Dynamic Vision Testing and Concussion Management Dream Team 65

Dynamic Vision Testing and Concussion Management Dream Team 65

The purpose of this study is to determine the value of including dynamic vision testing into California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Athletics' established concussion protocol. The study's hypotheses are 1) dynamic vision testing will reveal vision impairments right after a person sustains a concussion, 2) these impairments may still be present upon clearance to return to play.

The subjects of interest are CSUN student-athletes who give consent to participate in the study. Dynamic vision will be assessed through the administration of the Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) test and the Gaze Stabilization Test (GST). Additionally, the 6-condition Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), which is currently a component of CSUN's established concussion protocol, will be administered to assess balance impairments. This cluster of tests will be administered three times per athlete: (1) during preseason to establish baseline measures, (2) acutely post-concussion once the athlete subject has been cleared by the team physician for return to exercise, and (3) when cleared to return to sport. The results will be used to evaluate whether or not dynamic vision results have returned to baseline by the time that CSUN Athletics clears the athlete to "Return to Play."

Inclusion Criteria:

• • California State University Northridge athletes

  • Participants are able to give consent to participate in the study
  • Completion of preseason testing for the 6-condition, BESS, DVA, GST with the research team
  • Sustained a concussion as diagnosed by the medical staff during the 2020-2021 season of play.
  • Sampling of convenience on a volunteer basis

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Athletes with preseason baseline tests on BESS or DVA that are not within the normative value range for an unimpaired individual.

  • The initial 6- condition BESS score is >20 errors
  • The subject is unable to attain a minimum of 85 degrees per second of horizontal head rotation when performing the DVA test.