A prospective study of physician-observed concussions during junior ice hockey: implications for incidence rates

摘要: Object. The objective of this study was to measure the incidence concussion (scaled relative number athlete exposures) and recurrent within 2 teams fourth-tier junior ice hockey players (16–21 years old) during 1 regular season. Methods. A prospective cohort called Hockey Concussion Education Project conducted season (2009–2010) involving 67 male (mean age 18.2 ± 1.2 years, range 16–21 years) from teams. Prior start season, every player underwent baseline assessments using Sideline Assessment Tool (SCAT2) Immediate Post-Concussion Cognitive Test (ImPACT). protocol also required who entered complete SCAT2 ImPACT testing. If not followed, postinjury test results a without true would be compared against previously established gender group normative levels. Each game observed by qualified physician at least other neutral nonphysician observer. Players suffered suspected were evaluated game. diagnosis made, subsequently examined in physician’s office for full clinical evaluation repeated. Based on these evaluations, counseled decision when return play. Athlete exposure defined as played athlete. Results. Twenty-one concussions occurred 52 physician-observed games (incidence 21.5 per 1000 exposures). Five experienced repeat concussions. No reported practice sessions. diagnosed 19 (36.5%) games. One 5 individuals sustained his initial that physician, result single case included total 21 This identified testing days after injury medically treated. Conclusions. game-related (per 100 7 times higher than highest rate literature. difference may use standardized direct observation, diagnosis, subsequent treatment. demonstrate need follow-up studies larger more diverse sample groups reflect generalizability findings. These should involve contact sports (for example football rugby) include spectrum gender, age, skill (DOI: 10.3171/2010.9.FOCUS10186)