Sport-Related Concussion Reporting and State Legislative Effects.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Public Health
• Neurology

Background:

• Concussion incidence and reporting behaviors among athletes are critical public health concerns.
• Understanding trends in concussion reporting is essential for effective injury management and prevention strategies.
• Previous research indicated lower reporting rates, necessitating an investigation into current trends and influencing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess concussion rates and reporting frequencies in high school and collegiate athletes in 2013.
• To compare 2013 data with findings from 1999-2002 to identify changes over time.
• To evaluate the impact of the 2012 Wisconsin state concussion law on athlete reporting behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective survey design was employed, comparing 2013 data with historical survey data from 1999-2002.
• Surveys were administered to high school and college athletes in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.
• Data collected included concussion history, incidence, reporting status, reporting channels, and reasons for non-reporting, with the 2013 survey also assessing awareness of the Wisconsin state concussion law.

Main Results:

• Concussion rates in the surveyed season were comparable to previous years (16.6% in 2013 vs. 15.3% previously).
• A significant increase in concussion reporting was observed in 2013 (70.6%) compared to earlier periods (47.3%).
• Among surveyed high school athletes, 59.5% were aware of the Wisconsin state law, with 55.1% believing it would increase their likelihood of reporting a concussion.

Conclusions:

• Concussion rates have remained consistent over a 14-year period.
• There has been a significant improvement in the percentage of concussions reported by athletes.
• Awareness of the Wisconsin state concussion law contributes to increased reporting but does not solely account for the observed rise.