A recent study published in the Clinical Journal on Sports Medicine led by Dr. James R. Clugston, MD, MS, FAMSSM, CAQSM, a member of the BRAIN Center steering committee, has highlighted the varied approaches to sport-related concussion (SRC) protocols among NCAA Division 1 football programs within the Autonomy Five (A5) conferences during the 2018 season. Dr. Clugston, who is also the Sports Medicine Fellowship Director and a professor, conducted this cross-sectional survey, collecting responses from 46 of the 65 football programs, representing a response rate of 70.8%.
The study’s findings underscore the lack of standardized protocols, revealing significant differences in how programs address concussion management. This variability raises concerns about the consistency and effectiveness of SRC protocols in protecting athlete health across different institutions.
“These differences in concussion protocols can have a significant impact on the health and safety of our student-athletes,” said Dr. Clugston. “It’s crucial that we work towards more standardized and effective concussion management practices across all programs to ensure the best care for our athletes.”
Dr. Clugston currently serves as a Clinical Professor in the Department of Community Health and Family Medicine and as a team physician for the University of Florida Athletic Association. He is the program director of the UF Sports Medicine Fellowship, which he founded in 2007. In January of 2017, he was awarded a joint appointment in the Department of Neurology.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Clugston is involved in various sports and concussion-related projects. He currently serves on the NCAA Concussion Safety Advisory Group, the Concussion in Sport Group, the publication committee of the NCAA-DoD Concussion Awareness Research and Education (CARE) Consortium, and the Publication and Dissemination Committee of the NFL-NCAA Research Consortium. Previously, he served on the NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group and the SEC Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force. He is a frequent speaker and presenter in the field of sports medicine.
Dr. Clugston’s research emphasizes the need for more uniform guidelines and better implementation of concussion protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of student-athletes.