Objectives: The Ice Hockey Summit III provided updated scientific evidence on concussions in hockey to inform these five objectives: (1) describe sport related concussion (SRC) epidemiology, (2) classify prevention strategies, (3) define objective, diagnostic tests, (4) identify treatment and (5) integrate science and clinical care into prioritized action plans and policy. Methods: Our action plan evolved from 40 scientific presentations. The 155 attendees (physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, nurses, neuropsychologists, scientists, engineers, coaches and officials) voted to prioritize these action items in the final Summit session. Results: (1) establish a national and international hockey data base for SRCs at all levels; (2) eliminate body checking in Bantam youth hockey games; (3) expand a behavior modification program (Fair Play) to all youth hockey levels; (4) enforce game ejection penalties for fighting in Junior A and professional hockey leagues; (5) establish objective tests to diagnose concussion at point of care (POC); and (6) mandate baseline testing to improve concussion diagnosis for all age groups. Conclusions: Expedient implementation of the Summit III prioritized action items is necessary to reduce the risk, severity and consequences of concussion in the sport of ice hockey.
INTRODUCTION
Objective 1. To Address Epidemiology and Psychosocial Influences on Concussion
Objective 2. Head Impacts Causing Concussion: A Foundation for Prevention
Objective 3. Diagnosing Concussion: What Tests are Reliable and Evolving?
Session #5 – Expert Panel Ideas for Action on Concussion Panels
Objective 4. Taking Science and Treatment Forward: From Bench to Clinic and Rink-side
Session #7 – Evolving Scientific Contributions
Objective 5. Integrating Science and Clinical Care into Our Action Plan
Session #9 – Concluding Ice Hockey Summit III
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Conflicts of Interest
REFERENCES