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Smulligan KL, Carry P, Smith AC, Esopenko C, Baugh CM, Wilson JC, Howell DR. Cervical spine proprioception and vestibular/oculomotor function: An observational study comparing young adults with and without a concussion history. Phys Ther Sport 2024; 69:33-39. [PMID: 39013262 PMCID: PMC11343652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate dizziness, vestibular/oculomotor symptoms, and cervical spine proprioception among adults with/without a concussion history. METHODS Adults ages 18-40 years with/without a concussion history completed: dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), visio-vestibular exam (VVE), and head repositioning accuracy (HRA, assesses cervical spine proprioception). Linear regression models were used to assess relationships between (1) concussion/no concussion history group and VVE, HRA, and DHI, and (2) DHI with HRA and VVE for the concussion history group. RESULTS We enrolled 42 participants with concussion history (age = 26.5 ± 4.5 years, 79% female, mean = 1.4± 0.8 years post-concussion) and 46 without (age = 27.0± 3.8 years, 74% female). Concussion history was associated with worse HRA (β = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77, 1.68; p < 0.001), more positive VVE subtests (β = 3.01, 95%CI: 2.32, 3.70; p < 0.001), and higher DHI scores (β = 9.79, 95%CI: 6.27, 13.32; p < 0.001) after covariate adjustment. For the concussion history group, number of positive VVE subtests was significantly associated with DHI score (β = 3.78, 95%CI: 2.30, 5.26; p < 0.001) after covariate adjustment, while HRA error was not (β = 1.10, 95%CI: -2.32, 4.51; p = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS Vestibular/oculomotor symptom provocation and cervical spine proprioception impairments may persist chronically (i.e., 3 years) after concussion. Assessing dizziness, vestibular/oculomotor and cervical spine function after concussion may inform patient-specific treatments to address ongoing dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Smulligan
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Patrick Carry
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrew C Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carrie Esopenko
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine M Baugh
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Julie C Wilson
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David R Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Smulligan KL, Wingerson MJ, Little CC, Wilson JC, Howell DR. Early physical activity after concussion is associated with sleep quality but not dizziness among adolescent athletes. J Sci Med Sport 2023; 26:183-188. [PMID: 36804710 PMCID: PMC10106390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the association between early physical activity and post-concussion sleep quality, dizziness, and postural stability among adolescents with concussion compared to uninjured controls. DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS Adolescents ages 13-18 years assessed within 14 days post-concussion and uninjured controls. Those with concussion reported if they participated in physical activity between the concussion and assessment. Participants completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and single/dual-task tandem gait. RESULTS We enrolled 34 participants with concussion (early physical activity: n = 10, age = 15.8 ± 1.6 years, 70% female; no physical activity: n = 24, age = 16.0 ± 1.3 years, 50% female) and 21 uninjured controls (age = 16.0 ± 1.8 years, 48% female). Compared to controls, the no physical activity group reported worse sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 3.8 ± 2.7 vs 8.0 ± 4.9 points, p = 0.002) and single-task tandem gait time (13.7 ± 3.4 vs 21.2 ± 8.1 s, p = 0.0006), while the early physical activity group did not (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 3.8 ± 2.7 vs 5.8 ± 3.2 points, p = 0.38; single-task tandem gait: 13.7 ± 3.4 vs 19.0 ± 5.7 s, p = 0.08). Compared to controls, early/no physical activity groups reported worse dizziness (Dizziness Handicap Inventory: 2.0 ± 3.4 vs 22.9 ± 23.8 vs 27.4 ± 19.2 points, p < 0.0001). There were no significant between-group differences for dual-task tandem gait (24.1 ± 8.0 vs 24.8 ± 6.2 vs 26.6 ± 7.3 s, p = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS The no physical activity group reported worse sleep quality and slower single-task tandem gait than controls, while both groups reported similar sleep quality and tandem gait. Early physical activity may promote sleep quality and postural stability, or early physical activity may be a function of improved sleep and postural stability after concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathew J Wingerson
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, USA
| | - Casey C Little
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, USA
| | - Julie C Wilson
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA
| | - David R Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, USA.
