Article Text
Abstract
Objective Vertigo, dizziness and visual problems are among the main symptoms of a prolong course after concussion. Adequate diagnostic tools are rare. The computerized sensory organization test (SOT) differentiates the sensory integration between somatosensory, vision, vestibular and visual preference. This analysis may help to create an individual rehabilitation program and observe the progress.
Design Case series.
Setting Rehabilitation center.
Participants Among 31 post-injury tested athletes with a diagnosed concussion 5 male professional players completed a follow-up test by the end of April 2016. Interventions: 5 players performed a post-injury baseline on the computerized dynamic posturograph (Equitest) and repeated the test as follow-up after personalized vestibulo-oculomotor therapy and improvement of symptoms during the rehabilitation process.
Outcome measures Outcome measures were total score (calculated by 6 SOT conditions) and identification of the integrational deficits (calculated by results of sensory analysis). Both values serve to guide and monitor the individual rehabilitation.
Main results At post-injury baseline a deficient total score and vestibular impairment was verified in all 5 athletes. After specific individualized vestibulo-oculomotor therapy and a significant reduction of symptoms the follow-up test demonstrated improvement in total score (22% ± 10% SD) to a point where entering intensive training (return to play protocol stage 3) was recommended. Regarding the vestibular system patients improved their score 57% ± 20% SD.
Conclusions The computerized SOT can be a useful tool to identify specific sensory deficits and to help specify post-injury therapy and observe the individual rehabilitation process regarding the return to play protocol. Further research is required.
Competing interests None.