Minds Matter Concussion Program Research Overview

Our concussion research focuses on rigorously describing concussion across the pediatric age range and clinical settings, providing data and methods to develop engineering and behavioral prevention strategies, and improving diagnostic tools and recovery management. Through these efforts, our research can advance targeted interventions to prevent concussion and optimize treatment to shorten recovery time and reduce long-term poor outcomes.

Here are several notable highlights from our research:

• In the first clinical trial of a targeted pharmacologic therapy for concussion, the Minds Matter team found branched chain amino acid supplementation helped to improve concussion symptoms, physical activity, and sleep after injury.
• Through a four-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minds Matter researchers found the most vulnerable concussion patients were receiving care in an emergency department setting less equipped to provide ideal concussion management. Researchers examined differences in age, race, ethnicity, insurance status, and the Child Opportunity Index when analyzing where patients received concussion care.
• Minds Matter was the first to separate sport and recreation-related concussion in young children between the ages of 5 and 12 and found that recreation-related concussion and non-sport/non-recreation related concussion were more prevalent in children in this age group than sport-related concussion injuries.
• The development of the visio-vestibular exam (VVE) by Minds Matter researchers has aided in the diagnosis of concussion and in the prediction of prolonged recovery where deficits have been identified. The VVE is internationally recommended as part of best concussion practices by the Concussion in Sport Group.
• Minds Matter research into remote patient monitoring is attempting to identify whether these tools can be effective in supporting concussed patients once they receive initial care in an emergency department setting.