Title: The Efficacy of Oculomotor Therapy in the Recovery of Persistent Post-concussive Symptoms
Supervisor: Dr. Darren Warburton
Committee members: Dr. Shelina Babul, Dr. Donald McKenzie
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a forceful blow to the head or body, causing headaches, dizziness, cognitive, balance, and visual problems. The visual problems include difficulty focusing, reading, and following objects, eye strain, and blurred vision that may be due to oculomotor dysfunction. Although the above symptoms may resolve, many experience the long-term effects of concussion, referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). Vision therapy in the literature has revealed positive effects on concussion recovery, while the relationship between oculomotor therapy and the improvement or resolution of PPCS is currently unknown. Accordingly, further research is required to examine the modality of vision therapy for the recovery of PPCS. This study will also determine if a novel oculomotor therapy tool (i.e., the C-Rod) can be a comprehensive and brief tool for oculomotor screening and training. METHODS: We propose to examine the efficacy of a novel screening and oculomotor therapy tool (i.e., C-Rod). This device consists of two yellow tips following the Harmon Distance, 40 cm, in length, allowing the extraocular activity to happen on the plane, with six exercises listed as 1) far tip fixation and near tip fixation, 2) near/far jumps for accommodation/convergence training, 3) pursuits and tracking, 4) saccades along the horizontal, 5) saccadic endurance, and 6) fast saccades. For this study, two groups will be included: 1) treatment, and 2) control. The treatment group will get the C-Rod therapy daily, and the control group will have a normal course of recovery. Subjective and objective data will be recorded over a 90-d period, including weekly surveys, questionnaires, symptom checklists, reaction time, and C-Rod performance (e.g., time used, accuracy, and endurance). OUTCOMES: This investigation will provide valuable information on oculomotor therapy on the recovery of PPCS. It is envisioned that this study will help elucidate whether this novel oculomotor therapy approach is a promising avenue for supporting the recovery from concussion.