Primary Prevention of Concussion in Youth Ice Hockey Players

NCT ID: NCT03360786

Last Updated: 2017-12-04

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

UNKNOWN

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

120 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2017-10-04

Study Completion Date

2018-12-29

Brief Summary

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1. Background and Rationale:

Little is currently known about intrinsic risk factors for sport-related concussion in youth ice hockey players. Emerging research suggests that alterations in cervical and balance function increase the risk of concussion in youth ice hockey players. Thus, evaluation of a primary prevention program aimed at addressing alterations in cervical and vestibular function may result in a protective effect in reducing the risk of concussion. Such a program targeting intrinsic risk factors for concussion has not previously been evaluated and thus a pilot Randomized control trial (RCT) to inform the feasibility and efficacy of such a program is needed prior to proceeding to evaluation of such a program on a larger scale.
2. Research Question and Objectives

The primary objectives of this pilot RCT study are: 1) To evaluate the feasibility of a concussion prevention program in youth ice hockey players; and 2) To evaluate the efficacy of a concussion prevention program in decreasing the risk of concussion. Exploratory objectives include evaluating the changes in quality of life, clinical measures of cervical and vestibular function measures and Hockey Canada on-ice skills testing in youth ice hockey players following a concussion prevention program.
3. Methods

This study will be a pilot RCT. Prior to the 2017 hockey season, 120 players from 8 youth ice hockey teams ages 13-17 will be recruited to participate. Once parental consent and/or player assent has been obtained, players will complete a series of initial intake forms. Baseline tests and measures, including a standardized preseason baseline questionnaire (regarding playing history, past medical history, participation in sport) and a battery of questionnaires and clinical measures. Individuals will be randomly allocated into either a control protocol (general cardiovascular warm-up, general stretching and strengthening, education on concussion identification) or a specific protocol (balance, neuromotor control, strength, vestibulo-ocular and oculomotor training + concussion education). Both groups will meet with the study physiotherapist once weekly for 4 weeks and exercises will be progressed. A previously validated prospective injury surveillance system will be implemented. As part of this process, a team designate will collect data throughout the season regarding individual player participation in games, practices and dry land training sessions. Individuals with a suspected concussion will be referred to the study sport medicine physician for evaluation, diagnosis and standard of care management. At this time all baseline tests and measures will be repeated.

Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Concussion

Keywords

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sport concussion cervical spine youth

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors
An assessor who is blinded to group allocation will perform the pre and post assessment measures.

Study Groups

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Specific Protocol

The intervention group will work with the study physiotherapist and perform a 10-20 minute progressive exercises twice per week. The intervention will include a series of exercises including dynamic balance, adaptation, cervical spine strength, cervical spine neuromotor control and divided attention exercises. Exercises will begin at a lower level and progress to increasingly difficult levels of each exercise type over the course of the intervention. Concussion education and injury identification will also be completed.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Specific intervention

Intervention Type OTHER

Series of progressive exercises targeted at balance, adaptation, dividing attention, head on neck control, visual + education on concussion identification and concussion education

Control Protocol

The control group will continue with their standard warm up and practice schedule but have the addition of contact time with the study physiotherapist for education regarding concussion education and injury identification.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Control intervention

Intervention Type OTHER

Education on concussion and concussion identification in addition to typical cardiovascular warmups

Interventions

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Specific intervention

Series of progressive exercises targeted at balance, adaptation, dividing attention, head on neck control, visual + education on concussion identification and concussion education

Intervention Type OTHER

Control intervention

Education on concussion and concussion identification in addition to typical cardiovascular warmups

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Exclusion Criteria

* Inability to participate in physical activity for a reason other than sport related concussion.
* Inability to communicate in English language.
* Neurodevelopmental delays expected to affect ability to adapt with treatment.
* Orthopaedic or other injury affecting ability to participate.
* Medication known to affect neural adaptation as they may alter the response to treatment.
Minimum Eligible Age

13 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

17 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Kathryn J Schneider, PT, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre

Locations

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University of Calgary Sport

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Canada

Central Contacts

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Kathryn J Schneider, PT, PhD

Role: CONTACT

Phone: 403 210 8951

Email: [email protected]

Carolyn A Emery, PT, PhD

Role: CONTACT

Phone: 403-220-4608

Email: [email protected]

Facility Contacts

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Kathryn Schneider, PT, PhD

Role: primary

Carolyn Emery, PT, PhD

Role: backup

Other Identifiers

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Conc-PT-03

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id