We would like to thank the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) who have provided funding for this research. Further, we would like to acknowledge Dr. Tim Taha and Dr. Scott Thomas from the University of Toronto for their assistance with the development of our protocol for the collection of resting state heart rate variability data.

The described protocol includes pre-injury/baseline testing and post-injury follow-up assessment and is completed using three stations. This testing can be completed individually or in groups of four subjects at each station at a time. Subjects proceed through each station in the order listed below. Table 1 illustrates the protocol&#8217;s testing administration schedule. Ethics approval for this research was obtained from the Holland Bloorview Research Ethics Board at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. All participants and their legal guardians provide signed informed consent prior to completing the protocol and related data collection.
Pre-injury/Baseline Testing
1. Station 1: Obtaining Pre-injury Demographic Information, Post-concussion Symptom Report and Resting State Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Data
<ol>
	<li>Prior to subject(s) arriving for testing, ensure all equipment is functioning properly and ready for testing and that the assessment rooms are free from unnecessary distractions.</li>
	<li>After reviewing parental and subject consent, measure and record the subject&#8217;s height and weight. Set up heart rate monitor straps and watches on each subject properly.</li>
	<li>Administer the demographic information form and collect post-concussion symptom report using the Child version of the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory(PCSI-C) while each subject is seated for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Have each subject lay supine on the ground on a clean sanitized mat. Turn on the heart rate monitors to record resting state heart rate variability (HRV) data (with R-R interval function set to [On]). Have each subject remain lying in supine quietly without talking for 10 min while recording HR.</li>
	<li>After 10 min, click the lap button on the watch to indicate the end of supine lying resting state HRV data collection. Ask the subject to return to a seated position, click the lap button on the watch again to indicate beginning of resting state seated HRV data collection.</li>
	<li>Have each subject remain in the seated position for 5 min without talking. After 5 min, stop the watch recording function to end the session and resting state HRV data collection. Ask the subject to take off the heart rate strap and watches.</li>
</ol>
2. Station 2: Obtaining Cognitive Performance Data
<ol>
	<li>Have each subject sit at an individual cubicle with a personal laptop set up with a mouse. Ensure testing environment is free from distraction.</li>
	<li>Administer the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), a rapid and computerized neuropsychological assessment tool (approximately 25 min to complete).</li>
</ol>
3. Station 3: Obtaining Static Balance, Grip Strength and Agility/Motor Skills Data
<ol>
	<li>Administer the static balance assessment using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (m-CTSIB) on the portable balance system. While standing on the balance system forceplate, the subject completes four ordered conditions that include standing with eyes open for 20 sec; standing with eyes closed for 20 sec; standing with eyes open on indexed foam pad for 20 sec; and standing with eyes closed on indexed foam pad for 20 sec.</li>
	<li>Using a Dynamometer, measure and record hand grip strength in kg for both right and left hands. Record the dominant hand for each subject while still completing 3 consecutive trials for each hand starting with the dominant hand. Out of the 3 trials taken, the maximum hand grip on each hand will also be recorded. For each trial the subject is told to squeeze the grip as hard as they can for 3 sec keeping a neutral upper extremity position (standing upright, straight arm parallel beside the body, palm facing the body and wrist neutral).</li>
