Sport-related concussion practices of medical team staff in elite football in the United Kingdom, a pilot study

ABSTRACT

Objectives

To explore sport-related concussion (SRC) awareness, behaviours, and attitudes of medical team staff working in elite football in the United Kingdom. Including usage and awareness of the FA concussion guidelines, concussion education rates of players and coaching staff, and collection of baseline concussion assessments.

Methods

Cross-sectional questionnaire study distributed online by organisations including or representing medical staff working in elite football in the United Kingdom.

Results

120 responses were gathered. High awareness rates of the FA guidelines were found (97%) with variable rates of player and coaching staff concussion education. Baseline concussion assessments were collected by 78%. Of those, 99% collected SCAT5 with low rates of other neuro-psychometric testing (17%). Confidence of pitch-side SRC recognition was high (93% feeling very confident or confident). Introduction of a ‘concussion’ substitute was seen as strongly positive for player welfare (85% strongly agreeing or agreeing).

Conclusions

Awareness of FA concussion guidelines, and collection of SCAT5 baseline testing was high. Player and coaching staff concussion education rates were low, as was the use of neuro-psychometric testing beyond the use of the SCAT5. There was strong support the introduction of a ‘concussion’ substitute being a positive thing for player welfare.

KEYWORDS:

• Soccer
• assessment
• strategy
• doctor
• physiotherapist
• therapist

Disclosure statement

CR, DB, and WC hold or have held clinical roles at the Football Association within the youth pathway teams. DB, WC, and RC hold clinical roles in Premier League football clubs. CR holds a clinical role in a Women’s Super League team.

Additional information

Funding

No Funding was provided for this study