Evaluation of sport-related concussion using objective eye tracking

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Sport-related concussion (SRC) diagnosis in adolescents requires reliable assessment tools.
• The EyeBOX system is a potential tool for evaluating visual-motor function after concussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the EyeBOX system's effectiveness in identifying sport-related concussions in adolescents.
• To compare EyeBOX scores between concussed and non-concussed athletes.
• To assess the relationship between EyeBOX scores and clinical recovery outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, unmatched case-control study involving 36 concussed and 30 non-concussed adolescent athletes (11-22 years).
• EyeBOX testing was administered, alongside symptom scales and follow-up assessments.
• Statistical analyses included t-tests, sensitivity/specificity analyses, and multivariable regression models.

Main Results:

• Concussed athletes exhibited significantly higher EyeBOX scores (7.9 ± 5.2) compared to controls (5.4 ± 5.1; p=0.043).
• Sensitivity for concussion detection ranged from 22% to 61%, while specificity ranged from 63% to 87%.
• Higher EyeBOX scores correlated with greater initial post-concussion symptom severity but did not predict return to learn, symptom resolution, or return to play.

Conclusions:

• EyeBOX demonstrated moderate specificity but limited sensitivity in identifying adolescent sport-related concussions.
• EyeBOX scores are associated with initial symptom severity in concussed youth athletes.
• The EyeBOX system may serve as an adjunct tool for concussion confirmation rather than a standalone diagnostic.