Isabel Hurley
EVENT riders and retired jockeys in Ireland are to play a major part in a worldwide study on the effects of concussion on sports people, it has emerged.
Key recommendations from a major conference in Dublin on concussion underlined the need to increase awareness of the condition in all sports including equestrian and racing, as well as the general public.
Irish event riders and jockeys will feed into a long-term study on the effects of concussion on equestrian and racing athletes, with further details to be officially unveiled next month. Some of the world’s leading experts on concussion in sport addressed the The Sports Medicine Conference on “Concussion – Diagnosis and Rehabilitation’’, held at the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry last Saturday.
Attendees heard that sports governing bodies have a responsibility and a duty of care to athletes/riders to introduce best practice in injury prevention; recognition of concussion and implement management guidelines.
The conference heard that “sport specific’’ information should be easily available so that concussion can be recognised, assessed and managed as early as possible.
Concussion can be difficult to assess but when in any doubt, riders are advised to “sit it out’’ and not ride another horse in the early recovery stages to avoid another injury. Judgement, balance and reaction times are all impaired in concussion.
The need to improve both the general awareness of concussion and the education of the condition among sports people of all kinds, riders, parents, officials, coaches and administrators was underlined at the conference.
Both senior medical officer with the Turf Club, Dr Adrian McGoldrick and Dr Antonia Lehane of the Medical Equestrian Association and the FEI Medical Committee attended the day-long conference, which both described as invaluable.
Dr Lehane told The Irish Field:”It was an excellent conference with world class experts reiterating the basic principles of early recognition and concussion management. I feel equestrian sport should look to a model like the GAA who have successfully implemented these recommendations from the grassroots up.”
Leading National Hunt jockey Ruby Walsh was the opening speaker and was followed by Melbourne’s Professor Paul McCrory, co-chair of the International Concussion in Sports Concensus Group and consultant neurologist. He presented the latest research findings on concussion and outlined trends which will be discussed at the next major international conference on concussion to be held in Berlin next year.
Professor Winnie Meeuwisse from the University of Calgary, Canada, emphasised the importance of educating sports people and increasing the awareness of concussion right across the board.
Other speakers included Medical Director of the International Concussion and Head Injury Research Foundation, Dr Michael Turner; Ger Ryan, chairman of the GAA Medical Scientific and Welfare Committee; Professor Barry Willer consultant psychologist of the University of Buffalo, USA and Sweden’s Dr Sanna Neselius.
CONCUSSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Concussion signs and symptoms may also indicate other serious brain/head injuries
Importance of repeat concussion history in individuals and their recovery pattern
Early recognition of concussion, early assessment and early start of management in individuals
Immediate removal of rider from competition/training when concussion is suspected
If in doubt, ‘Sit It Out’ - and do not continue riding when concussion is suspected
Resources to report and follow up cases in a structured manner
An ‘active’ rest and recovery plan, with monitoring and reassessment.
Children and young adults need longer recovery time from concussion but not total rest
Post concussion syndrome and depression need recognition
Biomarkers for neural damage are at an early stage of development
Medical certification of fitness to return to sport should be by independent doctors rather than team doctors