Date of Award

Spring 2018

Document Type

Thesis Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

Committee Chairperson

Nicole Cattano, Ph.D., LAT, ATC

Committee Member

Katherine Morrison, Ph.D., LAT, ATC

Committee Member

Daniel Baer, M.S., LAT, ATC

Abstract

Context: A positive association between concussion and lower extremity injury has been identified yet it is uncertain why. Further investigating impairments caused by concussion can enhance rehabilitation and decrease risk of subsequent injury. Objective: To compare the results of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), Landing Error Scoring System-Real Time (LESS-RT), Ruler Drop, and King-Devick in participants 0 to 1 year post-concussion (0-1yr), 1 to 2 years post-concussion (1-2yr), and those with no history of concussion (NoHx). Design: Cross sectional cohort study. Participants: Forty-five athletes participated in the study. Fifteen athletes with history of concussion 0 to 1 year ago, fifteen athletes with history of concussion 1 to 2 years ago, and fifteen athletes with no history of concussion. Intervention: Participants completed the BESS, LESS-RT, Ruler Drop, and King-Devick tests. Results: Significant group differences were found in BESS single-leg firm left-right excursion (NoHx: 4.81 ± 1.38, 0-1yr: 5.48 ± 3.65, 1-2yr: 10.08 ± 8.05; P = 0.02). Significant group differences were found in single-leg foam variability (NoHx: 0.79 ± 0.44, 0-1yr: 0.50 ± 0.22, 1-2yr: 0.55 ± 0.24; P = 0.04). There were many significant moderate and strong positive correlations between BESS and postural sway. Conclusions: Participants with history of concussion 1 to 2 years ago had poorer postural sway than healthy controls. Clinicians should assess athletes with history of concussion during pre-participation evaluations to discover poor performing athletes. Those who suffer a concussion or who may be at risk from a previous concussion could benefit from targeted preventative exercises.

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