338 What are the Protocols and Resources for Sport-Related Concussion Among Top NCAA Football Programs? A Cross-Sectional Survey of A5 Schools

INTRODUCTION: American football consistently has the highest incidence and prevalence of sport-related concussions (SRC) among sports in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). There remains a need for more clarity regarding the available resources and practices for SRC treatment and prevention in collegiate football. METHODS: Survey participants included athletic trainers and team physicians from 46 of 65 institutions who attended a football safety meeting at the NCAA offices in June 2019. Representatives from each institution were instructed to discuss the questions with other providers within their respective programs before responding, and one aggregate response from each institution was allowed. RESULTS: The survey garnered responses from 46 of 65 programs (response rate=71%). For baseline testing, while 98% of institutions measured baseline postural stability and balance and 87% utilized baseline neurocognitive testing, only 61% assessed baseline vestibular and/or ocular function. Regarding concussion prevention, 51% of institutions did not recommend additional measures for concussion prevention, whereas 4% and 24% recommended the use of cervical compression collars and omega-3 supplementation, respectively. In post-concussion treatment, 26% initiated aerobic exercise the day after the concussion if symptoms were stable, 24% waited at least 48 hours, 4% waited for the athlete to return to baseline, 11% waited until the athlete became asymptomatic, and 35% determined procedures on a case-by-case basis. CONCLUSIONS: Most institutions assessed postural stability/balance and neurocognitive functioning at baseline and introduced light aerobic exercise within forty-eight hours following concussion. Variations in baseline assessment methods and concussion prevention recommendations were observed. These survey findings deepen our understanding of diverse SRC protocols in NCAA football programs.