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Updated: Dec 3, 2025
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Wheelchair Athlete Concussion Baseline Data: A Pilot Retrospective Analysis
Michael W Harper1, Jonathan Lee, Katherine A Sherman
1From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Hub for Collaborative Medicine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MWH, KKKL); Case Western Reserve University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (JL); Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center (ZVAMC), Milwaukee, Wisconsin (KAS); Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MJU); Department of Emergency Medicine, ZVAMC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MJU); and Spinal Cord Injury Division, ZVAMC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (KKKL).
Concussion history and brain disorder disabilities increase symptom scores in disabled athletes. Other concussion tests were not affected, highlighting the importance of baseline testing for at-risk athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Concussion assessment in disabled athletes requires specialized tools.
- Understanding the impact of disability type and concussion history is crucial for accurate baseline evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if underlying disability and concussion history affect baseline concussion testing scores in veteran wheelchair athletes.
- To analyze scores from the modified Graded Symptoms Checklist (mGSC), Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), and Wheelchair Error Scoring System (WESS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 81 veteran wheelchair sports athletes.
- Analysis of demographic data, qualifying disability, and scores from mGSC, SAC, and WESS.
- Comparison of scores based on concussion history and disability category.
Main Results:
- 43% of athletes reported a prior concussion.
- Higher mGSC scores were observed in athletes with a concussion history (P = 0.0378).
- Athletes with brain disorder disabilities (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cerebral vascular accident) had significantly higher mGSC scores compared to amputees and spinal cord disorder groups (P = 0.0015).
- SAC and WESS scores showed no significant differences based on concussion history or disability type.
Conclusions:
- Baseline symptom scores on the mGSC are elevated in disabled athletes with a concussion history and those with brain disorder disabilities.
- The SAC and WESS are not influenced by concussion history or disability type in this population.
- Baseline concussion testing is essential for disabled athletes, particularly those with brain disorders and a history of concussion.
