INS QUÉBEC STUDY ON CONCUSSIONS IN OLYMPIC ATHLETES PUBLISHED IN THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE

The Institut national du sport du Québec (INS Québec) is proud to announce the publication of a scientific article by its medical and sports science teams in the prestigious British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM). This article represents the first publication in this internationally renowned journal by INS Québec specialists : Thomas Romeas, Head of Research and Innovation, Félix Croteau, Physiotherapist, and Dr. Suzanne Leclerc, Medical Director at the Institut, are the authors of this study (see attached abstract).

The BJSM is the most influential scientific journal in the field of sports medicine, and this publication marks a significant milestone for INS Québec. This recognition underscores the excellence and dedication of the Institut’s specialists to improving the health and performance of athletes and reinforces INS Québec’s position as a leader in concussion research and innovation.

Rapid care for faster recovery

This groundbreaking study examined the time to return to play in Olympic athletes with concussions and demonstrated the crucial importance of rapid access to multidisciplinary care in reducing convalescence. Injuries sustained during international competitions appear to play a role in the prolonged recovery time, estimated at 34 days according to this study. More importantly, athletes who had access to care within 7 days of injury returned to training in an average of 26 days, compared with 45 days for those with delayed access. Initial concussion-induced symptoms play a significant role in recovery time, and women prone to delayed access to care experience a delay in their return to play.

“This publication in the British Journal of Sports Medicine is a major advance for our team and for the sporting community as a whole,” says Dr. Suzanne Leclerc, Medical Director of INS Québec. “It not only demonstrates the importance of rapid access to multidisciplinary care, but also paves the way for new strategies to improve athletes’ recovery from concussion. We are proud to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this crucial field, and we thank all the stakeholders, clinicians and athletes who enable us to collect data essential to the advancement of knowledge.”

Ongoing commitment to research and innovation

For Roger Archambault, Vice-President, Performance Services at the Institut: “The exceptional work of our specialists and their commitment to research and innovation perfectly illustrate our mission at INS Québec. For us, combining a research component with professional, scientific and medical support is essential to offer our athletes and training groups the best possible conditions to excel.”

INS Québec’s multidisciplinary concussion management clinic is distinguished by its dual commitment to research and innovation, in addition to providing cutting-edge clinical care. The clinic is one of the few actively involved in research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of concussion.

Several other research activities are currently underway, aimed at furthering knowledge of concussion management and recovery, as well as in other areas of sports medicine such as injury prevention. This work demonstrates INS Québec’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation in sports care.

Abstract

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE

Original title : Where is the research on sport-related concussion in Olympic athletes? A descriptive report and assessment of the impact of access to multidisciplinary care on recovery

RAPID CARE FOR FASTER RECOVERY : A STUDY ON CONCUSSIONS AMONG OLYMPIC ATHLETES

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine by the Institut national du sport du Québec provides valuable information on a crucial question: what factors influence the time it takes Olympic athletes to return to competition after sustaining a concussion?

This unique study reports data obtained from concussed Olympic athletes. These athletes were compared between those who accessed multidisciplinary care within 7 days of their injury, and those who waited longer than 7 days. The results are revealing.

Recovery time

The median time to return to sport after concussion was 34 days for Olympic athletes, well above the time reported for other groups of athletes (e.g. professionals, university students) who benefit from more resources or travel less. Indeed, Olympic athletes regularly compete internationally, making access to organized multidisciplinary care more limited.

The importance of prompt care

The study also showed that athletes who received prompt care returned to training faster (e.g. 26 days) than those who received delayed access (e.g. 45 days). Time to return to sport was also associated with the number and intensity of initial symptoms. In addition, women recovered more slowly when they accessed care too late (more than 7 days).

A lesson for the future

This study highlights the vital importance of rapid access to care for top-level athletes. It is essential that sports authorities and federations put in place effective systems of care, particularly during international competitions, to ensure rapid and optimal recovery for athletes.

In conclusion, rapid access to multidisciplinary care makes all the difference for Olympic athletes suffering from concussion. The results illustrate the significant impact that early and comprehensive care can have. Improving this access is a priority to protect the health and careers of elite athletes.

For more details on this study: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108211