Association of history of concussion with vestibular impairment and cognitive function in sports athletes

Abstract

Background: In combat sports athletes have a high incidence of concussive injuries that lead to short-term or long-term vestibular impairment and cognitive function. Understanding how concussion history impacts vestibular and cognitive functions, thereby enhancing the safety and performance of combat sports athletes. Objective: To evaluate the association between the history of concussion with vestibular impairment and cognitive function in sports athletes. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hayatabad Sports Complex in Peshawar from November 2023 to April 2024, on n=115 athletes involved in combat sports with a history of concussion within the last 30 days. The data was collected through Sports Concussion Office Assessment Tool 6 (SCOAT- 6) was used to assess Vestibular Impairment (mVOMS) and cognitive dysfunction. Regression analysis for association of History of Concussion with Vestibular and Cognitive Impairment via SPSS version 23. Result: The mean of age of the (n=115) participants was 18.7± 2.4 years were with n=28(24.3%) mild, n=18(15.7%) moderate and n=6(5.2%) severity of concussion. There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) association between the history of concussion with vestibular and cognitive impairment on the mVOMS and Cognitive test scores on SCOAT-6. Conclusion: The combat athlete with a history of concussion may have poor cognitive and vestibular function.

Keywords

• athletes
• cognition
• concussion
• vestibulopathy