SRC Head Movement Analysis During a Graded Exercise Test
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Authors
Heithecker, Addie Jane
Issue Date
2025
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
acceleration , graded exercise , head movement
Alternative Title
Abstract
Sport-related concussions (SRCs) can disrupt vestibular and neuromotor function, yet clinical assessments often fail to capture subtle deficits that persist after symptom resolution. This study evaluated changes in angular head acceleration during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) at two time points: within 72 hours of an SRC and once participants were symptom-free (SF). Eleven NCAA Division I athletes completed motion capture-based assessments while undergoing graded exertion. Head acceleration was measured in the roll (X), pitch (Y), and yaw (Z) planes. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and repeated measures ANOVAs to assess differences and changes in acceleration over time.Although few group-level differences reached statistical significance, moderate to large effect sizes were observed, particularly in the pitch and roll planes, suggesting that vestibular or neuromotor deficits may persist even after clinical recovery. Acceleration patterns in the SRC condition demonstrated progressive increases under exertion, while the SF condition remained relatively stable. These findings suggest that angular head acceleration may serve as a sensitive marker of post-concussive dysfunction not captured by traditional tools such as the SCAT6.
This study supports integrating motion analysis with exertional testing to enhance clinical return-to-play (RTP) decisions. Future research should include larger samples, physiological markers (e.g., heart rate, RPE), and advanced motion capture techniques to improve the sensitivity and utility of dynamic vestibular assessment in SRC management.