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Published on: September 1, 2023
Evaluation of the vestibular/ocular motor screening assessment in active combat sport athletes: an exploratory study
Daniel A Brown1, Gary Grant2, Kerrie Evans3,4
1School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
Objective:
The first aim of this study was to compare the results of the vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS) in combat sport athletes with a healthy control population. Second, to explore differences between athletes with and without a concussion history. Third, to examine the relationship between VOMS and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) in combat sport athletes.
Participants:
Forty active male combat sport athletes and 40 healthy male control participants were recruited from 4 clubs and a University in Australia.
Methods:
Participants completed the VOMS in a primary care physiotherapy clinic. Participants completed an injury questionnaire and the PCSS.
Results:
An "abnormal" score in at least one subtest or near point convergence (NPC) was recorded in 45% of the combat group compared with 22.5% of the control group. All VOMS scores and NPC distance were greater in the combat group compared with control group (p < 0.05). The VOMS scores were found to be moderately positively correlated with the PCSS. There was no difference in VOMS between athletes with and without a history of concussion (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
VOMS scores differed between combat sport athletes and control participants. The PCSS may aid clinicians in identifying athletes who have underlying vestibular/oculomotor impairment.
