Risk factors associated with baseline King-Devick performance.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of baseline risk factors on the King-Devick (K-D) test in youth athletes, including of age, sex, and history of concussion.

METHODS: A total of 422 youth football and soccer athletes between the ages of 8 and 14 completed a baseline K-D test prior to the start of their respective seasons. Participant age, sex, and history of concussion were analyzed for K-D performance (i.e., errors and baseline time). A series of Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to determine the effects of risk factors on performance. Correlations and regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between risk factors and K-D time and errors.

RESULTS: Differences in age (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001) were reported on K-D time and errors. A history of concussion did not have an effect on K-D time (p=0.15) or errors (p range=0.15-0.17). Overall, weak to moderate correlations were observed between risk factors and K-D performance (r range=-0.43-0.23). Baseline K-D time and total errors improved with increasing participant age (p<0.001). Sex was also able to predict K-D time and errors (p<0.001). History of concussion was not able to predict K-D time (p=0.18) or errors (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the influence of risk factors such as sex and age on baseline K-D assessment. Associated risk factors at baseline further emphasize the need for individualized, multifaceted assessment for sport-related concussion diagnosis and management.