BESS Scores Research Articles

Analysis of Head Impact Biomechanics in Youth Female Soccer Players Following the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ Heading Intervention.

The effects of repetitive head impacts associated with soccer heading, especially in the youth population, are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine balance, neurocognitive function, and head impact biomechanics after an acute bout of heading before and after the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ program intervention. Twelve youth female soccer players wore a Triax SIM-G head impact sensor during two bouts of heading, using a lightweight soccer ball, one before and one after completion of the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ program intervention. Participants completed balance (BESS and SWAY) and neurocognitive function (ImPACT) tests at baseline and after each bout of heading. There were no significant changes in head impact biomechanics, BESS, or ImPACT scores pre- to post-season. Deficits in three of the five SWAY positions were observed from baseline to post-season. Although we expected to see beneficial changes in head impact biomechanics following the intervention, the coaches and researchers observed an improvement in heading technique/form. Lightweight soccer balls would be a beneficial addition to header drills during training as they are safe and help build confidence in youth soccer players.

The Effect Of Mild Exercise Induced Dehydration On Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3) Scores: A within-subjects design.

BackgroundSports-related concussions are prevalent in the United States. Various diagnostic tools are utilized in order to monitor deviations from baseline in memory, reaction time, symptoms, and balance. Evidence indicates that dehydration may also alter the results of diagnostic tests.PurposeThe purpose was to determine the effect of exercise-induced dehydration on performance related to concussion examination tools.Study DesignRepeated measures design.MethodsSeventeen recreationally competitive, non-concussed participants (age: 23.1±3.1 years, height:168.93±10.71 cm, mass: 66.16 ± 6.91 kg) performed three thermoneutral, counterbalanced sessions (rested control, euhydrated, dehydrated). Participants were either restricted (0.0 L/hr) or provided fluids (1.0 L/hr) while treadmill running for 60 min at an intensity equal to 65-70% age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR). The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3) was utilized to assess symptoms, memory, balance, and coordination.ResultsStatistically significant differences were seen among sessions for symptom severity and symptom total. The rested control session had significantly lower values when compared to the dehydrated session. Additionally, the symptom total in the rested control was significantly lower than the euhydrated condition as well. No statistically significant differences were seen for the BESS or memory scores.ConclusionsMild exercise-induced dehydration results in increased self-reported symptoms associated with concussions. Clinicians tasked with monitoring and accurately diagnosing head trauma should take factors such as hydration status into account when assessing patients for concussion with the SCAT3. Clinicians should proceed with caution and not assume concussion as primary cause for symptom change.Level of evidenceLevel 3

DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) FOR THE TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC SPORT-RELATED CONCUSSION: RESULTS OF A FEASIBILITY TRIAL

Introduction: The rate of sport-related concussion (SRC) has increased steadily over the past two decades in the pediatric population. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an Omega-3 fatty acid important for brain development in children, may aid in recovery following SRC. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility, outcomes, and safety of DHA as early treatment for SRC in pediatrics. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial was conducted. Inclusion criteria were ages 14-18 and SRC within 4 days of enrollment. Exclusion criteria included taking DHA, radiographic evidence of TBI, participation in motorized sports, or previous concussion within past 6 months. Following diagnosis of concussion and initiation of standard treatment, subjects were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to DHA or a placebo and were instructed to take 2 capsules twice daily for 12 weeks. DHA capsules contained a total of 2000 mg of DHA/day and PLACEBO capsules contained corn and soy oil. Both were flavored with masking agents. Subjects were followed prospectively. Standard clinical assessments, SCAT-3 symptoms, ImPACT scores, BESS scores, adverse effects, and drug compliance was collected at enrollment, 1-week, 2-weeks, 4-weeks and 12-weeks. Demographics, day of injury symptoms, injury characteristics, and sport played were also collected. Subjects who demonstrated normal neurocognitive testing, complete symptom resolution and were cleared to begin a return to play (RTP) progression prior to the 4-week follow-up visit were permitted to forgo additional study visits, but requested to return for the 12-week visit. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Results: 40 subjects were enrolled; 20 in the DHA group (mean age: 16.02 years; 65% male) and 20 in the PLACEBO group (mean age: 15.97 years; 70% male). No significant differences in demographics, sport, symptoms, ImPACT scores, or BESS scores at enrollment were noted between groups. 25 (62.5%) subjects completed the 12-week visit. Overall drug compliance was 61.57% in the DHA group compared to 66.34% in the PLACEBO group (p=0.727). Subjects in the DHA group were symptom-free 4 days earlier than the PLACEBO group (16.1 vs. 20.9 days, p=0.082), demonstrated normal ImPACT neurocognitive testing (12.2 vs. 16.8 days, p=0.382), and were cleared to begin a RTP progression (21.4 vs. 23.4 days, p=0.115) sooner than those in the PLACEBO group. Two adverse effects were noted in the DHA group. One event was determined to be unrelated to the study. The second event was drug-related eructation and considered minor. No adverse effects were reported in the PLACEBO group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that use of high-dose DHA for treatment of SRC in pediatrics is feasible and safe. DHA may allow for a faster symptom-free state and for an earlier return to play, but a large-scale trial is needed.

