A Pilot Study Evaluating the Timing of Vestibular Therapy After Sport-Related Concussion: Is Earlier Better?

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812199868
Author(s):  
Ranbir Ahluwalia ◽  
Scott Miller ◽  
Fakhry M. Dawoud ◽  
Jose O. Malave ◽  
Heidi Tyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Vestibular Dysfunction ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Symptom Resolution ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Prolonged Recovery ◽  
Return To Learn

Background: Vestibular dysfunction, characterized by nausea, dizziness, imbalance, and/or gait disturbance, represents an important sport-related concussion (SRC) subtype associated with prolonged recovery. Vestibular physical therapy promotes recovery; however, the benefit of earlier therapy is unclear. Hypothesis: Earlier vestibular therapy for young athletes with SRC is associated with earlier return to play (RTP), return to learn (RTL), and symptom resolution. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Patients aged 5 to 23 years with SRC who initiated vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) from January 2019 to December 2019 were included and patient records were reviewed. Therapy initiation was defined as either early, ≤30 days postinjury, or late (>30 days). Univariate comparisons between groups, Kaplan-Meier plots, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling were performed. Results: Overall, 23 patients (10 early, 13 late) aged 16.14 ± 2.98 years and 43.5% were male patients. There was no difference between group demographics or medical history. Median initial total and vestibular symptom scores were comparable between groups. The late therapy group required additional time to RTP (110 days [61.3, 150.8] vs 31 days [22.5, 74.5], P = 0.03) and to achieve symptom resolution (121.5 days [71, 222.8] vs 54 days [27, 91], P = 0.02), but not to RTL (12 days [3.5, 26.5] vs 17.5 days [8, 20.75], P = 0.09). Adjusting for age and initial total symptom score, earlier therapy was protective against delayed symptom resolution ( P = 0.01). Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that initiating VRT within the first 30 days after SRC is associated with earlier RTP and symptom resolution. Further prospective trials to evaluate if even earlier VRT should be pursued to further improve recovery time. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should screen for vestibular dysfunction and consider modifying follow-up schedules after SRC to initiate VRT within a month of injury for improved outcomes.

scholarly journals A PILOT STUDY EVALUATING THE TIMINGOF VESTIBULAR THERAPY AFTER SPORT-RELATED CONCUSSION: EARLIER IS BETTER

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0007
Author(s):  
Ranbir Ahluwalia ◽  
Scott Miller ◽  
Fakhry M. Dawoud ◽  
Jose O. Malave ◽  
Heidi Tyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Patients Âgés ◽  
Symptom Resolution ◽  
Post Concussion Syndrome ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Prolonged Recovery

Background: Vestibular dysfunction, characterized by nausea, dizziness, imbalance and/or gait disturbance, represents an important sport-related concussion (SRC) subtype associated with prolonged recovery. Vestibular physiotherapy is important to promote recovery; however, the benefit of earlier therapy is unclear. Purpose: To determine if earlier vestibular therapy for young athletes with sport-related concussion is associated with earlier return-to-play (RTP), return-to-learn (RTL), and symptom resolution. Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study Methods: Patients ages 5-23 with sport-related concussion who initiated vestibular therapy from 1/2019-12/2019 were included and patient records were reviewed. Therapy initiation was defined as either early, ≤ 30 days post-injury, or late (>30 days). Univariate comparisons between groups, Kaplan-Meier plots and multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling were performed. Results: Overall, 23 patients were included (10 early,13 late) aged 16.14±2.98 years and 43.5% male. There was no difference between group demographics or medical history. Median initial total and vestibular symptom scores were comparable between groups. The late therapy group required additional time to RTP (110[61.3,150.8] vs. 31[22.5, 74.5], 95% CI-115.0—8.0, p=0.028), but not to RTL (12[3.5,26.5] vs. 17.5[8,20.75], 95%CI -11.0-12.0, p=0.085. Most notably, the late therapy group required more time to achieve symptom resolution (121.5 days [71,222.8] vs. 54 days [27,91] 95%CI -150.0-9.0, p=0.018). Adjusting for age and initial total symptom score, earlier therapy was protective against delayed symptom resolution (HR 0.988, 95%CI 0.98-0.99, p=0.008). Conclusion: This pilot study evaluating vestibular therapy timing suggests that initiating VRT within the first 30 days following SRC is associated with earlier RTP and symptom resolution. Further prospective trials to evaluate if even earlier VRT to resolve post-concussion syndrome should be pursued. Tables/Figures: [Figure: see text]

