Evaluation of sport-related concussion using objective eye tracking.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate EyeBOX in an adolescent sport-related concussion (SRC) population by comparing scores between concussed and non-concussed athletes, examining sensitivity/specificity, and assessing clinical recovery associations.

Methods: A prospective, unmatched case-control study examined concussed adolescents (11-22 years) treated in a sports concussion clinic who underwent EyeBOX testing. Concussed participants completed symptom scales and follow-up assessments. Analyses included t-tests comparing groups, sensitivity/specificity analyses, and models examining relationships between BOX scores and recovery outcomes, including initial post-concussion symptom severity (PCSS) scores, return to learn (RTL), symptom resolution (SR), and return to play (RTP).

Results: Participants included 36 youth athletes with SRCs and 30 non-concussed controls. BOX scores were significantly higher in concussed participants (7.9 ± 5.2) compared to controls (5.4 ± 5.1; t = 2.062, p = 0.043, Cohen's d = 0.479). Sensitivity for detecting concussion ranged from 22% (BOX>10) to 61% (BOX>5), while specificity ranged from 63%-87%. Multivariable linear regression showed that higher BOX scores predicted higher initial PCSS scores (β = 0.323, p = 0.049) but did not predict RTL, SR, or RTP.

Conclusion: EyeBOX demonstrated moderate specificity but limited sensitivity for identifying SRC and scores were associated with initial symptom severity. While it may not be useful as a standalone diagnostic tool, EyeBOX may serve as an adjunct for confirming concussion in youth athletes.