Longer Neurophysiological vs. Clinical Recovery Following Sport Concussion

• DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.737712
• Publication Date: 2021-12-09T10:50:07Z
• Authors: Michail Ntikas; Angus M. Hunter; Iain J. Gallagher; Thomas G. Di Virg...
• Keywords: Silent period

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess if injury-related alterations in the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT5) are matched by changes transcranial magnetic stimulation-derived intracortical inhibition. We hypothesised that neurophysiological measures would take longer return normal than recovery assessed SCAT5 following sport related concussion (SRC). Methods: Thirteen male contact athletes (20.5 ± 4.5 years), who reported a were recruited from local Rugby and American football clubs. Participants tested at 4 timepoints throughout period: within 24 h (day 0), 7, 9, 11 days after concussion. All participants completed underwent TMS cortical silent period duration (CSp), measure Results: After CSp significantly declined day 0 (122 28 ms) (106 15 [F(3, 33) = 7.80, p < 0.001]. symptom number severity decreased [symptom number: χ(3)2 30.44, 0.01; severity: 25.75, 0.001] between timepoint each other timepoints. balance errors (mBESS) 19.55, patterns different. domains recovered faster showing no further significant whilst still decreasing 7 9. Due small sample size we also used Bayesian linear model investigate mBESS. posterior distribution our provided evidence it continued decrease unlike mBESS which then reached plateau. Conclusion: There clinically important discrepancies clinical recovery. This finding has implications for play (RTP) protocols prevention complications