scholarly journals Preliminary Evidence-Based Recommendations for Return to Learn: a novel pilot study tracking concussion recovery in college students

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (14 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S33.3-S34
Author(s):  
Zachary Bevilacqua ◽  
Mary Kerby ◽  
David Fletcher ◽  
Zhongxue Chen ◽  
Becca Merritt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Symptom Resolution ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Return To Learn ◽  
Concussion Recovery

ObjectiveInvestigate the potential factors influencing resolution of chief concussion symptoms in a longitudinal design. Second, assess subjects’ perception of their concussion recovery and what types of activities and accommodations appeared beneficial.BackgroundAthletes re-entering the academic setting after a concussion is commonly referred as return-to-learn (RTL), which has appeared secondary to the abundantly researched return-to-play protocols implemented ubiquitously. Importantly, every concussed collegiate, adolescent, and pediatric athlete is first and foremost a student-athlete, with “student” holding the emphasis. To date, very few studies have examined the RTL aspect of concussion recovery, and the effects premature classroom attendance may cause.Design/MethodsNine concussed, college aged (18-26 years), full-time students were monitored longitudinally throughout their recovery from diagnosis to full symptom-free academic participation. Symptom severity for five prevalent symptoms were recorded 4 times per day, along with a daily phone call to report participant’s diet, duration of screen-time usage and music listened to, physical activity participation, and types of classes attended.ResultsResponse rates to text messages and phone calls yielded a mean 92% and 93% respectively across the nine subjects. Additionally, five variables were significantly associated with symptom resolution (music, sleep, physical activity, water, and time) (p = 0.0004 to p = 0.036). Lastly, subjects reported math and computer-oriented courses as the most difficult (33% and 44% respectively). Additional time on assignments/exams and reducing screen brightness were the most beneficial accommodations (66% and 56% respectively).ConclusionsOur findings introduce a novel and robust approach to monitoring concussed students throughout their recovery. Furthermore, this methodology is the first to produce holistic evidence-based results concerning re-integrating students to the classroom. Lastly, it appears that dietary and social behaviors can indeed influence symptom resolution.

Concussion in American Versus European Professional Soccer: A Decade-Long Comparative Analysis of Incidence, Return to Play, Performance, and Longevity

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 2287-2293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prem N. Ramkumar ◽  
Sergio M. Navarro ◽  
Heather S. Haeberle ◽  
Bryan C. Luu ◽  
Albert Jang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Performance ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Career Longevity ◽  
Career Length ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Performance Statistics ◽  
And Performance

