Effects of History of Concussion and Sport on Postural Sway in Athletes Using the Cobalt
[Thesis]
Moffet, Amy
Adame-Walker, Jennifer
California State University, Fresno
2020
63
D.P.T.
California State University, Fresno
2020
Background: Approximately 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions a year are sports-related concussions. However, a majority are unreported or do not get medical attention. Concussions can lead to increased functional impairments, long-term neurological deficits and in severe cases permanent brain damage. The Concussion Balance Test (COBALT) is more challenging and appropriate for postural stability testing of athletes than other tests. Purpose: To analyze the effects of a history of concussion and sport on postural sway in athletes utilizing the COBALT, and compare our data to the normative values. Methods: The study included 345 local collegiate club and semi-professional athletes who were at least 18 years old, and have participated in baseline testing of the COBALT conditions 3, 4, 7, and 8. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in postural sway between those with and without a prior concussion, as well as between sports. However, for each of the 4 conditions, our data varied significantly from the normative values. Discussion: There is no consensus in the current research on how and if balance is impacted by prior concussions. There were similar results found in the existing literature that compared balance across sports, which was that postural stability does not differ between sports. Lastly, the difference this study found when compared to the normative values could be attributed to vestibular system maturity. Based on the variety of the results, SRCs are individualized and should be compared to baseline values when possible.