Tenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Rugby is a popular contact sport in which concussion occurs frequently. Although concussion protocols are now in place, there is limited research that indicates whether there are long term consequences due to these injuries. The consequences of concussion in schoolboys from playing rugby have been reported to effect their occupational performance in Education. The aim of the study is to explore the consequences of concussion as a result of schoolboy rugby on occupational performance using a review of the literature. A literature search using various databases in sports medicine, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, education, and occupational therapy was done. The search terms included occupational therapy, concussion, schoolboy rugby, sports injury, occupational and academic performance. A small number of articles were specific to concussion as a result of schoolboys playing rugby and therefore pediatric sports-related concussion articles were included. Consequences of a concussion that influence occupational performance include decreased school attendance, academic performance, social participation, and decreased cognitive processing. No articles could be found in occupational therapy literature related to the consequences of concussion or relating to consequences in occupational performance areas other than academic performance. There is no clear description of the role of OT in the prevention and rehabilitation of consequences of concussive injury in schoolboy’s playing rugby, therefore, the role occupational therapy in prevention and treatment of concussion in schoolboys post rugby injuries has not been explored and is unknown.