Determinants of concussion diagnosis, symptomology, and resolution time in U.S. high school soccer players

Res Sports Med. 2020 Jan-Mar;28(1):42-54. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2019.1590834. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Abstract

Determinants of concussion diagnosis, symptomology, and other sequelae have not been examined in high school soccer players. Using a sample of soccer-related head/neck injuries from the NATION Surveillance Program, we evaluated potential determinants (sex, injury history, injury mechanism, setting) of concussion characteristics. A total of 378 head/neck injuries were recorded, and 189 (50.0%) injuries from this sample, resulted in a concussion diagnosis. Odds of concussion diagnosis were 84% higher among female players compared with their male counterparts, and over two-fold higher in game settings compared with practice settings. We also observed several significant symptom dependencies, such as higher odds of difficulty concentrating (OR = 5.84, 95% CI = [2.99, 11.42]) given concurrent light sensitivity. Furthermore, we identified injury mechanism as a determinant of concussion symptom resolution time. Our results suggest that determinants of soccer-related concussions and their sequelae are multifactorial, and extend the existing literature with the potential to inform clinical practice.

Keywords: Concussion; Soccer; Surveillance.

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Brain Concussion / diagnosis*
  • Brain Concussion / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Recovery of Function
  • Sex Factors
  • Soccer / injuries*
  • Students
  • United States