Sensitivity and Specificty of a Multimodal Approach for Concussion Assessment in Youth Athletes

Background: Concussions are a heterogeneous and complex injury that may negatively impact the lives of youth. Multimodal assessment is recommended, however, validation of concussion measures in youth athlete populations remains limited. Purpose: To explore the sensitivity and specificity of a multimodal approach compared to individual clinical measures for the assessment of concussion in youth athletes at symptomatic and asymptomatic time points following concussion. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study with matched non-injured controls was used. Youth athletes (10-18 years) were assessed using a multimodal approach consisting of cognitive, balance, strength and symptom measures. Results: Cognitive, balance, and strength measures were sensitive and specific to declines in performance following a concussion. Multimodal assessment can more accurately distinguish between concussed and non-injured controls compared to stand-alone measures when post-concussion symptoms resolve. Conclusions: Findings may help guide clinical decision making and contribute to future research exploring approaches to concussion assessment in youth athletes.M.Sc.2020-11-15 00:00:0