538 MEP157 – Symptom reduction and return-to-play time frames using neck strengthening versus visual tracking speed rehabilitation following sport-related concussion (SRC) in female footballers

AbstractBackground Comparison of 2 rehabilitation strategies in a cohort of woman footballers diagnosed with sport-related concussion (SRC).Objectives This pilot trial explored the effect of a neck exercise program and cognitive training program on (1) symptoms (fatigue and headache) and (2) return-to-play time in female adolescent football players. Methods Forty-three women footballers with diagnosed SRC evaluated by the SCAT5 test were randomly allocated to a neck strengthening (n = 22) or visual tracking (n = 21) rehabilitation group. Days from SRC to RTP clearance, SRC fatigue reported, headaches, and re-injury occurrence at the 6-month follow-up were reported.Results Our sample consists of 43 women players who sustained concussions over 12 months. The variables under investigation are Fatigue Severity Scale pre and post injury (FSS), Cluster Headache Impact Questionnaire pre and post (CHIQ), return-to-play visual tracking speed team (RTP VTS), return-to-play neck strength team (RTP NS), concussion re-injury within 6 months. Re-injury variable counts only 2 cases over 43 observations, hypothesis tests showed that there is no statistical importance in 95% level of confidence for that reason it was excluded from the analysis.Conclusion Neck strengthening rehabilitation did not accelerate RTP clearance for concussed women footballers, but resulted in greater recovery of fatigue and better maintenance (lower incidence?) of headaches, compared to visual tracking rehabilitation. No difference between the two strategies in RTP time was found.