Sports Sciences Commons^™

Emotionally Concussed: The Impact Of Pre-Existing Anxiety On Concussion Recovery, Grace Szucs

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Recent advances in concussion research have shed light on numerous mental and physiological factors that may complicate concussion recovery. Systematic reviews of the existing literature have found that premorbid mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety may be a predictor of complicated concussion recovery, but studies have not had an appropriate design to isolate anxiety or depression as a predictor of lengthened recovery. This study investigated if athletes with a history of premorbid anxiety and/or depression would have a longer time of recovery than athletes without this history. Male and female athletes from a Division-1 athletic department treated for …

Risk Of Position-Based Concussions Among Collegiate Men And Women Soccer Players, Devin Hauenstein

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Limiting the incidence of concussions has become a foremost concern among collegiate athletes and coaches. This study aimed to determine if the soccer position played, and minutes played during a game predict the incident of concussion among college soccer players. If concussion risk can be predicted, it may lead to mitigating actions to minimize risks. Data from 208 male and female soccer players from the North Coast Concussion Program (NCCP) were assessed to predict the incidence of concussion based on total minutes played and position(s) played. A logistic regression analysis and predictive modeling technique were used to determine whether the …

On-Field Deployment And Validation For Wearable Devices, Calvin Kuo, Declan Patton, Tyler Rooks, Gregory Tierney, Andrew Mcintosh, Robert Lynall, Amanda Esquivel, Ray Daniel, Thomas Kaminski, Jason Mihalik, Nate Dau, Jillian Urban

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Wearable sensors are an important tool in the study of head acceleration events and head impact injuries in sporting and military activities. Recent advances in sensor technology have improved our understanding of head kinematics during on-field activities; however, proper utilization and interpretation of data from wearable devices requires careful implementation of best practices. The objective of this paper is to summarize minimum requirements and best practices for on-field deployment of wearable devices for the measurement of head acceleration events in vivo to ensure data evaluated are representative of real events and limitations are accurately defined. Best practices covered in this …

Concussion And Mental Health: Case Series, Haley M. Clark

All NMU Master's Theses

Concussion is the most common traumatic brain injury in the United States, and is thought to lead to adverse effects on mental health. No studies to date have examined mental health throughout concussion recovery. This project examined the effect of concussion on three aspects of mental health: anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale), depression (Beck’s Depression Inventory), and aggression, (Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire) at three time points (baseline, mid-season, and postseason) and if the athlete had a concussion, they completed the questionnaire once upon diagnosis, bi-weekly until return-to-play, and bi-weekly for two weeks after being cleared for participation. Each concussion showed an …

Supporting Students After Concussion: What College Faculty Need To Know, Susan C. Davies

Thomas C. Hunt Building a Research Community Day

Returning to university life following concussion can be challenging for students. Our Brain Health Collaboratory, in conjunction with the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training, developed set of online resources to inform college faculty members about brain injuries. The module includes information about concussion effects, academic and environmental accommodations, and the role of college faculty in providing support. This session will share our research that led to development of the module, as well as our plan to evaluate its efficacy.

Prevalence And Differences Of Sport Concussion Symptoms And Severity Among Male And Female University Student Athletes, Tacey Howell, Kristen Mcalexander

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The prevalence of sport concussions continues to increase among university student athletes in the United States. Earlier methods of prevention, such as the Halo and modified football and hockey helmets, have not resulted in significantly fewer sport concussions. Further, even less is known about the differences between male and female university student athletes’ concussion symptoms and severity. PURPOSE: To measure sport concussion prevalence among university student athletes and compare the severity of self-reported symptoms among university male and female student athletes. METHODS: In the Fall of 2021, a modified version of the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, 5^th Edition) …

Acute Neurogenic Stuttering As A Symptom Of Concussions In Collegiate Athletes, Kayleigh Hennemann

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if stuttering is a possible symptom of concussions in collegiate athletes. This study utilized a 10-question survey regarding the occurrence of concussions and possible stuttering symptoms that followed. The survey was distributed to the Arkansas State University rugby team. The results of the study revealed that greater than half of the players who experienced concussions also experienced co-occurring stuttering symptoms. Though this study utilized a small sample size, it revealed that further research is needed regarding stuttering as a symptom of concussions.

Vestibular Rehabilitation As An Early Intervention In Athletes Who Are Post-Concussion: A Systematic Review, Gabrielle Babula, Edward Warunek, Grace Nikolski, Katherine Cure

Student Research Poster Presentations 2022

Background: Sports-related concussions (SRC) are a common injury sustained by many athletes of all different age groups and sports. The current standard treatment is rest followed by aerobic activity. Little has been researched on the effects of vestibular rehabilitation for concussion treatment, especially in physical therapy practice.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to research the effects of early intervention of vestibular rehabilitation and an athlete’s time to return to play compared to rest alone.

