Development of a novel, multi-level strategy to enhance concussion identification and appropriate management in the community sport of Ladies Gaelic Football

School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University
Principal Investigator: Ms Róisín Leahy
Contact details: roisin.leahy6@mail.dcu.ie
Other Investigators: Dr Siobhán O’ Connor, Dr Keith Rochfort, Dr Enda Whyte

Purpose of the research:

Concussion is a type of mild head injury that causes a wide range of signs and symptoms. In community sports, such as Ladies Gaelic Football, a lack of access to medical personnel may mean that players do not receive appropriate medical advice. Therefore, there is a need for concussion education programmes that aim to improve concussion reporting among players. However, currently information needed to develop these programmes in Ladies Gaelic Football is lacking. This includes information about how Ladies Gaelic Football players experience concussion, how players respond to suspected concussions, their knowledge of and attitude towards concussion, and their experience with using concussion education resources.

This study aims to examine players’ concussion history, concussion-related knowledge and attitudes and views on future concussion education, with the ultimate aim of contributing towards the development of a concussion education programme for Ladies Gaelic Football players.

What does participation in this research involve?

If you choose to participate in this study, you will be asked to answer a questionnaire that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. This questionnaire includes sections on your medical history, your concussion history and how you managed previous concussions, your experience with and views of concussion education and your knowledge of and attitudes towards concussion.

Confidentiality and Use of Data:

All data collected for this study will be anonymous and cannot be used to identify participants. Data will be deleted from the online server after one year. Downloaded data will be stored anonymously in an encrypted file on the principal investigator’s laptop and will be retained in the case it is required for publication. The data will only be used for the research purposes outlined in this document and will only be shared with named researchers working on the study. Results from this study will be published in scientific journals and promoted by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association. If you have any queries, you may contact the DCU Data Protection Officer, Mr Martin Ward (data.protection@dcu.ie; Ph: 7005118 / 7008257).

Benefits (Direct or Indirect) to Participants:

There are no direct benefits to participating in this study. However, by taking part participants will provide valuable information on concussion in Ladies Gaelic Football, contributing to increased safety and improved player welfare in the sport.

Potential Risks to Participants:

The study poses a very low risk to participants.

Freedom of Withdrawal:

Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. If you volunteer to be in this study, you can withdraw at any time. You do not have to give reasons for your withdrawal.

Funding Source:

This study is jointly funded by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Irish Research Council under the Enterprise Partnership Scheme.

If participants have concerns about this study and wish to contact an independent person please contact:
The Secretary,
Dublin City University Research Ethics Committee,
c/o Research and Innovation Support,
Dublin City University, Dublin 9.
Tel 01-7008000,
E-mail: rec@dcu.ie