Diagnosis of Sports-Related Concussion Using Symptom Report or Standardized Assessment of Concussion.

Importance: The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT5) has been recommended for concussion evaluation and utilizes both a subjective reported symptom grading scale and objective measures of concussion including a cognitive evaluation: the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC). The SAC includes testing for orientation, immediate memory, concentration, and delayed recall; a 10-word list is used to assess immediate memory and delayed recall.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of components of the SCAT5 and to provide a framework for clinical interpretation.

Prevalence of covid-19 and long covid in collegiate student athletes from spring 2020 to fall 2021: a retrospective survey.

Background: Symptomatic COVID-19 and Long COVID, also referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or post-COVID conditions, have been widely reported in young, healthy people, but their prevalence has not yet been determined in student athletes. We sought to estimate the prevalence of reported COVID-19, symptomatic COVID-19, and Long COVID in college athletes in the United States attending 18 schools from spring 2020 to fall 2021.

Methods: We developed an online survey to measure the prevalence of student athletes who tested positive for COVID-19, developed Long COVID, and did not return to their sport during the relevant time period.

Effect of the 2018 NCAA Kickoff Rule Change on Concussion Rates in Collegiate Football: Results From a Division 1 Conference.

Background: Kickoff plays in American football are associated with an increased risk of concussion compared with other play types. In 2018, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football Rules Committee altered the kickoff rules so a fair catch inside the 25-yard line results in a touchback, with the ensuing drive starting on the 25-yard line. The intention was to decrease the number of kickoff returns with a corresponding decrease in the rate of concussions on kickoff plays.

Risk of Concussion After a Targeting Foul in Collegiate American Football.

Background: The targeting rule was adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2008 to discourage dangerous contact during collegiate American football competition. Although targeting rules have been emphasized as a means to reduce concussion rates, there is currently no evidence that targeting plays are higher risk for concussion than other plays in American football.

Purpose: To compare the rate of concussion occurring during targeting versus nontargeting plays in American collegiate football.

Diagnostic accuracy and reliability of sideline concussion evaluation: a prospective, case-controlled study in college athletes comparing newer tools and established tests.

Objective: To assess diagnostic accuracy and reliability of sideline concussion tests in college athletes.

Methods: Athletes completed baseline concussion tests including Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC), modified Balance Error Scoring System (m-BESS), King-Devick test and EYE-SYNC Smooth Pursuits. Testing was repeated in athletes diagnosed acutely with concussion and compared to a matched teammate without concussion.

Comparison of cardiovascular screening in college athletes by history and physical examination with and without an electrocardiogram: Efficacy and cost.

Background: Preparticipation screening for conditions associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) is required in college athletes. Previous cost analyses used theoretical models based on variable assumptions, but no study used real-life outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare disease prevalence, positive findings, and costs of 2 different screening strategies: history and physical examination alone (H&P) or with an electrocardiogram (H&P+ECG).

Normal variability within a collegiate athlete sample: A rationale for comprehensive baseline testing.

Objective: Sport-related concussions continue to garner attention as research emerges about the effects of these injuries. Many have advocated for cognitive baselines; however, there is no uniform practice of neuropsychological baseline testing at the collegiate level leading to variance in administration and interpretation. Continuing clarification on best practices is essential for the field, especially considering previous research highlighting normal variability on cognitive tests in other populations, but also the need for separate normative sources for those with attention and learning problems.

Posterior Humeral Circumflex Artery Aneurysms in Two Collegiate Pitchers.

Unlabelled: Posterior humeral circumflex artery aneurysms in upper extremity athletes are a rarely described entity now beginning to gain wider recognition in the medical literature. Recent studies have demonstrated that these aneurysms may be underdiagnosed and that appropriate recognition with early diagnosis is imperative for improved outcomes. This case report aims to increase awareness of posterior humeral circumflex artery aneurysms and to educate physicians on the appropriate recognition of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Concussion Management in the Collegiate Athlete.

Concussions have always been common in sports, but the awareness and associated diagnosis of the condition have been trending upward, gaining significant attention through medical literature, news media, and entertainment. Concussion management in the collegiate athlete is of specific concern, as over 460,000 young adults compete in collegiate athletics annually. The NCAA and other groups have strived to provide consensus guidelines, but many student-athletes still are not being managed as recommended.

The effects of two therapeutic patellofemoral taping techniques on strength, endurance, and pain responses.

Objective: To compare the effects of taping techniques on clinical measures in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) patients.

Design: Crossover experimental design.

Setting: Controlled laboratory.

Exercise and restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Background And Objectives: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, underdiagnosed neurological movement disorder of undetermined etiology. The primary treatments for restless legs syndrome are pharmacological. To date, no randomized controlled trials have examined the effectiveness of an exercise program on the symptoms of RLS.

Clinical inquiries. What is the most effective management of acute fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal?

For acute Jones' fractures in recreationally active patients, early intramedullary screw fixation results in lower failure rates and shorter times to both clinical union and return to sports than non-weightbearing short leg casting (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on 2 randomized controlled trials [RCT]). Non-weightbearing short leg casting achieves union in 56% to 100% of patients but can require prolonged casting (SOR: B, based on 2 prospective cohorts and multiple retrospective, follow-up studies). Stress fractures were not included in this review.

Medical coverage of high school athletics in North Carolina.

Background: A significant percentage of high school students participate in athletics, and of those participating, at least one third will experience a sport-related injury. Despite the high risk of injury, there are few guidelines on what type of medical coverage should be provided for high school athletics. Although vague recommendations are present, it is not known to what extent high schools comply with these guidelines.

Clinical inquiries. How does tissue adhesive compare with suturing for superficial lacerations?

Tissue adhesives are effective and yield results comparable to those with conventional suturing of superficial, linear, and low-tension lacerations. The cosmetic outcome is similar; wound complications, such as infection and dehiscence, may be lower with tissue adhesives. Wound closure of superficial lacerations by tissue adhesives is quicker and less painful compared with conventional suturing (strength of recommendation: A, systematic reviews of randomized trials).