The Utility of the King-Devick Test in Evaluating Professional Ice Hockey Players With Suspected Concussion. Issue 3 (15th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Echemendia, Ruben J.; Thelen, Joanie; Meeuwisse, Willem; Comper, Paul; Hutchison, Michael G.; Rizos, John; Bruce, Jared M.
• Is Part Of: Clinical journal of sport medicine. Volume 32:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2020-09-15
• Subjects: concussion -- King-Devick -- assessment -- diagnostic accuracy; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-642X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the diagnostic utility of the King-Devick (KD) in professional ice hockey players and (2) determine whether the KD provides unique variance in predicting a diagnosis of concussion when given in combination with the SCAT-5. Study Design: Cohort Study. Setting: Primary care. Patients/Participants: Professional ice hockey players. Independent Variables: Diagnosis versus no diagnosis of concussion. Main Outcome Measures: King-Devick and SCAT-5 component scores. Methods: In part 1, players suspected of having a concussion were evaluated at baseline and acutely with the KD and either the SCAT-3 or the SCAT-5. Players evaluated and not diagnosed with concussion served as active controls. In part 2, a separate group of players suspected of having a concussion was evaluated acutely with both the KD and SCAT-5. Results: In part 1 of this study, 53 concussed players declined in performance on the KD from baseline to acute evaluation, whereas the performance of 76 active controls improved significantly. In part 2 of the study, 75 players were diagnosed with concussion and compared with 80 active controls who were evaluated and not diagnosed with concussion. Concussed players revealed a decline in KD performance from baseline to acute evaluation when compared with controls. However, the KD did not account for significant unique variance in predicting a diagnosis of concussion after accounting for SCAT-5 data. Conclusions: The KD is useful in differentiating concussed and not concussed athletes acutely, but the KD does not seem to add additional diagnostic value over and above the SCAT-5.