eu-logo-300x85

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Rates of concussion in sports

Module Menu

Comparing the rates of concussions between different sports can be challenging.

To compare rates of concussion across sport a common denominator or measurement is needed. The easiest way of doing this is to work out the number of concussions 1000 athlete exposures with each time someone participates being classified as an athletic exposure.

Below you will find rates of concussion for adult sports (older that 17 years) and youth sports (younger than 18 years).

To compare rates of concussion across sport a common denominator or measurement is needed. The easiest way of doing this is to work out the number of concussions 1000 athlete exposures with each time someone participates being classified as an athletic exposure.
Below you will find rates of concussion for adult sports (older that 17 years) and youth sports (younger than 18 years)

Concussion / 1000 Athletic exposures

Adult sport

 

Men

Women

Rugby

3,89

 –

American football

2,52

Soccer

1,07

1,48

Ice hockey

1,63

2,27

Epidemiology of Head Injuries Focusing on Concussions in Team Contact Sports: A Systematic Review A. Prien, A. Grafe, R. Rössler, A. Junge and E. Verhagen. Sports Med 2018 Vol. 48 Issue 4 Pages 953-969

 

Concussion / 1000 Athletic exposures

Youth sport

 

Male

Female

Rugby

4,18

 –

Ice Hockey

1,2

 –

American football

0,53

 –

Wrestling

0,17

 –

Baseball

0,06

 –

Soccer

0,19

0,27

Basketball

0,1

0,17

Lacrosse

0,29

0,17

Softball

0,1

Field hockey

 –

0,1

Cheerleading

 –

0,07

Volleyball

 –

0,03

The incidence of concussion in youth sports: a systematic review and meta-analysis T. Pfister, K. Pfister, B. Hagel, W. A. Ghali and P. E. Ronksley Br J Sports Med 2016 Vol. 50 Issue 5 Pages 292-7

It is widely accepted that concussions are under-reported and the values likely under-estimate the rates of concussions. Learn more about reporting concussions here.

How often does concussion happen in adult sport?

Concussion per 1000 Athlete Exposures
An athlete exposure is each time someone participates in sport, regardless of match or game.

Epidemiology of Head Injuries Focusing on Concussions in Team Contact Sports: A Systematic Review A. Prien, A. Grafe, R. Rössler, A. Junge and E. Verhagen. Sports Med 2018 Vol. 48 Issue 4 Pages 953-969

How often does concussion happen in youth sport?

Concussion per 1000 Athlete Exposures
An athlete exposure is each time someone participates in sport, regardless of match or game.

The incidence of concussion in youth sports: a systematic review and meta-analysis T. Pfister, K. Pfister, B. Hagel, W. A. Ghali and P. E. Ronksley Br J Sports Med 2016 Vol. 50 Issue 5 Pages 292-7

It is widely accepted that concussions are under-reported and the values likely under-estimate the rates of concussions. Learn more about reporting concussions here.

Resources

Click to view full size image
Click to view full size image