Multi-method proof-of-concept evaluation for R2Play: a novel multi-domain return-to-play assessment tool for...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Current concussion return-to-play (RtoP) assessments lack the dynamic, sport-specific demands.
• A need exists for innovative tools that better simulate athletic environments for accurate concussion recovery evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate proof-of-concept for R2Play, a novel dynamic multi-domain assessment tool for concussion.
• To evaluate R2Play's alignment with design objectives: usability, engagement, sport-likeness, clinical value, efficiency, and flexibility.
• To document design iterations based on initial testing.

Main Methods:

• A multi-method evaluation involving clinicians and youth (ages 10-22) testing the R2Play tool.
• Quantitative data collection included System Usability Scale (SUS), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and performance metrics (completion time, errors, multi-task cost).
• Qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with clinicians, analyzed via content analysis.

Main Results:

• R2Play assessments took 30-40 minutes, with good-to-excellent clinician-rated usability (SUS score 81 ± 8.4).
• Youth found instructions easy to follow, and moderate-to-high exertion levels were achieved (peak HR 80 ± 11% age-predicted max).
• Multi-task cost scores indicated R2Play captured aspects of sport-specific demand loading, and clinicians found it valuable for assessing sport tolerance.

Conclusions:

• The study supports the proof-of-concept for R2Play as a dynamic, multi-domain concussion assessment tool.
• R2Play demonstrates potential for more ecologically valid return-to-play decisions in athletes.
• Initial findings have informed design improvements for broader evaluation in youth post-concussion.