ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS IN SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSION: INCIDENCE RATE AND RECOVERY PATTERNS

by Pretz, Laura Christine

Research has shown possible risk factors associated with a greater incidence of sports-related concussion and varying recovery patterns. This study examined athletic positions, gender, and previous history of concussion to investigate the risk factors of sustaining a concussion and of affecting an athlete’s recovery. Results are as follows: football players in offensive positions have a greater risk for sustaining a concussion than those in defensive positions; there is no difference in the severity of the concussions or in the rate of recovery between offensive and defensive football players; athletes in non-contact sports are more at risk for a concussion than those who participate in contact sports; each concussion an athlete sustains increases the risk of sustaining a future concussion by 50%; if an athlete has sustained three or more prior concussions, it is probable that more symptoms will accompany each subsequent concussion; male athletes have more symptoms than female athletes.