EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TARGETED TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATED NURSING APPROACHES IN ENHANCING NEUROPROTECTION FOR ATHLETES UNDERGOING HEAD INJURY RECOVERY

Abstract

Objective: To explore the application of targeted temperature management combined with a dual integrated nursing mode in enhancing recovery and neuroprotection in athletes suffering from head injuries. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 104 athletes who had undergone procedures requiring craniocerebral management at our institution between January 2022 and December 2022. Participants were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 52), receiving conventional temperature management and dual integrated nursing, and an observational group (n = 52), receiving targeted temperature management alongside the same nursing mode. We compared core temperature, intracranial pressure (ICP), heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), along with the duration of anesthesia recovery and incidence of intraoperative complications such as acquired pressure injury (IAPI). Results: The observational group demonstrated better temperature regulation at multiple time points and showed significantly lower levels of ICP at crucial phases post-intervention (P < 0.05). This group also experienced reduced anesthesia recovery times and lower incidence of IAPI compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Cardiovascular stability was markedly better in the observational group, as evidenced by lower HR, SBP, and DBP readings during recovery phases (P < 0.05). The postoperative complication rate was significantly lower, and neurological recovery scores, as measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA) and Barthel Index (BI), were notably better in the observational group (P < 0.05) Conclusion: Targeted temperature management combined with an integrated nursing approach significantly enhances neuroprotective outcomes and reduces complications in athletes recovering from head injuries. This method shows promising results in controlling core physiological responses during recovery, reducing stress reactions, and promoting better restoration of neurological function and daily activity capabilities among athletes.