Online postconcussion return-to-play instructions.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Concussion management guidelines aim for consensus, but public understanding and adherence are uncertain.
• Parents and athletes frequently access medical information online, highlighting the importance of accurate digital resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the consistency of online concussion return-to-play (RTP) recommendations with established guideline statements.
• To identify discrepancies in online information regarding postconcussion management.

Main Methods:

• A Google search identified five popular websites for concussion RTP information.
• The Zurich Sport Concussion Consensus Statement 2012 served as the gold standard for evaluating 8 key RTP recommendations.
• Three independent reviewers graded website adherence to guideline recommendations (A, B, C, F).

Main Results:

• Online resources achieved an 'A' grade (appropriate recommendation) for only 45.8% of guideline items.
• All websites correctly advised no return-to-play on the day of injury.
• Significant inconsistencies were found in recommendations regarding medication use and persistent symptom management.

Conclusions:

• Online concussion resources exhibit notable inconsistencies in relaying official RTP guidelines.
• This variability can create confusion for athletes and parents, potentially leading to inappropriate RTP decisions.
• Improved accuracy and consistency of online concussion information are crucial for athlete safety.