A-22 Neurorehabilitation Improves Emotional Domain Symptoms in Active and Retired NHL Players

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The prevalence of concussions in the National Hockey League (NHL) has been identified as approximately 1 concussion per 16.67 games, and the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries are being highlighted in recent research. These long-term consequences may be due to chronic symptoms, especially neuropsychological symptoms, from unaddressed neurological dysfunction. Methods: A neuro-rehabilitation clinic treated 14 active or retired NHL players with symptoms relating to head injury an average of 2.47 years after their most recent head injury. A 5-day, multi-modal neurorehabilitation program was administered in 10 one-hour treatment sessions. Each session consisted of a combination of photobiomodulation, repetitive peripheral somatosensory stimuli, neuromuscular reeducation, vestibular rehabilitation, orthoptic exercises, cognitive exercises, and/or off-vertical axis rotation utilizing a multi-axis rotational chair. Results: On intake, the average overall symptom severity score of the SCAT5 graded symptom checklist was 31.42, and the average severity of emotional domain symptoms (Nervousness/Anxiety, Irritability, Sadness, More Emotional) was 5.86. Of the 14 players, 12 players reported symptoms in the emotional domain on intake while only 6 players reported emotional domain symptoms on exit. On average, emotional domain symptom severity score decreased by 81.71% compared to the 72.27% decrease in total symptom severity.: Conclusions: This neurorehabilitation program has shown to be beneficial at decreasing overall symptom severity in NHL players with symptoms post-head injury, especially symptoms that may be described as neuropsychological. The authors suggest further research be performed with a larger sample size and a follow-up study be performed to assess progression/regression.