Knowledge and attitudes towards sport-related concussion amongst key stakeholders in cricket: a cross-sectional survey of two counties

Badge, Ravi, Ashbrook, Jane, Amit, Anand and Dobbin, Nicholas ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7508-1683 (2024) Knowledge and attitudes towards sport-related concussion amongst key stakeholders in cricket: a cross-sectional survey of two counties. In: British Orthopaedic Sports Trauma and Arthroscopy Annual Conference 2024, 7 November 2024, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK. (In Press)

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Abstract

Background: Sports-related concussion (SRC) is regarded as a subset of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can result in clinical symptoms following a direct or indirect impact to the head with or without pathological injury. Despite the observing short- and long-term consequences of SRC, it remains a largely under-investigated area within recreational cricket. However, the incidence of head impacts in cricket is reported to be between 2- 7.2 per 1000 player days, equating to ~2-7 head impacts per 9 games. There is general agreement that the batter facing a fast bowler has the highest risk of a SRC (~ 16% of all), though other individuals are also at risk of an SRC such as fielders, the wicket keeper, the bowler, and the umpires. Whilst the incidence rates are relatively low compared to other sports, the potential severity of this injury warrants consideration, especially at amateur levels, where rules are not as well implemented (e.g., enforced substitutes), the use of protective equipment remains optional for some cricketers, and the presence of medically trained individuals can be limited, thus relying on the goodwill of key stakeholder. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved an online cricket specific survey based on the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitude Survey Student Version (ROCKAS) circulated amongst various stakeholders within recreational cricket of two counties. Results: In total, 76 responses were received (player = 31, coaches = 6, SGOs = 9, umpires = 30) with a mean age of 46.9 ± 16.0 years and involvement in cricket of 14.9 ± 10.6 years. Conclusions: This study found that concussion knowledge and attitudes was considered moderate to very high whilst attituded were good to very good. However, there is scope to enhance both knowledge and attitudes including symptom recognition, some questions on knowledge, and reducing “unsafe” responses through a series of concussion knowledge education sessions.