Sports Sciences Commons^™

Intramuscular Nad⁺ Therapy And Neuroenergetic Symptom Modulation: An Exploratory Retrospective Human Pilot Study, Zachary J. Dickey Do, Kirtan Patel Bs, Randy Aldret Edd, Cscs, Atc, Navneet Sharma Md, Glenn Goodwin Do

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a central regulator of neuronal energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and axonal integrity. Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and repetitive subconcussive exposure, neurons undergo a neurometabolic crisis characterized by impaired oxidative phosphorylation, increased ATP demand, and depletion of intracellular NAD⁺ pools. Pre clinical models demonstrate that NAD⁺ depletion contributes to central energy dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, and axonal and neuronal degeneration through disruption of NAD⁺-dependent pathways including SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial resilience, PARP1-driven NAD⁺ consumption, and SARM1-associated axonal breakdown. Despite growing preclinical evidence supporting NAD⁺based neuroprotection, human clinical data remains absent.

Methods: A real-world clinical pilot …

A League Of Her Own: The Comeback After Collison, Ashley Otto, Do, Mbs, Carly Day, Md

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Initial History

During a college softball game, the left fielder (patient A) and center fielder (Patient B) collide while attempting to catch a fly ball. Patient A immediately lost consciousness and Patient B screamed in pain grabbing her right leg. The athletic trainer (AT) and student athletic trainer access and triage the players. Upon the AT's arrival, Patient A became conscious, appeared confused, denied distress, and complained of jaw pain. Patient B continued to have upper right leg pain. Both athletes are helped off the field and the on-call physician is asked to come to the field.

Fear Avoidance After Concussion Tool (Fact): Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Development And Content Validation, Liam J. Sherwood, Gill Cowen, Mandy Vidovich, Jeanette Hasleby, Jon Patricios, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective No valid patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) exist to evaluate fear avoidance behaviour following concussion. This study developed a new PROM to evaluate fear avoidance behaviour following concussion and assessed the PROM content validity. Design PROM development was performed using a qualitative study, and content validation was performed using a mixed-methods approach. Methods The development phase consisted of compiling potentially relevant items (eg, questions) from other PROMs proposed to measure fear avoidance before proceeding to a series of one-on-one semistructured interviews with patient and professional participants. The content validity (relevance, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness) of the PROM was first assessed by …

Investigating “Sled Head” Phenomenon And Diurnal Patterns In Team Usa Bobsleigh And Luge Athletes: A Virtual Research Study, Garrett R. Augsburger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the relationship between training time, performance, and concussion symptoms among Team USA bobsleigh and luge athletes during a four-week training season. Recognizing the high physical demands and potential risks associated with sledding sports, the study aimed to understand the prevalence of concussion-related experiences and how training schedules might influence athletic performance and symptomology. Repeated measures quantitative design was employed using session-level survey data submitted by athletes following daily training sessions. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire assessing variables such as performance rating, fatigue, alertness, training intensity, sleep quality, and concussion symptoms. A total of 156 sessions …

Circus-Specific Extension Of The 6th International Consensus Statement On Concussion In Sport, David Munro, Stephanie Greenspan, Joanna Nicholas, Melanie I. Stuckey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While sport-related concussion (SRC) is a known risk in circus arts, no published guidelines exist to guide post-concussion return to circus, contributing to inadequate management in this population. The Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) published the 6th international consensus statement in 2023, providing updated guidance and assessment tools for the management of SRC. Sport and dance organisations have adapted these recommendations for their specific settings. The aim of this extension statement was to extend the CISG guideline to the circus arts training and performance context. Development included a review of literature, creation of the initial drafts by the working group, …

Effect Of Hearing Status On Modified Balance Error Scoring System Performance, Matthew Brancaleone, Claire Akard, Jaclyn Caccese

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
Concussion assessments typically include evaluations of self-reported symptoms, neurocognitive function, and postural control. Specifically, postural control is often assessed using the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). Although normative mBESS data exist, they may not be appropriate for all athletes, such as those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH). Given the relationship between the cochlea and the vestibular system, athletes who are D/HoH may exhibit differences in postural control due to potential vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare mBESS performance between athletes who are D/HoH and athletes who are hearing.

