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Concussion prevention strategies: A Survey of division I and division II female soccer teams

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate concussion prevention strategies being used in NCAA Division I and Division II women's soccer and characterize the beliefs of Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) on concussion prevention methods. Background While much attention has been paid to decreasing concussion rates in collegiate woman's soccer, it is unknown what prevention strategies are currently being performed. Additionally, ATs’ beliefs on the efficacy of concussion prevention practices for these athletes is unknown. Design/Methods Participants included ATs employed at any of the 334 Division I or 273 Division II universities working with woman's soccer. A survey instrument of structured questions followed by open-ended follow up questions was developed to identify if teams utilized cervical strengthening programs, headgear, or other techniques for concussion prevention. Questions also address ATs' beliefs on the effectiveness of cervical strengthening, headgear and mouthguards in concussion prevention. Data were collected via questionnaire e-mailed through Qualtrics survey software. Responses were received from 222 ATs (37.8% response rate). Data were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Results Some form of cervical strengthening or stability for concussion prevention was performed by 38 teams (17.12%) and seven (3.15%) were unsure. The majority (69.86%) believe such programs will aid in concussion prevention. Equipment for concussion prevention was report by 36 (16.59%). Text responses included mouthpieces (n = 3) and headgear (n = 31). Seventy-eight (35.49%) reported players on their team wear headgear. Nineteen (8.76%) believe headgear prevents concussions. Forty-five (20.74%) believe mouthguards prevent concussions. Proper soccer technique is implemented by 151 (69.59%) and 14 (0.06%) cite nutritional strategies for concussion prevention. Conclusions Although most ATs believe that cervical strengthening aids concussion prevention, few programs are implementing this strategy. Disconnect exists between available evidence and the perceptions held by ATs regarding mouthguards and headgear for concussion prevention.