Occupational Therapy’s Role in Return to Occupations Post-Concussion in High School Athletes

Abstract

Aim

This study was designed to explore experiences of high school athletes in order to understand their occupational engagement after sustaining a sports-related concussion. The study explored the role occupational therapists (OTs) can play in post-concussion care while supporting adolescents in returning to meaningful occupations.

Methods

The study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological approach by conducting interviews with high school athletes to understand their participation in occupations during recovery. Six student-athletes from 14–18 years of age were interviewed.

Results

The five identified themes from the study included impacts on ADL performance, school performance, sleep, mental health, and driver safety. Student-athletes reported feelings of loneliness and loss of identity. Dressing, showering, grooming, and driving were disturbed due to balance deficits, headaches, and nausea. Participants reported decreased participation in social, sports, and leisure occupations due to heightened symptoms.

Conclusions

Due to the considerable variability of disturbance in occupational participation post-concussion, occupational therapists can assist in creating and implementing individualized treatment plans to support high school athletes while recovering from a sports-related concussion.

Keywords:

• High school athlete
• occupational therapy
• occupations
• qualitative research
• sports-related concussion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). The research in this study reflects the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of Wingate University.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Reeti Douglas

Dr. Reeti Douglas is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University in North Carolina. Her research interests focus on pediatric and youth sports rehabilitation, pediatric and youth athlete mental health, and pediatric and adolescent hand rehabilitation.

Christine McConnell

Dr. Christine McConnell is an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University in North Carolina. Her areas of research interests include evidence-based practices within occupational therapy in the areas of pediatric orthopedics, cancer care, and mental health.

Alexis Abbott

Alexis Abbott, doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University. Her research interests include pediatrics, mental health, and sports rehabilitation.

Grant Bare

Grant Bare, doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University. His research interests include pediatrics, mental health, and sports rehabilitation.

Sheridan Cleave

Sheridan Cleave, doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University. Her research interests include pediatrics, mental health, and sports rehabilitation.

Taylor Crum

Taylor Crum, doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University. Her research interests include pediatrics, mental health, and sports rehabilitation.

Mary Anna Kirkpatrick

Mary Anna Kirkpatrick, doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University. Her research interests include pediatrics, mental health, and sports rehabilitation.

Maggie Kuenzli

Maggie Kuenzli doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University. Her research interests include pediatrics, mental health, and sports rehabilitation.