A - 30 Nondisclosure of Sport-Related Concussion in Para Athletes

Abstract Purpose To investigate nondisclosure and current knowledge of sport related concussion (SRC) in para athletes. We hypothesized the rate of nondisclosure of SRC in para athletes would be similar to nondisabled athletes and that knowledge of signs and symptoms of the injury would be less than values previously reported in nondisabled athletes. Method We distributed an electronic survey consisting of previously validated items related to concussion-reporting behaviors and knowledge of SRC signs/symptoms to participants using snowball sampling through social media and word of mouth. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive analyses. Results The majority (75%) of para athletes who had a concussion during their most current season (n = 11) reported their injury to a coach or parent (11.1%). The most common reason for nondisclosure of SRC was not knowing they had a concussion (11.1%). Respondents correctly identified amnesia (77.8%), blurred vision (83.3%), dizziness (83.3%), and headache (83.3%) as SRC-related symptoms. The majority (83.3%) of respondents knew they should remove themselves from play after a SRC. The majority of respondents (75%) incorrectly believed a concussion “only occurs with loss of consciousness.” Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest that most respondents reported a suspected concussion to a coach or parent. While the majority of respondents recognized common concussion signs, some signs and symptoms were incorrectly associated with SRC. Our findings support the need for better education for para athletes and reporting systems to encourage concussion reporting.