Development of a Portable Tool for Screening Neuromotor Sequelae From Repetitive Low-Level Blast Exposure

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Military Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Blast exposure is a common cause of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in military personnel.
• Repetitive low-level blast (LLB) exposure, even without mTBI diagnosis, may lead to similar symptoms.
• Neuromotor functioning changes after blast exposure require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of repetitive low-level blast exposure on neuromotor functioning.
• To assess the utility of a smartphone application for detecting changes in neuromotor function post-blast.
• To correlate neuromotor changes with neurocognitive decline after blast exposure.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an Android-based smartphone application (AccWalker app) to measure neuromotor function.
• Recruited 59 active duty U.S. Navy personnel undergoing heavy weapons training (repetitive LLB exposure).
• Participants performed a stepping-in-place task before and at multiple time points after blast exposure.

Main Results:

• The AccWalker app detected significant changes in neuromotor functioning after repetitive LLB exposure.
• Observed were a slower self-selected movement pace and increased stride time variability.
• These neuromotor declines were associated with participants experiencing neurocognitive decline.

Conclusions:

• Repetitive low-level blast exposure can induce neurocognitive and neuromotor decline.
• Smartphone-based applications can effectively monitor neuromotor changes after blast exposure.
• Findings highlight potential long-term effects of sub-concussive blast events in military settings.