Affiliations: [a]
Banner University Medical Center Sports Medicine and Concussion Program, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| [b] Athletic Medicine, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| [c]
University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Jamie E. Pardini, PhD, 1320 N 10th St., Suite B, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA. Tel.: +1 602 839 7285; Fax: +1 602 839 7272; E-mail: jamie.pardini@bannerhealth.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:The Gaze Stabilization Test (GST) assesses vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function by determining the maximum head velocity at which an individual can accurately perceive a fixed-size visual target. There is limited information about gaze stability performance in youth athletes. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study is to describe baseline performance of athletes ages 17 years and under on a computerized GST and explore the influence of demographic characteristics on performance. METHODS:Baseline GST and demographic data were acquired via retrospective chart review. RESULTS:The sample included 106 athletes aged 8 to 17 years (mean 13.9 years±1.79; 78% male). The median values for baseline GST function were 180 (IQR: 150–210) degrees per second (d/sec) in the leftward direction, and 190 d/sec (IQR: 160–220) in the rightward direction. There were no significant effects of sex/gender or concussion history on GST performance. CONCLUSIONS:The GST is one of many tools available for clinicians to use in a multi-modal approach to concussion management. Understanding how healthy young athletes perform can assist clinicians in determining vestibular impairment, formulating the exercise prescription, and estimating physiologic recovery.
