Citation

Graves BS. J. Strength Cond. Res. 2015; 30(2): 579-583.

Affiliation

Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, Florida Atlantic University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, National Strength and Conditioning Association)

DOI

10.1519/JSC.0000000000001124

PMID

26284680

Abstract

Concussion in football athletes is certainly more prevalent and has potentially serious outcomes. With current concerns and increasing return-to-play issues, additional assessment focus is needed. Division 1 college American football athletes, from 18 to 20.9 y (n=177, 19.7+1.2 y, 182.3+ 4.5 cm, 97.3+10.6 kg), prior to fall practice, over a period of three years, underwent baseline postural stability testing (Sensory Organization Test, NeuroCom). Individuals, who were diagnosed with a concussion (headache, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and/or loss of consciousness) during practice or actual competition (n=15, 18.9±.9 y, 181.8±2.5 cm, 86.6±3.6 kg), underwent serial evaluation after injury, 24 hours post-concussion. As soon as the player was considered asymptomatic, the test was completed on the 1 and 14 day. A control group of non-injured males (n=15, 19.1±.4 y, 178.2±3.2 cm, 78.6±2.1 kg) were tested for the same time frame. This particular study was only one part of the total evaluation conducted for the concussed athlete's return-to-play.

RESULTS indicated the concussion group had a statistically significant (p=.037) change from their baseline SOT score and the control group (p=.025). This change remained significant until day 14 of post-testing. These data indicate the SOT, when available, may be a positive, additional assessment of concussed college-aged football players. Professionals, when dealing with concussion in competitive sports, do need to continue to work together, but awareness of SOT assessments may also contribute to the return-to-play decisions.

Language: en