Abstract
Coaches and physical educators play a crucial role in managing sports-related concussions (SRC) in youth and adolescent sports and physical activity, but their level of preparedness and health literacy varies significantly. Health literacy is vital for effectively recognizing and managing SRC. While many coaches and educators feel confident in identifying concussion symptoms, access to comprehensive training and resources is inconsistent, especially when working with younger athletes. The session explores the biopsychosocial model of SRC management, emphasizing how improved health literacy can support the safety and recovery of student-athletes. Despite advances in scientific understanding, SRC remains a concern at all levels of sports. Over the past fifteen years, the reported cases of SRC in studies have increased, likely due to improved health literacy among the public and medical personnel, enhanced recognition and reporting, and updates in legislation and management policies. This session explores the biopsychosocial model of concussion management, emphasizing how coaches and physical educators, with improved health literacy, can support the safety and recovery of student-athletes. Attendees will gain the knowledge needed to recognize signs and symptoms of concussions, implement educational protocols, and support a phased return-to-academics approach, as enhanced health literacy and education are essential for effective concussion management.
Presenters
David BerryProfessor, Department Chair, Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Concussion, Advocacy, Emergency Planning, Health Literacy
