Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Travis Combest

Keywords

Concussions, Sports Related Concussions, Return to Play, Guardian Caps, Concussion Prevention, Football, Division II

Disciplines

Sports Sciences

Abstract

This study focuses on a retrospective quasi-experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Guardian protective cap in reducing the incidence and recovery duration of concussions among Division II football players in the state of West Virginia. The study will evaluate the medical records, obtained from the NCAA certified athletic trainers, of four seasons worth of data from two separate football teams. The study will examine two seasons worth of data of the teams prior to mandating the usage of the protective caps during practice, and two seasons of data following their implementation. The study will compare the overall incidence of concussions between the seasons as well as the amount of time missed by the football players following the diagnosis of a concussion. A current player survey will be conducted at both institutions regarding player perception of the Guardian caps. This study will examine the previously underexamined demographic of Division II football players. If the Guardian caps are shown to be effective in reducing the incidence and recovery duration of concussions among Division II football players recommendations can be made to improve overall player safety at the Division II level.

Download

Share

COinS