Soccer-Related Concussions Among Swedish Elite Soccer Players: A Descriptive Study of 1,030 Players

Abstract

Objective: There are growing concerns about the short- and long-term consequences of sports-related concussion, which account for about 5-9% of all sports injuries. We hypothesized there may be sex differences in concussion history and concussion-related symptoms, evaluated among elite soccer players in Sweden. Design: Retrospective survey study. Participants and Setting: Soccer players (n = 1,030) from 55 Swedish elite soccer teams. Questionnaires were completed prior to the start of the 2017 season. Assessment of Risk Factors: Player history of soccer-related concussion (SoRC), symptoms and management following a SoRC were evaluated. Main Outcome Measures: Before the start of the season the players completed a baseline questionnaire assessing previous concussions. The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 3 was included with regard to symptom evaluation. Results: Out of 993 responding players 334 (34.6%) reported a previous SoRC and 103 players (10.4%) reported a SoRC during the past year. After sustaining a SoRC, 114 players (34.2%) reported that they continued their ongoing activity without a period of rest, more commonly female (44.9%) than male players (27.7%; P = 0.002). Symptom resolution time was 1 week or less for 61.3% of the players that reported having persisting symptoms. A positive correlation was observed between number of previous concussions and prevalence of three persisting symptoms: fatigue (P < 0.001), concentration/memory issues (P = 0.002) and headache (P = 0.047). Conclusion: About 35% of male and female elite soccer players in Sweden have experienced a previous SoRC, and about 10% experienced a SoRC during the last year. Female players continued to play after a SoRC, without a period of rest, more often than males. A higher risk of persisting symptoms was observed in players with a history of multiple concussions.

Keywords: SCAT3; concussion; sex differences; soccer; soccer-related concussion.

Figure 1

Frequency of the five most commonly reported symptoms in elite soccer players in Sweden evaluated with the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool-3 (SCAT3) and the frequency of symptom scores (graded 1–6) among men, women, never concussed (NC), and previously concussed (PC) players. Numbers above bars show percentage of group (men/women/NC/PC) with symptom. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01.

Figure 2

Frequency and duration of persisting symptoms reported after a soccer-related concussion (SoRC) among men and women. Numbers above bars show percentage of group (men/women) that reported the symptom. **P < 0.01.

Figure 3

Prevalence of reported persisting symptoms (persisting > 24 h) following a soccer-related concussion in relation to number of previous concussions. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01.