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A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
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Academic Performance Following Sport-Related Concussions in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review
Mekala Neelakantan1, Brinda Ryali1, Maria Demma Cabral1
1Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|October 22, 2020
Summary
Sport-related concussions (SRCs) impact young athletes, potentially affecting academics. More research is needed to understand these effects and guide return-to-learn protocols for student athletes after SRCs.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Sport-related concussions (SRCs) are a significant concern in young athletes, with potential long-term adverse effects.
- While athletic consequences are studied, the impact of SRCs on academic performance and quality of life remains less understood.
- Millions of SRCs occur annually in children and adolescents in the U.S., highlighting the need for comprehensive research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review to identify and analyze published research on the effects of SRCs on academic performance and quality of life in young student athletes.
- To ascertain the current state of research regarding the academic consequences of SRCs in student athletes.
- To identify gaps in the literature concerning SRCs' impact on academic outcomes and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Google was performed to identify relevant studies.
- 175 articles were screened, with 14 meeting the inclusion criteria for the scoping review.
- Data from the selected studies were collated, examining both quantitative and qualitative findings on academic performance and quality of life.
Main Results:
- The review found heterogeneity in how academic performance outcomes were measured post-concussion, with only a few studies using formal metrics like GPA or exam scores.
- Overall, results indicated statistically significant declines in academic performance following SRCs.
- Despite evidence of impact, there is a notable lack of research specifically examining SRC consequences within the school environment.
Conclusions:
- Sport-related concussions can negatively affect the academic performance of young student athletes.
- Current research lacks standardized metrics for measuring academic outcomes after SRCs, and there's a paucity of studies focusing on the school environment.
- Further investigation is crucial to develop effective return-to-learn protocols and implement necessary academic accommodations for student athletes post-concussion.
