(AFP) – Interdisciplinary working group, changes to certain rules: a study published on Wednesday by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, recommends new measures in the prevention and management of concussions for athletes.
The result of five years of work and based on the results of the International Conference on Concussions in Sport, held in Amsterdam in October 2022, this study carried out by around a hundred researchers and international experts details the protocols existing ones and lists new strategies.
In terms of prevention, she recommends in particular “modifying the rules in order to minimize collisions” as in ice hockey, by “prohibiting checks” – a defensive gesture which consists of jostling the opponent to hinder him and seize the puck, as well as “the use of the mouth guard (all ages combined)” in this discipline.
Another recommendation: during training and warm-ups, carry out “aerobic, balance, strength and agility exercises”, targeting the neck in particular.
In the management of concussions, “strict rest is not recommended”: “There is now stronger evidence that light-intensity physical activity, such as common activities of daily living, and exercise aerobic exercise, such as walking and stationary cycling, can aid recovery, as can limiting screen time in the first 48 hours.”
– Lack of data on children –
On the long-term effects of concussions, the study states “no studies have found an increased risk of neurological disease in former amateur athletes”. “In contrast, some studies of former professional athletes have reported an association between playing American football and professional football and the onset of neurological diseases later in life.”
On this point, the American Football League (NFL) announced in early April the use of a new helmet specially designed to protect quarterbacks from concussions.
Among the gaps to be filled, the panel of researchers recognizes that there is “little data on the management of sports-related concussions in children aged 5 to 12 years and in para-athletes, who are known to be are at increased risk of concussion.
The study also recommends the establishment in the sports world of an “interdisciplinary” working group.
The management of concussions and their consequences on the health of athletes have become a major subject in recent years, leading to the implementation of concussion protocols in certain sports.
Many rugby players – and other disciplines – have revealed to suffer from neurological disorders (permanent brain damage, early dementia, post-traumatic epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, depression, etc.) caused by repeated shocks during their career.