	<li>In a hallway or gym at least 2.5 m wide and 15 m long administer the agility/motor skills assessment using the ABI-Challenge Assessment (ABI-CA) - Concussion Module. Lay tape on the ground in a straight line marking points for every 1 m. In the following order administer these 6 tests following the guidelines and scoring criteria provided in the concussion module.
	<ol>
		<li>Jumping-jacks (Timed):
		<ol>
			<li>Stand with your arms at your sides and jump into an &#8220;X&#8221; position with arms and legs, and then instantly jump back into starting position. Count how many can be done in 15 sec.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Pylon/cone obstacle course run (Timed):
		<ol>
			<li>Run in and out of the pylons to the end (10 m) and back as fast as you can but at a speed that you feel safe. Do not touch the pylons. Run straight through the finish line. (Pylons located at 3, 5, 7, 10 m)</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Backwards tandem walking (Timed):
		<ol>
			<li>On the lined track, walk backwards in a tandem pattern for 5 m. Tandem pattern is touching their heel to their opposite toe on each step.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Modified shuttle run (Timed):
		<ol>
			<li>Run along the 10 m track, pick up a beanbag at the end of the course, and run back to place the beanbag in a basket at the starting point. They must touch the starting line with their foot each time they return to the basket. Repeat this three times until all the beanbags are in the basket at the starting point.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Ins and outs (Timed):
		<ol>
			<li>Stand with both feet inside of two parallel lines (in the path) that are 40 cm apart. Move one foot outside of the corresponding line followed by the opposite leg moving outside of the other line. The first foot is then returned to the inside, followed by the second foot. Cycles must be consecutive and should be performed in a rhythmical fashion (equal time between each step), and will be repeated 10x not moving forward or backward.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Standing long jump: Jump forward from standing with both feet as far as you can and hold the landing for 3 sec. Measure and record the distance from the front of the furthest back foot. Three trials are given to achieve the farthest distance</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. Post-injury/Follow-up Testing
<ol>
	<li>Obtaining post-concussion data while subject is experiencing post-concussion symptoms
	<ol>
		<li>On the same day a subject suffers an injury, research staff is contacted by subject using either phone or email. Research staff records clinical and functional details regarding the injury.</li>
		<li>Immediately following concussion (24-48 hr post injury), collect: resting state HRV data (repeat steps 1.3, 1.5-1.10); post-concussion symptom data (repeat step 1.4); and balance data (repeat step 3.1). If symptoms are exacerbated during testing, stop data collection and allow subject to rest.</li>
		<li>Continue to collect resting state HRV data (repeat steps 1.3, 1.5-1.10), post-concussion symptom data (repeat step 1.4), and balance data (repeat step 3.1) weekly until post-concussion symptoms have resolved. If symptoms are exacerbated during testing, stop data collection and allow subject to rest.</li>
		<li>Research staff follows up with subject weekly by phone to determine when post-concussion symptoms resolve (using PCSI-C).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. Obtaining Post-concussion Data While Subject is no Longer Experiencing Post-concussion Symptoms
<ol>
	<li>At 1 week after post-concussion symptoms have resolved, collect: resting state HRV data (repeat steps 1.3, 1.5-1.10); post-concussion symptom data (repeat step 1.4); cognitive performance data (repeat steps 2.1-2.2); balance data (repeat step 3.1); hand grip data (repeat step 3.2); and, agility/motor skills data (repeat step 3.3). If symptoms are exacerbated during testing, stop data collection and allow subject to rest.</li>
	<li>At 1 month after post-concussion symptoms have resolved, repeat step 5.1. At 3 months after post-concussion symptoms have resolved, repeat step 5.1. At 6 months after post-concussions symptoms have resolved, repeat step 5.1.</li>
</ol>

