Beyond acute concussion assessment to office management: A systematic review informing the development of a Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool (SCOAT6) for adults and children

Jon S. Patricios*, Geoff M. Schneider, Jacqueline Van Ierssel, Laura K. Purcell, Gavin A. Davis, Ruben J. Echemendia, Pierre Fremont, Gordon Ward Fuller, Stanley A. Herring, Kimberly G. Harmon, Kirsten Holte, Mike Loosemore, Michael Makdissi, Michael McCrea, William P. Meehan, Patrick O'Halloran, Zahra Premji, Margot Putukian, Isla Jordan Shill, Michael TurnerKenzie Vaandering, Nick Webborn, Keith Owen Yeates, Kathryn J. Schneider

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives To systematically review the scientific literature regarding the assessment of sport-related concussion (SRC) in the subacute phase (3-30 days) and provide recommendations for developing a Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool (SCOAT6). 

Data sources MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science searched from 2001 to 2022. Data extracted included study design, population, definition of SRC diagnosis, outcome measure(s) and results. 

Eligibility criteria (1) Original research, cohort studies, case-control studies, diagnostic accuracy and case series with samples >10; (2) SRC; (3) screening/technology that assessed SRC in the subacute period and (4) low risk of bias (ROB). ROB was performed using adapted Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy classification. 

Results Of 9913 studies screened, 127 met inclusion, assessing 12 overlapping domains. Results were summarised narratively. Studies of acceptable (81) or high (2) quality were used to inform the SCOAT6, finding sufficient evidence for including the assessment of autonomic function, dual gait, vestibular ocular motor screening (VOMS) and mental health screening. 

Conclusion Current SRC tools have limited utility beyond 72 hours. Incorporation of a multimodal clinical assessment in the subacute phase of SRC may include symptom evaluation, orthostatic hypotension screen, verbal neurocognitive tests, cervical spine evaluation, neurological screen, Modified Balance Error Scoring System, single/dual task tandem gait, modified VOMS and provocative exercise tests. Screens for sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression are recommended. Studies to evaluate the psychometric properties, clinical feasibility in different environments and time frames are needed. 

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020154787.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)737-748
Number of pages12
JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume57
Issue number11
Early online date14 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Oct 2023

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • adolescent
  • athletes
  • consensus
  • head

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