A-34 Incidence of Sport-Related Concussion in Adaptive Sports: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Despite an increase in sport-related concussion (SRC) research for non-adaptive athletes, research on para athletes is sparse. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the incidence of SRCs in para athletes to understand their risk for SRCs. Methods This review was registered with Open Science Framework and adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches of electronic databases (CINAHL, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were conducted from database creation to February 1, 2023. Articles selected examined SRC incidence in para sports. Results Reviewers screened 202 title-abstracts and 32 articles qualified for full-text review, with 12 articles qualifying for data extraction for information on SRC incidence. Incidence rates varied across studies, ranging from no reported concussions to concussions accounting for 43% of injuries in a given sport. Sledge hockey and wheelchair basketball were the most frequently studied populations. Data suggested that para athletes are likely to sustain concussions at a similar rate to non-adaptive athletes. While data on sex differences were scarce, female athletes appeared to sustain more concussions than male athletes. Conclusions Based on limited published data, the incidence of SRCs in para athletes appears to be most prevalent in wheelchair basketball and sledge hockey and more common in female than male athletes. Given the limitations of published data, knowledge regarding incidence in other para sports is minimal. It will be important for future research to capture data across multiple para sports to determine concussion risk and inform the development and implementation of protocols for assessing and managing SRCs.