Expanding capabilities to evaluate readiness for return to duty after mTBI: The CAMP study protocol

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Military Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Physical therapists treat Active Duty Service Members (ADSM) with post-concussion symptoms to restore their ability to perform military duties.
• The Complex Assessment of Military Performance (CAMP) was developed to simulate occupational demands for ADSM.
• CAMP subtasks assess critical skills like rapid reaction, visual stability during movement, and information processing under exertion.

Purpose of the Study:

• Establish normative performance data for ADSM on the CAMP.
• Identify CAMP elements that predict successful return to duty.
• Develop clinician tools for feedback and dissemination.

Main Methods:

• Observational, longitudinal study of ADSM undergoing post-concussion rehabilitation.
• Testing ADSM within one week of initial physical therapy and post-rehabilitation.
• Control groups include males, females, and Special Operations ADSM.
• CAMP tasks involve wearable sensors and heart rate monitoring during simulated military activities like 'Run-Roll', 'Dual-Task Agility', and 'Patrol Exertion'.

Main Results:

• Data collection is ongoing.
• Analysis will focus on identifying performance decrements and predictive validity of CAMP tasks.
• Development of clinician-facing feedback algorithms and dissemination materials is in progress.

Conclusions:

• Ecologically valid assessments are crucial for ADSM safety and return to duty.
• The CAMP may offer enhanced sensitivity to subtle impairments affecting performance.
• CAMP results could serve as a robust indicator of readiness for full duty resumption.