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Study explores assessment of head collision events during soccer
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Results from this study demonstrated soccer players who showed signs of concussion after a head collision should be assessed by an independent health care personnel to avoid delayed care and additional injury.
Researchers used video footage from the 2014 FIFA World Cup to identify 61 soccer players who sustained 81 head collisions during 72 separate events during the course of 64 games. Investigators used standardized forms to collect data on whether the soccer players were assessed, by whom the soccer players were assessed and the outcomes of the assessment. Any observable effects of the collision were recorded as signs of potential concussions.
In 30 head collision cases, sideline health care personnel assessed a player who was injured. In 32 cases a referee, another player or both assessed the player and there were 19 players who were not assessed.
Findings showed that of players who showed at least two signs of concussion, 12 players were not assessed and immediately returned to play; 41 players were assessed on the field by another player, referee and/or health care personnel and were then able to return to play; 10 returned to play after they were assessed by the sideline by health care personnel; and four were removed from the match or tournament.
According to researchers, 85% of players who showed at least three signs of concussions returned to play during the same game after being assessed for an average of 84 seconds. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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