A-59 Sport-related concussion in para athletes: A scoping review of concussion assessment and management

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Current guidelines have lagged in addressing sport-related concussion (SRC) in athletes with disabilities, or para athletes. Concussion assessments may not accurately capture symptoms in para athletes or be appropriately accessible, resulting in challenges managing SRCs in these athletes. The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the current literature on SRC in para athletes, including assessment procedures and management of SRC. Data Selection 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 inception to 02/01/2023. Articles selected examined SRC assessment and management in adaptive sports. Data Synthesis Reviewers screened 202 title-abstracts and 32 articles qualified for full-text review, with 9 articles qualifying for data extraction for information on SRC assessment and management. Most articles addressed baseline assessment (N=6), some addressed both assessment and management (N=2), and only one article addressed SRC management (N=1). Results identified discrepancies in the results of baseline data in para athletes. Differences in baseline composite scores and symptom reporting in para vs. non-adaptive athletes were also found. The literature acknowledged lack of validated assessment tools and SRC management guidelines for para athletes. Conclusions There is limited literature on the assessment and management of SRC in para athletes at both elite and non-elite levels, indicating a lag in research on para athletes as compared to non-adaptive athletes. Development or standardization of current baseline assessment procedures for SRC and subsequent management guidelines for para athletes is needed.