Why is research into concussion in children and adolescents particularly important? 

Concussions are among the most common injuries both in contact and collision sport and in children and adolescents. 

Many changes occur with growth and development and paediatric athletes require developmentally appropriate assessment and treatment. 

Research is evolving rapidly in this field. 

Along with new prevention, assessment and rehabilitation strategies that demonstrate strong evidence of positive effects in children and adolescents, new evidence-informed return to school and sport strategies can be used to guide management of concussion. 

What are the long-term implications if concussion injuries are not properly managed? 

Kathryn Schneider will be presenting both a workshop and a keynote presentation on paediatric concussion at APASC25.

If a concussion goes undetected and a player continues to participate in at-risk activities, another concussion may occur, potentially with catastrophic outcomes. 

There is emerging evidence that ceasing participation at the time of a suspected concussion may be associated with a shorter time to recovery, while concussion protocol implementation has been associated with a reduced risk of recurrent concussion. 

There is also growing concern about the potential long-term effects of concussions and their impact on brain and mental health. 

Current research is limited and often does not take into account other factors known to affect long-term brain health (such as alcohol intake, genetics, diabetes, obesity and physical activity). 

Further research to better understand this potential relationship is urgently required. 

The importance of physical activity throughout the life span, however, is well documented. 

Children and adolescents considering retiring from higher risk sports should be encouraged to participate in low-risk physical activities. 

Can you share insights from your research into recent advances in the prevention, detection and management of concussion in paediatric populations? 

Equipment, rule and training strategies can be effective in preventing concussions, with much research focused on adolescent athletes. 

Early detection can be optimised through the use of a multifaceted assessment. 

While the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 and Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool 6 were developed for adolescents aged 13–18 and adults, the child versions of both tools include specific subcomponents and tasks that are developmentally appropriate for children aged 8–12. 

In terms of concussion management, evidence supports an initial period of relative rest followed by an active approach to rehabilitation. 

Targeted rehabilitation including cervical and vestibular rehabilitation has been shown to facilitate recovery in adolescents as well as adults, facilitating a return to meaningful life, sport and school activities. 

>> Dr Kathryn Schneider is an associate professor, clinician scientist (physiotherapist) and epidemiologist at the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre and Concussion Rehabilitation Lab, University of Calgary. 

>> Kathryn will present a half-day pre-conference workshop, ‘Innovative approaches to concussion assessment in youth and children’, on Wednesday 22 October at 8.30 am and a keynote session, ‘Minimizing the impact of concussion in paediatric athletes— an update on evidence informed recommendations for practice’, on Friday 24 October at 2.15 pm.

Click here for more information about APASC2025.