Department of Occupational Therapy, Wingate University, NC, USA.
Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2024;44(4):542-553. doi: 10.1080/01942638.2023.2299033. Epub 2024 Jan 22.
This study was designed to explore experiences of high school athletes in order to understand their occupational engagement after sustaining a sports-related concussion. The study explored the role occupational therapists (OTs) can play in post-concussion care while supporting adolescents in returning to meaningful occupations.
The study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological approach by conducting interviews with high school athletes to understand their participation in occupations during recovery. Six student-athletes from 14-18 years of age were interviewed.
The five identified themes from the study included impacts on ADL performance, school performance, sleep, mental health, and driver safety. Student-athletes reported feelings of loneliness and loss of identity. Dressing, showering, grooming, and driving were disturbed due to balance deficits, headaches, and nausea. Participants reported decreased participation in social, sports, and leisure occupations due to heightened symptoms.
Due to the considerable variability of disturbance in occupational participation post-concussion, occupational therapists can assist in creating and implementing individualized treatment plans to support high school athletes while recovering from a sports-related concussion.
本研究旨在探讨高中生运动员的经历，以了解他们在遭受与运动相关的脑震荡后职业参与的情况。本研究探讨了职业治疗师（OT）在脑震荡后护理中可以发挥的作用，同时支持青少年重新从事有意义的职业。
本研究采用定性、现象学方法，通过对高中生运动员进行访谈，了解他们在康复期间参与职业活动的情况。共有 6 名 14-18 岁的学生运动员接受了采访。
本研究确定了 5 个主题，包括日常生活活动表现、学业成绩、睡眠、心理健康和驾驶安全的影响。运动员报告了孤独感和身份丧失感。由于平衡缺陷、头痛和恶心，穿衣、洗澡、梳理和驾驶受到干扰。参与者报告由于症状加重，社会、运动和休闲职业参与减少。
由于脑震荡后职业参与的干扰存在很大的可变性，职业治疗师可以协助制定和实施个性化的治疗计划，以支持高中生运动员从与运动相关的脑震荡中恢复。
