A-24 Neurorehabilitation Improves Neuropsychological Symptoms in Active and Retired NFL Players

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The prevalence of concussions in the NFL have decreased since 2017, however, they still occur frequently with about 177 concussions occurring per season. Neuropsychological symptoms continue to persist long after these players are cleared to return to play. This could be because the underlying cause of these symptoms may have not fully been addressed through neurorehabilitation. Methods: A neurorehabilitation clinic treated 4 active or retired NFL players with symptoms relating to head injury obtained during participation in their sport. 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 stimulation, neuromuscular reeducation, vestibular rehabilitation, orthoptic exercises, cognitive exercises, and/or off-vertical axis rotation utilizing a multi-axis rotational chair. Results: On intake, a SCAT5 graded symptom checklist was performed with symptoms falling into four domains: somatic, emotional, cognitive, and sleep. The average overall symptom severity score was 57.75, and the average severity of emotional domain symptoms (Nervousness/Anxiety, Irritability, Sadness, More Emotional) was 14.5. On average, emotional domain symptom severity score decreased by 82.76% compared to the 72.73% decrease in total symptom severity. Conclusions: This neurorehabilitation program has shown to be beneficial at decreasing the severity in both overall symptoms and emotional domain symptoms in NFL players with persistent post-concussion symptoms. The authors suggest further research be performed over larger player populations and in other contact sports.