Health & Safety

Plyometrics is a form of neuromuscular training, says Dallas-based chiropractor and strength and conditioning coach, Steve Horowtiz, D.C., CSCS, involving jumping, hopping, and landing which first lengthens and then shortens the muscle.

A concussed athlete experiencing symptoms such as repeated vomiting, worsening headache, slurred speech or loss of consciousness may have suffered a more serious head injury and should be taken immediately to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.

Coaches need to create a culture of safety in which self-reporting by athletes of concussion symptoms is encouraged, not discouraged, and they aren't penalized for honest reporting, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, and Fire. Like coaches, game officials need to be on the lookout for concussion symptoms after an athlete takes a hard hit, such as confusion, imbalance, slowness to respond, or the player can't remember plays. Because they are right in the middle of the action, game officials, she says, are often in a better position than those on the sideline to spot athletes with possible concussion.

Most pediatricians can handle uncomplicated concussions, says a top sports neuropsychologist, but parents may need to ask for a referral if their child's doctor isn't comfortable treating concussions, or where the concussion is more complicated, such as where recovery is taking longer than expected, or where the athlete has a history of concussions.

In a wide-ranging and informative presentation to parents in Grand Prairie, Texas as part of MomsTEAM's SmartTeams program, Sophia Grant, M.D., F.A.A.P, of Cook Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth, Texas explains the benefits and drawbacks of youth sports, and talks about how coaches and parents can help keep youth athletes safe from psychological injury and sexual abuse.

Make sure that the neuropsychologist involved in your child's treatment after concussion has training in concussion assessment and treatment, has kept up with evolving research and practice guidelines, and understands athletes and sports culture, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears and Cubs.

Return to learn is just as important as return to play, says a top neuropsychologist and it is important to assess a child's individual symptoms and what triggers them to determine what adjustments to the school day are appropriate.

Emerging science and expert consensus are challenging the notion that an extended period of complete cognitive and physical rest after concussion is necessary for recovery, and that concussed athletes need no more than 1-2 days rest at home, after which they should return to school with modifications to the school day as needed.

Make fluids readily available at games and practices, pay extra attention to hydration in high heat and humidity, and have an action plan in place if heat illness suspected, says Dr. Jim MacDonald, a pediatric sports medicine physician at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

The consensus of experts is that any tasty drink works for sports hydration unless it is forbidden (e.g. energy drinks, coffee or tea), including room temperature or ice water, or sports drinks, says Dr. Jim MacDonald, a pediatric sports medicine physician at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.