A prospective investigation of changes in the sensorimotor system following sports concussion. An exploratory study. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hides, Julie A.; Franettovich Smith, Melinda M.; Mendis, M. Dilani; Smith, Nigel A.; Cooper, Andrew J.; Treleaven, Julia; Leung, Felix; Gardner, Andrew J.; McCrory, Paul; Low Choy, Nancy L.
• Is Part Of: Musculoskeletal science and practice. Volume 29(2017)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Motor control -- Vestibular system -- Balance -- Cervical proprioception -- Trunk muscles -- Rugby; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics); Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment; Physical therapy; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- therapy; Neuromuscular Diseases -- therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-8630

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Sports concussion is a risk for players involved in high impact, collision sports. Post-concussion, the majority of symptoms subside within 7–10 days, but can persist in 10–20% of athletes. Understanding the effects of sports concussion on sensorimotor systems could inform physiotherapy treatment. Objective: To explore changes in sensorimotor function in the acute phase following sports concussion. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Fifty-four players from elite rugby union and league teams were assessed at the start of the playing season. Players who sustained a concussion were assessed three to five days later. Measures included assessments of balance (sway velocity), vestibular system function (vestibular ocular reflex gain; right-left asymmetry), cervical proprioception (joint position error) and trunk muscle size and function. Results: During the playing season, 14 post-concussion assessments were performed within 3–5 days of injury. Significantly decreased sway velocity and increased size/contraction of trunk muscles, were identified. Whilst not significant overall, large inter-individual variation of test results for cervical proprioception and the vestibular system was observed. Limitations: The number of players who sustained a concussion was not large, but numbers were comparable with other studies in this field. There was missing baseline data for vestibular and cervical proprioception testing for some players. Conclusions: Preliminary findings post-concussion suggest an altered balance strategy and trunk muscle control with splinting/over-holding requiring consideration as part of the development of appropriate physiotherapy management strategies. Highlights: Deficits in sensorimotor systems were detected following sports concussion. These systems are modifiable and amenable to management by physiotherapists. This is the first step towards planning trials of physiotherapy post-concussion.