John H Molloy1, Ian Murphy2, Conor Gissane3. 1. Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians, Australia. Electronic address: drjohnmolloy@gmail.com. 2. New Zealand Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby House, New Zealand. 3. School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St. Mary's University, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the utility of the King-Devick (K-D) test in identifying sports-related concussion in semi-professional rugby players. DESIGN: Descriptive cohort study. METHODS: 176 male players were recruited from a semi-professional rugby union competition in New Zealand (NZ). Baseline K-D scores were obtained in the pre-season. Post-match K-D and Pitch Side Concussion Assessment Version 2 (PSCA2) scores were obtained in those with suspected concussion. Post-match K-D scores were also administered to selected control players. RESULTS: 19 concussions in 18 players were analysed. In addition, 33 controls were used for analysis. A positive K-D test was identified in 53% of players with concussion post-match. Conversely, a positive test was identified in 33% of controls. The sensitivity and specificity of the K-D test was calculated as 53% and 69% respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 48% and 73% respectively. The PSCA2 correctly identified 74% of concussions. The K-D test identified 3 cases not identified by the PSCA2. When the PSCA2 and K-D were combined, 89% of concussions were correctly identified. CONCLUSIONS: The K-D test does not appear to be effective if used as a stand-alone test for the diagnosis of concussion. However, if used alongside current side-line cognitive and balance tests, it may assist in more accurately diagnosing sports-related concussion. Further research should look to utilise the K-D test in in-match protocols to establish if this improves the diagnostic accuracy of in-match protocols for sports-related concussion.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the utility of the King-Devick (K-D) test in identifying sports-related concussion in semi-professional rugby players. DESIGN: Descriptive cohort study. METHODS: 176 male players were recruited from a semi-professional rugby union competition in New Zealand (NZ). Baseline K-D scores were obtained in the pre-season. Post-match K-D and Pitch Side Concussion Assessment Version 2 (PSCA2) scores were obtained in those with suspected concussion. Post-match K-D scores were also administered to selected control players. RESULTS: 19 concussions in 18 players were analysed. In addition, 33 controls were used for analysis. A positive K-D test was identified in 53% of players with concussion post-match. Conversely, a positive test was identified in 33% of controls. The sensitivity and specificity of the K-D test was calculated as 53% and 69% respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 48% and 73% respectively. The PSCA2 correctly identified 74% of concussions. The K-D test identified 3 cases not identified by the PSCA2. When the PSCA2 and K-D were combined, 89% of concussions were correctly identified. CONCLUSIONS: The K-D test does not appear to be effective if used as a stand-alone test for the diagnosis of concussion. However, if used alongside current side-line cognitive and balance tests, it may assist in more accurately diagnosing sports-related concussion. Further research should look to utilise the K-D test in in-match protocols to establish if this improves the diagnostic accuracy of in-match protocols for sports-related concussion.
Authors: Katherine M Breedlove; Justus D Ortega; Thomas W Kaminski; Kimberly G Harmon; Julianne D Schmidt; Anthony P Kontos; James R Clugston; Sara P D Chrisman; Michael A McCrea; Thomas W McAllister; Steven P Broglio; Thomas A Buckley Journal: J Athl Train Date: 2019-10-16 Impact factor: 2.860
Authors: Ed Daly; Alan J Pearce; Emma Finnegan; Ciara Cooney; Maria McDonagh; Grainne Scully; Michael McCann; Rónán Doherty; Adam White; Simon Phelan; Nathan Howarth; Lisa Ryan Journal: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil Date: 2022-07-10