Methods: Two searches were conducted (August 2021 & January 2022). Databases looked at were CINAHL complete, MEDLINE, PubMed, Wiley online database, and one …

Head Impact Exposure In Youth And Collegiate American Football, Grace B. Choi, Eric P. Smith, Stefan M. Duma, Steven Rowson, Eamon Campolettano, Mireille E. Kelley, Derek A. Jones, Joel D. Stitzel, Jillian E. Urban, Amaris Genemaras, Jonathan G. Beckwith, Richard M. Greenwald, Arthur C. Maerlender, Joseph J. Crisco

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

The relationship between head impact and subsequent brain injury for American football players is not well defined, especially for youth. The objective of this study is to quantify and assess Head Impact Exposure (HIE) metrics among youth and collegiate football players. This multiseason study enrolled 639 unique athletes (354 collegiate; 285 youth, ages 9–14), recording 476,209 head impacts (367,337 collegiate; 108,872 youth) over 971 sessions (480 collegiate; 491 youth). Youth players experienced 43 and 65% fewer impacts per competition and practice, respectively, and lower impact magnitudes compared to collegiate players (95th percentile peak linear acceleration (PLA, g) competition: 45.6 vs …

The Correlation Between Acl Injury & Concussion, Brandon Michael Phillips

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Concussion (also known as mild traumatic brain injury) is a neurological injury that occurs after a blow to the head or neck area and can have affects to movement based on the severity of the injury. Mild traumatic brain injury has possible linkage to an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the impact of prior concussion on lower extremity mechanics that are associated with risk of ACL injury. A total of 11 individuals with prior history of concussion and 11 healthy individuals without prior history of concussion (56.5 months since …

The Impact Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk On Baseline Balance Assessment For Concussion In Collegiate Athletes, Ryan N. Moran, Nicholas G. Murray

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Recent literature has linked concussion and neuromuscular deficits in the lower extremity after injury. Neuromuscular control is frequently assessed using balance measures for concussion, but also dynamically to identify anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) risk via jump-landing movement screening. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ACL injury risk on baseline balance assessment for concussion. METHODS: Thirty-nine healthy, collegiate female soccer (n=22) and volleyball (n=17) athletes completed the modified-Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction of Balance (m-CTSIB) and the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) test as part of routine concussion baseline testing and injury …

In-Season Concussion Symptom Reporting In Male And Female Collegiate Rugby Athletes, Emily E. Kieffer,, P. Gunnar Brolinson, Arthur C. Maerlender, Eric Smith, Steven Rowson

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Symptom inventories are generally only collected after a suspected concussion, but regular in-season monitoring may allude to clinical symptoms associated with repetitive subconcussive impacts and potential undiagnosed concussions. Despite sex-specific differences in symptom presentation and outcome of concussion, no return-to-play protocol takes sex into account. The objective of this study was to monitor a cohort of contact-sport athletes and compare the frequency and severity of in-season concussion-like symptom reporting between sexes. Graded symptom checklists from 144 female and 104 male athlete-seasons were administered weekly to quantify the effect of subconcussive impacts on frequency and severity of in-season symptom reporting. In-season, …

Do Memory Test Scores Improve After Organized Sport Activity?, Olivia B. Smith, Erika Smith-Goodwin, Jennifer Walker

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

Please enjoy Volume 7, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports.

Thank you for viewing this 7^th Annual OATA Special Edition.

The Impact Of Multiple Concussions On The Lives Of Student-Athletes, Jenny L. Toonstra, Andrea E. Cripps, Lauren R. Meyers

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

Please enjoy Volume 7, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports.

Thank you for viewing this 7^th Annual OATA Special Edition.

The Role Of Pre-Season Health Characteristics As Injury Risk Factors In Female Adolescent Soccer Players, Brent Harper, Adrian Aron, Emmanuel John

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

[Purpose] Determine if female adolescent soccer players with a history of concussion, impaired K-D scores, and pre-season subjective complaints of neck pain, dizziness, and headache were predisposed to additional risk of musculoskeletal or concussive injury during 10-weeks of competitive play. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-three female high school soccer athletes provided concussion history and reported pre-season subjective complaints. K-D testing was performed pre and postseason. During the 10-week season, all injuries, preventing participation in practice or game, were recorded. [Results] Six reported a history of concussion. Of those six, three injuries were reported, including two concussions and a hamstring strain. Baseline …

The Effect Of Concussion History On Lower Extremity Injury Risk In High School And Collegiate Athletes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Vanessa Ramirez, Ryan Mccann, Eric Schussler, Jessica Martinez