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Snyder Valier AR, Rogo J, Bay RC, Valovich Mcleod TC. Interpreting patient-rated outcome measures in adolescent patients following concussion. Brain Inj 2022; 36:1258-1265. [PMID: 36107010 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2120209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate scale scores for patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures that classify patients as improved or unimproved at days 3 and 10 post-concussion. METHODS Data from 187 adolescent patients who sustained a concussion (150 males, 32 females, 5 not reported) were analyzed. Patients completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and Global Rating of Change (GROC) on days 3 and 10 post-concussion. Dependent variables: PedsQL total score, 3 MFS subscale scores [general (MFS-GF), sleep (MFS-SLF), cognitive (MFS-CF) fatigue], and HIT-6 total score. Higher scores on PedsQL and MFS indicate better health; lower scores on HIT-6 indicate less impact on headache-related health. GROC ascertained patient-perceived magnitude of change in health status since concussion. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve analyses estimated PRO cut-point scores that classified patients as improved or unimproved. RESULTS Day 3 PRO cut-points: PedsQL total = 90; MFS-GF = 73; MSF-CF = 85; MFS-SLF = 81; and HIT-6 total = 54. Day 10 PRO cut-points: PedsQL total = 91; MFS-GF = 85; MFS-CF = 85; MFS-SLF = 90; and HIT-6 total = 51. CONCLUSIONS Our results define PedsQL, MFS, and HIT-6 scores as they relate to perceived improvement following concussive injuries. Cut-point scale scores help clinicians interpret concussion PROs and make informed decisions during the management of patients with concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Snyder Valier
- Department of Athletic Training, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,Department of Research Support, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
| | - Jessica Rogo
- Department of Athletic Training, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
| | - R Curtis Bay
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
| | - Tamara C Valovich Mcleod
- Department of Athletic Training, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
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Howell DR, Hunt DL, Oldham JR, Aaron SE, Meehan WP, Tan CO. Postconcussion Exercise Volume Associations With Depression, Anxiety, and Dizziness Symptoms, and Postural Stability: Preliminary Findings. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2022; 37:249-257. [PMID: 34320557 PMCID: PMC8789955 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between postconcussion exercise volume and changes in depression, anxiety, dizziness, and postural stability. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a single-site prospective clinical trial. SETTING Cerebrovascular research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Participants completed questionnaires and underwent tests of gait and balance within 2 weeks of a concussion (mean = 11 ± 3 days postconcussion) and approximately 1 month later (mean = 41 ± 7 days postconcussion). Exercise volume was tracked by weekly exercise logs. INTERVENTIONS On the basis of a previous work classifying exercise volume following concussion, we grouped participants according to self-reported exercise volume between visits as high exercise volume (≥150 min/wk) or low exercise volume (<150 min/wk). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants completed assessments evaluating anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), dizziness (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), and postural stability (tandem gait and modified Balance Error Scoring System). RESULTS Thirty-eight participants completed the study, of which 22 were in the high exercise volume group (mean = 71 ± 40 min/wk; 16.8 ± 2.1 years; 59% female) and 16 were in the low exercise volume group (mean = 379 ± 187 min/wk; 17.5 ± 2.1 years; 31% female). Although depression symptoms were not significantly different initially (mean difference = 1.5; 95% CI, -0.68 to 3.68; P = .24), the high exercise volume group had significantly lower depression symptom scores at follow-up (mean difference = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.40 to 4.47; P < .001). Anxiety symptoms (mean difference = 2.8; 95% CI, 0.3 to 5.4; P = 0.03), dizziness symptoms (mean difference = 10.9; 95% CI, 0.2 to 21.5; P = .047), single-task tandem gait (mean difference = 3.1 seconds; 95% CI, 0.2 to 6.0; P = .04), and dual-task tandem gait (mean difference = 4.2 seconds; 95% CI, 0.2 to 8.2; P = .04) were significantly better among the high exercise volume group. CONCLUSION Greater exercise volumes were associated with lower depression, anxiety, and dizziness symptoms, and faster tandem gait performance. These preliminary findings suggest a potentially beneficial role for exercise within several different domains commonly affected by concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Howell
- Children's Hospital Colorado and Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora (Dr Howell); Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (Ms Hunt and Drs Oldham and Meehan); and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Aaron and Tan)
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Smulligan KL, Wilson JC, Seehusen CN, Wingerson MJ, Magliato SN, Howell DR. Post-Concussion Dizziness, Sleep Quality, and Postural Instability: A Cross-Sectional Investigation. J Athl Train 2021; 57:471610. [PMID: 34623439 PMCID: PMC9875698 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0470.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dizziness, postural instability, and poor sleep quality are all commonly reported post-concussion and individually relate to poor outcomes. OBJECTIVE To examine sleep quality and postural stability among adolescents who did and did not report dizziness within two weeks of concussion. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Participants ages 12-18 years within 14 days of concussion (n=58, 15.2±1.8 years; 50% female; 7.1±3.1 days post-injury) and uninjured controls (n=73; 15.8±1.3 years; 42% female). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants completed pre-injury and current dizziness ratings on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) and current sleep quality on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants also completed postural stability assessments (single/dual-task tandem gait and modified Balance Error Scoring System [mBESS]). RESULTS We grouped concussion patients into dizzy (n=21) or not dizzy (n=37) groups based on PCSI dizziness ratings: difference between current and pre-injury dizziness rating >3=dizzy; difference <3=not dizzy. The dizzy and not dizzy groups both reported significantly worse sleep quality than the control group (PSQI score: mean=9.6±3.7 vs 7.2±3.5 vs 4.3±2.6; p<0.001) upon univariable comparison. Similarly, the dizzy group performed slowest on single and dual-task tandem gait, followed by the not dizzy group, then the control group (single-task TG: mean= 27.2±11.7 sec vs 21.2±6.3 vs 14.7±3.6; p<0.001); (dual-task TG: mean=38.4±16.2 sec vs 29.9±7.2 vs 21.6±7.5; p<0.001). Both concussion groups demonstrated significantly more errors than the control group on the mBESS (mean=9.8±5.1 vs 6.9±5.8 vs 3.8±3.5; p<0.001). After controlling for total symptom severity in the multivariable model, tandem gait, but not mBESS or sleep quality, was associated with dizziness. CONCLUSION Individuals with post-concussion dizziness also demonstrated impaired tandem gait performance, while poor sleep quality was associated with total symptom severity. Identifying and treating the underlying dysfunction contributing to dizziness and postural instability may guide individualized rehabilitation strategies and facilitate recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie C. Wilson
