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2 Academic Success and Missed Class Time ― Cross-Campus Strategies to Facilitate ImprovementPanel: David Clough, FAR, Univ. of Colorado Boulder Brenda Cates, FAR, Mt. Olive College, NC Jean Roberts, Exec Dir, Learning Assistance Program, Appalachian St. University, NC Bruce Kola, Sports Medicine, Colorado College Cayleb Paulino, SAAC, Wilmington College, OH 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011
3 Session Overview Missed Class Time – Defining the Topic and the IssuesImpact of Missed Class Time on Academic Performance – Research Key Constituents and Supporting Policies Consequences of Student-athlete Injury Focus on Concussion Take-away Recommendations Questions and Discussion
4 Missed Class Time Circumstances: Athletic participation, especiallyaway competition Student-athlete choice Injury, new focus on concussion Impact: Academic performance Student-athlete wellness Athletic participation
5 Missed Class Time Policy matters:Athletics class participation policies Campus policies for instructors Policies involving absences due to medical causes Policies to regulate competition scheduling to minimize missed class time Goals associated with APR improvement plans and NCAA certification
6 What is the Impact of Missed Class Time on Academic Performance?What Research is available relevant to this topic? What is a Student-athlete’s perspective?
7 NCAA 2006 GOALS Survey Missed Class DataLooked at baseball, men’s basketball, football, all other men’s sports, women’s basketball, and all other women’s sports across all divisions Asked the question: During the season, how many classes do you miss on average each week? Averages ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 classes/week Percentage of student-athletes reporting missing 3 or more class per week ranged from 3% to 22%. GOALS and SCORE Study Reports: Examining the Student-Athlete Experience Convention Center – Conference Room 217 A-B
8 Class Attendance ResearchClass Attendance in College: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Relationship of Class Attendance With Grades and Student Characteristics Marcus Credé, Sylvia G. Roch, and Urszula M. Kieszczynka Review of Educational Research, June 2010, Vol. 80, No. 2, pp
9 Key Findings and ConclusionClass attendance is strongly related to individual class grades and GPA and is a better predictor of college grades than any other predictor of academic performance Class attendance is beneficial for learning irrespective of the different modes used by the instructor and the availability of online resources A mandatory attendance policy has a small positive effect on average grades
10 Policy Implications Credé et al.The relationship between college attendance and grades is “so strong as to suggest that dramatic improvements in average grades (and failure rates) could be achieved by efforts to increase class attendance rates among college students.” Credé et al.
11 Who are the Key Constituents on campus?What are Supporting Policies that affect missed class time?
12 Who is responsible and why?Academic Administrators Athletic administration Coaches Student athlete Faculty Academic support personnel FAR Conference office
13 Supporting policies requireCommunication Collaboration Concern Commitment
14 What are the Consequences of Student-athlete Injury on Missed Class Time?What are the Impacts and Dimensions of Concussion Injury? What is a Student-athlete’s view?
15 Academic Success and Missed Class Time Perspectives on Concussion ManagementBruce M. Kola, MS, ATC/R Coordinator of Sports Medicine Department of Sport Science Colorado College
16 Historical PerspectivePart of the Game….. The Older I Get the Tougher I used to be…… Self-reported? Self-limiting? Somatic SX Primary Treatment Focus Limited Understanding of Biomechanics Limited Understanding of Pathophysiology No Baseline Data Limited Measurement of Cognitive Impairment Grading Scales…….
17 Structured Approach to Concussion Management: Current Approach and RationaleWhat is time loss in the academic environment? Divisional Status: Mixed DI & DIII No Difference in Tissue Level or Response to Trauma Block Plan: Single course for 3.5 weeks Science based course / reading =/> 100 pages per night Non-science-based course / reading = /> 300 pages per night Lab courses and athletic travel Geographic isolation Single day time loss from class equates to loss of a week in semester system Is there a way to optimize prevention, communication and treatment regimen to limit time loss after concussion?