College of Health Sciences Posters

Sport-related concussions are a prevalent injury that result in sensorimotor dysfunction and altered neuromuscular control. Individuals recovering from a concussion display decreased postural sway during balance assessment and may possess prolonged balance deficits after return-to-play (RTP). Athletes who are experiencing impairments following RTP after a concussion may be at increased risk of lower extremity (LE) injury. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining risk of LE musculoskeletal injury following a concussion in high school and collegiate athletes. An electronic database search of PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus was conducted on November …

Survey Of Prevention And Intervention Strategies Reducing Return To Play Post-Concussion In Division 1 Football, Joseph F. Clark, Enna Selmanovic, Kip Drewry, Jon Vincent, Aaron Himmler, Bob Mangine, Kim Hasselfeld, Jane Khoury, David Polanski, Jon Divine

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract.

Introduction

Sports related concussion, also considered mTBI, has remained in the public eye due to heightened fear concerning playing football and other collision based sports. Concussion prevention, as well as rehabilitating the brain after a concussion, is a high priority for many sports medical practitioners as well as for athletes. For these reasons, researchers associated with the American Athletic Conference (AAC) have surveyed concussion incidence in football. One of the AAC teams engaged in regular neurovisual training (NVT) and concluded this training program is associated with faster return to play post-injury in this observational cohort study.

Methods

The …

An Objective Method To Assess And Recommend Exertion And Exercise Targets For Return To Play Post Concussion, Joseph F. Clark Phd Atc, Robert E. Mangine Pt Med Atc, Kimberly A. Hasselfeld Ms, Violet T. Schramm, Angelo J. Colosimo Md, Aaron Kuehn-Himmler At Ms, Gerald M. Holloway Ms Atc, Faniel Fosselman Do Mba, Jon Vincent, Nicole Giordano, Jon G. Divine Md Ms

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction.

Concussions are of significant concern for athletic trainers, and there is a critical need to objectively and safely allow an athlete to return to play. In sports the objective is return as safely and soon as possible. Exertion is a consideration regarding progressing an athlete back to play. The ability to exert in cardiovascular and strength and conditioning contexts are two critical steps in most return to play protocols. Being able to make objective recommendations is urgently needed, as trial and error leads to unnecessary risk of eliciting symptoms and/or causing setbacks.

Objective.

The object of this paper is …

A Systematic Review Of Center Of Mass As A Measure Of Dynamic Postural Control Following Concussion, Sarah Patejak, Joshua Forrest, Emily Harting, Mable Sisk, Eric Schussler

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The incidence of sports-related concussion in the US is between 1.6-3.8 million annually. Identification of ongoing impairment post-concussion continues to be challenging, as research indicates many patients are cleared for return to activity while still suffering subclinical impairment of function. Purpose: To identify and review the current literature on the use of center of mass (COM) during gait as a potential indicator variable after concussive injury. Study Design: Systematic Review.

METHODS: A Pubmed search was undertaken utilizing search terms involving gait performance and concussion. Study inclusion criteria included: (1) COM used as a variable in data analysis, (2) study …

Effects Of A Dual-Task Paradigm On Tandem Gait Performance, Courtney Angela Perry

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In concussion management, a variety of cognitive and motor control tests, like the tandem gait, have been used for assessing the presence of a concussion injury at the sideline and through recovery. More recently, research suggests that introducing a secondary cognitive retention task during tandem gait (i.e., dual task) may provide a better assessment of concussion. The purpose of this study was to determine if a tandem gait test paired with a 6-digit retention is a valid and reliable tool. Participants completed three trials of both the single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) tandem gait tests, and their average (MEAN) and …

Aci-35 And Aadvac1 Active Immunotherapy As Preventative Treatment Options For Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Emily C. Boehlein

Selected Honors Theses

One of the most common, as well as one of the most dangerous injuries amongst athletes today is mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as concussion. Aside from physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches; concussions have can have longterm effects on brain physiology. A common neurological disease that can result from multiple concussions is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), characterized by symptoms such as severe depression, anxiety, confusion, and aggression; amongst others.1 On the cellular level, CTE is classified by a unique pathway that leads to the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and subsequent clumping of tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles …

Rodeo Athletes' Perceptions On Head Injuries: Focusing On Concussions, Alyssa Mckenzie, Jennifer Walker, Erika Smith-Goodwin

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

Please enjoy Volume 6, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports.

Thank you for viewing this 6^th Annual OATA Special Edition.

Validation Of An Instrument To Assess Return To Play And Return To Learn Protocols In Adolescents Diagnosed With A Sport Related Concussion, Hogan Marshall, Janet E. Simon, Laura L. Harris

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

Please enjoy Volume 6, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports.

Thank you for viewing this 6^th Annual OATA Special Edition.

