The effect of exercise on a new virtual reality based balance tool for use as an objective pitch side assessment of concussion.

Hale, Stephanie M.W. (2020). The effect of exercise on a new virtual reality based balance tool for use as an objective pitch side assessment of concussion. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

Concussion has been a cause for concern in the sporting world for many years with it being highly debated in the medical and scientific community as well as the sporting world. Balance is a crucial factor in identifying when an athlete has sustained a concussion. Accordingly, balance tests are the foundation of the current multi-faceted concussion tests. However the current balance test within the widely used Sport Concussion Assessment Tool relies on subjective measures of COP to determine the balance score of an individual, whilst the objective options for balance testing, such as a force plate, are too expensive for wide scale use and too restricted to a laboratory set-up so provide no option for pitch side concussion testing. Consequently our new test was devised to address these issues by being inexpensive and portable through use of a Wii balance board (WBB) to objectively assess balance pitch side using centre of pressure measurements. The WBB balance test takes place within virtual reality (VR) where participants are required to maintain their balance whilst completing an immersive cognitive task. Random perturbations occur in the VR to create a conflict between their sensory inputs requiring participants to react, adapt and respond quickly and correctly in order to maintain their balance which would not be possible if a concussion had been sustained due to the known cognitive deficits of the injury. The primary aim of this research thesis is to ascertain the feasibility of using this balance system pitch side. The secondary aim is looking at whether there is an effect of exercise on participants’ ability to maintain their balance during the VR balance test.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):