Concussion Prevention: The Woodpecker Method

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Daniel Riveros
Cody Mcmillian
Susan Kotowski

Abstract

By Daniel Riveros, health science; Cody Mcmillian, Health science


Advisor: Susan Kotowski


Presentation ID: PM_B20


Abstract: Participation in sports and other recreational activities by school age youth has many benefits including aiding in physical and mental development. However, one of the dangers of sport participation is concussions, which are considered a traumatic brain injury. Although millions of concussions are suffered by youth each year, interventions to minimize concussion risks in this population have remained elusive. This study, conducted with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, sought to examine whether a Q-Collar can help reduce concussion risk. The Q-Collar is a semi-circular device worn around the neck which slows blood outflow and therefore increases the blood volume retained in the brain by placing slight pressure on the jugular vein. It is hypothesized that by doing so the energy the brain absorbs during a collision is reduced and therefore so is concussion risk. Players on football and soccer teams from 12 schools around Cincinnati participated in the study and were randomized into the collar group or control group (e.g. no collar). Both groups wore an accelerometer to measure number of impacts and force of impacts. Cognitive testing was collected prior to and at the end of the season, while collar and accelerometer data was collected at all practices and games throughout the season. Comparison by sport, gender, team level (JV vs. Varsity) and other variables were completed to determine if there were significant differences between those in the Q-collar and control groups.

Article Details

Section
PM Poster Session -- Great Hall -- B: Health & Body