A recent study in the Chief Journal of Sports Medicine says young hockey players feel pressure from their teammates, coaches and parents to deny concussion symptoms when they occur, Reuters reports.
Here are five takeaways.
1. The study found players do not fully understand the health risks of concussions and understated the impact the injury could have.
2. Of the 23 people lead author Michael Cusimano, MD, interviewed half of the parents, coaches and trainers allowed the players to go back out onto the ice immediately without seeking medical attention.
3. A "hero" culture created by teammates, parents and coaches encourages the players to be "tough" and disregard any injuries.
4. Players mentioned to Dr. Cusimano that coaches often value wins above all else, and that the players see that as a dissuader to reporting concussions.
5. Dr. Cusimano said guidelines players follow as they return from injury do not prevent players from returning too early.
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