Differences in symptom duration and return to sport following sport-related concussion between French-speaking Canadian and European athletes

Objectives: To examine self-reported sport-related concussion (SRC) symptom duration and return to sport (RTS) timelines across countries and sport demographics in a large international cohort. Methods: An anonymous survey collected sociodemographic data and concussion history from French-speaking athletes affiliated with the ReFORM IOC Research Center. SRC symptoms and RTS durations were analyzed by geographic origin (Canada, Europe) and a multivariate analysis examined the combined impact of geographic origin, sex, age group (minor, adult), professional status (amateur, professional) and SRC risk (low, moderate, high). Results: Of 998 participants (Canada: 635; Europe: 363), 409 (41%) reported a history of SRC. Median [IQR] symptom duration was longer in Canada (30 [14, 91] days) than Europe (7 [2, 21] days; p < 0.001). RTS was also longer in Canada (28 [14, 61] vs. 10 [7, 21] days; p < 0.001). The binary logistic regression identified geographic origin (Canada) and sex (female) as significant predictors of prolonged symptom duration (i.e. >14 days) and return to sport (i.e. >20 days), while age group, professional status and SRC risk did not significantly influence these durations. Conclusion: SRC recovery times differ significantly by geography and sex in French-speaking athletes. European athletes and males report shorter symptom and RTS durations.