Psychological Impact of Cognitive Rest Following Sport-Related Concussion on Low Socioeconomic Status Adolescent Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Describe the psychological impact of cognitive rest in adolescents recovering from concussion from sport-related concussion.

Methods: Eight male football players with a previous sport concussion and full recovery completed semi-structured interviews during focus group sessions. Using content analysis, the researchers independently analyzed notes and transcriptions to identify themes associated with the psychological impact of cognitive rest.

Results: Common themes included: 1) sport as social support, and 2) boredom-complicated recovery following cognitive rest.

Conclusions: The current treatment protocol indicating cognitive rest and removal from school and sport may be detrimental in a population that is peer-dependent. Future research should explore generalizability and additional factors that may complicate psychological recovery of adolescent athletes following concussive injuries.