TBI Network, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand; TBI Network, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
J Sci Med Sport. 2020 Nov;23(11):1055-1061. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.05.008. Epub 2020 May 17.
To determine knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards concussion in adult equestrian athletes.
Nationwide, cross-sectional, questionnaire.
Participants were recruited via advertisements circulated through social media, community presentations and equestrian organisations. Participants were sent a web link to an online questionnaire previously designed for high school athletes and modified to ensure relevance to equestrian activities. The percentage of correct responses per item and a total knowledge score were calculated. Differences in concussion knowledge by age, sex, level of experience and previous history of concussion were explored using t-tests, 95% confidence intervals (CI) and effect sizes.
The questionnaire was completed by 1486 participants (Mean age=39.1±15.4). Knowledge of what concussion was, how to recognise it and key symptoms (except poor sleep) was high (>80%). In contrast, awareness of guidelines was moderate (56%) and inability of helmets to prevent concussion was low (12%). Significantly higher levels of knowledge of concussion were identified in females compared with males (t=-6.55 p<0.001, 95%CI=-3.26 to -1.75). The majority (87%) of participants reported that a helmet should be replaced after a fall, yet 46% reported re-using a helmet following a hit to the head.
Knowledge of and attitudes towards concussion were positive. However, there were knowledge gaps and discrepancies between some attitudes and behaviour on some aspects of concussion. Targeted campaigns to promote awareness of concussion and improve recognition and onward management are needed. Education related to equestrian activities such as helmet use and injury mechanisms is needed to change behaviour and minimise the risk of injury.
了解成年马术运动员对脑震荡的认知、态度和行为。
全国范围内的横断面问卷调查。
通过社交媒体、社区活动和马术组织发布广告招募参与者。参与者收到一个网络链接，可点击链接进入之前为高中生设计的在线问卷，问卷内容已进行修改以确保与马术活动相关。通过计算每个项目的正确回答率和总分，评估参与者的知识水平。使用 t 检验、95%置信区间（CI）和效应量，分析参与者的年龄、性别、经验水平和既往脑震荡史等因素对脑震荡认知的影响。
共有 1486 名参与者完成了问卷（平均年龄 39.1±15.4）。对脑震荡的定义、如何识别以及关键症状（睡眠不佳除外）的认知较高（>80%）。相比之下，对指南的认识程度适中（56%），对头盔无法预防脑震荡的认识较低（12%）。女性的脑震荡认知水平明显高于男性（t=-6.55，p<0.001，95%CI=-3.26 至-1.75）。大多数（87%）参与者表示，头盔在摔倒后应更换，但 46%的参与者表示在头部受到撞击后会重复使用头盔。
参与者对脑震荡的认知和态度较为积极。然而，在一些认知方面存在知识差距和态度与行为之间的差异。需要开展有针对性的宣传活动，提高对脑震荡的认识，并改善对其的识别和后续管理。还需要进行与马术活动相关的教育，如头盔使用和受伤机制，以改变行为，降低受伤风险。
