The Sports Institute’s Research

We collaborate with researchers to improve clinical care, execute studies that advance sports medicine and identify best practices in sports safety.
Stanley A. Herring, M.D. June 16, 2021 British Journal of Sports Medicine Research

Selected issues in sport-related concussion (SRC|mild traumatic brain injury) for the team physician: a consensus statement

Selected Issues in Sport-Related Concussion (SRC|Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) for the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement is title 22 in a series of annual consensus documents written for the practicing team physician. This document provides an overview of selected medical issues important to team physicians who are responsible for athletes with sports-related concussion (SRC).

British Journal of Sports Medicine
Contributing Author Christine Mac Donald, PhD May 1, 2021 Journal of Clinical Neuroscience Research

Re-examining decompressive craniectomy medial margin distance from midline as a metric for calculating the risk of post-traumatic hydrocephalus

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a life-saving procedure in severe traumatic brain injury, but is associated with higher rates of post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH). The relationship between the medial craniectomy margin’s proximity to midline and frequency of developing PTH is controversial. The primary study objective was to determine whether average medial craniectomy margin distance from midline was closer to midline in patients who developed PTH after DC for severe TBI compared to patients that did not.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience
Contributing Author Sara P. D. Chrisman, MD, MPH April 21, 2021 British Journal of Sports Medicine Research

Diagnostic accuracy and reliability of sideline concussion evaluation: a prospective, case-controlled study in college athletes comparing newer tools and established tests

Objective: To assess diagnostic accuracy and reliability of sideline concussion tests in college athletes. Methods: Athletes completed baseline concussion tests including Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC), modified Balance Error Scoring System (m-BESS), King-Devick test and EYE-SYNC Smooth Pursuits. Testing was repeated in athletes diagnosed acutely with concussion and compared to a matched teammate without concussion.

British Journal of Sports Medicine
Contributing Author Sara P. D. Chrisman, MD, MPH April 9, 2021 Journal of Neurotrauma Research

Developing Insights for Possible and Probable Acute Concussions Using Cluster Analysis

Few studies have analyzed the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool's (SCAT) utility among athletes whose concussion assessment is challenging. Using a previously published algorithm, we identified possible and probable concussions at <6 h (n = 393 males, n = 265 females) and 24–48 h (n = 323 males, n = 236 females) post-injury within collegiate student-athletes and cadets from the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium. We applied cluster analysis to characterize performance on the Standard Assessment of Concussion (SAC), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and the SCAT symptom checklist for these athletes.

Journal of Neurotrauma
Contributing Author Christine Mac Donald, PhD April 3, 2021 NeuroImage: Clinical Research

Differential patterns of gray matter volumes and associated gene expression profiles in cognitively-defined Alzheimer’s disease subgroups

The clinical presentation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) varies widely across individuals but the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this heterogeneity are largely unknown. Here, we compared regional gray matter (GM) volumes and associated gene expression profiles between cognitively-defined subgroups of amyloid-β positive individuals clinically diagnosed with AD dementia (age: 66 ± 7, 47% male, MMSE: 21 ± 5). All participants underwent neuropsychological assessment with tests covering memory, executive-functioning, language and visuospatial-functioning domains.

NeuroImage: Clinical
Contributing Author Samuel R. Browd, M.D., Ph.D. April 2, 2021 Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Research

Development of best practices in the utilization and implementation of pediatric cervical spine traction: a modified Delphi study

OBJECTIVE Cervical traction in pediatric patients is an uncommon but invaluable technique in the management of cervical trauma and deformity. Despite its utility, little empirical evidence exists to guide its implementation, with most practitioners employing custom or modified adult protocols. Expert-based best practices may improve the care of children undergoing cervical traction. In this study, the authors aimed to build consensus and establish best practices for the use of pediatric cervical traction in order to enhance its utilization, safety, and efficacy.

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics
Contributing Author Christine Mac Donald, PhD March 1, 2021 Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research

Smaller Regional Brain Volumes Predict Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at 3 Months After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Background Brain volumes in regions such as the hippocampus and amygdala have been associated with risk for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The objective of this study was to determine whether a set of regional brain volumes, measured by magnetic resonance imaging at 2 weeks following mild traumatic brain injury, were predictive of PTSD at 3 and 6 months after injury.

Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Contributing Author Sara P. D. Chrisman, MD, MPH March 1, 2021 Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Research

What Do Parents Need to Know About Concussion? Developing Consensus Using the Delphi Method

Objective: Many schools and sports leagues provide preseason concussion education to parents/guardians, and in some jurisdictions, it is required for interscholastic sports participation. However, directives about content are absent or vague. The purpose of this study was to obtain expert consensus about what parents/guardians need to know to about concussion. Design: A modified Delphi process with nationally recognized expert panel members was used to obtain consensus about parent/guardian behaviors relevant to concussion prevention, identification, and management and knowledge domains relevant to performance of those behaviors.

Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine
Contributing Author Stanley A. Herring, M.D. March 1, 2021 Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Research

What Do Parents Need to Know About Concussion? Developing Consensus Using the Delphi Method

Objective: Many schools and sports leagues provide preseason concussion education to parents/guardians, and in some jurisdictions, it is required for interscholastic sports participation. However, directives about content are absent or vague. The purpose of this study was to obtain expert consensus about what parents/guardians need to know to about concussion. Design: A modified Delphi process with nationally recognized expert panel members was used to obtain consensus about parent/guardian behaviors relevant to concussion prevention, identification, and management and knowledge domains relevant to performance of those behaviors.

Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine
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