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Two studies confirm accuracy of sideline screening tool for concussion
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Researchers in two studies published in the Journal of Neurological Sciences found the King-Devick test can be accurately and reliably used as a concussion screening tool for both football and rugby players.
“The [King–Devick] test is an accurate and easily administered sideline screening tool for concussion in adolescent football players,” Daniel H. Seidman, DO, and colleagues wrote in their study abstract.
Seidman and colleagues evaluated 343 football players for concussions after competition using the King-Devick test at baseline and using standard team protocol to determine whether a player received a concussion, according to the abstract. They found nine players had sustained concussions during the season, and that these players’ read times when using the King-Devick test were significantly higher compared with players who had not received concussions.
The researchers noted that history of concussion was the only predictor for concussion in the study group.
In the second study, researchers from New Zealand issued the King-Devick test to 19 rugby players before and after a season. Although no concussions were witnessed during the season, researchers identified seven concussions in six players after issuing the King-Devick test and found a mean 4-second delay in concussed players’ read times when compared to baseline results.
“The [King-Devick] test was quickly and easily administered, making it a practical sideline tool as part of the continuum of concussion assessment tools for junior rugby league players,” Doug King, PhD, and colleagues wrote in their study abstract. – by Jeffrey Craven
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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