BACKGROUND: Concussions are frequent injuries sustained by collegiate athletes. They are often underdiagnosed and may lack adequate treatment due to a lack of standardization in diagnosis and return to play guidelines. Current research suggests that there is an increased risk of subsequent injury after returning to play among previously concussed athletes. Recurrent injuries have a detrimental impact on athletic careers and often result in early retirement from competitive sports. The relationship between sports-related concussions (SRCs) and subsequent musculoskeletal injuries in the NCAA reveals a lack of consensus on return to play (RTP) guidelines and management. Clinical guidelines are evolving with the progressive understanding of SRC pathophysiology. LITERATURE REVIEW FINDINGS: Previous research has found an association between concussion and subsequent acute musculoskeletal injuries, specifically lower extremity injuries. In addition, sports-specific athlete cohorts, such as soccer and football players, have been shown to have a high incidence of SRC. The exact mechanism of action linking SRC and subsequent acute injury is currently unknown. There are numerous etiologic possibilities offered in the literature, including gait alterations, neuromuscular control deficits, and impaired reaction time. However, further research is required to elucidate this relationship—in our review of the current literature we were able to find no studies evaluating the risk of both upper and lower extremity injury following SRC after returning to play in the NCAA population. PROPOSED PROJECT: The goal of the proposed retrospective cohort study of BU athletes is to evaluate the impact of concussion history on recurrent injury after returning to sports. Study inclusion criteria will consist of BU athletes diagnosed with concussions at a single NCAA Division I institution. This cohort will be collected from NCAA injury database and electronic medical records will be matched with controls who have not sustained concussions over the same period. CONCLUSIONS: History of concussion is associated with increased risk of recurrent injury in athletes, specifically at the collegiate level. Further work must be done at all levels of athletics to standardize return to play guidelines to prevent this increased risk of subsequent injury. SIGNIFICANCE: This study will help determine whether a relationship exists between concussion and subsequent sports-related injuries. This information may allow for closer monitoring of return to play and treatment of concussions. Additionally, it may encourage further developments to diagnostic criteria, education, and injury prevention.

African American men in their late teens to early 20s account for nearly half the victims of violent crimes. This mixed methods social epidemiological study was designed to identify the social determinants of violence as described by a purposive sample of young adult African American men (n=353) who have experience as a victim or witness to any type of violence to determine the impact post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have on recurrent violent injury. The pathways to recurrence model shaped the theoretical framework of this study. Quantitative data were collected using the Past Feelings and Acts of Violence (PFAV) instrument and the PTSD checklist civilian version (PCL-C). Logistic regression and Pearson correlation analysis techniques were used to examine correlations between the variables. The results showed that with higher levels of past violent behaviors there is an increase in PTSD symptoms. Qualitative data regarding exposure to and experiences with violence were collected from a subgroup of participants using open-ended, semistructured interviews (n=5) that were later analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Weapon-carrying, living in urban settings, and gang presence were themes identified by those interviewed as being related to recurrent injury. These findings will encourage social change by stimulating new strategies aimed at long-range systems changes by those who shape policies and influence community investment and engagement in resource -poor communities where violence is prevalent. More research is needed to determine if early identification and treatment for PTSD among African American men who have been exposed to violence may reduce the incidence of future violence and injury.

The aim of this study was to establish the factors associated with sports injuries among first division Rwandan female soccer players. Conclusion: Advocacy about the safety and improvement of Rwandan female soccer through workshops and trainings involving players, coaches and team owners need to be emphasised.

The aim of this study was to establish the factors associated with sports injuries among first division Rwandan female soccer players. Conclusion: Advocacy about the safety and improvement of Rwandan female soccer through workshops and trainings involving players, coaches and team owners need to be emphasised.

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio) / The aim of this study was to establish the factors associated with sports injuries among first division Rwandan female soccer players. Conclusion: Advocacy about the safety and improvement of Rwandan female soccer through workshops and trainings involving players, coaches and team owners need to be emphasised. / South Africa