Background: The incidence and effect of sports-related concussions (SRCs) within the global sport of professional soccer is poorly described. Purpose: To comparatively examine the effects of SRC on athletes in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL) in terms of incidence, return to play (RTP), performance, and career longevity. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Contracts, transactions, injury reports, and performance statistics from 2008 to 2017 were obtained and cross-referenced across 6 publicly available websites detailing MLS and EPL data, including official league publications. For each league, players who sustained a concussion were compared with the 2008-2017 uninjured player pool. RTP and games missed were analyzed and compared. Career length was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Player performance changes were evaluated before and after concussion. Results: Of the 1784 eligible MLS and 2001 eligible EPL players evaluated over the 10-year period, the incidence of publicly reported concussions per 1000 athlete-exposures was 20.22 and 18.68, respectively ( P = .53). The incidence of reported concussions steadily increased in both leagues. MLS players missed a mean 7.3 games after concussion (37.0 days missed); EPL players missed a mean 0.6 games after concussion (10.9 days missed) ( P < .0001, P < .0001). Statistical performance in terms of games started, assists, shots on goal, and total shots after concussion was significantly reduced at all nongoalie positions for players in the EPL; however, MLS nongoalie positions with concussion had no significant decreases in these categories. Goalies in both leagues had no significant change in performance or games started. The probability of playing a full season after concussion was not significantly decreased when compared with the uninjured pool in both leagues. Conclusion: This study established the SRC incidence among elite soccer players in 2 international professional leagues and identified major RTP and performance differences between EPL and MLS players. While career longevity was unaffected, the approach to managing concussion as in MLS may better promote player safety and preserve on-field performance.

scholarly journals Systematic Review of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Injuries and Treatment Outcomes in Women's National Basketball Association and National Basketball Association Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098207
Author(s):  
Sachin Allahabadi ◽  
Favian Su ◽  
Drew A. Lansdown
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Direct Consequence ◽  
National Basketball Association ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cartilage Injuries ◽  
Women's National Basketball Association

Background: Athletes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) are subject to high injury rates given the physical demands of the sport. Comprehensive data regarding injury patterns and rates in these athletes are limited. Purpose: To summarize available data on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries through 2020 in professional female and male basketball players. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed and Embase through April 5, 2020, to identify injury studies regarding WNBA and NBA players. Studies were included if the injury or surgery was considered a direct consequence of game play including musculoskeletal/orthopaedic, concussion, ophthalmologic, and craniomaxillofacial injuries. Systematic reviews, screening studies, or studies without sufficient WNBA or NBA player subgroup analysis were excluded. Results: A total of 49 studies met inclusion criteria, 43 (87.8%) of which detailed musculoskeletal injuries. The lower extremity represented 63.3% of studies. A majority (59.2%) of studies were level 4 evidence. The source of data was primarily comprehensive online search (n = 33; 67.3%), followed by official databases (n = 11; 22.4%). Only 3 studies concerned WNBA athletes compared with 47 that concerned NBA athletes. The lowest return-to-play rates were cited for Achilles tendon repairs (61.0%-79.5%). Variability in return-to-play rates existed among studies even with similar seasons studied. Conclusion: The majority of literature available on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries of NBA and WNBA athletes is on the lower extremity. The injuries that had the greatest effect on return to play and performance were Achilles tendon ruptures and knee cartilage injuries treated using microfracture. The reported outcomes are limited by heterogeneity and overlapping injury studies. There are limited available data on WNBA injuries specifically.

scholarly journals Predictors of Central Compartment Involvement in Patients with Positive Lateral Cervical Lymph Nodes according to Clinical and/or Ultrasound Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3407
Author(s):  
Giuseppa Graceffa ◽  
Giuseppina Orlando ◽  
Gianfranco Cocorullo ◽  
Sergio Mazzola ◽  
Irene Vitale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Central Compartment ◽  
Central Neck Dissection ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cervical Lymph Nodes ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
Central Lymph

Lymph node neck metastases are frequent in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Current guidelines state, on a weak level of evidence, that level VI dissection is mandatory in the presence of latero-cervical metastases. The aim of our study is to evaluate predictive factors for the absence of level VI involvement despite the presence of metastases to the lateral cervical stations in PTC. Eighty-eight patients operated for PTC with level II–V metastases were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Demographics, thyroid function, autoimmunity, nodule size and site, cancer variant, multifocality, Bethesda and EU-TIRADS, number of central and lateral lymph nodes removed, number of positive lymph nodes and outcome were recorded. At univariate analysis, PTC location and number of positive lateral lymph nodes were risk criteria for failure to cure. ROC curves demonstrated the association of the number of positive lateral lymph nodes and failure to cure. On multivariate analysis, the protective factors were PTC located in lobe center and number of positive lateral lymph nodes < 4. Kaplan–Meier curves confirmed the absence of central lymph nodes as a positive prognostic factor. In the selected cases, Central Neck Dissection (CND) could be avoided even in the presence of positive Lateralcervical Lymph Nodes (LLN+).