18 Adolescent ConcussionsMichael A. Lee, MD / Benjamin Fine, PhD Volume 74, Number 3 Connecticut Medicine, March 2010 “Cognitive Recovery or Cocooning”
19 Clinics in Sports MedicineConcussion in Sports Volume 30, Number 1, January 2011 Sportsmed.theclinics.com
20 Journal of Athletic TrainingSupporting the Student Athlete’s Return to the Classroom After a Sport-Related Concussion Neal McGrath, PhD Journal of Athletic Training Volume 45, Number 5, October 2010
21 Standard Approach to Concussion ManagementKnow your athletes Adequate & annual medical history Reported vs real numbers Confounding Factors ADD/ADHD/ Learning Disorder/Test Anxiety Communication with campus ADA office is essential Med hx including current meds for tx of depression BPPV or OKV (car-sick, can’t read on the bus or plane) Migraine Hx Written release of information as part of med hx Educational “Contract”
22 Colorado College Student-Athlete Concussion Statement NCAA I understand that it is my responsibility to report all injuries and illnesses to my athletic trainer and/or team physician. I have read and understand the NCAA Concussion Fact Sheet. After reading the NCAA Concussion fact sheet, I am aware of the following information: Initial________ A concussion is a brain injury, which I am responsible for reporting to my team physician or athletic trainer. Initial ________ A concussion can affect my ability to perform everyday activities, and affect reaction time, balance, sleep, and classroom performance. Initial ________You cannot see a concussion, but you might notice some of the symptoms right away. Other symptoms can show up hours or days after the injury. Initial ________ If I suspect a teammate has a concussion, I am responsible for reporting the injury to my team physician or athletic trainer. Initial ________ I will not return to play in a game or practice if I have received a blow to the head or body that results in concussion-related symptoms. Initial ________ Following concussion the brain needs time to heal. You are much more likely to have a repeat concussion if you return to play before your symptoms resolve. Initial ________In rare cases, repeat concussions can cause permanent brain damage, and even death. __________________________________ Date _____________ Signature of Student-Athlete __________________________________ Printed name of Student-Athlete
23 Preparing for Concussion Management & Time Loss on CampusFormal Letter to All Faculty and Staff Explaining Need for Cognitive Recovery as Well as Somatic Recovery Signed by: Faculty Athletic Rep, Athletic Director, Academic Dean, Health Service Director, Neuroscience Faculty, Dean of Student Services, Sports Medicine Coordinator
24 Campus Wide Concussion Letter9/1/2010 To all Colorado College Faculty and Staff: We are writing this memo to provide information about concussions as they relate to academic performance at Colorado College (CC). Students that attend Colorado College are typically very active and participate in a variety of recreational and athletic activities, which can sometimes lead to injuries. Although we are writing this from the perspective of student athletes, the information here is relevant for all students who might suffer from concussions. Recently, the NCAA has reevaluated its policy on management of concussions and our suggestions below are consistent with their guidelines. Each year, several CC students suffer from concussions, caused by blows to the head that lead to the brain itself being damaged. The damage can significantly affect the brain all the way down to the subcelluar level, and can vary in severity from very mild to potentially completely debilitating (Shaw, 2002, Prog Neurobiol, 67, ). Some symptoms of concussions are confusion, nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, memory/concentration problems, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms may not always be immediately apparent, and can actually worsen over time. Recovery from concussions can be very idiosyncratic. Depending on the severity of the concussion and the medical history of the individual, a person can recover spontaneously in a matter of days, or over very prolonged period. Individuals with repeated concussion are at particular risk. The accepted treatment for concussions among medical professionals is both physical AND cognitive rest until symptoms resolve (McCrory et al. 2009, Clin J Sport Med, 19, ). This includes avoiding not only all recreational and athletic undertakings but also academic work (including classroom work, reading, and working on computers) as well as activities such as text messaging and videogames. Not resting completely can prolong the length of (cognitive and physical) recovery and can even worsen the symptoms. Neuropsychology testing demonstrates that concussed individuals perform poorly in complex processing tasks. Impaired performance in the classroom is often a result. Although diagnosing concussions is not a simple task (a concussed brain often appears normal on a CT or MRI scan), CC students are monitored carefully after a suspected concussion and neuropsychologically tested to confirm the diagnosis. No student is allowed to resume recreational or athletic activity until all symptoms have cleared. If a CC athlete receives a concussion, we will notify that student’s professor to provide information so that the professor remains informed of the student’s condition. We will also be in contact following concussion to notify the professor whether the student will likely be missing any class days, and to assist in strategies allowing the student to make up his/her work. The purpose of this memo is to inform the CC community in general, and professors in particular, of the consequences of a concussion so that we can foster a supportive environment for successful treatment and recovery. Thank you for taking the time to read this memo and for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact any of us at your convenience. Sincerely, Bob Jacobs, Ph.D Neuroscience, Psychology Mike Edmonds, Ph.D. Dean of Students Judith Reynolds, M.D. Jason Bushie, M.A. Athletic Trainer
