7.19 Psychosocial targets for concussion recovery in youth ice hockey players: the influence of peers, distress, and well-being

• Published in: British journal of sports medicine 2024-01, Vol.58 (Suppl 1), p.A119-A119
• Main Authors: Luszawski, Caroline A, Plourde, Vickie, Sick, Stacy R, Galarneau, Jean-Michel, Mrazik, Martin, Brooks, Brian L, Debert, Chantel T, Dukelow, Sean, Schneider, Kathryn J, Yeates, Keith Owen, Emery, Carolyn A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Concussion; Ice hockey; Psychological aspects; Quality of life; Second Round Abstract Submissions; Well being
• ISSN: 0306-3674; 1473-0480
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-concussion.312

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of baseline psychosocial factors (quality of life, emotional adjustment, resilience, perfectionism, parental involvement) and initial post-concussion assessment (acute distress and recovery expectations) with time to recovery (TTR) in youth ice hockey players.DesignPlanned sub-study within a longitudinal cohort study, Safe-to-Play (2013–2018).SettingIce rinks and sport medicine centres.Participants350 ice hockey players (aged 11–18 years; 87% males) with physician diagnosed concussion.Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)Players and parents completed preseason baseline questionnaires [Pediatric Quality of Life, Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10, Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Parent Involvement in Sport Questionnaire]. Study physicians assessed players with suspected concussion within seven days of injury and ratings of distress, recovery expectations, and Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3/SCAT5) were completed.Outcome MeasuresTTR defined as time between concussion and physician clearance to return to play (recovery).Main ResultsSeveral factors were associated with longer recovery. More self-reported SDQ peer problems [time ratio (TR)=1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.02–1.19] accounted for 8.47% of the explained variability. Higher self- (TR=1.06, 95% CI; 1.01–1.11) and parent-reported distress (TR=1.05, 95% CI; 1.01–1.09) about concussion outcomes accounted for 9.66% and 7.71% of explained variability, respectively. Higher parent-rated distress regarding child’s well-being at time of concussion (TR=1.06, 95% CI; 1.02–1.09) accounted for 8.90% of explained variability – these measures were all associated with longer recovery.ConclusionsGreater peer-problems, distress about concussion outcomes, and well-being were associated with longer TTR in youth ice hockey players following concussion. Targeting psychosocial factors for intervention may promote recovery.