This paper describes a protocol to conduct, quantitatively monitor, and assess the success of vision training initiated as part of a sports medical management program including intervention for concussion prevention and performance enhancement.
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Method Article
Vision Training Methods for Sports Concussion Mitigation and Management
In This Article
Summary
Abstract
There is emerging evidence supporting the use vision training, including light board training tools, as a concussion baseline and neuro-diagnostic tool and potentially as a supportive component to concussion prevention strategies. This paper is focused on providing detailed methods for select vision training tools and reporting normative data for comparison when vision training is a part of a sports management program. The overall program includes standard vision training methods including tachistoscope, Brock’s string, and strobe glasses, as well as specialized light board training algorithms. Stereopsis is measured as a means to monitor vision training affects. In addition, quantitative results for vision training methods as well as baseline and post-testing *A and Reaction Test measures with progressive scores are reported. Collegiate athletes consistently improve after six weeks of training in their stereopsis, *A and Reaction Test scores. When vision training is initiated as a team wide exercise, the incidence of concussion decreases in players who participate in training compared to players who do not receive the vision training. Vision training produces functional and performance changes that, when monitored, can be used to assess the success of the vision training and can be initiated as part of a sports medical intervention for concussion prevention.
Introduction
Vision training, including the use of light board vision systems, has gained popularity as a means to improve sports performance1,2. Light board systems are often used for rehabilitation following brain injury2,3 and for sports performance enhancement as part of a vision training regimen1,4,5. Vision training has also been used as a means of injury prevention6.
The University of Cincinnati (UC) Division of Sports Medicine has used a light board vision tool for concussion management, diagnosis, return to play decision making, injury prevention and rehabilitation of athletes and performance enhancem....
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Protocol
The protocol described below has components of a vision training program that is a part of the baseline testing performed on all UC athletes. Some of the components have been studied in research trials and in these instances the protocols were approved by the UC Institutional Review Board and the subjects signed informed consent statements.
1. Light Board Vision Training
It takes about 8 min to complete this training.
- *A Program8-11
- Direct the subject to stand about 18 inches away from the light board and have the subject try to reach the lights in the outer ring. Move the subject closer or farther ....
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Results
Baseball, football and volunteer subjects have participated in the vision training program. All subjects have been college age men or women, between the ages of 18- and 26 years-old.
Football
The average *A score for 101 UC Football players the first time they performed it was 74.2 ± 10.3 hits per min (hpm) and the average Reaction Test time for their first time performing it was 0.34 ± 0.03 sec (n = 79, note not all 105 players had a chance to complete the Reaction.......
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Discussion
Vision training, when initiated as a team wide exercise, decreases the incidence of concussions in those players when compared to players who do not receive the vision training7. Vision training produces functional and performance changes that can be quantitatively monitored to assess the success of the training and can be initiated as part of a sports medical intervention for concussion prevention. Functional changes are changes in the measurement, for example faster reaction times documented during vision tr.......
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Disclosures
The authors have nothing to disclose.
The Dynavision D2 may be a tool that clinical practitioners can use to provide added information concerning neurologic health of the athlete with a concussion10,22,23,27. The device does not make the diagnosis but assists the clinician in making a clinical decision by providing objective measures of the performance parameters for that patient or athlete.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported, in part by the NIBIB (EB007954) and a charitable donation from Geraldine Warner.
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Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynavision D2 | Dynavision International | External Link | |
| EYEPORT Vision Training System | Exercise Your Eyes, Dove Canyon, CA | External Link | |
| accommodative flippers | Various manufacturers | External Link | |
| pinhole glasses | Various manufacturers | External Link | |
| strobe glasses - Nike Sparq | Nike | External Link |
References
- Vesia, M., Esposito, J., Prime, S. L., Klavora, P. Correlations of selected psychomotor and visuomotor tests with initial Dynavision performance. Percept. Mot. Skills. 107 (1), 14-20 (2008).
- Zupan, M., Wile, A. Eyes on the prize. Training and Conditioning. 21
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