(PP1505) Normative Data Sensory of Organization Test in Athletes with and Without Concussion History

Introduction: Concussions are a concern to participants and coaches in football; thus, more scientific data can assist in focusing on injury prevention.

Objective: normative database for Sensory Organization Test (SOT) scores from an athlete population. Methodology: University-level Athletes were categorized into the concussion-history group if they reported sustaining 2 or more concussions in the context of their university period experiences.

Results: A total of 134 healthy student athletes (normative sample) with no history of a concussion were tested.

Conclusion:  when using these concussion assessment tools, clinicians may consider using normative data in lieu of individualized baseline measures.

Summary: 

Introduction: Concussions are a concern to participants and coaches in football; thus, more scientific data can assist in focusing on injury prevention. Obtaining baseline measurements and incorporating postconcussion assessments may aid in the return-to-play decisions, which are critical and important, not only to the football player but also to the entire professional staff. Neurocognitive evaluations, plus other newer technologies, can be added relatively easily, as part of a concussion assessment program, in addition to other evaluations, such as neurocognitive assessments, physical symptoms (headaches, blurred vision), and other physical performance evaluations by the sports medicine team.

Objective: The primary purpose of our study was to present a normative database for Sensory Organization Test (SOT) scores from an athlete population. Furthermore, since no research exists regarding long-term balance performance post-concussion, the secondary purpose was to compare postural-control performance between athletes who had concussion history with those of who maintain a high level of conditioning and training as well but do not have any episode of concussion. Methodology: University-level Athletes were categorized into the concussion-history group if they reported sustaining 2 or more concussions in the context of their university period experiences. Participants with one concussion were not included in the study. University-level Athletes with no concussion history were selected for the control group. The SOT was perfomed with NeuroCom SMART EquiTest® Clinical Research System (CRS) equipment (Natus Medical International, version 9.3, Clackamas, OR), performing the six conditions.

Results: A total of 134 healthy student athletes (normative sample) with no history of a concussion were tested. These healthy student athletes were compared to a sample of 246 student athletes who had experienced a concussion (concussed sample). Our conclusions indicate that the SOT, when available, may be a positive additional assessment of concussed college-aged football players. This information may also provide scientific data to aid in return-to-play and football practice. Also, the SOT can assist in indicating to physicians and athletic trainers as to how severe and serious a player's concussion may be with other obtained measures.

Conclusion: Subclinical postural-control changes may persist beyond the point when athletes are considered clinically recovered postconcussion. Our findings suggest that, when using these concussion assessment tools, clinicians may consider using normative data in lieu of individualized baseline measures. This may be especially useful to clinicians with limited resources and an inability to capture valid baselines on all athletes.