Citation

Dobney DM, Thomas SG, Taha T, Keightley M. J. Sport Rehab. 2018; 27(4): 312-318.

Affiliation

Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jsr.2017-0038

PMID

28513270

Abstract

CONTEXT: Baseline testing is a common strategy for concussion assessment and management. Research continues to evaluate novel measures for potential to improve baseline testing methods.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to; 1) determine the feasibility of including physiological, neuromuscular and mood measures as part of baseline concussion testing protocol, 2) describe typical values in a varsity athlete sample, and 3) estimate the influence of concussion history on these baseline measures.

DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University Athletic Therapy Clinic. PARTICIPANTS: 100 varsity athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency and domain measures of heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), grip strength, Profile of Mood States and the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-2.

RESULTS: Physiological, neuromuscular performance and mood measures were feasible at baseline. Participants with a history of two or more previous concussions displayed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure. Females reported higher total mood disturbance compared to males.

CONCLUSIONS: Physiological and neuromuscular performance measures are safe and feasible as baseline concussion assessment outcomes. History of concussion may have an influence on diastolic blood pressure.

Language: en

Keywords

blood pressure; concussion baseline; grip strength; heart rate variability