Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess a clinically feasible DT protocol consisting of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and Standard Assessment of Concussion (SAC) administered simultaneously during and beyond clinically determined concussion recovery.
METHOD: We recruited 28 collegiate student-athletes (14 post-concussion, 14 control) who performed a DT BESS and SAC assessment at three timepoints: 1) clinical recovery, 2) return to play (RTP) day, and 3) 30 days post-concussion. Scores on each component were assessed with a linear mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures and task prioritization was assessed with a Chi-Square.
RESULTS: There was not a significant group by time interaction for the BESS ( F: 0.48, p = 0.625, ή 2 = 0.018) or SAC ( F: 1.927, p = 0.156, ή 2 = 0.069), but there was a significant difference in task prioritization at RTP ( χ 2: 13.4, p = 0.010).
CONCLUSION: While group performance did not differ over time, the concussion participants had a range of task prioritizations at RTP, including mutual interference, which could help identify athletes with incomplete neurological recovery.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-9 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Physician and Sportsmedicine |
| Early online date | Dec 4 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 4 2025 |
Scopus Subject Areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Keywords
- Balance error scoring system
- balance
- biomechanics
- return to play
- standard assessment of concussion