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

This protocol presents a multi-modal approach to measuring recovery in youth athletes following a concussion. A critical feature of this protocol is the comparison of post-concussion data across a wide range of performance domains (cognition, balance, strength, agility, resting state heart rate variability, etc.) to pre-injury/baseline. These data serve as a means to indicate recovery amongst individual youth athletes following a concussion. By using common and readily available clinical measures of cognition, b...

Concussion can be defined as &#34;a complex pathophysiologic process affecting the brain induced by traumatic biomechanical forces&#34;1, and can result in short and long-term somatic, cognitive and/or emotional/behavioral symptoms2. Functionally, concussion and related symptoms can have a significant impact on one&#39;s participation in daily activities and pursuits3. It has been estimated that within the United States, between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussion occur each year as a result of sport participation4. Specific to children and youth involved in sports, concussion is one of the most commonly reported injuries5-7. Despite the impact concussion can have on daily activities and the prevalence of concussion amongst children and youth, there remains a lack of scientific data reporting how the youth brain responds to concussion across a variety of performance domains.
Baseline testing, or the use of pre-injury testing scores as a benchmark for comparison against post-injury testing scores to inform recovery, is a practice of growing popularity within the youth sport community and has been suggested internationally8 to be &#34;helpful to add useful information&#34; (p.3) during the management of concussion. In order to best represent the varied nature of post-concussion symptoms (somatic, cognitive and emotional/behavioral), it is important that the assessment of post-concussion recovery include a variety of outcome measures. Further, current concussion management relies heavily on subjective report of post-concussion symptoms. The validity of this subjective report can be influenced by a variety of factors9 and may lead to both under-reporting of symptoms10,11 and a less accurate and reliable index of recovery. As a result, there is a significant need to explore approaches to measuring post-concussion recovery across performance domains that are both objective and sensitive.
It has been demonstrated that cognition, balance, strength and agility can be impaired in youth following concussion and brain injury12-17. The measures included within this testing protocol were chosen to provide insight into recovery across these domains following concussion and to incorporate the use of validated clinical testing tools that are commonly used across clinical settings focused on concussion management. Further, from a more exploratory perspective, resting state HRV can be seen as an accurate measure of sympathovagal balance18,19 . In a healthy population, sympathovagal balance is defined as the parasympathetic system being dominant at rest, while the sympathetic system is under tonic inhibitory control. It is hypothesized that post-concussion, due to physiological stress, an imbalance between the two systems will exist and resting state may shift to hyperactivity of the sympathetic system and hypoactivity of the parasympathetic system20.
The goal of this study&#39;s protocol is to conduct a multi-modal assessment of pre- and post-concussion performance amongst youth athletes (ages 10-18 years) in order to gain a more holistic, objective and accurate understanding of recovery following concussion. This study aims to provide insight into the development and delivery of concussion management and rehabilitation protocols specific to children and youth.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Scale</td><td>Weight Watchers: Conair&amp;nbsp;</td><td>WW30WB</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Measuring Tape</td><td>Hi-Viz Lufkin</td><td>HVC716CME</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Heart Rate Monitor (Chest Strap and Watch)</td><td>Polar</td><td>RS800CX GPS</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Exercise/Yoga Mat</td><td>Pur Athletics</td><td>WTE10126</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sportline Stopwatch (Model 228)</td><td>EB Sport Group</td><td>#2787</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Laptop - MacBook Pro</td><td>Apple</td><td>A1278</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Computerized Cognitive Assessment- Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Task</td><td>ImPACT Application&#039;s Inc.&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hand Grip Dynamometer</td><td>Sammons Preston- Smedley-Type</td><td>5032P</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>BioSway</td><td>Biodex Medical Supplies Inc.&amp;nbsp;</td><td>950-510</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Painter&#039;s Mate Green Tape</td><td>ShurTech Brands LLC</td><td>#49462</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pylons/Cones (12&quot;)</td><td>Canadian Tire</td><td>84-295-4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basket</td><td>Canadian Tire</td><td>42-9919-2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bean Bags</td><td>Eastpoint/Go Gater</td><td>1-1-16392</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

a multi-modal approach to assessing recovery in youth athletes following concussion

Concussion is one of the most commonly reported injuries amongst children and youth involved in sport participation. Following a concussion, youth can experience a range of short and long term neurobehavioral symptoms (somatic, cognitive and emotional/behavioral) that can have a significant impact on one&#8217;s participation in daily activities and pursuits of interest (e.g., school, sports, work, family/social life, etc.). Despite this, there remains a paucity in clinically driven research aimed specifically at exploring concussion within the youth sport population, and more specifically, multi-modal approaches to measuring recovery. This article provides an overview of a novel and multi-modal approach to measuring recovery amongst youth athletes following concussion. The presented approach involves the use of both pre-injury/baseline testing and post-injury/follow-up testing to assess performance across a wide variety of domains (post-concussion symptoms, cognition, balance, strength, agility/motor skills and resting state heart rate variability). The goal of this research is to gain a more objective and accurate understanding of recovery following concussion in youth athletes (ages 10-18 years). Findings from this research can help to inform the development and use of improved approaches to concussion management and rehabilitation specific to the youth sport community.