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | | | | | | | - David R. Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora
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Smulligan KL, Wingerson MJ, Seehusen CN, Magliato SN, Wilson JC, Howell DR. Patient perception of dizziness and imbalance does not correlate with gait measures in adolescent athletes post-concussion. Gait Posture 2021; 90:289-294. [PMID: 34564000 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.09.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dizziness and gait impairments are commonly observed following a concussion, and both are associated with prolonged concussion recovery. RESEARCH QUESTION Is there a correlation between combined self-reported dizziness and balance impairment severity with objective gait impairments after concussion? METHODS Participants (n = 51; 15.4 ± 1.6 years; 51 % female; 7.3 ± 3.2 days post-injury) age 12-18 years self-reported ratings of dizziness and balance impairment using the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) within 14 days of injury. Individual ratings of dizziness, balance impairment, and moving clumsily on the PCSI were combined to create a comprehensive dizziness and imbalance score. Participants also completed a smartphone-based gait evaluation under single-task and dual-task conditions. Correlation coefficients (Pearson r for normally distributed and Spearman rho for non-normally distributed variables) were calculated between self-reported symptoms and single and dual-task spatiotemporal gait parameters, specifically step velocity, step time, and step length. RESULTS Correlation coefficients indicated that there was low to no correlation between self-reported dizziness and imbalance impairment severity and smartphone-obtained gait parameters under single- or dual-task conditions, including step velocity (single-task: r=-0.22, p = 0.13; dual-task: r=-0.05, p = 0.72), step time (single-task: rho = 0.16, p = 0.27; dual-task: rho = 0.14, p = 0.33), and step length (single-task: r=-0.15, p = 0.30; dual-task: r = 0.03, p = 0.84). SIGNIFICANCE Self-reported dizziness and balance impairment severity within the first two weeks of concussion may not reflect objectively measured gait performance, given the lack of association between subjective symptom ratings and functional measures. Further, smartphone collected gait parameters may not provide the necessary sensitivity to detect an association with dizziness. The lack of significant correlation between self-reported symptoms and objective gait performance highlights the importance of using both objective and subjective measures to obtain a more complete picture of concussion deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Smulligan
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mathew J Wingerson
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Corrine N Seehusen
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Samantha N Magliato
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Julie C Wilson
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David R Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Büttner F, Howell DR, Doherty C, Blake C, Ryan J, Delahunt E. Condition-specific health-related quality of life amongst amateur athletes six months and one-year following sport-related concussion: A prospective, follow-up. Phys Ther Sport 2021; 51:71-78. [PMID: 34273667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prospectively investigate the condition-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of athletes six months and one-year following sport-related concussion. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal study. SETTING Clinical research centre at university school of public health. PARTICIPANTS Amateur athletes who were diagnosed with sport-related concussion within one-week after presenting to a hospital emergency department were recruited along with sex-, age-, and activity-matched, non-concussed, control athletes. Concussion and control participants were assessed six months and one-year following sport-related concussion and study enrolment, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants completed the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale and five condition-specific HRQoL patient-reported outcome measures - Headache Impact Test-6, Fatigue Severity Scale, Neck Disability Index, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. We performed Frequentist and Bayesian mixed-design analyses of variance to compare the concussion group and control group at both assessments and quantify whether there was greater evidence in favour of the null hypothesis compared with the alternative hypothesis. RESULTS At six-month and one-year assessments, the concussion group (n = 47; male = 72%; mean (SD) age = 22.68 (5.07)) and the control group (n = 47; male = 72%; mean (SD) age = 23.81 (4.60)) reported similar clinical symptom severity scores and condition-specific HRQoL. The proportion of athletes in the concussion group with clinically-impaired scores was similar to the proportion of non-concussed athletes with clinically-impaired scores. At six-month and one-year assessments, there was moderate-to-very strong evidence that there was no difference between concussion and control participants' perceptions of the effects of headache, fatigue, neck pain, anxiety, and dizziness on HRQoL. CONCLUSION There was moderate-to-very strong evidence in favour of no difference between the concussion and control groups on symptom severity scores and condition-specific HRQoL patient-reported outcome measures at six-month and one-year assessments. These results suggest that condition-specific HRQoL returns to the levels of non-concussed individuals within six months following sport-related concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fionn Büttner
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - David R Howell
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA, USA.
| | - Cailbhe Doherty
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Institute for Sport & Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Catherine Blake
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - John Ryan
- Emergency Department, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Eamonn Delahunt
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Institute for Sport & Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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