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Women's Soccer
Hit with Multiple Concussions
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The women's soccer team has already dealt with four
concussion this  fall
season. The concussions have held out Britnie Sarno (defense) for
16 days, Lindsey Roake (midfield) for 7 days, and Meghan Arnold
(defense) for 8 days. Jamie White (forward) has missed 10 days so
far and is not yet back to full participation. "While four
concussions seems high for soccer, if you factor in that two occurred
outside of athletics, we feel we are in a normal area for the number
of concussions", commented Kristin Camm, Athletic Trainer.
Stockton Athletic Training Services uses several different tools
to help manage concussions. Baseline testing is a focus of their
protocol. Athletes are tested before an injury occurs and then their
results are compared to post-concussion results to help determine
when it's safe to return to play. Stockton uses the ImPact
Concussion Software that tests neurocognitive functioning. They
also use the Balance
Error Scoring System (BESS) test, which measures postural stability.
The Standardized
Assessment of Concussion (SAC) test is an evaluation tool that
is used immediately after a possible concussion.
"These tests give us objective data that prevents our athletes
from minimizing or denying symptoms in order to get back on the
field before it is safe. These tests supplement the traditional
concussion evaluation nicely", commented Camm. Jamie White
has not yet returned to baseline on her ImPact testing, while she
has passed all of her other concussion tests. This is her final
hurdle to returning to full participation.
The NATA Position Statement on managing concussions in athletics
can be found here
and their press release here.
10/14/05 |
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