SHRed Consequences of Concussion in Youth Sport

We are trying to determine whether or not youth and young adults with a history of sport-related concussion or injury in the past 5-15 years differ in symptoms, concentration, brain function, physical performance, body composition, exercise capacity, activity levels, neck function, balance, eye motion, mood, and utilization of health care resources compared to youth and young adults with no history of injury.

100 individuals, aged 16-33, who sustained a concussion during youth sport AND 100 individuals, aged 16-33, who sustained a significant musculoskeletal injury during youth sport AND 100 individuals, aged 16-33, who have never sustained an injury and played youth sport.

Sport related concussions are among the leading sport and recreation-related injuries experienced by youth and account for over 50% of all youth concussions in Canada. Concussion can have longer-term consequences in some individuals leading to absence from sport, school and work. Although short-term effects of concussion have been investigated in youth, little is known regarding potential longer-term consequences. Further knowledge regarding potential long-term consequences of concussion will inform a better understanding of factors influencing recovery and potential treatment strategies. There is a critical need for research examining longer-term health outcomes following concussion.

After participants have signed up for an online account, they will have access to a list of questionnaires to be completed. They will then be booked for a testing session at the University of Calgary to complete a number of tests, including a SCAT5 (virtually or in-person), a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan (body fat, lean mass, bone density), clinical tests (including neck strength and endurance, and eye movement tasks), and an exercise test. Participants will also be asked to wear an activity monitor for 7 days to track day-to-day activity levels. Testing at Foothills Medical Centre will consist of an MRI of the brain and a robotics test for hand/eye coordination (KINARM).