Quantifying the Diagnostic Utility of Baseline Testing in Concussion Management: An Analysis of Collegiate Athletes From the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium Dataset.

Background: Although preseason baseline testing is a commonly recommended part of the concussion management process, its "value-added" contribution to the diagnosis of acute concussion compared with normative reference values remains in question.

Purpose: This research aimed to evaluate the diagnostic benefits of baseline testing in acute concussion assessment compared with normative reference values and characterize the athletes who receive the most diagnostic utility from baseline testing.

Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Factors Associated With Return to Activity After Concussion Among Female Service Academy Members: Findings From the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium.

Introduction: Service academy members are at high risk for concussions as a result of participation in both sports and military-specific training activities. Approximately 17% of active duty service members are female, and they face unique challenges in achieving timely recovery from concussions. Understanding the unique characteristics affecting return to unrestricted activity (RTA) among female service academy members is imperative for the ever-growing proportion of females across the U.

Hawaiian High School Football Player Positional Differences in Helmet Impact Characteristics.

Context: The importance of analyzing head impact exposure among football players is well established, yet few studies have explored the differences across position groups in high school athletes. Better understanding of these differences may provide optimized intervention strategies for coaches and healthcare providers.

Objective: To quantify the difference of head impacts per exposure (Imp/E) and impact burden high school football player position groups.

Progesterone and Estradiol Levels Associated with Concussion and Clinical Outcomes and Recovery in Female Athletes and Cadets.

Introduction: Female athletes are underrepresented in concussion research, and few studies have investigated associations of ovarian hormones with concussion outcomes. This study explored associations of concussion with levels and variability of progesterone, estradiol, and their ratio (P/E) and examined relationships of hormone levels with clinical measures and recovery after concussion in CARE Consortium female athletes and cadets.Methods: Female participants enrolled (n = 749) at pre-injury baseline.