Dr. Ramshaw studies the impact of concussion education on youth athletes, particularly through interventions like Pre-Game Safety Huddles, where coaches encourage players to report concussion symptoms. He examines how coaches communicate about concussions, identifying barriers that prevent effective discussions. His work emphasizes the importance of helping coaches understand concussion risks and promoting open conversations between them and their athletes, ultimately aiming to foster safer sports experiences for young players.
Key findings
Athletes in the Safety Huddles group were 0.49 points more likely to report concussion symptoms compared to those who didn't participate in the huddles.
After using a new online training platform, coaches were over 2.5 times more likely to engage in conversations about concussion symptoms with their athletes.
In a study on CT scans, 76% of 492 patients had negative scans without using oral contrast, demonstrating that it is not necessary and can speed up evaluations.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Ramshaw study concussions in youth sports?
Yes, Dr. Ramshaw focuses on concussion education and safety for youth athletes.
What treatments or methods has Dr. Ramshaw researched for concussion safety?
Dr. Ramshaw has researched the effectiveness of Pre-Game Safety Huddles and online training programs for coaches to improve communication about concussion symptoms.
How does Dr. Ramshaw's work benefit young athletes?
His research helps create safer sports environments by improving how athletes report concussion symptoms and how coaches communicate about them.
Publications in plain English
Developing a conceptual model of coach concussion communication by adapting the theory of planned behavior and the social ecological model.
2023
Journal of American college health : J of ACH
Chrisman SPD, Gomez D, Kroshus E, Mayer CV, Garrett K +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how coaches communicate about concussions in sports and what influences that communication. Researchers interviewed Division I contact sport coaches and found that while coaches generally know about the dangers of concussions, they often don't communicate effectively about them due to feeling pressured to win and a lack of clear guidelines for diagnosis. Improving how coaches talk about concussion safety could help athletes feel more comfortable reporting their symptoms.
Who this helps: This helps athletes by creating a safer sports environment.
Concussion education for youth athletes using Pre-Game Safety Huddles: a cluster-randomised controlled trial.
2023
Injury prevention : journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention
Kroshus E, Chrisman SPD, Glang A, Hunt T, Hays R +11 more
Plain English This study looked at whether holding Pre-Game Safety Huddles could encourage youth athletes to report concussion symptoms. The researchers found that athletes who participated in these huddles were 0.49 points more likely to report concussions compared to those who did not, which is a significant improvement. This matters because better reporting can lead to quicker and safer responses to concussions, ultimately protecting the health of young athletes.
Who this helps: This benefits young athletes and their coaches by promoting safety and awareness around concussions in sports.
Effectiveness of an Education Platform () for Increasing Likelihood of Coach Concussion Communication with Athletes.
2021
Journal of neurotrauma
Chrisman SPD, Kroshus E, Garrett K, Gau J, Harmon KG +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a new online training program for coaches affects their communication about concussions with athletes. After using the platform, coaches were over 2.5 times more likely to talk about concussion symptoms with players and believed even more in the importance of these conversations. However, there was no change in how often coaches pressured medical staff to let athletes return to play quickly.
Who this helps: This benefits coaches and the athletes they work with.
Plain English This study looked at whether using oral contrast (a liquid drink) during CT scans of the abdomen is necessary for patients with blunt trauma. Researchers found that out of 492 patients, 76% had negative scans without the contrast, and only one patient needed surgery after a negative scan. The results show that not using oral contrast doesn’t harm patients and can save time and prevent risks.
Who this helps: This helps patients with blunt trauma by making their CT scans quicker and safer.