CONCUSSION

A top priority research topic at INS Québec

As part of Concussion Awareness Week, which is being held across Canada from September 26 to October 2, 2021, INS Québec is reiterating its commitment to concussion awareness by encouraging everyone to prevent concussions in their organizations and to recognize the signs in order to manage them.

INS Québec continues its research and innovation work aimed at improving the performance of high-level athletes while ensuring their safety. The INS Quebec Concussion Interdisciplinary Clinic, headed by Dr. Suzanne Leclerc, was established to provide a multidisciplinary and integrated approach with a high level of specialization.

The INS Québec meets the highest international standards for both the evaluation and management of concussions. Several research projects are underway on the subject, notably in collaboration with short track speed skating athletes. The institute’s experts are highly qualified in both intervention and research. Basic evaluations as well as post-concussion follow-ups, during the various stages of recovery and during the return to play are provided by an Integrated Support Team, including physicians, specialized physiotherapists, athletic therapists, neuropsychologists, kinesiologists, sports vision specialists and optometrists.

One of the research projects conducted at the Institute was presented earlier this year at the very first edition of the Journée des Jeunes Chercheur-e-s, organized by the Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM). The research focuses on an epidemiological and biomechanical study of the impact of falls leading to concussions in short track speed skating.

Short track speed skating takes place at high speed on a restricted track and in groups, which poses many risks of falls. The objective of this research is to assess the incidence of concussions and to better understand the mechanisms of impact to the head in order to propose solutions to limit the risk of concussions in short track athletes. The results of this project will be used to guide the development of new protective helmet prototypes specific to short track speed skating.

• Principal Investigators: Aïda Valevicius, Post-doctoral fellow, McGill University / David Pearsall, Professor, McGill University / Matthew Kelly, M.Sc. student, McGill University / Taylor Léger, M.Sc. student, McGill University / Dr. Suzanne Leclerc, Medical Director, INS Québec; Associate Clinical Professor, University of Montreal / Thomas Romeas, Neuroscientist, INS Québec; Adjunct Professor, University of Montreal / François Bieuzen, Exercise Physiologist

In collaboration with a research team from McGill University, INS Québec is also studying the problem of concussions in short track speed skating, notably by conducting impact tests on protective helmets and by assessing the impact of falls on the brain using computer-simulated models (finite element method). The results of this research activity will be presented in November at the International Olympic Committee’s world conference on the prevention of injuries and illnesses in sport. They are also the subject of a scientific publication.

Click here to see a real time simulation

• Principal Investigators: Dr. Suzanne Leclerc, Medical Director, INS Québec; Clinical Associate Professor, University of Montreal / Thomas Romeas, Neuroscientist, INS Québec; Associate Professor, University of Montreal / David Pearsall, Professor, McGill University / Daniel Aponte, Ph.D. Student, McGill University Aïda Valevicius, Post-doctoral fellow, McGill University

Other ongoing research projects on concussion

Concussion and the autonomic nervous system:

• In collaboration with the University of Quebec in Montreal, we are validating medical follow-up methods for the return to sport after concussion. These methods are based on the objective assessment of the activity of the two components of the autonomic nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic.
• Principal Investigators: Prof. Alain Steve Comtois / Christian Soto / Dr. Suzanne Leclerc / David Martin

Cognitive ability of athletes with and without concussion:

• In collaboration with the University of Montreal, the impact of a concussion on the cognitive abilities of high level athletes is being studied.
• Principal Investigators: Prof. Élaine De Guise / Mélissa Vona / Béatrice Lavoie-Léonard, /Prof. Thomas Romeas / Dr. Suzanne Leclerc / Dr. Jonathan Deslauriers

Post-trauma functional visual capacity:

• The effectiveness of tests for the management of post-concussive visual syndrome in athletes is analyzed.
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Ian Shrier / Dr. Suzanne Leclerc

Click here for more information about INS Québec’s research activities.

Find out what you can do to prevent concussions in your sport and what to do if a concussion occurs. Several information sources and toolkits are available.

Additional Information

Concussions in High Performance Sport
Presentation of new research findings on concussions in high performance sport by Suzanne Leclerc MD, PhD, Dip. Med. Sport, Medical Director, Institut national du sport du Québec, at the 2021 Canadian Symposium on Concussion in Sport.

SIRC | Sport Information Resource Centre
Article on Concussion Awareness Week

Canadian Concussion Network Toolkit