Linear and Non-Linear Measurements of Postural Control Recovery Following Concussion

<p> <p id="x-x-x-x-P12"> <strong> Introduction: </strong> Impaired postural control is a cardinal symptom of concussion and the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) suggests recovery within 3-5 days. However, instrumented measures of postural control have suggested persistent deficits. <p id="x-x-x-x-P13"> <strong> Purpose: </strong> To evaluate differences in linear (95% area, mean velocity) and non-linear (approximate entropy) measurements in concussed individuals throughout the recovery process compared to healthy controls <p id="x-x-x-x-P14"> <strong> Methods: </strong> 18 collegiate athletes with concussion (age: 19.0&plusmn;1.4 years, height: 175.9&plusmn;11.4 cm, mass: 82.5&plusmn;23.8 kg) and 10 healthy individuals (age: 22.4&plusmn;2.7 years, height: 175.7&plusmn;11.9 cm, mass: 81.1&plusmn;21.3 kg) were tested. Post-concussion participants were tested on three occasions 1) acutely (24-48 hours following injury), 2) RTP day (full practice/game), and 3) 30 days following injury. Participants completed three trials of a quiet stance (eyes open, firm surface) on their dominant leg for 20 seconds. Performance at each time point was compared to healthy values using a 2x3 ANOVA for each dependent variable. </p> <p> <strong> Results: </strong> There was a significant main effect for group in both 95% area (p <p id="x-x-x-x-P16"> <strong> Conclusion: </strong> Linear CoP measurements, especially 95% area, may be strong indicators of postural control deficits acutely post-concussion. However, at RTP non-linear measures may better at identifying lingering impairments. Lingering deficits up to 30 days following injury may become apparent when using these measurements. </p> </p> </p> </p></p>