When we compare girls and boys in the same sport, did you know that girls suffer from a higher rate of concussion than the boys do? Not only that, but
females report more symptoms that take longer to recover than males. The severity of their symptoms is reportedly worse as well.
The exact reason for this is unclear. However, research has shown that there are over 100 differences between the female and male brain in terms of structure.
Also, females tend to have an average of 50% less neck strength than males of the same age, along with 43% less head-neck stability during deceleration
movements than males.* All of these factors combined may contribute to the difference in the presentation of concussions between girls and boys.
The table below illustrates the number of concussions sustained in girls versus boys for every 1,000 athletic exposures (practices, games, etc.)**
| SPORT | GIRLS | BOYS |
| Soccer | 6.11 | 3.98 |
| Basketball | 4.44 | 2.52 |
| Softball/Baseball | 3.57 | 0.86 |
In fact, when you total up these rates among all sex-comparable sports, the rate of concussions was 56% higher in girls than boys!**
Which sports report the highest incidence of concussion in youth female athletes? Girls soccer weighs in at number one (6.11), followed by girls lacrosse
(5.54), basketball (4.44), and field hockey (4.42).**
To help keep our female youth athletes safe, the CDC recommends annual baseline concussion testing. Should an injury be suspected, it is essential that
coaches and parents understand proper immediate sideline management for a possible concussion. Learn more about baseline testing and our partnership with SportsBrain, read about why you should consider physical therapy after a concussion,
and then call our clinic to schedule an appointment today - 815.893.9075
*Statistics from Scientific American
**Statistics from the Journal of Athletic Training
