Unexpected Findings from a Pilot Study on Vision Training as a Potential Intervention to Reduce Subconcussive Head Impacts during a Collegiate Ice Hockey Season

• Published in: Journal of neurotrauma Vol. 38; no. 13; p. 1783
• Main Authors: Antonoff, Daniel G, Goss, Jordan, Langevin, Taylor L, Renodin, Christina, Spahr, Lee, McDevitt, Jane, Langford, Dianne, Rosene, John M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2021
• Subjects: Brain Concussion - diagnosis; Brain Concussion - physiopathology; Brain Concussion - therapy; Eye-Tracking Technology; Female; Hockey - injuries; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Male; Pilot Projects; Seasons; Universities; Vision, Ocular - physiology; Young Adult; vision; concussion; subconcussive; ice hockey
• ISSN: 1557-9042
• DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7397

Player-to-player contact is the most frequent head impact mechanism in collegiate ice hockey. Training with three-dimensional multiple-object tracking (3D-MOT) could potentially reduce the quantity and severity of head impacts by enhancing player anticipation of these impacts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3D-MOT training to reduce the numbers of head impacts sustained by National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III men's and women's ice hockey players. Collegiate men's and women's ice hockey players (  = 33; men = 17, women = 16) were randomly assigned to a 3D-MOT group (  = 17) or a control (C) group (  = 16). Head impacts were monitored during practices and games, and 3D-MOT training occurred twice per week for 12 weeks throughout one regular season. 3D-MOT forwards sustained head impacts with greater mean peak linear acceleration (3D-MOT = 41.33 ± 28.54 g; C = 38.03 ± 24.30 g) and mean peak rotational velocity (3D-MOT = 13.59 ± 8.18 rad sec ; C = 12.47 ± 7.69 rad sec ) in games, and greater mean peak rotational velocity in practices versus C forwards (3D-MOT = 11.96 ± 6.77 rad sec ; C = 10.22 ± 6.95 rad sec ). Conversely, 3D-MOT defensemen sustained head impacts with a mean peak rotational velocity less than that of C defensemen (3D-MOT = 11.54 ± 6.76 rad sec ; C = 13.65 ± 8.43 rad sec ). There was no significant difference for all other parameters analyzed between 3D-MOT and C groups. Player position may play an important role in future interventions to reduce head impacts in collegiate ice hockey.