25 Standard Approach to Concussion ManagementPre-season Baseline Data: Computerized and Paper (SAC, SCAT2) Previous paper and pen Orthopaedic Neuroscience Interns Herd Testing Be aware of the test anxiety /ADD/ADHD student Data Base Test incoming first year and junior Developmental brain
26 Standard Approach to Concussion ManagementEAP / Emergency Action Plan Recognition of mechanism, if possible Rotational vs linear acceleration Removal from practice or competition Symptom recognition, review and recheck Based on baseline SAC or SCAT2 Time of injury with appropriate intervals to follow Follow up based upon symptom score Admit for follow-up cocooning, if symptomatic Initiate communication with professor and designated academic/athletic team. Include original academic letter. Indicate to professor probable time loss from class and to expect updates as necessary
27 Standard Approach to Concussion ManagementSymptom recognition, review and recheck Based on baseline SAC or SCAT2 Emotionality More Emotional Sadness Nervousness Irritability Cognitive Symptoms Attention problems Limited Concentration Memory dysfunction “Fogginess” (Dial-up vs DSL) Fatigue Cognitive Slowing Somatic Symptoms Headaches “Pressure” Visual Problems Noise/Light Sensitivity Nausea Sleep Disturbance Difficulty Falling Asleep Sleeping Less than Usual Modified from Pardini, et al, 2004
28 Standard Approach to Concussion ManagementBeware the “predictors” of possible slower return Photophobia /migraine hx Phonophobia Change in visual acuity Horizontal nystagmus OKV/BPPV History time of presentation? If you can’t do an Epley maneuver to correct, do not do a Dix-Hallpike maneuver to evaluate…… ADD / ADHD / Learning disorders Modified affect / know your athletes Role and timing of clinical psychologist / neuropsychologist
29 The “Art” of Cognitive Cocooning? Where? Health service, monitored and observed Standardized protocol including pulse ox Communication between providers and ATC staff Isolated, darkened, quiet (not pitch black) “bring your own headache “no computers, no cell phones (after first call to mom and significant other), no text, no music” Beware of ICU psychosis release for meals/socializing 45 minutes 2 x day Review symptom scale 24 /48 /72 hour intervals
30 The “Art” of Cognitive Cocooning? What now? Sx scale reducing but not completely gone Review type of class….. Slides, PowerPoint, movies, language course with earphones are problematic…. Solutions: Note takers, verbal tutors Communication between medical providers, faculty, and academic dean essential if prolonged symptoms Most, if not all faculty are incredibly supportive of the concussed student
31 The “Art” of Cognitive Cocooning? Is it possible to cognitively retrain in a progressive manner? Asymptomatic by symptom scale Labor and time intensive but well worth the effort Begin soft music in cocoon Read/Rest Walk/Computer Progression Read 10 / Rest 15 / Computer 20 / Rest 15 / Read 20 / Rest 15 / Computer 30 / Rest 15 / Read 30 / Rest 15 / Computer 45 If sx return or increase = DC read /computer Incremental return to class if progression complete Continued importance of verbal vs visual learning with note-taker / verbal tutor
32 Return To Classroom & Athletics1) Modify learning environment with cooperation of professors / PowerPoint print outs, watch movies in lighted room, use of smart pen. 2) Direct communication between medical staff, professor and academic dean for extension of time to complete work. Note: Post-concussive syndrome may require a withdrawal from courses in some cases. Referral to Team Neurologist: LOC > 1 minute, # of concussions =/> 3, Sx persist greater than 7 days.
33 Return To Classroom & AthleticsCompetition: 1) Symptom free for 24 hours by sx scale. Computerized neuropsych test back to baseline. Frequency, if not to baseline for CNT, is 2 x week. 2) Neuropsych testing back to baseline with 0 symptom scale = Exertional Testing 3) Asymptomatic exertional testing = non-contact practice + mirror practice. Be aware that there is little science behind the “non-contact” practice. Currrent Concepts in Concussion Rehabilitation Johnston, Bloom, et al. Current Sports Medicine Reports 2004, 3:
34 Return To Classroom & Athletics4) Non-contact practice/mirror practice. Note: some sports like soccer may require progressive “heading” practice for a second day of non-contact/mirror practice. Mirror practice may also disclose subtle balance deficits not picked up by the BESS system. 5) Asymptomatic non-contact/mirror practice with 0 sx scale, normal neuropsych testing = RTP with adequate communication with physician provider /protocol
35 Return to Classroom and AthleticsConclusions: 1) It may be possible to positively affect the time lost and perhaps the academic performance of an athlete who suffers a concussion with correct identification, management, treatment, communication and education. 2) It may be possible to adapt this management system for the general student population, depending upon the quality and scope of service provider on campus. 3) There is a great deal more research needed in the area of cognitive rest and concussion recovery. (Unpublished Texas study : N 30,000) 4) The plural of anecdote is not data…………
36 Acknowledgements Jason Bushie, M.Ed., ATC/R Assistant Athletic Trainer Colorado College Richard Quincy MS, PT, ATC Associate Director of Sports Medicine Clinics Performance Services – Medical United States Olympic Committee 2800 Olympic Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91915
37 Session Windup Take-away Recommendations from the Panel MembersQuestions and Discussion