Predicting Concussion Symptoms: The Impact of Pre-Injury Risk Factors on Post-Concussion Symptom Severity in Football Players

Abstract

This thesis explores how pre-existing mental health factors—anxiety, depression, concussion history, learning disorders, and ADHD—affect post-concussion outcomes in Canadian Football League (CFL) athletes. The study addresses a gap in the literature by investigating whether baseline mental health risks predict post-concussion symptom severity, offering insights for improved concussion management and athlete welfare. Using a longitudinal repeated measures design, baseline data from 793 CFL athletes, collected during 2017-2018 pre-season medical evaluations, were analyzed. Participants completed SCAT3 and BSI-18 assessments to measure concussion history and mental health variables. Pearson correlations, t-tests, and stepwise regression analyses assessed relationships between pre-injury mental health factors and post-concussion outcomes. Results showed significant increases in somatization and depression post-concussion, while anxiety remained stable. SCAT symptom severity emerged as a key predictor of post-injury psychological outcomes, with pre-injury anxiety and somatization influencing post-injury anxiety. These findings underscore the importance of assessing baseline mental health to better manage post-concussion symptoms and guide personalized interventions.