Derby kisses
Investigating the relationship between ADHD traits, concussion, and wellbeing in roller derby players
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22111166 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alex Wilson (0000-0003-3223-287X, Northumbria University), David T Hendry (0000-0002-4372-2965, Northumbria University), Claire Thornton (0000-0001-7676-3272, Northumbria University), Joanna Greer (0000-0002-8425-6198, Northumbria University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-12-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Cogent Social Sciences (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2331-1886 • E-ISSN: 2331-1886 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/23311886.2026.2690267 |
| OpenAlex | W7165612530 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 80 |
Roller derby (RD) is a high-risk contact sport with a high incidence of injury and anecdotal evidence indicating elevated prevalence of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) amongst athletes. There is a known risk and frequent occurrence of concussion within the sport, but minimal corresponding safeguarding, and a scarcity of research into the prevalence of ADHD traits and effects of head injury. This study investigated the impact of ADHD traits and concussions on executive functioning (EF), and wellbeing, using the WEMWBS, ADEXI and MiniMASQ in RD players (n = 202), compared to a non-skating control group (n = 241). Independent t-tests revealed a higher incidence of concussion and more concussions in RD players, alongside numerically greater severity of ADHD traits. A series of linear regressions revealed ADHD traits and EF, but not concussions predicted wellbeing in the RD group, whereas in the non-skating group, EF measures rendered ADHD traits a non-significant predictor. This suggests distinct profiles of the association of both neurodiverse traits and EF in RD players and provides an important and novel contribution to research into ADHD and concussion within the sport. Further investigation into how community support mechanisms and socio-cultural practices empower the wellbeing of neurodiverse individuals within the sport is needed
Concussion · Injury prevention · Poison control · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Sport Psychology and Performance · Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
The World Health Organization adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS)
Conclusions about interventions, programs, and approaches for improving executive functions that appear justified and those that, despite much hype, do not
Exploring Roller Derby Skaters’ Progression Into the Sport
The experiences of adults with ADHD in interpersonal relationships and online communities
“By the Skaters, for the Skaters” The DIY Ethos of the Roller Derby Revival
Navigating neurodiversity in elite sport
Neurodivergent culture and embodied knowledge beyond neoliberal identity politics
Self-Reported Physical Activity Levels Among College Students with ADHD
Associations between repetitive head impact exposure and midlife mental health wellbeing in former amateur athletes
I am roller derby
The pain and pleasure of roller derby
Potential Biases in Big Data
Bout Time! Renegotiating the Body in Roller Derby
Narrating the Multiplicity of ‘Derby Grrrl’
Sense of community in roller derby
Concussion Reporting and Safeguarding Policy Development in British American Football
ADHD in context
Legitimacy and Respectability on the Skin
It Doesn't Matter How You Identify, You Can Still Skate With Us
The Gender Well-Being Gap
| Highly cited | No |
|---|