Protective Equipment and Player Characteristics Associated With the Incidence of Sport-Related Concussion in High School Football Players

• DOI: 10.1177/0363546514541926
• Publication Date: 2014-07-25T06:43:19Z
• Authors: Timothy A. McGuine; Scott Hetzel; Michael McCrea; M. Alison Brooks
• Keywords: Demographics; Affect

Background: The incidence of sport-related concussion (SRC) in high school football is well documented. However, limited prospective data are available regarding how player characteristics and protective equipment affect the SRC. Purpose: To determine whether type (helmet mouth guard) SRC players. Design: Cohort study; Level evidence, 2. Methods: Certified athletic trainers (ATs) at each recorded helmet worn (brand, model, purchase year, recondition status) by as information players’ demographics, guard used, history ATs also days lost from participation for Incidence was compared various helmets, guard, SRC, demographics. Results: A total 2081 players (grades 9-12) enrolled during 2012 and/or 2013 seasons (2287 player-seasons) participated 134,437 (practice or competition) exposures. Of these players, 206 (9%) sustained a 211 SRCs (1.56/1000 exposures). There no difference (number % [95% CI]) wearing Riddell (1171, 9.1% [7.6%-11.0%]), Schutt (680, 8.7% [6.7%-11.1%]), Xenith (436, 9.2% [6.7%-12.4%]) helmets. Helmet age status did not rate (hazard ratio [HR]) higher who wore custom (HR = 1.69 CI, 1.20-2.37], P < .001) than generic guard. 1.96 1.40-2.73], had an within previous 12 months (15.1% 259 11.0%-20.1%]) without (8.2% 2028 7.1%-9.5%]). Conclusion: similar regardless brand (manufacturer) Players were more likely to sustain Sports medicine providers work with need realize that factors other risk