Laura Balcer, MD, MSCE Behind New Study
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine recently developed a new system to test athletes for possible concussions during a game. The “King-Devick Test” is a short, accurate way to determine head trauma by testing athletes with a string of single-digit numbers on small 6” x 8” cards.
“We were originally asked to develop a reading test for kids and academics, but we saw an application for testing concussions,” said the study’s senior author, Laura Balcer, MD, MSCE, Professor of Neurology, Ophthalmology and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
The test works in the event of head trauma and can be performed moments after the injury occurs. As the injured athlete reads the numbers on the cards, the time it takes for the athlete to respond is recorded. If the second reading takes longer than the first, it indicates the athlete may have suffered a concussion. Response functions such as language, eye movement, and attention are studied during the test.
“There are three cards that the athlete will read to be tested. On the first card, lines attach the numbers. On the second card, the numbers are staggered. And the third card, the numbers are very crowded,” said Balcer. “For someone who has not suffered injury, each card takes: 12-:15 seconds for a total of about :40 seconds. If you have suffered from head trauma, it makes it harder to read.”
While this new test is a quick way to track results, Balcer says to be weary of just using the King-Devick Test by itself. “It’s a test that can indicate a concussion, but should not be used alone to diagnose one,” said Balcer.
The King-Devick Test is useful for all ages of athletes playing sports as the administrator of the test does not need to have a specific skill set or training to test the athlete. Athletes as young as six, according to Balcer, can successfully be tested using the method.
“An adult just needs the three cards and a stop watch,” said Balcer. “That’s what makes this test so practical and helpful for all ages. This test is really the first of its kind to test athletes on the sidelines. Other tests were more cognitive, but this test takes more concentration and focus.”
Apex Physical Therapist Patrick Myers of Louisville, KY agrees the test is useful due to its “quick” survey of the situation on location. He added that with the competitive play he sees from young athletes in Catholic Sports, he says the test should be administered every chance it is needed.
“Anything you can do to help protect kids is a positive approach,” said Myers. “The nice thing about this test is that it provides accurate and fast information right away for all ages. It can be used for Little Leagues and Optimist Leagues.”
Myers added that while the test should be accompanied by other tests for diagnosis, The King-Devick test keeps athletes out of games when they don’t need to play.
“Coaches and trainers can now set a medical standard for when it’s safe to play after the athlete does a reading,” said Myers. “This will make the answer more objective for a player to get back on the field, instead of just assuming the player is ready to go.”
Balcer says the test can be used on the sidelines after a player is injured, but it can also be used before and after the season to tests athletes on lasting effects of brain injuries.
“If you’ve had three or more concussions, you are more likely to have long term brain damage,” said Balcer. “Coaches and parents can use the test before and after a season to test the athlete’s responses. Yet, this test is still more used for the sideline testing during the games.”
Myers added that the King-Devick Test could be paired with tests such as the ImPACT test, which would test the athlete after the game was over to test against the baseline (reading before the season).
“The ImPACT test is more of a cognitive test, and it is taken using a computer,” said Myers. “I think it’s important to remember you are looking for a change in that specific individual from their starting point. Every person is different.”
The King-Devick Test was originally administered to a group of 39 boxers and mixed martial artists. After fighting, eight of the 39 fighters had worse times on the test, according to Balcer.
“This test showed the results of athletes in situations where there can be extreme damage to the head,” said Balcer. “We are currently studying how this test can be applied to other sports such as soccer. Head trauma may not be as obvious in other sports, but athletes still need to be aware and cautious.”
Myers says that the test should be applied in all different sporting arenas. “The obvious sports are like football,” said Myers. “But all sports can use it like little leagues, field hockey and lacrosse. This test should be used across all ages, levels and sports.”
The King-Devick Test is a useful, convenient way to help athletes from grade school to the professional level stay safe, and Balcer says that’s the reason behind her study.
“The main thing is that it’s a tool that can quickly identify a concussion and protect athletes. Many of our younger athletes are students as well, and this test can help protect their brains.”
Myers thinks the King-Devick test will see longevity on sidelines ranging from all levels of play for years to come. “If tests are good, they stick around. Tests allow more people and athletes to get involved, more data to be collected and more of a foundation or background to work from as times goes on.”
About Sarah Menefee, CSJ writer