The presented protocol is an ongoing investigation. Table 1 depicts the protocol&#8217;s testing administration schedule. Representative results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of collecting baseline/pre-injury and post-concussion data across a variety of performance domains known to be impacted by concussion in youth. A single case of a concussed youth who has completed all stages of the protocol is presented to demonstrate recovery trajectories across selected outcome measures. Fig...

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A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion

This article provides an overview of a multi-modal approach to assessing recovery following concussion in youth athletes. The described protocol uses pre- and post-concussion assessment of performance across a wide variety of domains and can inform the development of improved concussion rehabilitation protocols specific to the youth sport community.

Concussion is one of the most commonly reported injuries amongst children and youth involved in sport participation. Following a concussion, youth can ...

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13.4K Views.  Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. This article provides an overview of a multi-modal approach to assessing recovery following concussion in youth athletes. The described protocol uses pre- and post-concussion assessment of performance across a wide variety of domains and can inform the development of improved concussion rehabilitation protocols specific to the youth sport community.

Video: A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion

An Investigation of the Effects of Sports-related Concussion in Youth Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System

One of the most commonly reported injuries in children who participate in sports is concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)1. Children and youth involved in organized sports such as competitive hockey are nearly six times more likely to suffer a severe concussion compared to children involved in other leisure physical activities2. While the most common cognitive sequelae of mTBI appear similar for children and adults, the recovery profile and breadth of consequences in children remains largely unknown2, as does the influence of pre-injury characteristics (e.g. gender) and injury details (e.g. magnitude and direction of impact) on long-term outcomes. Competitive sports, such as hockey, allow the rare opportunity to utilize a pre-post design to obtain pre-injury data before concussion occurs on youth characteristics and functioning and to relate this to outcome following injury. Our primary goals are to refine pediatric concussion diagnosis and management based on research evidence that is specific to children and youth. To do this we use new, multi-modal and integrative approaches that will:
 1.Evaluate the immediate effects of head trauma in youth 
2.Monitor the resolution of post-concussion symptoms (PCS) and cognitive performance during recovery 
3.Utilize new methods to verify brain injury and recovery
To achieve our goals, we have implemented the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System. (Simbex; Lebanon, NH, USA). This system equips commercially available Easton S9 hockey helmets (Easton-Bell Sports; Van Nuys, CA, USA) with single-axis accelerometers designed to measure real-time head accelerations during contact sport participation 3 - 5. By using telemetric technology, the magnitude of acceleration and location of all head impacts during sport participation can be objectively detected and recorded. We also use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to localize and assess changes in neural activity specifically in the medial temporal and frontal lobes during the performance of cognitive tasks, since those are the cerebral regions most sensitive to concussive head injury 6. Finally, we are acquiring structural imaging data sensitive to damage in brain white matter.

This article provides an overview of a multi-modal approach to mild traumatic brain injury diagnosis and recovery in youth. This approach combines neuropsychological testing with functional magnetic resonance imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System to monitor the relationship between head impacts and brain activity during cognitive testing.

One of the most commonly reported injuries in children who participate in sports is concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)1. Children and youth ...

