The diagnostic accuracy of EyeGuide Focus testing for concussion in elite male Rugby players

Smooth pursuit eye movements may be affected by head impacts. The EyeGuide Focus system is a simple, portable, test of visual tracking. This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of EyeGuide measurements for detection of concussion during elite Rugby matches.

A prospective diagnostic case-control study was performed in the elite 2021/2022 United Rugby Championship competition. The study population comprised consecutive players identified with match-related head impact events during the World Rugby Head Injury Assessment process, randomly chosen uninjured players, and players with match-related musculoskeletal injuries. The index test was blinded EyeGuide assessment performed by independent assessors. The reference standard was concussion diagnosed by the team doctor. Distributions of EyeGuide scores were compared between concussed and non-concussed players and receiver operator characteristic curves constructed.

EyeGuide testing was performed in 262 cases, comprising 55 concussed players and 207 non concussed players (33 head impact events, 97 uninjured controls, and 79 musculoskeletal injury controls). The distributions of EyeGuide score were similar between concussed and non-concussed cases (medians 20,120 Vs 21,522, p = 0.3; difference -1,402, 95% CI -5,332-3,865). The c-index for the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.46 (95% CI 0.36-0.55).

EyeGuide Focus scores did not appear to discriminate between concussed and non-concussed players in a cohort of elite Rugby players.