Sensorimotor system changes in adolescent rugby players post-concussion : A prospective investigation from the subacute period through to return-to-sport

Journal article

Leung, Felix T., Mendis, M. Dilani, Franettovich Smith, Melinda M., Rahmann, Ann, Treleaven, Julia and Hides, Julie A.. (2022). Sensorimotor system changes in adolescent rugby players post-concussion : A prospective investigation from the subacute period through to return-to-sport. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 57, p. Article 102492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102492
AuthorsLeung, Felix T., Mendis, M. Dilani, Franettovich Smith, Melinda M., Rahmann, Ann, Treleaven, Julia and Hides, Julie A.
Abstract

Background
The pathophysiology of concussion is complex. Altered sensorimotor function post-concussion may contribute to the wide range of symptoms and impairments reported. There is currently limited evidence documenting changes in sensorimotor function during the recovery period. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of concussion on the sensorimotor system in adolescents post-concussion using a multifaceted approach.

Study design
Prospective nested case-control study.

Methods
A total of 285 male adolescent rugby players underwent assessment of sensorimotor function during preseason. Players who sustained a concussion during the season and control players, matched for age and playing position, were assessed in the subacute period (3–5 days) and after return-to-sport (3 weeks). Tests of sensorimotor function included balance, cervical spine and vestibulo-ocular function, and measurement of the size and contraction of lumbopelvic muscles (ultrasound imaging).

Results
Twenty-three players (8%) sustained a concussion. Of these, 20 players were assessed during the subacute period and 17 players following return-to-sport. The prevalence of vestibulo-ocular dysfunction increased from 38.9% to 72.2% during the subacute period and dysfunction was present in 83.3% of players after return-to-sport (p = 0.01). Changes in lumbar multifidus muscle size (p = 0.002) and thickness (p = 0.05) at the L5 vertebral level were observed. No statistically significant changes in balance, cervical spine proprioception, or contraction of lumbopelvic muscles were found (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Changes in sensorimotor function were observed in the subacute period post-concussion, with some persisting after return-to-sport. Using symptom-based criteria for return-to-sport may not adequately reflect the sequelae of concussion on the sensorimotor system.

Keywordsbalance; cervical; lumbar multifidus; ultrasound; vestibular
Year2022
JournalMusculoskeletal Science and Practice
Journal citation57, p. Article 102492
PublisherElsevier Ltd
ISSN2468-8630
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102492
PubMed ID34922255
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85121139586
Page range1-8
FunderNational Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Collaborative Research Networks (CRN), Australian Government
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online10 Dec 2021
Publication process dates
Accepted07 Dec 2021
Deposited14 Apr 2025
Grant ID1133186
2013000523
Additional information

© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Permalink -

https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/919v6/sensorimotor-system-changes-in-adolescent-rugby-players-post-concussion-a-prospective-investigation-from-the-subacute-period-through-to-return-to-sport

Log in to edit

Restricted files

Publisher's version

  • 12
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 12
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month
These values are for the period from 19th October 2020, when this repository was created.