The Inclusion Of Goal Setting In Promoting Exercise Adherence In Adolescent Athletes Who Sustained A Concussion: A Critically Appraised Topic, Caitlin Culhane

All Student Scholarship

Introduction/clinical scenario: Almost 2 million youth in the US sustain a concussion every year with several of them experiencing persistent post concussive symptoms. Past intervention has suggested that rest until symptom free is the best approach, while current findings suggest this approach is outdated and early exercise can help with a faster recovery. Several studies have researched the effects of goal setting strategies in different populations however there is a need for study in adolescent athletes. Focused clinical question: Is goal setting beneficial in promoting exercise adherence for adolescent athletes who sustained a sports related concussion? Summary of key findings: …

Pull Or Play? The Interpretation Of A Novel, Ai-Powered On-Field Decision Support Tool., Lynne Becker, Dafne Badilla, Osho Yonzon, Xiaoyu Wu, Roland Rocafort, Erik Viogan Phd, Devansh Manocha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

The document titled "Pull or Play? The interpretation of a novel, AI-powered on-field decision support tool" explores the development and application of the Injury Impact Severity Score (IISS)™ for assessing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), particularly in sports settings. It addresses the limitations of current assessment tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and proposes a more objective approach using patient-reported data and machine learning algorithms.

Key points include:

• Background: TBIs are a significant health concern with under-reported cases and a lack of effective research. Current assessment tools like the GCS have limitations in accuracy and speed, especially in dynamic …

Injury Prevalence Among Females Playing American Football, Anthea Warren-Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While extensive research has examined injuries in men's football, there is a significant lack of studies systematically investigating the types, patterns, and long-term effects of injuries among female football players. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the types and frequencies of injuries sustained by female American football players. A recruitment letter was sent via email, and following approval, an anonymous online survey was distributed to collect data from participants about their injuries during the 2023 season. The study included 13 teams from the WFA Pro division, with a total of 647 players, recruiting 245 participants aged 19 …

Studying Contact Replays: Investigating Mechanisms, Management And Game Exposures (Scrimmage) For Brain Health In The Australasian National Rugby League: A Protocol For A Database Design, Andrew J. Gardner, Grant L. Iverson, Paul Bloomfield, Sharron Flahive, James Brown, Suzi Edwards, Gordon W. Fuller, Mazdak Ghajari, Prashant Jhala, Ben Jones, Christopher R. Levi, Warren Mcdonald, Shreya Mcleod, Cameron Owen, Georgia Page, Kenneth L. Quarrie, Oliver Smith, Peter Stanwell, Daniel Tadmor, Timana Tahu, Douglas P. Terry, Campbell Thomson, Ross Tucker, Lauren V. Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Concussions in contact sports are challenging for athletes, health professionals and sporting bodies to prevent, detect and manage. Design of interventions for primary prevention, early recognition of concussion and continuing to improve postconcussion management are essential for protecting athletes and promoting brain health. Over the last decade, there have been advancements in video technology for analysing head impact events and improvements in the clinical management of concussions. This study protocol describes how researchers, clinicians and staff from the Australasian National Rugby League (NRL) have brought these advancements together and developed a database of videos with head impact events and clinical …

Gait Initiation Alone May Be Insufficient To Identify A Neuromuscular Mechanism Underlying Concussion-Related Kinematic Alterations, Tyler A. Wood, Rafael Casas, Chris Hill, Nicholas E. Grahovec

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Concussions create significant long-term health consequences, such as kinematic alterations, which may contribute to lower extremity musculoskeletal injury, dexterity limitations, disability, and declines in quality of life. A potential movement test that may identify neuromuscular mechanisms underlying these kinematic alterations is gait initiation. Gait initiation can assess preparatory postural adjustments as an individual transitions from static balance to voluntary movement. Thus, this study aims to examine muscle activation latency of individuals who sustained a concussion 3 to 24 months prior to testing, compared to healthy controls, during gait initiation tasks. Methods: This case-control study included 32 individuals who sustained …

Barriers To Implementation Of Post-Concussion Grade Exercise Tests, Tyler Beauregard

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential barriers to sports physical therapy and athletic training clinicians implementing graded exertional tests, specifically for their patients following concussion.

Quality Improvement Of A Post-Concussion Recovery Protocol, Halle Strege, Kaitlyn Burnham, Laura L. Harris

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of a post-concussion recovery protocol in an adolescent athletic population.

Neurocognitive Performance Differences Between Athletes Who Are Deaf Or Hard-Of-Hearing And Athletes Who Are Hearing, Matthew P. Brancaleone, Jaclyn Caccese, James Onate

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

There are over 71,000 college students in the United States who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH), with many participating in athletics. Athletes who are D/HoH have similar concussion rates to athletes who are hearing at the collegiate level. Differences in neurocognitive baseline performance between athletes who are D/HoH and athletes who are hearing may exist due to misunderstanding of written English instructions or differences in sensory processing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare neurocognitive performance between athletes who are hearing and athletes who are D/HoH.

