Concussions in NCAA Varsity Football Athletes: A Qualitative Investigation of Player Perception and Return to Sport

Vehniah K. Tjong, Hayden P. Baker, Charles J. Cogan, Melissa Montoya, Tory R. Lindley, Michael A. Terry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of varsity football athletes on return to play following a concussion injury. Methods: Two experienced interviewers conducted qualitative, semistructured interviews of college-level football players who had sustained at least one concussion during their varsity careers. Results: Twenty varsity football players who averaged 2.3 concussions each (range, 1–5) were interviewed regarding peer pressure, the culture of football, and player awareness as factors affecting return to sport following a concussion. Less common secondary factors included risk management, severity and timing of the injury, and team support. Conclusions: Psychological stressors, the culture of football, and increased awareness were the most influential factors affecting collegiate football players’ deciding to return to sport following a concussion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere070
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Global Research and Reviews
Volume1
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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