| Abstrakt: |
BackgroundConcussion is a common injury in school-boy rugby, if managed incorrectly it can have serious consequences such as further injury, prolonged symptoms, and second impact syndrome. Adolescent players show poor knowledge levels and symptoms-reporting behaviour.ObjectiveInvestigate the effects of an educational presentation on the knowledge and behaviour of school age rugby players regarding concussion.DesignQuestionnaire based study.Setting120 male rugby players, aged 16–18.ParticipantsThree large rugby union playing schools in England.InterventionsIndependent Variable – Educational presentation aimed at school-age rugby players to improve their education and behaviours related to the condition.Players completed a questionnaire testing for likely behavioural responses from a selection of common concussion scenarios. Additional questions assessed knowledge of concussion symptoms, diagnosis and management. The questionnaires were completed pre-season and repeated 2–3 months after the presentation.OutcomeDependent variable: Questionnaire scores.ResultsThe students had significantly improved their responses giving 53.9% appropriate responses after the presentation (Md=55, n=34) compared to 46.1% before (Md=33.5, n=34) (U=400, Z=-2.18, p=0.029) with a moderate effect size (r?=?0.37).The knowledge of students increased from 37.85% correct responses before (Md=28, n=35) and 44.07% on follow up?(Md=28, n=35) but with no significant difference (U?=?575.5, Z?=?-?0.88, p=0.378 with a small effect size (r?=?0.15)).Completed surveys showed increased awareness of guidelines from 19.4% to 73.2% (p=0.00 McNemars Test).ConclusionsThe students had showed improved concussion behaviour in response to concussion scenarios at 2–3 month follow up in contrast to previous studies on educational interventions. There was no increase in players knowledge of concussion. The literature shows increases in short-term knowledge with other forms of concussion education but this effect is often lost at long term follow up. There was increased awareness of guidelines. Future concussion education should be modeled on the educational presentation to improve behavioural outcomes. |
