Return-to-learn after sport-related concussion: does school level matter?

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Return-to-learn (RTL) following sport-related concussion (SRC) is critical for student-athlete well-being.
• Understanding factors influencing RTL duration is essential for effective clinical management.
• Previous research has understudied the impact of academic level on RTL timelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe patterns of RTL among athletes across different school levels (middle school, high school, college).
• To evaluate the predictive value of school level on the duration of RTL after SRC.
• To identify specific academic factors influencing recovery time.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 1007 athletes aged 12-23 with SRC.
• Data collected from a multidisciplinary concussion clinic between November 2017 and April 2022.
• Statistical analysis included ANOVA and multivariable linear regression, controlling for covariates like age, sex, and concussion history.

Main Results:

• Collegiate athletes (15.6 days) had significantly longer RTL durations than middle school (8.0 days) and high school (8.5 days) athletes.
• No significant difference in RTL duration was found between middle school and high school athletes.
• Younger high school athletes (freshmen/sophomores) had longer RTL durations than older peers (juniors/seniors).

Conclusions:

• School level is a significant factor influencing RTL duration post-SRC, with collegiate athletes facing longer recovery times.
• Academic level and age within high school appear to impact the return-to-learn process.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored RTL protocols considering scholastic environments.