King-Devick Test Time Varies by Testing Modality.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Concussion Research

Background:

• The King-Devick Test (KD) is a rapid visual screening tool used in concussion assessment.
• Standardizing KD testing modalities is crucial for accurate concussion diagnosis and research.
• Previous research has not extensively compared digital versus paper-based KD performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare baseline King-Devick Test (KD) completion times between spiral-bound paper cards and an iPad application.
• To determine if the modality of KD testing impacts performance metrics relevant to concussion assessment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional cohort analysis was conducted.
• 2003 collegiate student athletes from NCAA institutions participated.
• Baseline KD testing was performed using either paper cards or an iPad application.

Main Results:

• The mean baseline KD completion time was significantly longer for the iPad modality (42.8 seconds) compared to the cards modality (40.0 seconds).
• The difference in completion time was 2.8 seconds, a statistically significant finding (P < 0.001).
• Effect size (Cohen's d = 0.41) indicated a moderate difference between the two testing methods.

Conclusions:

• Baseline KD performance is slower on an iPad than on paper cards.
• The observed time differences suggest that iPad and card modalities should not be used interchangeably in concussion assessments.
• Modality differences may impact the interpretation and synthesis of findings in concussion research across studies.