A history of sports-related concussion (SRC) and presence of physical pain are found to cause a significant risk to mental health, according to new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Researchers from Edge Hill University examined data from 144 participants on their history of SRC and physical pain, as well as biological sex and sport-type. Participants also completed a scale to measure depression. All factors were found to be associated with depression, although females, those with greater physical pain and those participating in contact sports were found to be more likely to present depressive symptoms.
The authors highlight the risk that SRC and physical pain have to mental health, with an engagement in contact sports further increasing this. They conclude by recommending athletes be wary of the potential mental health risks involved in contact sports.
Reference: Walker, D., Adam, Q., David. M., et al. (2024). The impact of sport-related concussion on depression, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 58 (1).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-concussion.357
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