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.
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