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Updated: May 5, 2026
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A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
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Effects of Concussion on Sensorimotor Adaptation to Unpredictable Spring-Like Loads: A Pilot Study
D D Lantagne1,2, L A Mrotek1, S I Ahamed3
1Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Concussion may alter limb control, but this study found no significant impact on sensorimotor adaptation memories. Further research is needed to clarify concussion
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Concussion can affect cognitive and motor functions.
- Sensorimotor adaptation is crucial for goal-directed movements.
- Understanding concussion's impact on motor learning is vital for recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how concussion affects sensorimotor adaptation.
- To model the contribution of performance memories to adaptation after injury.
- To assess the feasibility of robotic testing for concussion assessment.
Main Methods:
- Concussed and control individuals performed a robotic sensorimotor adaptation task.
- Measurements included limb compliance and memory model coefficients.
- Data were collected at multiple time points post-injury.
Main Results:
- More severely concussed individuals showed higher limb compliance initially.
- No significant group differences were found in memory-based adaptation.
- A practice effect in controls may have masked concussion effects.
Conclusions:
- The robotic assessment is feasible for studying concussion.
- Concussion's immediate effects on sensorimotor adaptation memories remain unclear.
- Procedural improvements may enhance the detection of concussion-related changes.
