Maureen Weiss, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology and editor-in-chief of Kinesiology Review, recently organized the publication of a series of multidisciplinary articles by prominent researchers in a special issue of the journal devoted to pediatric, neurological, psychological, ethical, and clinical issues surrounding the topic of concussions in sport in Kinesiology Review.
Diane Wiese-Bjornstal, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology and director of the Sports Medicine Psychology Laboratory, was lead author of an article, “Psychology of Sport Concussions,” in the special issue.
The health implications of concussions incurred by youth, high school, and collegiate athletes, as well as adult participants in recreational and competitive leagues and professional athletes, are debated almost daily in many news and social media outlets. In this issue, the authors extensively reviewed frameworks, empirical research, and evidence-based best practices related to the assessment, treatment, care, and recovery of concussed individuals as a result of sport participation.
The reference for this issue is Kinesiology Review, Volume 4, Number 2, May 2015. Kinesiology Review is the official journal of the National Academy of Kinesiology and the American Kinesiology Association.
Additional lead authors include Tamara Valovich McLeod, John P. Wood, D.O., Endowed Professor in Sports Medicine, at A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ; Kevin Guskiewicz, Kenan Distinguished Professor, Matthew Gfeller Sports-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Michael McNamee, Professor, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Wales, UK, and Editor, Sport, Ethics, and Philosophy; and Charles Thompson, Head Athletic Trainer, University Health Services, Princeton University.
All the authors agree that a concussion management team is essential to address the multiple and complex processes associated with prevention, care, and recovery of concussed athletes. Such teams must include health care providers, kinesiology scholars (biological, physical, psychological, social), school personnel, family members, community stakeholders, and the athletes themselves. The collection of these scientific, bioethical, and clinical essays contribute to a greater understanding of the complex nature of sport concussions and increase awareness of how a holistic and collaborative approach to prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and care can help reduce prevalence of concussions and promote rapid and effective return to activities of daily living.
