Abstract
Objective To explore if a home exercise program (HEP) affects visio-vestibular function in concussed pediatric patients.
Background A HEP can provide an equitable and cost-effective method for therapy targeted towards visio-vestibular deficits that are common following concussion. It is unclear if pediatric patients prescribed a HEP demonstrate improved visio-vestibular function.
Design/Methods This observational study included 1,041 patients (59% female; age = 14.0 ± 2.5 years) reporting to a specialty care concussion center for an initial visit ≤28 days post-injury and follow-up ≤60 days post-injury. All patients completed a Visio-Vestibular Examination (VVE) at both timepoints consisting of 9 subtests: smooth pursuit, horizontal/vertical saccades and gaze stability, binocular convergence, left/right monocular accommodation, and complex tandem gait. Patients were prescribed a HEP (1–2 times/day) at initial visit consisting of exercises addressing visio-vestibular deficits. At follow-up, patients reported their progress: (1) has not done the HEP, (2) is currently doing the HEP, or (3) has completed the HEP. Primary outcomes included HEP progress, VVE subtests (normal/abnormal), and total VVE (abnormal = 2 + abnormal subtests). Chi-square tests with Bonferroni corrections were used to determine if abnormal VVE outcomes were associated with HEP status.
Results At initial visit, 81 2(77.6%) patients presented with abnormal total VVE. At follow-up, the proportion of abnormal total VVE did not differ among patients not doing the HEP (101 [62.0%]), patients currently doing the HEP (516 [69.0%]), and patients who had completed the HEP (51 [69.0%]). However among VVE subtests, a lower proportion who completed the HEP presented with abnormal smooth pursuit (7.5%), horizontal (3.8%) and vertical (3.8%) saccades, and complex tandem gait (0%) relative to patients currently doing the HEP (p = 0.003) and patients not doing the HEP (p = 0.01).
Conclusions Our findings indicate that patients who completed the HEP presented with improved elements of visio-vestibular function relative to those who did not start or were currently doing the HEP.
Footnotes
Disclosure: The institution of Patricia Roby has received research support from NIH. Eileen Storey has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Master has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Master has received research support from DoD. The institution of Dr. Master has received research support from AMSSM. The institution of Dr. Master has received research support from PA Department of Health. The institution of Kristy Arbogast has received research support from NIH. The institution of Kristy Arbogast has received research support from Pennsylvania Department of Health. The institution of Kristy Arbogast has received research support from Football Research Inc.
- © 2021 American Academy of Neurology
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