Résumé
Background: Assessing and managing concussions for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDs) is complex. These athletes often have higher rates of unreported concussions, poor concussion management and misdiagnosis. These errors are often attributed to the difficulties presented in the management of concussions among athletes with IDs due to varying baseline cognitive abilities.
Purpose: Explore the lived concussion experience of Special Olympic Canada (SOC) athletes and coaches to understandto understand the gaps and inform concussion practices for SOC athletes.
Methods: Four focus groups (two with coaches, two with athletes) were held (three virtual, one in-person) to understand participants’ concussion knowledge, access to information, and concussion experience. Focus group transcripts underwent inductive thematic analysis.
Results: This study included 18 athletes and 11 coaches representing 21 sports from across 8 provinces/territories. Three main themes were identified and included: 1)Current State of Concussion Knowledge: Coaches and athletes demonstrated inconsistent baseline knowledge of concussion symptoms and management; 2) Concussion Injury Experiences of SOC Athletes: Falls were identified as the most common mechanism of injury and the symptoms reported were similar to those experienced by neurotypical athletes; and, 3) Concussion Management Practices: There was no consistent return-to-sport protocol used, and symptoms were often neglected by both coaches and athletes.
Discussion: This research highlights the need for investment into better concussion education and awareness for athletes and coaches participating in SOC to narrow the concussion gaps.