The Occupational Performance Of Student-Athletes Post-Concussion: A Guide For Coaches And Athletic Trainers, Baylee A. Felts, Mary Ann Smith, Danielle Cade

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a rising concern amongst the sports community. Student-athletes with concussions can exhibit deficits in physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and visual-perceptual abilities (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Occupational therapists are equipped to address the impacts of those deficits to improve occupational engagement and performance but are often overlooked in concussion management teams (Finn, 2019). A concussion management team typically consists of coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), physicians, and sometimes physical therapists, depending on the severity of the concussion. Due to growing concern and continued research, the concussion management team must be current with new information. Coaches and ATs may not keep …

Exploratory Multiple Regression Analysis Of Predictive Factors On Pediatric Concussion Recovery, Jaimeen Shah

Senior Theses

This study ultimately aimed to find how different extra-clinical factors correlate with different aspects of concussion recovery. This study evaluated 8 different independent variables and their correlation to 4 different dependent variables (that are composed of 11 sub-dependent variables). It was hypothesized that these predictive variables will have a statistically significant impact on somatic, psychological, and cognitive outcomes. Additionally, it was hypothesized that the majority of these predictive factors will have the largest statistically significant impact on cognitive outcomes and that time to biological sex, age, prior concussion history, and household income (in that respective order) would have the strongest …

A Review Of The Progression Of Concussion Protocols Used Over Time In High School And College Athletics, Renee M. Thompson

Honors Thesis

Concussions have a significant impact on teenagers and young adults. Most concussions occur when participating in sports. Therefore, the focus is on high school and college athletes for this review. Over the years many new concussion studies and protocols have been implemented and removed. Concussions are head injuries, where the person has suffered trauma causing the brain to shift and receive damage. This typically impacts brain tissue and a variety of symptoms results. Concussions were traditionally not considered with the same severity as broken bones or bloody wounds. Head injuries can have extreme effects on the body and daily living …

Accelerometer-Based Head Impact Detection In Soccer - Where Are We?, Nipun Chopra

Biology Faculty publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant burden on individuals, societies, and healthcare systems as it is associated with long-term neurological and behavioral consequences. Although these effects vary according to severity, events that lead to TBI and mild TBI (mTBI), such as concussions, subconcussive impacts, and non-impact violent head movements, may also lead to similar changes. Soccer players are particularly prone to mTBI as they are exposed to head impacts in various ways during training and gameplay. A commonly-claimed TBI risk is that posed by the "heading" technique. Our examination of the literature questions the extent to which heading actually …

Examining The Impact Of Firearm Recoil During A Round Of Trap Shooting On Neurometabolic Changes Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury, Lakota Jones

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The CDC identifies concussion as a blunt, blow, or jolt to the head resulting in brain injury. Shooting sports do not impose a direct blow to the head but instead inflict rapid acceleration to the brain via recoil transfer. Exposure to rapid, repetitive recoil may cause physiological disturbances in the brain, therefore resulting in mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Chronic recoil transfer and overpressure exposure influencing neurometabolic changes of TBI have yet to be measured. The objective of this study was to examine kinetic energy experienced in trap and skeet shooters following one round of shooting in comparison to neurometabolic …

Models Of Video Feedback For Youth Athletes Performing An American Football Tackle, Eric Schussler, Richard J. Jagacinski, Ajit Chaudhari, John A. Buford, James A. Onate

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Video feedback is an expeditious method for improving athlete safety when performing activities with an inherent risk of injury. Providing appropriate and validated feedback during tackling training in American football may be a mechanism for athletes to learn safe tackling performance.

Objective: To determine the effect of video feedback in the instruction of tackling form.

Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Setting: Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: A total of 32 youth football athletes (28 boys, 4 girls; age ¼ 11.8 6 0.8 years) participated in 1 day of training. Of those, 14 participants completed 2 additional days of training and …

Introduction Of The ‘Blue Card’ Concussion Policy To Semi-Elite Australian Football: Medical Staff Experiences And Perceptions, Jacob Raymond Msando, Gill Cowen, Sarah A. Harris, Troy Kirkham, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background The Western Australian Football League (WAFL) introduced a new umpire driven ‘blue-card rule’ for concussion, but its benefit to the sports medicine team is unknown. Purpose To determine the experiences and perceptions of medical staff within the 2022-2023 Men’s and Women’s WAFL competitions following the introduction of the ‘blue-card rule’. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Method An online survey was delivered through Qualtrics to all WAFL medical staff (doctors, physiotherapists, head trainers). The survey contained four sections (demographics, concussion knowledge, concussion exposure and blue-card perceptions) with closed and multiple-answer questions. Standard methods for reporting descriptive data were applied, including mean …

What Is The Prevalence Of General Anxiety Disorder And Depression Symptoms In Semi-Elite Australian Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study, Anthony Henderson, Sarah A. Harris, Troy Kirkham, Jonathon Charlesworth, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in semi-elite Australian footballers is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive symptoms in semi-elite Australian Football players. Our secondary objective was to explore the association between demographic and football-specific factors with GAD and depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional epidemiological study including 369 semi-elite Western Australian Football League (WAFL) players from the Men and Women’s 2022 season (n = 337 men, 91%) was conducted. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale (PHQ-9) and symptoms of GAD with …