Validation Of An Instrument To Assess Fear Avoidance In Adolescents Who Have Been Diagnosed With A Concussion, Erika Smith, Janet Simon, Laura Harris

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

Please enjoy Volume 6, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports.

Thank you for viewing this 6^th Annual OATA Special Edition.

Understanding And Identifying The Knowledge And Attitudes Of High School Coaches On Sport-Related Concussions, Marc A. Mortellaro

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background and Purpose of the Study: Sport-related concussions are a major public health issue, particularly so in the setting of sports. Sports dominate American culture and with millions of athletes of all ages participating in these sports these athletes predispose themselves to the risks of sport-related concussions. High-school athletes are of particular interest because of the heightened risks of long-term consequences and of particular note second impact syndrome, which is a catastrophic injury primarily reported in the adolescent aged athlete. Appropriate concussion assessment and management is necessary for reducing the possibility of these long- term effects of concussions. Properly trained …

King-Devick Test Score Is Linked To Cerebral Vasoreactivity During Acute Recovery Phase Post-Concussion, Madison E. Mccredie, Abigail Reichow, Mathew Stokes, Kathleen R. Bell, Sushmita Purkayastha

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The King-Devick (KD) test is a quick screening tool used to detect oculomotor and attention related brain function impairments following a concussion. Adequate cerebral blood flow (CBF) is an indicator of structural and functional integrity and impairments in CBF have been linked to cognitive deficits following concussion. Cerebral vasoreactivity (CVR), a key measure of hemodynamic reserve, is an important factor in CBFregulation. PURPOSE: To examine the association between CVR and oculomotor and attention function, using KD test scores, in collegiate athletes following a concussion. METHOD: Eighteen male and female athletes diagnosed with a sports-related concussion were enrolled in the prospective …

Impairments In Cerebral Autoregulation Is Associated With Postural Control In Sports Related Concussion, Abigail L. Reichow, Madison Mccredie, Mathew Stokes, Kathleen R. Bell, Sushmita Purkayastha

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Global and regional deficits in cerebral blood flow are reported with concussions, a major public health concern, with approximately 3.8 million incidences occurring annually in the United States alone. Recent studies have identified an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes upon return-to-play. Complexity index is a sensitive marker of postural control, with low complexity index indicating a poor physiological adaptation to stress. PURPOSE: Twofold; 1. Examine complexity index and dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) at rest and during physical stress (rhythmic squatting) in collegiate athletes following a concussion in comparison to non-injured controls. 2. Examine the association between complexity …

Sleep And Stress In The Acute Phase Of Concussion In Youth, Arthur C. Maerlender, Caitlin Masterson, Jessica L. Calvi, Todd Caze, Ross Mathiasen, Dennis Molfese

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

This study sought to address the complex interplay between both biological and psychological perceptions of stress and sleep in the acute stages following a mild traumatic brain injury. A secondary goal was to identify potential targets for intervention. Eleven acutely injured youth (mean age 12 years) were studied at home with overnight actigraphy, salivary cortisol and melatonin assays, and subjective ratings of stress and fatigue (injured group). Nine matched control youth also were assessed (control group). Results suggested longer sleep latencies (time to fall asleep) and higher levels of fatigue in the injured group exist (p ¼ 0.025 and p …

Exploring The Association Between Recent Concussion, Subconcussive Impacts And Depressive Symptoms In Male Australian Football Players, Sarah Ann Harris, Paola T. Chivers, Fleur L. Mcintyre, Ben Piggott, Max Bulsara, Fiona H. Farringdon

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives: To explore the association between depressive symptoms and recent head-related trauma (diagnosed concussion, subconcussive impacts) in semiprofessional male Australian Football (AF) players.

Methods: Sixty-nine semiprofessional male players from a West Australian Football League (WAFL) club participated in the study (M age =21.81, SD=2.91 years). Depressive symptoms were measured using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Injuries and potential confounding variables (eg, pre-existing mental health condition; alcohol or drug hangovers; experiencing a stressful event) were self-reported anonymously using the WAFL Injury Report Survey. Both tools were administered every 2-weeks over the first 22-weeks of the WAFL season. Controlling for …

Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries As A Possible Risk Factor For Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears In Female High School And College Athletes, Brooke Weyand

Capstone Showcase

Introduction: Both mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among two of the most common, and most career-ending sports medicine injuries. Concussions often result from a blow to the head that can cause headaches, difficulty concentrating, photophobia, and memory loss. Concussion recovery often involved brain rest from athletics, screen exposure, reading, lights, and if severe enough, academics. The ACL is a ligament that is detrimental in stabilization of the knee joint. It connects the femur to the tibia within the joint, and can tear suddenly if it undergoes a quick twisting motion. ACL tears often …