Instrumented Dual-Task Tests Help for Concussion Assessment in Ice Hockey

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Concussion diagnosis and management in athletes remain challenging.
• Objective measures are needed to assess cognitive function post-injury.
• Dual-task (DT) assessments show promise for evaluating complex neurological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a smartphone-based instrumented dual-task (DT) assessment.
• To identify key features for concussion detection using DT tests.
• To develop a model for estimating concussion risk.

Main Methods:

• 114 elite ice hockey players participated in an experimental study.
• Participants underwent regular DT tests, including static balance and walking while counting backward.
• 265 DT tests were performed, with 38 conducted post-concussion.

Main Results:

• Cognitive function during gait was significantly impaired post-concussion.
• A DT performance metric correlated strongly with post-concussion deficits (P < .001, d = 1.50).
• A predictive model for concussion risk based on DT outcomes was developed.

Conclusions:

• Instrumented DT assessments can reveal residual cognitive impairments post-concussion.
• These objective insights support medical staff in return-to-play decisions.
• Smartphone-based DT testing offers a feasible and effective approach for concussion monitoring.