Dual statistical models link baseline visual attention measure to risk for significant symptomatic concussion in sports.

AIM: Athletic pre-season testing can establish functional baseline for comparison following concussion. Whether impacts of future concussions may be foretold by such testing is little known.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

Two sets of models for a significant burden of concussion were generated: a traditional approach using a series of logistic regressions, and a penalized regression approach using elastic net.

RESULTS

3091 youth and adult athletes were baseline-assessed. 90 subsequently experienced concussion and 35 were still experiencing a significant burden of concussion when tested within two weeks. Both models associated prior history of head injury and visual attention-related metrics with a significant burden of concussion.

CONCLUSION

Pre-season testing of visual attention may identify athletes who are at risk for significant sports-related concussion.