ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study evaluated the factor structure of the Perceptions of Concussion Inventory for Athletes (PCI-A) using exploratory factor analytic (EFA) techniques in a sample of collegiate student-athletes. Perception differences by sex and sport-related concussion (SRC) risk level were explored.

Methods: This cross-sectional-design study included 298 male and 183 female collegiate student-athletes from 18 sports at six institutions. Participants completed a demographic and concussion history survey, and the PCI-A.

Results: The EFA revealed a 6-factor solution (Anxiety, Effects, Clarity, Treatment, Control, and Symptom Variability) that accounted for 56.1% of the variance in responses. Female collegiate student-athletes displayed statistically higher levels of Anxiety, Clarity, Symptom Variability, and Control than males. Lower concussion risk sport athletes reported statistically higher levels of anxiety surrounding SRC and concerns relating to the long-term and major effects of an SRC.

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the PCI-A is an acceptable measure to examine the perceptions of collegiate student-athletes regarding SRC. The findings supported a six-factor structure of the PCI-A in the current study for collegiate student-athletes compared to the seven-factor structure indicated in previous research. The findings reveal sex and concussion risk sport differences in PCI-A responses.

摘要

目的：本研究使用探索性因素分析 (EFA) 技术在大学生运动员样本中评估了运动员脑震荡量表 (PCI-A) 的因素结构。探讨了性别和运动相关脑震荡 (SRC) 风险水平的认知差异。

方法：这项横断面设计研究包括来自六个机构的 18 项运动的 298 名男性和 183 名女性大学生运动员。参与者完成了人口统计学和脑震荡史调查，以及 PCI-A。

结果：EFA 揭示了一个 6 因素解决方案（焦虑、影响、清晰度、治疗、控制和症状变异性），占响应变异的 56.1%。与男性相比，女大学生运动员在焦虑、清晰度、症状可变性和控制方面表现出统计学上更高的水平。脑震荡风险较低的运动运动员报告称，围绕 SRC 的焦虑程度较高，并且担心 SRC 的长期和主要影响。

结论：本研究提供的证据表明 PCI-A 是一种可以接受的措施，用于检查大学生运动员对 SRC 的看法。与之前研究中指出的七因素结构相比，这些发现支持当前针对大学生运动员的研究中 PCI-A 的六因素结构。研究结果揭示了 PCI-A 反应中的性别和脑震荡风险运动差异。