Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2022
Abstract
Introduction
- Background: Collegiate football players experience increased exposure to repetitive head impacts. These subconcussive head impacts can cause vestibulo-oculomotor (VOM) dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptomatology1-4
- Purpose: To determine the prevalence of VOM dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptomology in cleared to play football players
Methods
- Participants: 62 male Division II Football players from Concordia University, Saint Paul
- Tests and Measures:
- Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA)
- Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)
- Near Point Convergence (NPC)
- Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
Results
- Over half (51.6%) of cleared-to-play athletes presented with at least one positive VOM test
- Eight participants (12.9%) scored >16 points on the CES-D indicating clinically significant symptoms of depression
- Twenty participants (22.5%) scored one or two standard deviations below the group-mean PASAT score suggesting impaired cognitive functioning
Conclusion
- Testing revealed a high number of abnormal results in cleared-to-play football players suggesting referral to health services may be appropriate
- Results are especially informative given the reduced-contact season due to COVID-19 protocols
Clinical Relevance
- Many cleared to play athletes may be playing in the presence of V-O dysfunction
- Cognitive impairment and depression symptomatology should be monitored for long term health and wellness
- A more holistic approach is necessary to objectively assess athletes exposed to frequent subconcussive head impacts
Recommended Citation
Dowdal-Osborn, Megan PT, PhD; Ebersole, R. SPT; Spanbauer, A. SPT; Turlington, D. SPT; and Ziehme, D. SPT, "Vestibulo-Oculomotor Function, Cognitive Abilities, and Symptoms of Depression in Male Collegiate Football Players" (2022). DPT Capstone Posters. 21.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/21