Harmonization and Implementation of Sports-related Concussion Guidelines in European Football for Youth - the Erasmus + Project

NCT07128706 | Enrolling By Invitation DMC

• 1 other identifier: 101133951
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 500
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study addresses the evident gap in SRC awareness and reporting, especially at the grassroots level, by harmonizing concussion management practices across Europe and observing its impact on stakeholders' (coaches, parents, players, referees) knowledge and practices.

Conditions

Sports-related Concussion

Keywords

awareness; european football; youth; sports-related concussions; management; education

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Concussion Knowledge Score Pre- and Post-Educational Toolkit

  Concussion knowledge will be assessed using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire developed for this study, based on international concussion education guidelines. The same test will be administered immediately before the educational intervention (toolkit) and within 4 weeks after completion. Each correct answer is scored as 1 point. The total score ranges from 0 to 25. Higher scores indicate greater knowledge.

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and up to 4 weeks post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Number of Participants Completing the Online Concussion Education Course (MOOC)

  Within 6 weeks after enrollment in the course

• Number of Clubs Utilizing the Educational Toolkit

  Up to 3 months after intervention rollout

• Number of Participants Attending Live Concussion Education Workshops

  Throughout the intervention period (approx. 3 months)

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Coaches, referees, parents and youth football players (up to U23) involved in football federations among Croatia, Norway, Germany and Turkey.

You may qualify if:

• Clubs: Youth football clubs in the four countries will be invited to participate. Clubs must have:
• The ability to implement new concussion protocols with support from the project team. This will include basic resources such as access to digital platforms (e.g., internet connectivity, devices to access training materials).
• A willingness to engage with and integrate educational materials into their regular operations. Federations will support clubs in understanding these expectations before participation.
• Stakeholders: Key stakeholder groups involved in youth football will be included:
• Coaches of youth teams, regardless of prior experience in concussion management.
• Players actively participating in youth football (targeting diverse age groups and genders).
• Referees involved in officiating youth football matches.
• Medical personnel, including team doctors and physiotherapists.

You may not qualify if:

• Clubs that lack the basic resources or logistical capacity to access digital learning platforms or implement concussion protocols (as determined by federations).
• Stakeholders who are unwilling to participate or unable to provide informed consent (or, for minors, parental/guardian consent).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Acibadem University: lead
• Universität des Saarlandes: collaborator
• UiT The Arctic University of Norway: collaborator
• University Hospital of Split: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Acibadem University

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34638, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2025
• First Posted: August 19, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: August 19, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)