Table 3 Participants’ responses regarding specific rugby concussion injury knowledge
Knowledge domains | Yes n (%) | Maybe n (%) | No n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Awareness of World Rugby “Return-to-play” guidelines | 35 (95) | - | 2 (5) |
Awareness of school’s “Return-to-play” guidelines | 36 (97) | - | 1 (3) |
Loss of consciousness required in concussion | 5 (14) | - | 32 (86) |
Awareness of referee’s Blue Card | 34 (92) | 3 (8) | 1 (3) |
Risk factors for concussion | |||
Previous concussion | 35 (95) | 1(3) | 1(3) |
Smaller neck | 6 (16) | 7 (19) | 24 (32) |
Weaker neck | 29 (78) | 5 (14) | 3 (8) |
Lack of conditioning | 34 (92) | 3 (8) | 0 (0) |
Younger athlete | 21 (57) | 4 (11) | 12 (32) |
Female athlete | 4 (11) | 4 (11) | 29 (78) |
Items which may reduce the risk of concussion in rugby | |||
Mouth guard | 28 (76) | 0(0) | 9 (24) |
Head protection | 18 (49) | 0 (0) | 19 (51) |
Correct tackle technique | 36 (97) | 0 (0) | 1 (3) |
Improved fitness | 31 (84) | 0 (0) | 6 (16) |
When should a player return to rugby after sustaining a concussion injury? | |||
Same day | 3 (8) | 1 (3) | 33 (89) |
Graduated return to play (GRTP) | 25 (68) | 0 (0) | 12 (32) |
After a doctor has cleared the player | 25 (68) | 1 (3) | 11 (30) |
What are possible long-term effects of concussion? | |||
Headaches | 37 (100) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
Eating disorders | 8 (22) | 12 (32) | 17 (46) |
Depression | 30 (81) | 4 (11) | 3 (8) |
Substance abuse | 6 (16) | 14 (38) | 17 (46) |
Memory loss | 36 (97) | 1 (3) | 0 (0) |
Which symptoms may suggest a player has sustained a concussion injury? | Yes n (%) | No n (%) | |
Dizziness | 37 (100) | 0 (0) | |
Nausea/vomiting | 37 (100) | 0 (0) | |
Confusion | 37 (100) | 0 (0) | |
Blurred vision | 36 (97) | 1 (3) | |
Emotional changes | 35 (95) | 2 (5) | |
Coughing | 2 (5) | 35 (95) | |
Choking | 2 (5) | 35 (95) | |
Involuntary straightening of arms and/or legs following contact to the head | 31 (84) | 6 (16) | |
Shivering | 16 (43) | 21 (57) | |