Common data elements collected among universities for sport-related concussion studies

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Data Science

Background:

• Universities are developing programs for sport-related concussion (SRC) management.
• Standardizing data collection through common data elements (CDEs) is a key initiative.
• This study evaluates CDEs used by Big Ten and Ivy League universities for SRC research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe CDEs collected by Big Ten and Ivy League universities for SRC studies.
• To compare collected CDEs with National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) recommendations.
• To identify gaps in concussion data collection across different timeframes.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous online survey was distributed to medical staff at 22 universities (Big Ten and Ivy League).
• The survey assessed concussion data collection practices before, during, and after injury.
• Data collection patterns were analyzed and compared against NINDS-recommended core CDEs.

Main Results:

• 19 universities participated, showing significant similarities in acute concussion data collection.
• All universities collected baseline and acute post-concussion data, including symptom checklists and cognitive measures.
• Data collection in sub-acute and chronic timeframes was limited, with poor data accessibility for research.

Conclusions:

• Collegiate universities demonstrate substantial agreement on acute concussion CDEs.
• There is a need to enhance the collection of sub-acute and chronic concussion data.
• Developing data access protocols is essential for evidence-based concussion prevention and treatment.