Vision Training Methods for Sports Concussion Mitigation and Management

There is emerging evidence supporting the use vision training, including light board training tools, as a concussion baseline and neuro-diagnostic tool and potentially as a supportive component to concussion prevention strategies. This paper is focused on providing detailed methods for select vision training tools and reporting normative data for comparison when vision training is a part of a sports management program. The overall program includes standard vision training methods including tachistoscope, Brock&#8217;s string, and strobe glasses, as well as specialized light board training algorithms. Stereopsis is measured as a means to monitor vision training affects. In addition, quantitative results for vision training methods as well as baseline and post-testing *A and Reaction Test measures with progressive scores are reported. Collegiate athletes consistently improve after six weeks of training in their stereopsis, *A and Reaction Test scores. When vision training is initiated as a team wide exercise, the incidence of concussion decreases in players who participate in training compared to players who do not receive the vision training. Vision training produces functional and performance changes that, when monitored, can be used to assess the success of the vision training and can be initiated as part of a sports medical intervention for concussion prevention.

This paper describes a protocol to conduct, quantitatively monitor, and assess the success of vision training initiated as part of a sports medical management program including intervention for concussion prevention and performance enhancement.

There is emerging evidence supporting the use vision training, including light board training tools, as a concussion baseline and neuro-diagnostic tool ...

Behavior

Assessing Teratogenic Changes in a Zebrafish Model of Fetal Alcohol Exposure

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe manifestation of embryonic exposure to ethanol. It presents with characteristic defects to the face and organs, including mental retardation due to disordered and damaged brain development. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term used to cover a continuum of birth defects that occur due to maternal alcohol consumption, and occurs in approximately 4% of children born in the United States. With 50% of child-bearing age women reporting consumption of alcohol, and half of all pregnancies being unplanned, unintentional exposure is a continuing issue2. In order to best understand the damage produced by ethanol, plus produce a model with which to test potential interventions, we developed a model of developmental ethanol exposure using the zebrafish embryo. Zebrafish are ideal for this kind of teratogen study3-8. Each pair lays hundreds of eggs, which can then be collected without harming the adult fish. The zebrafish embryo is transparent and can be readily imaged with any number of stains. Analysis of these embryos after exposure to ethanol at different doses and times of duration and application shows that the gross developmental defects produced by ethanol are consistent with the human birth defect. Described here are the basic techniques used to study and manipulate the zebrafish FAS model.

In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of the ethanol-induced developmental damage, we have developed a zebrafish model of ethanol exposure and are exploring the physical, cellular, and genetic alterations that occur after ethanol exposure1. We then seek to find potential interventions and rapidly test them in this animal model.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe manifestation of embryonic exposure to ethanol. It presents with characteristic defects to the face and organs, ...

Multi-modal Imaging of Angiogenesis in a Nude Rat Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volumetric Computed Tomography and Ultrasound

Angiogenesis is an essential feature of cancer growth and metastasis formation. In bone metastasis, angiogenic factors are pivotal for tumor cell proliferation in the bone marrow cavity as well as for interaction of tumor and bone cells resulting in local bone destruction. Our aim was to develop a model of experimental bone metastasis that allows in vivo assessment of angiogenesis in skeletal lesions using non-invasive imaging techniques.
For this purpose, we injected 105 MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells into the superficial epigastric artery, which precludes the growth of metastases in body areas other than the respective hind leg1. Following 25-30 days after tumor cell inoculation, site-specific bone metastases develop, restricted to the distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal fibula1. Morphological and functional aspects of angiogenesis can be investigated longitudinally in bone metastases using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volumetric computed tomography (VCT) and ultrasound (US).
MRI displays morphologic information on the soft tissue part of bone metastases that is initially confined to the bone marrow cavity and subsequently exceeds cortical bone while progressing. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) functional data including regional blood volume, perfusion and vessel permeability can be obtained and quantified2-4. Bone destruction is captured in high resolution using morphological VCT imaging. Complementary to MRI findings, osteolytic lesions can be located adjacent to sites of intramedullary tumor growth. After contrast agent application, VCT angiography reveals the macrovessel architecture in bone metastases in high resolution, and DCE-VCT enables insight in the microcirculation of these lesions5,6. US is applicable to assess morphological and functional features from skeletal lesions due to local osteolysis of cortical bone. Using B-mode and Doppler techniques, structure and perfusion of the soft tissue metastases can be evaluated, respectively. DCE-US allows for real-time imaging of vascularization in bone metastases after injection of microbubbles7.
In conclusion, in a model of site-specific breast cancer bone metastases multi-modal imaging techniques including MRI, VCT and US offer complementary information on morphology and functional parameters of angiogenesis in these skeletal lesions.

