugby safety if they have adequate knowledge to identify subtle signs and abnormal behaviour displayed by a concussed teammate. However, no programme focuses on concussion education among South African rugby players and there is a dearth of literature on concussion education programmes among rugby players which could lead to safer return to play (RTP) habits.Objectives: To evaluate South African rugby players’ concussion knowledge and attitudes/behaviours regarding RTP following a concussion.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used. Participants (n=294) were divided into junior amateur high school (JAHS) (n=216) and senior amateur club (SAC) (n=78) players. The modified RoCKAS-ST questionnaire was used to evaluate their concussion knowledge index (CKI) and concussion attitudes/behaviours index (CAI) regarding RTP.Results: On average, 62% (JAHS) and 60% (SAC) of the CKI questions were answered correctly. JAHS participants correctly identified 66% of concussion symptoms, similarly to the SAC participants (63%), rendering similar (p=0.37) overall CKI scores when comparing the two groups. The CAI questions yielded similar (p=0.98) results between the groups, reporting safe responses in 66% (JAHS) and 67% (SAC) of the items.Discussion and conclusion: Junior and senior South African amateur rugby players lacked approximately one-third of essential concussion knowledge, which may lead to a display of unsafe attitudes/behaviours to concussion and RTP. Further research is warranted to inform educational programmes on concussion among rugby players.

scholarly journals Concussion knowledge and return-to-play attitudes among subelite rugby union players

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 50 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Walker
Keyword(s):  
Total Sample ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
General Level ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Safety Equipment ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Significant Health

Background. Concussion is a significant health issue in rugby union. However, little is known about players’ levels of concussion knowledgeor return-to-play (RTP) attitudes.Objectives. To determine the concussion knowledge and concussion-related RTP attitudes of subelite rugby union players in South Africa.Methods. Subelite rugby union players (n=127; mean age 24.1 years) completed a measure of concussion knowledge and a concussionrelatedRTP attitude scale. Frequencies were calculated with regard to concussion knowledge and RTP attitudes for the total sample, aswell as separately for previously concussed and non-concussed participants. Pearson’s χ2 tests and t-tests for independent groups wereemployed to determine significant differences in concussion knowledge and RTP attitudes between previously concussed and nonconcussedparticipants.Results. Participants displayed varying, yet generally less than optimal levels of concussion knowledge. Knowledge of concussion-relatedRTP protocols (20 - 23%) and the efficacy of safety equipment (20 - 25%) was particularly poor. The subelite rugby players included in thesample did not hold notably conservative RTP attitudes, with the majority expressing a willingness to participate in practice (74%) andcompetition (47 - 56%) without having fully recovered from a concussion. No significant differences were apparent with regard to the RTPattitudes and concussion knowledge of the previously concussed and non-concussed players.Conclusion. The general level of concussion knowledge among subelite rugby union players appears less than optimal. Moreover, themajority of these players expressed an intention to RTP before they had fully recovered from concussion.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitudes towards concussion in UK-based male ice hockey players: A need for attitude change?

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Hutchinson ◽  
Paul Ellison ◽  
Andrew Levy ◽  
David Marchant
Keyword(s):  
Attitude Change ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Accurate Knowledge ◽  
Hockey Players ◽  
Sport Concussion ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
The Uk

Objective Concussion is a common injury in ice hockey, and previous research suggests some misconceptions and unsafe attitudes amongst players. The purpose of this study was to assess sport concussion knowledge, attitudes and the effect of sport concussion history in UK-based male ice hockey players across three levels of competition: professional, semi-professional and amateur. Methods Sixty-one participants across a number of UK ice hockey teams completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey and reviewed a series of statements to assess knowledge (concussion knowledge index), attitudes (concussion attitude index) and misconceptions of concussion. Results Level of competition and concussion history had no significant effect on concussion knowledge index or concussion attitude index. A positive significant relationship exists between playing experience and concussion knowledge index and concussion attitude index. Statements identified common misconceptions and areas of accurate knowledge regarding concussion symptoms suggesting that male ice hockey players have a higher level knowledge compared to a sample of the UK general public. Playing experience was associated with increased knowledge and increasingly safe attitudes towards concussion. Conclusion Despite knowledge relating to loss of consciousness and correct management of symptoms being generally accurate, there are worryingly unsafe attitudes regarding aspects of concussion. Such attitudes may well pose significant threats to players’ safety and long-term health.