scholarly journals Clinical and radiological outcomes of acetabular revision surgery with trabecular titanium cups in Paprosky type II and III bone defects

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Loris Perticarini ◽  
Stefano Marco Paolo Rossi ◽  
Marta Medetti ◽  
Francesco Benazzo
Keyword(s):  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Harris Hip Score ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Prospective Case Series ◽  
Acetabular Components

Abstract Background This prospective study aims to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes and radiographic stability of two different types of cementless trabecular titanium acetabular components in total hip revision surgery. Methods Between December 2008 and February 2017, 104 cup revisions were performed using trabecular titanium revision cups. Mean age of patients was 70 (range 29–90; SD 11) years. The majority of revisions were performed for aseptic loosening (86 cases, 82.69%), but in all the other diagnoses (18 cases), a significant bone loss (Paprosky type II or III) was registered preoperatively. Bone defects were classified according to Paprosky acetabular classification. We observed 53 type II defects and 42 type III defects. Cups were chosen according to the type of defect. Results Average follow-up was 91 (range 24–146) months. Mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved from 43.7 (range 25–70; SD 9) preoperatively to 84.4 (range 46–99; SD 7.56) at last follow-up. One (1.05%) cup showed radiographic radiolucent lines inferior to 2 mm and was clinically asymptomatic. One (1.05%) cup was loose and showed periacetabular allograft reabsorption. Kaplan–Meier survivorship was assessed to be 88.54% (95% CI 80.18–93.52%) at 71 months, with failure of the cup for any reason as the endpoint. Conclusion Trabecular titanium revision cups showed good clinical and radiographic results at mid-term follow-up in Paprosky type II and III bone defects. Level of evidence Level IV prospective case series

scholarly journals Effect of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction on Pitch Accuracy, Velocity, and Movement in Major League Baseball Pitchers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712096853
Author(s):  
Braden McKnight ◽  
Nathanael D. Heckmann ◽  
Xiao T. Chen ◽  
Kevork Hindoyan ◽  
J. Ryan Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Major League Baseball ◽  
Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Major League ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Performance Statistics

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is frequently performed on Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers. Previous studies have investigated the effects of UCL reconstruction on fastball and curveball velocity, but no study to date has evaluated its effect on fastball accuracy or curveball movement among MLB pitchers. Purpose/Hypothesis: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of UCL reconstruction on fastball accuracy, fastball velocity, and curveball movement in MLB pitchers. Our hypothesis was that MLB pitchers who underwent UCL reconstruction would return to their presurgery fastball velocity, fastball accuracy, and curveball movement. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine which factors, if any, were predictive of poor performance after UCL reconstruction. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: MLB pitchers who underwent UCL reconstruction surgery between 2011 and 2012 were identified. Performance data including fastball velocity, fastball accuracy, and curveball movement were evaluated 1 year preoperatively and up to 3 years of play postoperatively. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with a Tukey-Kramer post hoc test was used to determine statistically significant changes in performance over time. Characteristic factors and presurgery performance statistics were compared between poor performers (>20% decrease in fastball accuracy) and non—poor performers. Results: We identified 56 pitchers with a total of 230,995 individual pitches for this study. After exclusion for lack of return to play (n = 14) and revision surgery (n = 3), 39 pitchers were included in the final analysis. The mean presurgery fastball pitch-to-target distance was 32.9 cm. There was a statistically significant decrease in fastball accuracy after reconstruction, which was present up to 3 years postoperatively ( P = .007). The mean presurgery fastball velocity of 91.82 mph did not significantly change after surgery ( P = .194). The mean presurgery curveball movement of 34.49 cm vertically and 5.89 cm horizontally also did not change significantly ( P = .937 and .161, respectively). Conclusion: Fastball accuracy among MLB pitchers significantly decreased after UCL reconstruction for up to 3 years postoperatively. There were no statistically significant differences in characteristic factors or presurgery performance statistics between poor and non--poor performers.

