(PP104) Sensory Organization Test as a Tool for Return to Play After Concussion: Case Report

Introduction: The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) is based on force plate measurements to detect and monitor balance impairments following concussion.

Objective: to examine the course of recovery after sport-related concussion using the SOT.

Methods: Female, 19 years old, soccer player, performed each of the 6 SOT conditions in 3 different moments (1. after concussion, 2. three weeks and 3. six weeks after concussion).

Results: observed evolution in all conditions in all the three evaluations.

Conclusions: SOT can provide an objective measurement of balance, supporting the decision of the coach and medical evaluation for return to play to the athlete.

Summary: 

Introduction: Balance plays a vital role in the maintenance of fluid, dynamic movement common in sport, and is defined as the process of maintaining the center of gravity (COG) within the body’s base of support. Concussion often presents with varying symptomatology and most experts think it should be evaluated using a multifactorial approach. Given that athletes may under-report concussions by nearly 50%, significant attention has been given to the validation of objective measures for managing concussion. Studies of postural stability and balance following concussion have used a variety of methodologies and metrics. The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) is a test based on force plate measurements to detect and monitor balance impairments following concussion.

Objective: Our purpose was to examine the course of recovery on various postural stability and neuropsychological measures after sport-related concussion using the Sensory Organization Test (SOR).

Methods: Female, 19 years old, soccer player, performed each of the 6 SOT conditions in 3 different moments (1. after concussion, 2. three weeks after concussion and 3. six weeks after concussion). Scores for each condition, total equilibrium composite score, and ratio scores for the somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems were recorded.

Results: It was observed changings in the test in all conditions in all the three evaluations, with statistically significant value after vestibular rehabilitation. Differences were present across three different moments that the participant was evaluated. SOT conditions 1 (P >001), 2 (P < .001), 3 (P < .001), 4 (P < 001), 5 (P >.001), and 6 (P < .001) and total equilibrium composite (P >001), visual (P < 001), vestibular (P < .001), and preference (P < .001) SOT scores.

Conclusions: Athletes with cerebral concussion demonstrated acute balance deficits, which are likely the result of not using information from the vestibular and visual systems effectively. The evaluation of balance by the SOT can provide an objective measurement of balance, supporting the decision of the coach and medical evaluation for return to play to the athlete. More research is necessary to determine the test battery for assessing sport related concussion and decision for returning to play.