Evaluating the Effects of Increased Concussion Research on Diagnosis and Evaluation within the Athletic Training Profession
Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
This research project aims to evaluate how concussion evaluation and diagnosis have evolved and how these changes have affected an athletic trainer's treatment abilities. A comprehensive review of current and past research was conducted to assess all changes in the evaluation techniques, return to play process, as well as the increase in awareness of the public. Additionally, a survey sent to current practicing athletic trainers in the St. Louis area provided insight into current practices in the field and assessed changes they have seen throughout their careers. By comparing earlier research and survey results, a foundation has been established to assess how advances in research have changed the ability to diagnose and treat concussions over time. The findings have suggested an increase in diagnosis and evaluation abilities, but they have shown to have been consistent for the past 5-10 years.
Research Highlights
The Problem: The study evaluates how advancements in concussion research and diagnostic tools have evolved to impact the diagnosis rates and treatment abilities of athletic trainers.
The Method: A literature review of diagnostic tools was combined with an online Qualtrics survey of 13 certified athletic trainers practicing in the St. Louis, Missouri area across various professional settings.
Quantitative Finding: Data collection occurred between March 17 and April 10, 2026; results indicate that while literature shows annual increases in diagnoses, survey respondents report rates have remained consistent or only slightly increased over the past 5–10 years.
Qualitative Finding: Improvements in diagnosis are attributed to increased public awareness, educational advancements, and updated assessment tools like SCAT 3 and SCAT 6; challenges include athlete self-reporting bias, setting variability, and diagnostic confidence.
Recommended Citation
Lehmann, Lauren, "Evaluating the Effects of Increased Concussion Research on Diagnosis and Evaluation within the Athletic Training Profession" (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 3.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/Posters/1/3
Evaluating the Effects of Increased Concussion Research on Diagnosis and Evaluation within the Athletic Training Profession
This research project aims to evaluate how concussion evaluation and diagnosis have evolved and how these changes have affected an athletic trainer's treatment abilities. A comprehensive review of current and past research was conducted to assess all changes in the evaluation techniques, return to play process, as well as the increase in awareness of the public. Additionally, a survey sent to current practicing athletic trainers in the St. Louis area provided insight into current practices in the field and assessed changes they have seen throughout their careers. By comparing earlier research and survey results, a foundation has been established to assess how advances in research have changed the ability to diagnose and treat concussions over time. The findings have suggested an increase in diagnosis and evaluation abilities, but they have shown to have been consistent for the past 5-10 years.