University of Virginia Study Examines Gender Differences in Recovery Time for Student-Athlete Concussions

A new study led by Jacob Resch, associate professor of kinesiology in the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development, finds that men and women student athletes can differ in symptoms and recovery time for sports-related concussions.

Resch reviewed six years’ worth of data collected about UVA student-athletes who were diagnosed with sports-related concussions. “We found that female athletes at UVA recovered much quicker than males,” Dr. Resch said. The researchers found female UVA student-athletes typically took six days to recover from a concussion, while male athletes took 11 days.

“Important to remember is that research tells us that the more quickly an athlete suspected of having a concussion is identified and removed from activity, the more typical the recovery,” Dr. Resch said. “The UVA data showed that female athletes were reporting their concussion either the day of the injury or the day immediately following the injury, while males took up to eight days to report their symptoms to their athletic trainer.”

The study concludes that collegiate student-athletes who are diagnosed quickly and treated thoroughly are more likely to make full recoveries and return to play more quickly. Dr. Resch believes that it is essential to have a certified athletic trainer at practices and games who can identify possible concussions.