Investigating the Effects of Concussion on Balance performance and Sensory Reweighting in Athletes
This investigation is being headed up by Oshin Wilson; one of the REACH Researchers that is a Ph.D. candidate
Can I Be A Participant?
We hypothesize that concussed individuals will exhibit greater postural sway, reduced adaptability, slower gait speed, and altered spatiotemporal gait parameters (e.g., shorter stride length, increased step time variability) and increased reliance on visual input– particularly under challenging or dual-task conditions. Subtle impairments in balance, gait, and sensorimotor integration may remain after healing from a concussion. There is an elevated risk of re-injury and long-term dysfunction in athletes that participate in high impact sports. We will accomplish our research goal through investigating standing balance and postural control (Aim 1), gait and dynamic stability during walking and dual-task conditions (Aim 2), and sensorimotor integration in response to controlled sensory (visual) perturbations (Aim 3) in athletes with or without a history of concussion. We are recruiting at least 30 collegiate participants (ages 18-30 years old) with and without a history of concussion, from teams at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Participants will be assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), forceplate analysis, Timed Up and Go (TUG), modified Sensory Organization Test (SOT), motion capture, a Y Balance Test and virtual reality (VR)-based visual perturbations. By identifying subtle, sport-relevant deficits that traditional tests may overlook, this project can inform safer return-to-play decisions, improve injury prevention strategies, and contribute to evidence-based concussion management protocols. Further, these findings may extend beyond athletes to benefit other active populations, such as older adults, military personnel, and individuals involved in physically demanding occupations, who have experienced concussions.
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Individuals aged 18-30Â Â
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Preferred NCAA Umass Lowell Ice Hockey and Soccer athletesÂ
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Have a history of concussion within the past year or are a healthy athlete with no concussion history
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Able to stand and perform walking and standing tasks safely
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Individuals must participate i a one-time session that takes 60-90 minutesÂ
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Perform walking and standing tasks with/without a simple thinking activity
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Wear non-invasive sensors to measure muscle activity and body movementsÂ
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Complete a breif balace questionairesÂ
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Perform balancing tasks with/without viewing virtual reality scen


