Modulating Factors Affecting Sports-Related Concussion Exposures: A Systematic Review and Analysis

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.6-to-3.8 million concussions occur annually in sports. This quantitative meta-analysis of one hundred and twenty-one sports-related concussion studies, across fourteen youth sports, investigated the contributions of statistical constructs, and diagnostic methods, considering the impact of nationwide laws and education, as well as distinguished injury surveillance techniques, in this widely diverse literature. Concussion study research designs were found to have differing diagnostic, statistical, and methodological techniques. Among less frequently studied, non-high-contact, sports, a meta-analysis investigated relative rates of concussion and sex differences. Findings indicated considerable variation in reported concussion incidence rates due to the sport played, but also due to the number of study authors listed and the proportion of female athletes represented. Such factors likely influence the reported incidence of sports-related concussions, especially in sports not typically associated with a high risk of head injuries. To better capture the incidence of sports-related head injuries and concussion, a universal data repository for youth concussions might be established to provide an ongoing, comprehensive, and accurate picture of concussions in youth and collegiate athletics.