CONCUSSIONS IN THE WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION: ANALYSIS OF INCIDENCE, RETURN-TO-PLAY TIMING, AND PLAYER PERFORMANCE FROM 1997 TO 2020
Figure 2 - Study inclusion flowchart demonstrating resultant groups utilized for data analysis, including the number of concussions (Nc) and number of players (Np) considered at each stage.
Background: The extent to which concussions affect Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes has not been thoroughly examined.
Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and impact of concussion injuries occurring in the WNBA.
Study design: Descriptive epidemiology study.
Methods: Publicly available records were searched to identify all documented basketball-related concussions from WNBA seasons 1997 to 2020. Player demographics, injury details, and basketball career information were collected. Concussion incidence and return-to-play (RTP) timing were evaluated before and after the institution of the WNBA concussion protocol in 2012. Minutes per game and game score per minute were compared 5 games before and 5 games after the concussion was sustained. Player game availability and RTP performance were also compared with an age-, body mass index-, position-, and experience-matched control group of players who did not sustain any injuries during the index season.
Results: A total of 70 concussions among 55 players were reported in the WNBA from 1997 to 2020, with a mean incidence of 2.9 ± 2.3 concussions per season. After the implementation of the WNBA concussion protocol, the incidence significantly increased from 1.7 to 5.0 concussions per season (P < .001). All players returned after a first-time concussion, missing a mean of 3.8 ± 4.7 games and 17.9 ± 20.7 days. After the adoption of the concussion protocol, the time to RTP significantly increased with games missed (P = .006) and days missed (P = .006). Minutes per game and game score per minute were not significantly affected by sustaining a concussion (P = .451 and P = .826, respectively).
Conclusion: Since the adoption of the WNBA concussion protocol in the 2012 season, the incidence of concussions increased significantly. Athletes retained a high rate of RTP after missing a median of 4 games, and the time to RTP increased after the institution of the concussion protocol. Player game availability and performance within the same season were not significantly affected by concussion injuries after a successful RTP.
Click on the link for the full print article:
Published July 2022 in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine (Volume 10 - Issue 7).