Performance Times for the King-Devick Test in Children and Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Concussion Research

Background:

• The King-Devick (KD) test is a rapid, objective measure of visual-motor processing speed.
• Establishing normative performance values for the KD test in pediatric populations is crucial for baseline assessment and concussion management.
• Previous research has not comprehensively detailed KD test performance across a wide age range of children and adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative King-Devick (KD) test performance values for children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years.
• To investigate the influence of age, sex, and concussion risk factors on KD test performance in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted with 507 athletes presenting to pediatric sports medicine clinics.
• The King-Devick (KD) test time was recorded as the main outcome measure.
• Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, were used to assess the effects of age, sex, and risk factors on KD test performance.

Main Results:

• Four hundred eighty-three participants (60.5% girls) were included in the final analysis.
• KD test performance demonstrated a significant age-related trend, with test times decreasing annually from ages 8 to 14, followed by plateauing.
• Age was a strong predictor of KD test time (P < 0.001), while sex and other concussion risk factors did not show significant associations.

Conclusions:

• Normative performance values for the King-Devick (KD) test have been established for children and adolescents aged 8-18.
• The findings highlight the significant impact of age on KD test performance, with minimal influence from sex or common concussion risk factors.
• Yearly baseline assessments are recommended for children and adolescents if establishing a baseline KD test is desired.