Export as

Related outputs

Prioritising enhancements across allied health telehealth services in a metropolitan hospital : Using a concept mapping approach
Burns, Clare L., Cottrell, Michelle, Jones, Amber, Foley, Jasmine, Chan, Ann, Young, Adrienne, Cruickshank, Mark and Pateman, Kelsey. (2022). Prioritising enhancements across allied health telehealth services in a metropolitan hospital : Using a concept mapping approach. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 28(10), pp. 740-749. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X221122106
The effectiveness of aquatic plyometric training in improving strength, jumping, and sprinting : A systematic review
Heywood, Sophie E., Mentiplay, Benjamin F., Chan, Ann E., McClelland, Jodie A., Geigle, Paula R., Bower, Kelly J. and Clark, Ross A.. (2022). The effectiveness of aquatic plyometric training in improving strength, jumping, and sprinting : A systematic review. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 31(1), pp. 85-98. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2020-0432
Sustaining allied health telehealth services beyond the rapid response to COVID-19 : Learning from patient and staff experiences at a large quaternary hospital
Cottrell, Michelle, Burns, Clare L., Jones, Amber, Chan, Ann, Young, Adrienne, Sam, Sonia, Cruickshank, Mark and Pateman, Kelsey. (2021). Sustaining allied health telehealth services beyond the rapid response to COVID-19 : Learning from patient and staff experiences at a large quaternary hospital. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 27(10), pp. 615-624. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X211041517
Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in adolescent rugby union players with and without a history of concussion
Leung, Felix T., Rahmann, Ann, Mendis, M. Dilani, Franettovich Smith, Melinda M., Sonsearay, Christine, Choy, Nancy Low and Hides, Julie A.. (2019). Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in adolescent rugby union players with and without a history of concussion. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 39, pp. 144 - 149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2018.12.007
Force during functional exercises on land and in water in older adults with and without knee osteoarthritis: Implications for rehabilitation
Heywood, Sophie, McClelland, Jodie A., Geigle, Paula, Rahmann, Ann, Villalta, Elizabeth, Mentiplay, Benjamin and Clark, Ross. (2019). Force during functional exercises on land and in water in older adults with and without knee osteoarthritis: Implications for rehabilitation. The Knee. 26(1), pp. 61 - 72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knee.2018.11.003
A systematic review of the reported proportions of diagnoses for dizziness and vertigo
Parker, Ian Gerard, Hartel, Gunter, Paratz, Jennifer, Choy, Nancy Low and Rahmann, Ann. (2019). A systematic review of the reported proportions of diagnoses for dizziness and vertigo. Otology and Neurotology. 40(1), pp. 6 - 15. https://doi.org/10.1097/MAO.0000000000002044
Low-cost electromyography – validation against a commercial system using both manual and automated activation timing thresholds
Heywood, Sophie, Pua, Yong Hao, McClelland, Jodie A., Geigle, Paula, Rahmann, Ann, Bower, Kelly and Clark, Ross. (2018). Low-cost electromyography – validation against a commercial system using both manual and automated activation timing thresholds. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 42, pp. 74 - 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.05.010
Epidemiology of injuries in Australian school level rugby union
Leung, Felix, Smith, Melinda, Brown, Mark, Rahmann, Ann, Mendis, Dilani and Hides, Julie. (2017). Epidemiology of injuries in Australian school level rugby union. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 20(8), pp. 740 - 744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2017.03.006
The effectiveness of aquatic exercise in improving lower limb strength in musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Heywood, Sophie, McClelland, Jodie A., Mentiplay, Benjamin, Geigle, Paula, Rahmann, Ann and Clark, Ross. (2017). The effectiveness of aquatic exercise in improving lower limb strength in musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 98(1), pp. 173 - 186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.08.472
Spatiotemporal, kinematic, force and muscle activation outcomes during gait and functional exercise in water compared to on land: A systematic review.
Heywood, Sophie, McClelland, Jodie, Geigle, Paula, Rahmann, Ann Elizabeth and Clark, Ross Allan. (2016). Spatiotemporal, kinematic, force and muscle activation outcomes during gait and functional exercise in water compared to on land: A systematic review. Gait & Posture. 48, pp. 120 - 130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.04.033
Effectiveness of aquatic exercise for musculoskeletal conditions: A meta-analysis
Barker, Anna, Talevski, Jason, Morello, Renata, Brand, Caroline, Rahmann, Ann and Urquhart, Donna. (2014). Effectiveness of aquatic exercise for musculoskeletal conditions: A meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 95(9), pp. 1776 - 1786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.04.005
Predictors of discharge destination in a geriatric population after undergoing rehabilitation
Lindenberg, Kirstin, Nitz, Jennifer, Rahmann, Ann and Bew, Paul. (2014). Predictors of discharge destination in a geriatric population after undergoing rehabilitation. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 37(2), pp. 92 - 98. https://doi.org/10.1519/JPT.0b013e3182abe79e
Predictors of discharge destination in a geriatric population after undergoing rehabilitation
Lindenberg, Kirstin, Nitz, Jennifer C., Rahmann, Ann and Bew, Paul. (2014). Predictors of discharge destination in a geriatric population after undergoing rehabilitation. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 37(2), pp. 92 - 98. https://doi.org/10.1519/JPT.0b013e3182abe79e
Exercise for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis : A comparison of land-based and aquatic interventions
Rahmann, Ann. (2010). Exercise for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis : A comparison of land-based and aquatic interventions. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine. 1, pp. 123 - 135. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S6941
A specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program improves strength after total hip or knee replacement: A randomised controlled trial
Rahmann, Ann Elizabeth, Brauer, Sandra G. and Nitz, Jennifer C.. (2009). A specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program improves strength after total hip or knee replacement: A randomised controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 90(5), pp. 745 - 755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2008.12.011