Abstract

The purpose of this three-article dissertation was to provide several perspectives regarding physical evaluation and rehabilitation of concussed individuals. The first article delved into balance assessment using a quantified, computerized approach in a large cohort of Division I athletes. The study compared individuals with a history of concussion to those without a history of concussion on computerized balance assessment scores using a prospective, quantitative research design. There were no significant differences between groups on seven balance assessments; however, there was a significant difference (p = .002) between football and lacrosse players. The second article focused on a rapidly growing rehabilitation strategy, vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT), and its effectiveness in the concussion population. The goal of article two was to critically appraise recently published literature using isolated vestibular rehabilitation training, as opposed to mixed interventions, to provide a unique perspective of the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation. The third and final article provided a retrospective review of physical therapy outcomes using a risk-adjusted predicated score in concussed individuals throughout a large physical therapy network. The study aimed to determine if various therapeutic variables (frequency, arrival rate, etc.) had a tangible impact on patient-reported outcomes. A majority (58.82%) of patients achieved their discharge function goal, while none of the variables selected were associated with successful outcomes. There was a trend towards a significant association between number of rendering providers (p = .10) and age (p = .08) on outcomes. In sum, it appears that a history of concussion does not impact gross measures of balance in collegiate athletes and several conservative measures (VRT, physical therapy) offer benefit to individuals suffering from concussion related symptoms.

Details

Title
All About Concussion From Testing to Rehabilitation: A Three Article Dissertation
Author
Holland, Brett
Publication year
2023
Publisher
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
ISBN
9798382767468
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3061771508
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.