Cultural Normalization Of Risk?: Exploring Brain Injury In The National Football League Using Sociocultural Analysis, Ali V. Willing, Jafra D. Thomas

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The NFL's history includes the organization's fight against numerous lawsuits alleging excessive risk of brain injury to current and former players. A billion-dollar legal settlement by the NFL in 2022 illustrates the issue's gravity. PURPOSE: We aimed to understand why, culturally, the NFL has 'failed' to avert serious harm alleged by the lawsuits, given the lawsuits' magnitude and the known brain-injury risks of playing tackle football. METHODS: The NFL's rhetoric towards safety concerns and recommendations for injury prevention were examined vis-a-vis qualitative analysis of its organizational and media practices. This study was through one undergraduate end-of-term project focused …

Stimulant Medication Use In Children/Adolescent Athletes With Adhd Reduce The Recovery Time Of Concussions And Traumatic Brain Injury, Matthew Lee

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Capstone Presentations (Center City)

Introduction

• Concussions and TBIs are well-known injuries occurring 30-50 million times a year worldwide and are commonly seen in sports.¹ The majority of TBIs are mild yet still have the potential to cause lifelong detrimental effects.
• Short- and long-term complications include difficulty thinking, difficulty concentrating, changes in emotions and personality, decreased memory and sensation, and may lead to depression and dementia.²
• Especially in children and adolescents who are undergoing brain development.
• There are no known prophylactic medications, however, some studies have indicated that sympathomimetic drugs, MPH, may be neuroprotective in the setting of TBIs.
• The purpose of this …

Community Awareness Of Youth Sport Related Concussion: A Neuropsychological Perspective, Ryan D. Bennett, Claire Stafford, Shanna K. Williams, Vijay Bajnath, Chris Burley, Alison Datoc, Alexis Hartman

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

There continues to be growing public awareness regarding concussions and the detrimental effects sustaining such an injury can have on one’s life. Of increased importance is the understanding of how concussions impact children and adolescents, particularly as a result of sport engagements. Contact sports involving youth account for 41% of the concussions seen in emergency departments (Waltzman et al., 2020). Of note, hospital estimates tend to underrepresent the total number of sport-related concussions as they do not factor patients treated in a community setting (Bazarian et al., 2020). In consideration of this public health epidemic, there is a current projection …

Unreported Concussions Within Law Enforcement Officers, Bailee Faulkner, Jennifer Walker, Audrey Wagstaff

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

Understand the degree to which concussions go unreported among members of the Law Enforcement community.

The Value Of The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (Voms) In Evaluating Adolescent Patients With Concussions, Laura Harris, Kirstin Antonaros, Hayley Cole, Patrick Daniels, Kurtis Gould, Trent Ivey, Alexa Lewis, Alexis Maxwell, Paul Miles

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

To determine the VOMS can differentiate between typical and protracted recoveries in adolescent patients.

School Psychologists’ Knowledge And Perceived Competence Regarding Concussion Management In Schools, Braelyn Tracy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can have a serious effect on a young, developing brain. Following a concussion, it is common for children and adolescents to experience difficulties in the school setting. Schools may be the ideal setting to address some of the problems children experience as schools employ some personnel with expertise and experience in assessment and intervention. If return to learn is put to the side, students experiencing concussion signs and symptoms could potentially have long-term cognitive problems. School psychologists play a key role in the prevention and assessment of, and intervention for …

Salivary Microrna As A Concussion Biomarker And The Implications For Athletic Trainers' Practices, Thomas Richard Campbell

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Many concussions are sustained globally each year; however, research suggests that a large number may go undiagnosed due to a reliance on subjective information from patients and limitations of current objective measures. Recently, efforts have been focused on identifying clinical biomarkers of concussions, including salivary microRNA (miRNA), to improve healthcare professionals’ concussion management practices. Even if salivary miRNA were shown to be a valid and reliable measure for managing concussions, healthcare professionals, such as athletic trainers (ATs), must be familiar with the tool and have positive attitudes toward the implementation into clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was …

The Invisible Epidemic: A Concussion Assessment Among University Faculty And Staff, Emily R. Brown, Jacqueline D. Villanueva Arevalo

Student Scholar Showcase

Background: The present body of research is deficient, and institutions frequently lack defined return-to-learn policies for students who have incurred or been diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion.

Purpose: This research study aims to determine the level of knowledge and awareness university faculty and staff currently have at a private university in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Participants: 64 collegiate faculty and academic staff

Methods: A Cross-sectional, web-based Faculty and Staff Concussion Awareness and Knowledge survey was completed by participants, consisting of 9 demographic, 21 Likert Scale, and 1 multiple-option question.

Results: Initial descriptive and frequency statistics of the 64 …