In the pathogenesis of bone metastasis, angiogenesis is a crucial process and therefore represents a target for imaging and therapy. Here, we present a rat model of site-specific breast cancer bone metastasis and describe strategies to non-invasively image angiogenesis in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging, volumetric computed tomography and ultrasound.

Angiogenesis is an essential feature of cancer growth and metastasis formation. In bone metastasis, angiogenic factors are pivotal for tumor cell ...

Revised and Neuroimaging-Compatible Versions of the Dual Task Screen

Dual task paradigms simultaneously assess motor and cognitive abilities, and they can detect subtle, residual impairments in athletes with recent mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, past dual task paradigms have focused solely on lower extremity skills and have relied on cumbersome, expensive laboratory equipment - thus limiting their practicality for everyday mTBI evaluation. Subsequently, we developed the Dual Task Screen (DTS), which takes &#60;10 minutes to administer and score, uses low-cost portable equipment, and includes lower extremity (LE) and upper extremity (UE) subtasks. The purpose of this manuscript was twofold. First, we describe the administration protocol for the revised DTS, which we revised to address the limitations of the original DTS. Specifically, the revisions included additions of smart devices to acquire more detailed gait data and inclusion of single cognitive conditions to test for disrupted cognitive performance under dual task conditions. Importantly, the revised DTS is a measure intended for future clinical use, and we present representative results from three male athletes to illustrate the type of clinical data that can be acquired from the measure. Importantly, we have yet to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the revised DTS in athletes with mTBI, which is the next research initiative. The second purpose of this manuscript is to describe a neuroimaging-compatible version of the DTS. We developed this version so we could evaluate the neural underpinnings of single and dual task performance, for a better empirical understanding of the behavioral deficits associated with mTBI. Thus, this manuscript also describes the steps we took to enable simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurement during the DTS, along with how we acquired and completed first-level processing of the fNIRS data.

We developed the original Dual Task Screen (DTS) as a portable, low-cost measure that can evaluate athletes with sports-induced mild traumatic brain injury. We revised the original DTS for future clinical use and developed a neuroimaging-compatible version of the DTS to measure neural underpinnings of single and dual task performance.

Dual task paradigms simultaneously assess motor and cognitive abilities, and they can detect subtle, residual impairments in athletes with recent mild ...

A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes

Concussions are occurring at alarming rates in the United States and have become a serious public health concern. The CDC estimates that 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions occur in sports and recreational activities annually. Concussion as defined by the 2013 Concussion Consensus Statement &#8220;may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body with an &#8216;impulsive&#8217; force transmitted to the head.&#8221; Concussions leave the individual with both short- and long-term effects. The short-term effects of sport related concussions may include changes in playing ability, confusion, memory disturbance, the loss of consciousness, slowing of reaction time, loss of coordination, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, changes in sleep patterns and mood changes. These symptoms typically resolve in a matter of days. However, while some individuals recover from a single concussion rather quickly, many experience lingering effects that can last for weeks or months. The factors related to concussion susceptibility and the subsequent recovery times are not well known or understood at this time. Several factors have been suggested and they include the individual&#8217;s concussion history, the severity of the initial injury, history of migraines, history of learning disabilities, history of psychiatric comorbidities, and possibly, genetic factors. Many studies have individually investigated certain factors both the short-term and long-term effects of concussions, recovery time course, susceptibility and recovery. What has not been clearly established is an effective multifaceted approach to concussion evaluation that would yield valuable information related to the etiology, functional changes, and recovery. The purpose of this manuscript is to show one such multifaceted approached which examines concussions using computerized neurocognitive testing, event related potentials, somatosensory perceptual responses, balance assessment, gait assessment and genetic testing.

