A concussion's symptoms may disappear, but could subtle changes in how the brain processes information remain?
New research from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga suggests that people with a history of multiple concussions may experience differences in how quickly, accurately and consistently they respond to visual information.
The study, published in PLOS One, examined 202 physically active adolescents and young adults using virtual reality testing.
Participants wore headsets and responded to moving visual objects by turning their heads, reaching or stepping in specific directions. Researchers then analyzed their performance alongside self-reported concussion histories.
The most notable finding involved participants who reported two or more previous concussions.
Those with lower scores on a measure called Action Initiation Efficiency had 5.75 times greater odds of reporting multiple concussions compared with participants who scored higher.
“We often view a sport-related concussion as a minor injury that only temporarily disrupts normal brain function,” said lead researcher Dr. Gary Wilkerson. “But accumulating research evidence indicates that multiple concussions can produce cumulative adverse effects that persist and worsen over time.”
The findings raise an important question about concussion recovery: Could athletes continue experiencing subtle changes in information processing even after their noticeable symptoms have resolved?
Traditional concussion evaluations examine symptoms, cognitive function, balance and other clinical findings. This research explored another approach by combining perception, decision-making and physical movement into a single assessment.
However, the researchers emphasized that their findings demonstrate an association, not causation. The study relied on self-reported concussion histories, and additional research is needed before virtual reality testing could be recommended for clinical use.
For Athletic Trainers, the study reinforces an important consideration: Concussion recovery is complex, and symptom resolution alone may not tell the entire story.
Read the study published in PLOS One.