Movement Assessment for Concussion Management

Study Summary

Previous work in the area of concussion management has focused heavily on neuro-cognitive testing. In addition to routine neuro-cognitive testing through Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT),this pilot study is designed to establish a comprehensive battery of clinical assessment through the utilization of functional movement and dynamic postural control assessments. The immediate application of these assessments will be focused on the male high school football player (who is at risk for concussion) and both female and male soccer players. Our pilot study aims determine the stability of ImPACT testing in youth athletes in light of ongoing neurodevelopment in this population. In addition, this pilot work will implement additional tools focused on assessment of dynamic balance and gait. This approach will significantly enhance predictions of subsequent musculoskeletal injuries that have been shown to occur in concussed collegiate and professional athletes and that we believe are also occurring in our high school athletes. This battery of tests will provide clinicians with invaluable information to guide both rehabilitation of and return to play (RTP) decisions for concussed high school athletes.

Primary Outcome

Verbal memory (total % correct from design memory, total correct from memory score from X's and O's) and visual memory (total number correct/4 during module 3) Scores on verbal memory and visual memory range from 70-99 (high scores are better than low scores). Visual motor speed is comprised correct responses/4 for specific modules and the average counted correctly x3 for a specific module. Scores range from 27-39.8 (high scores are better than low scores)

Interventions

• OTHER Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing
• OTHER Gait with single and dual task
• OTHER Y-Balance test
• OTHER Psychomotor Vigilance Task