The development of a novel pitch-side concussion balance assessment: a comparison between a virtual reality based balance tool and the modified balance error scoring system
Background: Balance deficits are a key measurable marker of concussion injuries. An objective pitch-side concussion balance assessment needs to replace current subjective, insensitive, unportable tests. A novel pitch-side dual-task VR test has been developed to evoke perturbations, and measure COP path length changes, via a WBB.
Aims: To establish whether a VR WBB system is effectively able to assess postural stability, by evoking perturbations, and to measure subsequent changes in COP path length. To establish whether mBESS error scores, or objective mBESS COP path lengths correlate with changes in COP path length post-perturbation.
Methods: 14 female University of Birmingham hockey players aged 18-21 performed both the mBESS and the VR WBB assessment at the pitch-side.
Results: The mean COP path length post-perturbation was significantly greater than pre- perturbation, as the tilt induced a compensatory sway response. SL error scores significantly correlated with SL COP path length, and COP path length percentage change from pre to post-perturbation.
Conclusion: The dual-task VR WBB system effectively assesses postural stability by measuring subsequent changes in COP path length. The objective nature and plethora of information provided by the VR WBB system, heightens its appeal over the mBESS, as an assessment of postural stability
