Conservative Concussion Management in Youth Athletes Can Avoid Increased Injury Rates After Return to Sport: Initial
Sarah N Adams1, Nicole M Mueske2, Mia J Katzel2
1University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.
Summary
Youth athletes cleared for return to play after concussion do not face higher injury rates if guidelines are followed. Clearance times may be longer for pediatric athletes compared to older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Concussion management in youth athletes requires careful return to play (RTP) protocols.
- Understanding injury risk post-concussion is crucial for athlete safety and long-term well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if injury rates are elevated in youth athletes after concussion clearance for RTP.
- To compare concussed athletes who sustain injury post-RTP with those who remain uninjured.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study conducted at a large metropolitan hospital.
- Included 24 youth athletes cleared for RTP post-concussion and 84 controls without concussion.
- Injuries were tracked for a 12-week period post-RTP.
Main Results:
- Injury rates were similar between concussed (21%) and non-concussed (18%) athletes (P=0.77).
- No significant differences were found in RTP time, evaluation time, age, sex, sleep, or sports participation between injured and uninjured concussed athletes (P≥0.19).
- Median clearance time for concussed athletes was 34 days (range: 18-61 days).
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests adherence to current RTP guidelines allows concussed pediatric athletes to return without increased injury risk.
- Clearance times for pediatric and adolescent athletes may exceed the 7-14 days typical for older athletes.
