An EEG evoked response protocol to assess brain function alterations post-concussion in professional and amateur
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, UK; Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine, Edge Hill University, UK; Liverpool Magnetic Resonance and Imaging Analysis Research Centre (LiMRIC), University of Liverpool, UK.
Background:
Concussion is a prevalent and high-profile injury in contact and collision sports like Rugby. Establishing objective markers of concussion is a critical priority to support safe return-to-play (RTP) decisions. Head injuries alter the spectral characteristics of electroencephalography (EEG) signals, highlighting the need for scalable EEG assessment protocols that can be implemented by Rugby clubs during post-injury evaluations.
Study Aim:
To integrate an easy to use, scalable EEG post-concussion assessment to test for P300 amplitude change associated with concussion that was accessible to both amateur and professional Rugby clubs.
Methods:
The study utilised an easy to administer EEG protocol using a WAVi headset. P300 amplitude (assessed using an auditory oddball task) were quantified in 156 amateur and professional Rugby players at pre-season (baseline) and end of season (EoS; n = 112) points in three different Rugby clubs in South England. Post-concussion EEG measures were collected as events occurred (n = 23) across the season, within 24 h post-concussion, and at 10-14 days follow-up.
Results:
The study showed significant changes to P300 amplitude in concussed players with P300 voltage decreasing significantly from baseline to post-concussion (p = 0.008). Changes in P300 μV-Peak from pre-season to End of Season (EoS) differed significantly between concussed and non-concussed players (p = 003). Professional players presented with significantly greater pre-season P300 amplitude in comparison to amateur Rugby players (p = 0.01).
Discussion:
The data suggest significant P300 amplitude changes after concussion that are quantifiable and consistent, and which can be captured as part of routine assessment in both professional and amateur Rugby clubs. Findings are discussed in relation to the small sample sizes limiting generalisability of the findings, and protocol implementation within club practice.
