Comparing vision and balance in college athletes and non-athletes
A Comparison of Dynamic Vision & Balance Between College Athletes & Controls
This study is testing if checking vision and balance can help spot lingering issues in college athletes after a concussion before they return to playing sports.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | California State University, Northridge Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Northridge, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05819489 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating dynamic vision testing into the concussion protocol for student-athletes at California State University, Northridge. It will assess dynamic vision through tests such as the Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) and Gaze Stabilization Test (GST), alongside balance assessments using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Athletes will undergo testing at three different points: preseason for baseline measures, post-concussion after being cleared for exercise, and again when cleared to return to play. The goal is to determine if dynamic vision impairments persist even after athletes are cleared to return to sports.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are California State University Northridge athletes who have sustained a concussion during the 2020-2021 season and can provide consent.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include athletes with pre-existing vision or balance impairments that exceed normative values.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance concussion protocols by identifying lingering vision impairments that may affect athletes' safety and performance.
How similar studies have performed: While dynamic vision testing in concussion protocols is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in identifying impairments that traditional assessments may overlook.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * California State University Northridge athletes * Participants are able to give consent to participate in the study * Completion of preseason testing for the 6-condition, BESS, DVA, GST with the research team * Sustained a concussion as diagnosed by the medical staff during the 2020-2021 season of play. * Sampling of convenience on a volunteer basis Exclusion Criteria: * Athletes with preseason baseline tests on BESS or DVA that are not within the normative value range for an unimpaired individual. * The initial 6- condition BESS score is \>20 errors * The subject is unable to attain a minimum of 85 degrees per second of horizontal head rotation when performing the DVA test.
Where this trial is running
Northridge, California
- California State University, Northridge, Jacaranda Hall 1578, 1576, 1574 — Northridge, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aimie Kachingwe, Dr. — Csun
- Study coordinator: Aimie Kachingwe, Dr.
- Email: aimie.kachingwe@csun.edu
- Phone: 8186774684
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.