For healthcare professionals

Sport-related concussion is a common injury among National Collegiate Athletic Association football athletes. This cross-sectional study examined how different tackling techniques are associated with the risk of head contact and compared the frequency of these techniques among teams during the 2016 season. Starting in 2016, Ivy League Conference coaches banned player-on-player tackling during all in-season practices, while Dartmouth College had already implemented a no-tackle practice policy since 2010. The study found that techniques involving a neutral neck position, contact with the back of the opponent, and specific types of momentum (such as pursuing or quarterback sacks) were linked to a lower risk of head contact. Techniques characterized by neck flexion or extension, front or side contact, and certain tackle types were associated with higher risk. Notably, Dartmouth players used high-risk techniques less frequently and low-risk techniques more frequently than players from other Ivy League teams. These findings suggest that teaching safe tackling techniques and adopting no-tackle practice policies may help reduce the risk of head injuries in football. Focusing on specific tackle techniques, rather than player-on-player tackling, alongside safe practice policies, could be an effective strategy for preventing football-related head injuries.

This cross-sectional study explored concussion-related anxiety perceptions among parents of youth athletes aged 8 to 14 participating in high-concussion-risk sports (football, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse) in Pennsylvania and Michigan. A total of 452 parents (60% female) completed a survey adapted from the Perceptions of Concussion Inventory for Athletes, along with demographic questions related to concussion exposure and education. A substantial proportion of parents reported being fearful, upset, worried, and anxious at the thought of their child sustaining a concussion. Parental anxiety around concussion is common and may influence decisions about youth sport participation, potentially contributing to declining enrollment in contact sports. Health care providers, including athletic trainers and pediatricians, should proactively address parental concerns, validate their anxiety, and provide targeted concussion education.

Pursuing recovery for long-term concussion symptoms can be incredibly isolating and frustrating. This webinar recording covers the negative physical and emotional consequences of social isolation during prolonged concussion recovery, the positive physical and emotional results of connecting with other concussion survivors in support groups, and more.

Concussion Awareness Now (CAN) offers a variety of posters, brochures, infographics, videos and more to educate and raise awareness about concussions.