Developmental Training Model for the Sport Specialized Youth Athlete: A Dynamic Strategy for Individualizing Load-Response During Maturation

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110560
Author(s):  
Neeru Jayanthi ◽  
Stacey Schley ◽  
Sean P. Cumming ◽  
Gregory D. Myer ◽  
Heather Saffel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Specific Capacity ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Training Models ◽  
Youth Athletes ◽  
Medical Evaluation ◽  
Youth Athlete

Context: Most available data on athletic development training models focus on adult or professional athletes, where increasing workload capacity and performance is a primary goal. Development pathways in youth athletes generally emphasize multisport participation rather than sport specialization to optimize motor skill acquisition and to minimize injury risk. Other models emphasize the need for accumulation of sport- and skill-specific hours to develop elite-level status. Despite recommendations against sport specialization, many youth athletes still specialize and need guidance on training and competition. Medical and sport professionals also recommend progressive, gradual increases in workloads to enhance resilience to the demands of high-level competition. There is no accepted model of risk stratification and return to play for training a specialized youth athlete through periods of injury and maturation. In this review, we present individualized training models for specialized youth athletes that (1) prioritize performance for healthy, resilient youth athletes and (2) are adaptable through vulnerable maturational periods and injury. Evidence Acquisition: Nonsystematic review with critical appraisal of existing literature. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Results: A number of factors must be considered when developing training programs for young athletes: (1) the effect of sport specialization on athlete development and injury, (2) biological maturation, (3) motor and coordination deficits in specialized youth athletes, and (4) workload progressions and response to load. Conclusion: Load-sensitive athletes with multiple risk factors may need medical evaluation, frequent monitoring, and a program designed to restore local tissue and sport-specific capacity. Load-naive athletes, who are often skeletally immature, will likely benefit from serial monitoring and should train and compete with caution, while load-tolerant athletes may only need occasional monitoring and progress to optimum loads. Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT): B.

Criteria for Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110389
Author(s):  
Martin S. Davey ◽  
Eoghan T. Hurley ◽  
Matthew G. Davey ◽  
Jordan W. Fried ◽  
Andrew J. Hughes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽  
Hip Arthroscopy ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Return To Sports ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
The Mean

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common pathology in athletes that often requires operative management in the form of hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To systematically review the rates and level of return to play (RTP) and the criteria used for RTP after hip arthroscopy for FAI in athletes. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, based on the PRISMA guidelines, was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Studies reporting outcomes after the use of hip arthroscopy for FAI were included. Outcomes analyzed were RTP rate, RTP level, and criteria used for RTP. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Our review found 130 studies, which included 14,069 patients (14,517 hips) and had a mean methodological quality of evidence (MQOE) of 40.4 (range, 5-67). The majority of patients were female (53.7%), the mean patient age was 30.4 years (range, 15-47 years), and the mean follow-up was 29.7 months (range, 6-75 months). A total of 81 studies reported RTP rates, with an overall RTP rate of 85.4% over a mean period of 6.6 months. Additionally, 49 studies reported the rate of RTP at preinjury level as 72.6%. Specific RTP criteria were reported in 97 studies (77.2%), with time being the most commonly reported item, which was reported in 80 studies (69.2%). A total of 45 studies (57.9%) advised RTP at 3 to 6 months after hip arthroscopy. Conclusion: The overall rate of reported RTP was high after hip arthroscopy for FAI. However, more than one-fourth of athletes who returned to sports did not return at their preinjury level. Development of validated rehabilitation criteria for safe return to sports after hip arthroscopy for FAI could potentially improve clinical outcomes while also increasing rates of RTP at preinjury levels.

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