Modified Maddocks Questions Tool in Spanish: evaluating comprehension among child soccer players aged 4-8

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• The Modified Maddocks Questions Tool (MMQT) is crucial for sideline concussion assessment.
• Existing validation is limited to English-speaking populations.
• Spanish-speaking children require validated tools for accurate concussion recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the comprehension and response accuracy of a Spanish-adapted MMQT.
• To assess its suitability for sideline concussion screening in young children.
• To identify potential challenges in specific questions for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional observational study in Montevideo, Uruguay (July-October 2024).
• Eighty-eight male soccer players aged 4-8 years were assessed.
• Comprehension evaluated by question reformulation; accuracy analyzed using statistical models.

Main Results:

• Overall comprehension of the Spanish MMQT exceeded 96%.
• No significant association found between age and comprehension or accuracy.
• Question 4 demonstrated a lower correct response rate across all age groups.

Conclusions:

• The Spanish-adapted MMQT is largely suitable for concussion screening in children aged 5-8 years.
• Question 4's reliability is questionable and may need revision.
• A conservative approach, removing players with incorrect responses, is recommended for further evaluation.