A Comparison Between SRSS-IE and BASC-2 BESS Scores at the Middle School Level

We report findings of a psychometric study comparing scores from two screening tools: Student Risk Screening Scale–Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-IE, an adapted version of the Student Risk Screening Scale) and Behavior Assessment System for Children–Second Edition, Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-2 BESS). Participants were 624 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students attending a rural middle school in a southeastern state. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated statistically significant, positive relations between SRSS-IE and BASC-2 BESS scores, with very strong relations on externalizing and comorbid (internalizing and externalizing) scales. Results of concurrent classification accuracy analyses, kappa, and receiver operating curve analyses suggest the seven externalizing items on the SRSS (SRSS-E7) and BASC-2 BESS scores function in a similar manner with respect to detecting students with externalizing behaviors, but less so in detecting students with internalizing behaviors. Limitations and future direction are discussed.

Postural control and functional performance after core training in young soccer players

This study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week core training on balance and functional performance of young soccer players. Thirty young soccer players (age: 16.23 ± 0.69 years) were included in the study. Soccer players were randomly divided into two equal groups as control group and training group. The balance performance was measured with Balance Error Scoring System. Pro Agility Test was used for determining agility. The standing broad jump test used in order to detect explosive power of leg muscles was conducted in accordance with Eurofit Test Battery. Standing broad jump values were gathered for both of the legs, dominant leg and non-dominant leg. Triple-Hop Test was used to specify muscle strength, power and balance properties of subjects. Mann-Whitney U test for comparisons between groups and Wilcoxon test for pretest-posttest comparison were used. It was observed that standing broad jump in dominant leg of the training group increased after 8-week core training (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant change (p>0.05) in control group. After 8-week core training, standing broad jump performance with double-leg didn’t show any statistically significant difference for both of the groups (p>0.05). After the training, triple-hop test performance in the training group increased significantly (p<0.05), but there wasn’t any change for control group (p>0.05). When pretest-posttest performance results of subjects are compared it has been observed that agility test completion time of experimental group significantly decreased as 1. 10 yard (p<0.05), 2. 10 yard (p<0.05) and totally (p<0.05). On the other hand, a similar decrease was observed in control group as well (1. 10 yard: Z=-2.201; p<0.05, 2. 10 yard: Z=-1.992; p<0.05) and totally Z=-2.201; p<0.05). After an 8-week training, an statistically significant change wasn’t observed in soccer players’ balance performance measured by Balance Error Scoring System for both the training group and control group in all BESS scores p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the research indicate that the soccer-specific 8-week core training program can improve the performance of broad jump and triple jump in non-dominant legs of young soccer players. On the other hand, the results indicates that it may not affect long jump, agility and balance performance in dominant leg.

Do Sideline Concussion Assessments Predict Subsequent Neurocognitive Impairment After Sport-Related Concussion?

Comprehensive, multidomain assessment is the standard of care after sport-related concussion. However, the relationship between performance on sideline concussion-assessment tools and in-office computerized neurocognitive testing has received little attention, and the prognostic utility of sideline measures is unknown. To evaluate concurrent impairment on commonly used concussion measures 24 to 48 hours postinjury while also determining the predictive utility of sideline measures on computerized neurocognitive testing in the acute to subacute recovery periods postinjury. Case-control study. High school and collegiate athletics. A total of 125 high school and college-aged athletes (85 males, 40 females) 14 to 23 (16.8 ± 2.21) years old. Participants were administered sideline concussion-assessment measures (ie, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing [ImPACT], Standardized Assessment of Concussion [SAC], and Balance Error Scoring System [BESS]) 24 to 48 hours postinjury and completed ImPACT and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale 5 to 7 and 10 to 14 days postinjury. Outcome measures were the ImPACT composite (verbal memory, visual memory, reaction time, visual-motor speed), SAC, and BESS scores and total symptom score on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale. Participants demonstrated heterogeneous patterns of impairment on measures 24 to 48 hours postinjury, with the most common pattern being impairment on ImPACT and the SAC. Performance on the SAC and BESS at 24 to 48 hours after injury did not distinguish between those with and those without impairment on ImPACT at 5 to 7 days postinjury (χ2 = 5.076, P = .079) or 10 to 14 days postinjury (χ2 = 2.04, P = .361). More than 90% of athletes were impaired on at least 1 sideline or neurocognitive measure 24 to 48 hours after sport-related concussion. Although sideline measures are useful for concussion diagnosis, they are not suitable for prognostication of impairment or the presence of symptoms 1 to 2 weeks postinjury.

