Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
In the past decade, significant research into sports-related concussions has expanded understanding of what is as a very complex injury. As the definition of concussion has evolved, the impact they have is put into perspective. As more research into the short- and long-term effects of concussions brings to light the effects of continuing to participate after suffering a concussion, the importance of keeping concussed athletes off the field is now understood as a potential life or death situation. With the dangers of continuing to play after concussion becoming apparent there has been a renewed emphasis on tools and/or techniques that screen for symptoms of concussion. Some of the most widespread include, but are not limited to, the Standardized Assessment for Concussion, the Balance Error Scoring System, the Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool 3rd Edition and King-Devick. This project explores the benefits, limitations, and implementation of each of these assessment tools.
A crucial part of improving rates of concussion recognition is to look at what has been developed based on the most current understanding of concussions. As more attention has been drawn to the potential dangers of concussions and repeated sub-concussive blows there has been a surge in funding and studies regarding current and developing technique’s and tools. This project examines tools recently implemented or under development and explore their potential benefits, limitations and availability for sideline testing. These include Vestibular-Ocular Motor Screening, force plate balance testing and blood tests for proteins associated with injury to the brain. The project concludes with a discussion of the benefits, limitations and reliability of each test. It serves as a primer for healthcare professionals in determining the best available sideline screenings for concussion.
Mentor Name
Valerie Moody
Analysis of Sideline Concussion Screening Tools in an Athletic Setting
UC Ballroom (Center)
In the past decade, significant research into sports-related concussions has expanded understanding of what is as a very complex injury. As the definition of concussion has evolved, the impact they have is put into perspective. As more research into the short- and long-term effects of concussions brings to light the effects of continuing to participate after suffering a concussion, the importance of keeping concussed athletes off the field is now understood as a potential life or death situation. With the dangers of continuing to play after concussion becoming apparent there has been a renewed emphasis on tools and/or techniques that screen for symptoms of concussion. Some of the most widespread include, but are not limited to, the Standardized Assessment for Concussion, the Balance Error Scoring System, the Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool 3rd Edition and King-Devick. This project explores the benefits, limitations, and implementation of each of these assessment tools.
A crucial part of improving rates of concussion recognition is to look at what has been developed based on the most current understanding of concussions. As more attention has been drawn to the potential dangers of concussions and repeated sub-concussive blows there has been a surge in funding and studies regarding current and developing technique’s and tools. This project examines tools recently implemented or under development and explore their potential benefits, limitations and availability for sideline testing. These include Vestibular-Ocular Motor Screening, force plate balance testing and blood tests for proteins associated with injury to the brain. The project concludes with a discussion of the benefits, limitations and reliability of each test. It serves as a primer for healthcare professionals in determining the best available sideline screenings for concussion.