Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Health Science

Committee Chair(s)

Breanna Studenka (Committee Chair)

Committee

Breanna Studenka

Committee

David Bolton

Committee

Kimberly Clevenger

Abstract

Varying symptoms and impairments can be observed when one experiences a concussion that can last for long periods of time. Research has shown that some impairments can be seen in basic motor tasks, which could reflect impairments that could lead to another concussion or possibly a musculoskeletal injury. The ability to plan an action in sequence, defined as motor planning span, may also be impaired when one sustains a concussion. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study was to observe those with a history of concussion during a rotational task that measured end-state comfort (MEGdiff), which is associated with efficient motor planning span. A total of 35 participants, 24 with a history of concussion and 11 without, completed the rotational task. Those with a history of concussion were divided into those who had experienced 1 concussion or 2 or more concussions from the descriptive history that was provided by each participant. The experimental group recorded their reaction time during the rotational task and via the ReacStick. For the ReacStick, participants were instructed to grasp the instrument when dropped along the shaft as quickly as possible, which recorded simple reaction time. During the rotational task, participants were asked to rotate an object with 8 arms that lit up and match the colored arm to the corresponding colored target on the table. They were instructed to only use their wrist, elbow, and shoulder to complete the trials and to position the arm to the target as flush as they could. Each trial could include a Span 1, 2, or 3 task to which the participant would have to match 1, 2, or 3 arms on the object to targets on the table. In addition to this, it could include a 0, 45, or 90-degree rotation to complete the task at the first, second, or third target. Significant differences were not seen between groups for the in MEGdiff measure. This may have been due to a limited sample size, differences in time from last concussion, or potentially history of athletic performance.

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