scholarly journals Concussion History and Balance Performance in Adolescent Rugby Union Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652199870
Author(s):  
Mark Matthews ◽  
William Johnston ◽  
Chris M. Bleakley ◽  
Richard J. Davies ◽  
Alan T. Rankin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
History Of ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Rugby Players

Background: Sports-related concussion is a worldwide problem. There is a concern that an initial concussion can cause prolonged subclinical disturbances to sensorimotor function that increase the risk of subsequent injury. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a history of sports-related concussion has effects on static and dynamic balance performance in adolescent rugby players. Hypothesis: Dynamic balance would be worse in players with a history of concussion compared with those with no history of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male adolescent rugby players aged 14 to 18 years from 5 schools were recruited before the start of the 2018-2019 playing season. Participants completed questionnaires and physical tests, including dynamic Y balance and single-leg static balance (eyes closed) tests, while performing single and dual tasks. Dynamic balance was assessed using inertial sensor instrumentation. Dependent variables were normalized reach distance and the sample entropy (SEn) of the 3 axes ( x, y, and z). Results: Of the 195 participants, 100 reported a history of concussion. Those with a history of concussion demonstrated higher SEn in all directions, with highest values during anterior (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.0-0.7; P = .027) and posteromedial (SMD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .004) reach directions compared with those with no history. There was no difference between groups (concussion history vs control) in traditional Y balance reach distances in the anterior or posteromedial directions or single-leg static balance during both single- ( P = .47) and dual-task ( P = .67) conditions. Conclusion: Adolescent rugby union athletes with a history of concussion had poorer dynamic balance during performance tasks compared with healthy controls. Static single-leg balance tests, either single or dual task, may not be sensitive enough to detect sensorimotor deficits in those with a history of concussion.

Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara N Radzak ◽  
Katherine J Hunzinger ◽  
Katelyn M Costantini ◽  
C Buz Swanik ◽  
Thomas A Buckley
Keyword(s):  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Rotc Cadets ◽  
Concussion Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Training Corps ◽  
Reserve Officers Training Corps

ABSTRACT Introduction Military members’ knowledge of concussion signs and symptoms may be critical to appropriate concussion identification and health-seeking behavior, particularly for those in leadership roles. The current study aimed to characterize concussion knowledge and attitudes among future military officers undergoing U.S.-based Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) training. Materials and Methods Army and Air Force ROTC cadets at 2 large, public universities were utilized for a survey-based observational study. The study was approved by the institutional review board at both university research sites. Cadets completed a modified Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitude Survey to obtain cadets’ Concussion Knowledge Index and Concussion Attitude Index, where higher scores are preferable. Cadets’ concussion knowledge and attitudes were characterized via descriptive statistics. Results Cadets (n = 110) had a mean Concussion Knowledge Index of 18.8 ± 3.2 (range = 9–23, out of 25). Potentially detrimental misconceptions included: belief that typically concussion symptoms no longer persist after 10 days (79.1%) and brain imaging shows visible physical damage following concussion (74.5%). Mean Concussion Attitude Index was 60.6 ± 7.4 (range = 46–75, out of 75). In general, cadets reported higher agreement with safe concussion behavior than what they believe peers would report. Conclusions Cadets were found to have a high concussion knowledge, yet common misconceptions remained. Cadets consistently reported safe choices but were less sure that peers felt similarly; future investigations should evaluate ROTC concussion social norms and education should note peers’ beliefs supporting safe concussion attitudes.

scholarly journals Change of Direction Deficit in National Team Rugby Union Players: Is There an Influence of Playing Position?

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Freitas ◽  
Pedro Alcaraz ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir Arruda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Median Split ◽  
Rugby Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of direction (COD) ability and deficits of elite rugby union players, discriminating between position (backs and forwards), and between “faster and slower players”, in multiple COD tasks. Twenty-four male rugby union players from the Brazilian senior National team completed the following assessments: Squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump; standing long jump, horizontal triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-Drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and squat 1-repetition maximum. The differences between backs and forwards and between faster and slower performers were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Backs were faster (in both linear and COD speed tests) and jumped higher than forwards. Moreover, they generated an inferior sprint momentum. No differences were found in COD deficit between playing positions. However, when dividing the sample by median split, faster players outperformed their slower counterparts in all power–speed variables and presented higher COD deficits. These results suggest that separating rugby players by playing position might not discriminate players with different COD skills and that the median split analysis is more sensitive to identifying these differences. Furthermore, the present data indicate that faster rugby players are less efficient at changing direction and tolerating higher approach velocities in COD maneuvers.

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