Baseline Testing and Beyond: A Comprehensive Concussion Assessment Pilot Study

Increased recognition of sport related concussion show that improved assessment methods are needed. Current assessment methods lack objectivity and sensitivity, limiting their efficacy. This study aimed to collect pilot data to evaluate physiological measures (heart rate variability, grip strength and blood pressure) before and after concussion. Routinely used concussion assessment measures of concussion symptoms, cognition, balance, mood, activity and sleep were included to examine the influence of concussion on these parameters. Measures were assessed in Varsity athletes pre and post-concussion. Results from this pilot study indicate that several frequency domain measures of HRV displayed decreased values day 1 post injury compared to baseline. Our findings suggest that HRV may have the potential to be used as an objective measure to indicate concussion. Cognitive and balance scores demonstrated inconsistent patterns when compared to baseline. Mental activity in the acute phase may contribute to prolonged recovery and would benefit from further study.M.Sc