Abstract

The Role of Visual Sensory Performance Outcomes in Concussions: Impact on Concussed Special Operations Forces Combat Soldiers and Possible Implications for the Future of Sports-Related Concussions
Clara Soligon, BS, CAT(C)
Concordia University, 2022

This thesis details the increased concern towards concussions in athletes and Soldiers as well as the role of visual sensory performance. More studies are showing the consequences, whether short term or long term, of concussions. The symptoms burden and multiple neurocognitive deficits faced by a concussed athlete are getting increasingly recognized by society, as well as healthcare professionals. Studies have shown how concussions can also cause visual sensory performance deficits, even when traditional assessments are normal, and the athletes are cleared to return to play. One big challenge with concussions is the lack of objective measures to diagnose a concussion, as well for medically clearing an athlete or Soldier to return to full activity. Even with the knowledge that visual deficits might be present after a concussion; most traditional assessments do not assess vision due to a lack of unified platform and test availability. Visual sensory performance is important for injury prevention and impact anticipation, as well as assuring peak occupational performance. We assessed US Special Operations Forces combat Soldiers’ visual sensory performance outcomes. Concussions are the most common traumatic injury in the US military since 2000. Visual sensory performance outcome deficits could prevent Soldiers to complete their missions and impact their safety. Finding visual sensory performance outcomes deficits could help prevent an early return to play or return to duty, an increased risk of re-injury as well as help guide rehabilitation in athletes and military alike.