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EXPERT INSIGHT
Researchers posit that when individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder sustain concussions, their ADHD may delay their recovery.
A recent investigation published in the Journal of Athletic Training explored this hypothesis. It discovered that high school athletes diagnosed with ADHD who suffer a concussion undergo a delayed return to academics and sports. Moreover, the study indicated that female and younger athletes experience longer recovery times.
Steven Broglio serves as a professor of kinesiology, neurology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Michigan and is the director of the U-M Concussion Center. He participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association to delve into the research.
Could you provide a brief overview of the study and your discussion?
The research assessed the recovery duration among concussed high school student-athletes, revealing that those with ADHD had a marginally extended recovery period. Such studies are crucial as we consider concussion as a biopsychosocial injury, where the risks and recovery processes are influenced by injury biology, athlete psychology (e.g., ADHD), and the social environment surrounding the athlete (e.g., team/family support).
What were the key findings of the study?
Approximately 4% to 8% of young athletes are diagnosed with ADHD. These athletes frequently exhibit several risk factors that may lead to prolonged recovery, complicating the task of isolating ADHD’s impact. Individuals with ADHD have a greater likelihood of sustaining multiple concussions, experience more acute symptoms, and usually have at least one comorbid condition. Although the impact of ADHD has been widely discussed, a definitive clinical consensus on optimizing recovery remains elusive.
This study examined the recovery outcomes of student-athletes from 60 high schools between 2010 and 2018, tracking 553 males and 382 females. It identified ADHD as a significant predictor of delayed recovery for both returning to school and returning to play. Athletes with ADHD took roughly 1.16 times longer to resume academics and 1.17 times longer to return to sports.
Additionally, female and younger athletes were found to have longer recovery periods. Female athletes required about 1.13 times longer to return to learning and 1.07 times longer to resume sports. Younger athletes tended to take longer to recover, but for every year they aged, recovery days decreased by 0.98.
What makes student-athletes with ADHD more vulnerable to concussions, and why might they exhibit more acute symptoms?
It is suggested that individuals with ADHD may be less inclined to fully concentrate on their surroundings and other players while engaged in sports. Consequently, they might not adequately brace for or evade impacts to the head that could result in a concussion.
What should athletic trainers or healthcare providers take away from this study?
Athletic trainers are often the primary health care providers for active individuals. Since each concussion is unique and specific to the athlete, they are ideally positioned to implement a personalized approach to concussion management tailored to the individual athlete.
In light of the study’s findings, healthcare providers should acknowledge ADHD as a risk factor for extended recovery from concussions. Considering the importance of gender-specific and age-related variances, personalized strategies for concussion management should be emphasized to enhance recovery outcomes.
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