There is great variability in an individual&#8217;s risk for concussion and their corresponding recovery. A multifaceted approach to concussion evaluation is warranted; including baseline testing of athletes before participation in sport and timely evaluation post injury. The goal of this protocol is to provide an appropriate multifaceted approach to examine concussions.

Concussions are occurring at alarming rates in the United States and have become a serious public health concern. The CDC estimates that 1.6 to 3.8 ...

Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology

Participation in organized sports makes a significant contribution to youth development, but places youth at a higher risk for sustaining a concussion. To date, return-to-activity decision-making has been anchored in the monitoring of self-reported concussion symptoms and neurocognitive testing. However, multi-modal assessments that corroborate objective physiological measures with traditional subjective symptom reporting are needed and can be valuable. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive physiological indicator of the autonomic nervous system, capturing the reciprocal interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. There is a dearth of literature exploring the effect of concussion on HRV in youth athletes, and developmental differences preclude the application of adult findings to a pediatric population. Further, the current state of HRV methodology has primarily included short-term (5-15 min) recordings, by using resting state or short-term physical exertion testing to elucidate changes following concussion. The novelty in utilizing a 24 h&#160;recording methodology is that it has the potential to capture natural variation in autonomic function, directly related to the activities a youth athlete performs on a regular basis. Within a prospective, longitudinal research setting, this novel approach to quantifying autonomic function can provide important information regarding the recovery trajectory, alongside traditional self-report symptom measures. Our objectives regarding a 24 h recording methodology were to (1) evaluate the physiological effects of a concussion in youth athletes, and (2) describe the trajectory of physiological change, while considering the resolution of self-reported post-concussion symptoms. To achieve these objectives, non-invasive sensor technology was implemented. The raw beat-to-beat time intervals captured can be transformed to derive time domain and frequency domain measures, which reflect an individual&#39;s ability to adapt and be flexible to their ever-changing environment. By using non-invasive heart rate technology, autonomic function can be quantified outside of a traditional controlled research setting.

We demonstrate a 24 h heart rate recording methodology to evaluate the influence of concussion across the recovery trajectory in youth athletes, within an ecologically valid context.

Participation in organized sports makes a significant contribution to youth development, but places youth at a higher risk for sustaining a concussion. To ...

Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion

The evidence-informed standardization of care along disease lines is recommended to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The aim of this project is to 1) describe the development and implementation of the Concussion Carepath, 2) demonstrate the process of integrating technology in the form of a mobile application to enable the carepath and guide clinical decision-making, and 3) present data on the utility of the C3 app in facilitating decision-making throughout the injury recovery process. A multi-disciplinary team of experts in concussion care was formed to develop an evidence-informed algorithm, outlining best practices for the clinical management of concussion along three phases of recovery &#8211; acute, subacute, and post-concussive. A custom mobile application, the Cleveland Clinic Concussion (C3) app was developed and validated to provide a platform for the systematic collection of objective, biomechanical outcomes and to provide guidance in clinical decision-making in the field and clinical environments. The Cleveland Clinic Concussion app included an electronic incident report, assessment modules to measure important aspects of cognitive and motor function, and a return to play module to systematically document the six phases of post-injury rehabilitation. The assessment modules served as qualifiers within the carepath algorithm, driving referral for specialty services as indicated. Overall, the carepath coupled with the C3 app functioned in unison to facilitate communication among the interdisciplinary team, prevent stagnant care, and drive patients to the right provider at the right time for efficient and effective clinical management.

A multidisciplinary carepath to standardize disparate concussion care was developed and implemented at the Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic Concussion (C3) mobile application was used to enable the carepath through biomechanical outcomes characterizing cognitive and motor function. Patient outcomes improved while cost of care was reduced following implementation.

