U N I V E R S I T Y O F K E N T U C K Y

C O N C U S S I O N M A N A N G E M E N T I N H O R S E R A C I N G P I L O T I N I T I AT I V E

I N T R O D U C T I O N • 3.8 million concussions occur in the US every

year during competitive sports and recreational activities

• 50% of concussions may go unreported

• US horse racing is the only organized competi tive sport without a Comprehensive Concussion Management Protocol

P U R P O S E

This pilot initiative aims to provide continued care for jockeys suffering head injuries and establish a system for effective management.

W H AT I S A C O N C U S S I O N

• Biomechanical disturbance to the brain• Result of direct or indirect impact to the head

• Loss of consciousness does not always occur

• Can result in diminished brain functioning

W H AT I S A C O N C U S S I O N

• Physical and emotional symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Headache • Confusion• Vomiting• Changes in mood• Sleep disturbance • Memory loss

S C AT 3 B A S E L I N E • Standardized cognitive and balance assessment

• Approximately 10-15 minutes

• Multiple components• Symptom score• Immediate memory recall • Balance

• Baseline assessment provides “normal” score that can be compared to an assessment post-injury.

W H AT D O E S T H I S M E A N F O R YO U ?

• Data collection is for your own safety, nothing you report is meant to be used against you

• Participate in data collection at Kentucky Racetracks• Keeneland• Churchill Downs• Kentucky Downs• Ellis Park• Turfway Park

U P DAT E O N P R O G R E S S

• Data collection will resume Spring 2017

• Over 30 jockeys baseline tested in the state of Kentucky in 2016

• Data has been added to Jockey Health Injury Database

AT H L E T I C T RA I N E R• A certified AT will be in attendance at KY Race

Tracks• In the event of an injury, ATC is trained in

evaluation and management of injuries • Additional Skillset; • Taping• Therapeutic Massage• Stretching• Wound Care• Rehabilitation Techniques

M E D I C A L M A N AG E M E N T F O L LO W I N G A FA L L

• In the event of a fall, an ATC will be able to assess jockey if physician is not present.

• If warranted, a post-injury SCAT3 will be completed and compared to baseline assessment.

• ATC will be able to refer jockey to additional medical personnel if needed as well as follow-up evaluation.

F O R T H E F U T U R E

• Looking to expand baseline testing

• Future research to compile information for a comprehensive concussion management plan

T H A N K YO U