Risk-seeking and impulsivity may shorten patients’ time to return to play, increasing risk

By Claire Holmes. This article was initially published in our Concussion Update newsletter; please consider subscribing.

A recent study conducted at Colorado State University by graduate student Megan Weishaar and her collaborators investigates the relationship between personality traits and return to play. The study, published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, evaluated 202 undergraduate students “who reported medically confirmed sports-related concussion and medically advised to return to play.” Investigators used the Kaplan Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard models to assess their time to return to play. Students also completed a survey to evaluate their impulsivity.

Investigators found associations between certain personality traits and the time until return to play after a concussion. Experience seeking and impulsivity are personality traits that indicate a shorter return to play after a concussion. In contrast, conscientiousness is a personality trait that investigators associated with a more extended return to play delay. The study authors conclude that “Because earlier return to play can heighten the risk of sustaining a new concussion after an initial concussion, it is important to identify characteristics—such as personality traits—that influence individuals’ return-to-play behaviors.” 

With knowledge of personality traits, a provider can give more education about the importance of gradual return to play and healthy recovery for patients. Newswise reports further on the study and offers comments from Weishaar.