The evidence-informed standardization of care along disease lines is recommended to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The aim of this project ...

Objectively Assessing Sports Concussion Utilizing Visual Evoked Potentials

A portable system capable of measuring steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP) was developed to provide an objective, quantifiable method of electroencephalogram (EEG) testing following a traumatic event. In this study, the portable system was used on 65 healthy rugby players throughout a season to determine whether SSVEP are a reliable electrophysiological biomarker for concussion. Preceding the competition season, all players underwent a baseline SSVEP assessment. During the season, players were re-tested within 72 h of a match for either test-retest reliability or post-injury assessment. In the case of a medically diagnosed concussion, players were reassessed again once deemed recovered by a physician. The SSVEP system consisted of a smartphone housed in a VR-frame delivering a 15 Hz flicker stimulus, while a wireless EEG headset recorded occipital activity. Players were instructed to stare at the screen's fixation point while remaining seated and quiet. Electrodes were arranged according to the 10-20 EEG-positioning nomenclature, with O1-O2 being the recording channels while P1-P2 the references and bias, respectively. All EEG data was processed using a Butterworth bandpass filter, Fourier transformation, and normalization to convert data for frequency analysis. Players SSVEP responses were quantified into a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with 15 Hz being the desired signal, and summarized into respective study groups for comparison. Concussed players were seen to have a significantly lower SNR compared to their baseline; however, post-recovery, their SNR was not significantly different from the baseline. Test-retest indicated high device reliability for the portable system. An improved portable SSVEP system was also validated against an established EEG amplifier to ensure the investigative design is capable of obtaining research quality EEG measurements. This is the first study to identify differences in SSVEP responses in amateur athletes following a concussion and indicates the potential for SSVEP as an aid in concussion assessment and management.

A portable system capable of measuring steady-state visual-evoked potentials was developed and trialed on 65 amateur rugby players over 18 weeks to investigate SSVEP as a potential electrophysiological biomarker for concussion. Players' baselines were measured pre-season, with retesting for reliability, concussion, and recovery assessment being conducted within controlled time-periods, respectively.

A portable system capable of measuring steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP) was developed to provide an objective, quantifiable method of ...

Neuroscience

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are a prevalent health issue in North America. There is increasing pressure to utilize ecologically valid models of closed-head mTBI in the preclinical setting to increase translatability to the clinical population. The awake closed-headed injury (ACHI) model uses a modified controlled cortical impactor to deliver closed-headed injury, inducing clinically relevant behavioral deficits without the need for a craniotomy or the use of an anesthetic.
This technique does not normally induce fatalities, skull fractures, or brain bleeds, and is more consistent with being a mild injury. Indeed, the mild nature of the ACHI procedure makes it ideal for studies investigating repetitive mTBI (r-mTBI). Growing evidence indicates that r-mTBI can result in a cumulative injury that produces behavioral symptoms, neuropathological changes, and neurodegeneration. r-mTBI is common in youths playing sports, and these injuries occur during a period of robust synaptic reorganization and myelination, making the younger population particularly vulnerable to the long-term influences of r-mTBI.
Further, r-mTBI occurs in cases of intimate partner violence, a condition for which there are few objective screening measures. In these experiments, synaptic function was assessed in the hippocampus in juvenile rats that had experienced r-mTBI using the ACHI model. Following the injuries, a tissue slicer was utilized to make hippocampal slices to evaluate bidirectional synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus at either 1 or 7 days following the r-mTBI. Overall, the ACHI model provides researchers with an ecologically valid model to study changes in synaptic plasticity following mTBI and r-mTBI.

Here, it is demonstrated how an awake closed-head injury model can be used for examining the effects of repeated mild traumatic brain injury (r-mTBI) on synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The model replicates important features of r-mTBI in patients and is used in conjunction with in vitro electrophysiology.

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are a prevalent health issue in North America. There is increasing pressure to utilize ecologically valid models of ...

A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion

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