Wearables in Rugby Union: A Protocol for Multimodal Digital Sports-related Concussion Assessment

Launched by NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY · Jun 16, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Background:

Pragmatic challenges remain in the monitoring and return to play (RTP) decisions following suspected Sports Related Concussion (SRC). Reliance on traditional approaches (pen and paper) means players readiness for RTP is often based on self-reported symptom recognition as a marker for full physiological recovery. Non-digital approaches also limit opportunity for robust data analysis which may hinder understanding of the interconnected nature and relationships in deficit recovery. Digital approaches may provide more objectivity to measure and monitor impairments in SRC. Crucially...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years;
• • Have minimal cognitive impairment, defined as a score between 0 and 8 on the Short Blessed test for cognitive function;
• • English as a first language or fluency.
• • Those that have an mTBI/Concussion during the season must have a diagnosis of mTBI from a healthcare professional (physiotherapist or medic) based upon standard criteria or identified head injury from contact sport.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Medical history of a neurological illness that could grossly affect balance or coordination (such as. stroke, greater than mild TBI, lower-extremity amputation, recent lower extremity or spine orthopaedic injury requiring a profile).
• • Be a pregnant female
• • Have past history of peripheral vestibular pathology or eye movement deficits.
• • Be unable to abstain from medication/alcohol 24 hours in advance of testing