Research Article, J Athl Enhancement Vol: 4 Issue: 4
Exploring the Culture of Concussion Safety in Major League Lacrosse: A Cross- Sectional Survey
| Adam Thomas1*, Amelia Kulik1, Emily Kroshus2-4 and Christine Baugh4-6 | |
| 1Northeastern University Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, USA | |
| 2Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Science, USA | |
| 3National Collegiate Athletic Association, Sport Science Institute, USA | |
| 4Harvard University, Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, USA | |
| 5Harvard University, Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, USA | |
| 6Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Sports Medicine, USA | |
| Corresponding author : Adam Thomas Assistant Clinical Professor Northeastern University Bouvé College of Health Sciences Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences 301K Robinson Hall 360 Huntington Avenue Boston, USA Tel: 617-373-3372; Fax: 617-373-3161 E-mail: ad.thomas@neu.edu |
|
| Received: May 27, 2015 Accepted: September 16, 2015 Published: September 22, 2015 | |
| Citation: Thomas A, Kulik A, Kroshus E, Baugh C (2015) Exploring the Culture of Concussion Safety in Major League Lacrosse: A Cross-Sectional Survey. J Athl Enhancement 4:4. doi:10.4172/2324-9080.1000207 |
Abstract
Exploring the Culture of Concussion Safety in Major League Lacrosse: A Cross- Sectional Survey
Objective: Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, and concussion is among the most common athletic injuries. The purpose of this study was to explore concussion knowledge and culture of concussion safety among Major League Lacrosse (MLL) players, and to understand their concussion reporting behavior. Methods: Sixty-three male athletes, mean age 27 ± 3.45 years, participated. Subjects were all members of an MLL team during the 2014 season. Surveys regarding attitude toward concussion and perceived concussion norms were sent to these subjects. Subjects were excluded if they were not an MLL athlete or if they did not provide their informed consent to participate. Results: 39.7% of the participants reported at least one diagnosed concussion in their lifetime, while 55.6% reported at least one suspected but undiagnosed, concussion. Players felt that there was no significant difference between the likelihood of their current teammates or other male lacrosse players at various levels to report concussion symptoms. Participants felt that most National Football League players were less likely to report concussion symptoms, but female lacrosse players (at various levels) would report more. 83.33% of participants agreed that they should often or always set a good example about concussion safety for younger players. Finally, professional lacrosse players were willing to sustain an average of 3.02 and 4.58 concussions to earn $100,000 and $1,000,000, respectively. Conclusion: The culture of concussion safety and the symptom reporting behavior of MLL players may be influenced by the belief that professional players should act as role models for younger players. However, reports of multiple undiagnosed concussions and willingness to sustain multiple concussions for money may suggest that players lack complete understanding of concussion symptoms and consequences.
