The Spectrum of Concussion Prevention
Abstract:
Injury prevention is a multi-level process that is most effective when primary (i.e., measures to prevent the occurrence of injury), secondary (i.e., measures that reduce the acute impact of an injury after it occurs), and tertiary (i.e., measures aimed to lessen the lasting effects of an injury) approaches are employed together. Athletic trainers are key community-based healthcare providers that facilitate the development and implementation of concussion policies and procedures, which should incorporate a variety of clinical practices that span the multiple levels of prevention. The purpose of this presentation is to provide athletic trainers with an overview of evidence-supported concussion primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention approaches.
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate a foundational understanding of injury prevention and risk reduction models.
- Recognize the important role of the athletic trainer in primary, secondary and tertiary concussion prevention practice development and implementation.
- Construct appropriate, site-specific concussion prevention measures based upon the current research evidence available.
Level:
Essential
Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
Keywords:
Concussion risk reduction, prevention,
In order to earn your CEUs, you must watch the session video in its entirety and complete the assessment.
Course Expiration:
All sessions of the NATA 76th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by October 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
Erica Beidler, PhD, ATC
Dr. Erica Beidler is an Associate Professor in her 9th year as a faculty member in the Department of Athletic Training at Duquesne University. She completed her professional preparation in athletic training and sports medicine at Mercyhurst University (BS), the University of Virginia (MEd), and Michigan State University (PhD).
The overarching objective of Dr. Beidler’s research agenda is to improve the concussion injury experience to promote favorable patient- and clinician-oriented outcomes. She seeks to establish innovative approaches that leverage personal sensing technology in smartphones and wearable devices to passively and objectively measure daily life patterns following concussion, with the goal of informing targeted treatment strategies. Additionally, she is actively engaged in curating resources to aid athletic trainers in developing evidence-informed concussion policies and procedures tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the communities they serve.
Dr. Beidler has published 50 articles in sports medicine, brain injury, and psychology-related journals and has funding from the NIH New Hampshire IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society to support her work. Furthermore, Dr. Beidler serves as an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, the Chair of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society’s Concussion Education Task Force, and the Research Expert for the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Brain Injury Advisory Board.
Patricia Kelshaw, PhD, ATC
Her research endeavors encompass mild traumatic brain injuries among diverse athletes. Her scholarship has included several domains of concussion inquiry including biomechanics, prevention, assessments, recognition, recovery, and policy. Her scholarly pursuits comprise representing the under-represented in concussion research, including varied socio-demographic backgrounds, inclusion of language diversity, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. She has received unrestricted grant funding from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, USA Lacrosse, NH-INBRE (NIH IDeA SEED), and is contracted through the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to consult for the Virginia Concussion Initiative. In addition to her research background, Trish is a certified athletic trainer and is experienced in supporting diverse athletes including professional, collegiate, and youth athletes prevent and treat sport-related injuries. She also teaches and mentors undergraduate and graduate students.