Impact of Concussion History on Sway Velocity and BESS Scores in Division I Football Players

Impact of Concussion History on Sway Velocity and BESS Scores in Division I Football Players

Effects of training on postural stability in young basketball players.

in basketball, balance ability is important to reduce non-contact injuries. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of training on balance. thirty-two healthy male volunteers were recruited from amateur basketball teams. They were asked to perform the Balance Error Scoring System BESS test in order to measure the number of stability errors in six conditions. The test was performed at the beginning of the season (T0) and after 12 weeks (T1). In both cases the test was carried out before (pre-session) and after a training session (post-session). the comparison of the total BESS scores both pre- and post-session showed a statistically significant increase of stability errors at both T0 and T1 (T0: pre-session 8.6±6.1 errors, post-session 10.7±6.3 errors; t=-4.03; p=0.002) (T1: pre-session 7.2±3.8 errors, post-session 9.1±5.4 errors; t=-1.93; p=0.03). Between T0 and T1 we noticed a reduction of errors which reached a statistical significance during the pre-session time (t=2.75; p=0.0049). stability improved after 12 weeks of training, even for those conditions for which no specific training was done to improve, such as on the soft surface and feet aligned in a tandem stance.

BESS Scores Observed in Real Time Versus with Slow-Motion Video Recording

BESS Scores Observed in Real Time Versus with Slow-Motion Video Recording

Surveillance of Middle and High School Mental Health Risk by Student Self-Report Screener

Introduction:A 2009 National Academies of Sciences report on child mental health prevention and treatment concluded that screening for mental health risk is an essential component of service delivery. To date, however, there are few practical assessments available or practices in place that measure individual child risk, or risk aggregated at the school or community level. This study examined the utility of a 30-item paper and pencil student self-report screener of behavioral and emotional risk (BER) for surveying community risk among 7 schools.Methods:In 2010, 2,222 students in 3 middle and 4 high schools in a medium-sized school district in Georgia were administered the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Self-Report Child/Adolescent form (BESS Student). The BESS is designed to measure 4 sub-syndromal BER factors for developing mental health disorders: inattention/hyperactivity, internalizing, school problems, and personal adjustment. Analysis of Variance and Chi Square analyses were used to assess the association between adolescent self-reported BER as an indicator of school BER, grade level, child ethnic identification and gender, socioeconomic status, and special education placement status.Results:BESS scores differentiated well between schools for overall BER and special education status, as well as between grade levels, ethnicity, and gender groups. One high school, known by the school administration to have numerous incidents of student behavior problems, had the most deviant 4 BER domain scores of all 7 schools. Girls rated themselves as having a higher prevalence of BER (14%) than boys (12%); middle school students reported fewer difficulties than high school students.Conclusion:Middle and high school students were capable of identifying significant differences in their own BER across schools, suggesting that universal mental health risk screening via student self-report is potentially useful for identifying aggregated community risk in a given school that may warrant differential deployment of mental health prevention and intervention strategies. BESS results reliably identified individual mental health risk associated with special education placement, which is documented to lead to poor school outcomes such as school dropout and lack of enrollment in post-secondary education.

Enkephalinase inhibition and precursor amino acid loading improves inpatient treatment of alcohol and polydrug abusers: Double-blind placebo-controlled study of the nutritional adjunct SAAVE™

We investigated the effects of the amino acid and vitamin mixture SAAVE in inpatient, chemically-dependent subjects to evaluate the role of neurotransmitters in facilitating recovery and adjustment to a detoxified, sober state. SAAVE is formulated from amino acids that are precursors for neurotransmitters and neuromodulators thought to be involved in alcohol and drug seeking behavior. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study of 62 alcoholics and polydrug abusers, SAAVE patients had a significantly reduced stress response as measured by the skin conductance level (SCL), and significantly improved Physical Scores and BESS Scores (behavioral, emotional, social and spiritual). After detoxification there was a six-fold decrease in AMA rates when comparing SAAVE vs. placebo groups. In this inpatient treatment experience SAAVE facilitated the rate of recovery and allowed patients to respond more fully and more quickly to the behavioral goals of the program, for example as measured by the BESS Score. The use of SAAVE to achieve enkephalinase inhibition and precursor amino acid loading in the acute inpatient treatment environment provides the practitioner with the potential ability to restore the neurochemical changes inherent to alcoholism and drug abuse. These findings increase our understanding of the clinically relevant neurobiological mechanisms which underlie compulsive disease.