Related Experiment Videos
Concussions in hockey: there is cause for concern
D Goodman1, M Gaetz, D Meichenbaum
1Human Motor Systems Laboratory, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., Canada, V5A-1S6. goodman@sfu.ca
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|December 12, 2001
Summary
Concussions in Canadian amateur hockey are frequent, especially during games. Reducing intentional injurious plays is key to prevention and improved treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Concussions represent a significant injury concern in contact sports like hockey.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document concussion demographics, causes, treatment, and prevention in Canadian amateur hockey.
- To provide data-driven recommendations for reducing hockey-related concussions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective and retrospective concussion history collection.
- Study conducted on British Columbia Junior Hockey League players over two seasons (1998-2000).
Main Results:
- Higher concussion rates observed during games compared to practices.
- Forwards experienced more concussions than defensemen or goaltenders.
- Concussion incidence ranged from 4.63 to 5.95 per 1000 player/game hours; average age of first concussion was 15.
- Contact with ice/boards was the primary cause; fighting was not a major cause, but other illegal actions were.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating plays with intent to injure is the primary recommendation for reducing concussion incidence and severity.
- While concussions are a major concern, current treatment information is encouraging.