Proceedings From the Ice Hockey Summit III: Action on Concussion

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sport-related concussion (SRC) remains a significant concern in ice hockey.
• Previous summits have addressed SRC, necessitating updated evidence and action plans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe SRC epidemiology in ice hockey.
• To classify SRC prevention strategies.
• To define objective diagnostic tests and treatments for SRC.
• To integrate scientific findings into actionable policy for concussion management.

Main Methods:

• The Ice Hockey Summit III convened 155 experts including physicians, scientists, and coaches.
• Action plans were developed from 40 scientific presentations.
• Attendees prioritized action items through voting.

Main Results:

• Prioritized actions include establishing national/international SRC databases.
• Recommendations include eliminating body checking in Bantam youth hockey and expanding behavior modification programs.
• Enforcing penalties for fighting and mandating baseline testing for improved diagnosis were also prioritized.

Conclusions:

• Urgent implementation of prioritized action items from Summit III is essential.
• These actions aim to reduce the risk, severity, and consequences of concussions in ice hockey.
• Policy and clinical care integration is key for effective concussion management.