New Test for Concussions in Athletes Shows Promise

A test that has been used for years to measure the efficiency of eye movements in students as it affects reading fluency has recently been shown by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania to be an
effective indicator of concussions in athletes.

“The King-Devick test measures an individual’s ability to read single digit numbers from left to right and down a page, similar to reading a book,” said Joe Falbo, OD, an optometrist at Advanced Vision Care in
Bethel Park, and founder and chief executive officer of Red Apple Learning Centers. “The individual is timed as he reads each of three pages. The test is especially advantageous for use with little league teams in community organizations, as well as for high schools and colleges, as it is appropriate for students age 6 and older.”

Although the imPACT test, a high-tech evaluation usually administered by a sports trainer or medical staff, is still considered the “gold standard” of concussion tests, there are several advantages to the
King-Devick test, according to Dr. Falbo.

First, although the imPACT test can be administered by medical or sports personnel who undergo proper training, it requires use of a computer, so the athlete must leave the field for the testing. The King-Devick test, on the other hand, can be administered on the sidelines right after an injury occurs, is portable, and takes less than three minutes to administer. Furthermore, it can be administered by any knowledgeable adult, not necessarily medical personnel.

Just as the imPACT test requires that a baseline test be administered before their sports season begins, the King-Devick test requires the same. The difference is that the school’s athletic trainer or an equipped medical facility must administer the imPACT test, whereas parents can administer the King-Devick test.

“A simple, low-cost recommendation is to have each child in the family complete the King-Devick test at the beginning of the new school
year,” Dr. Falbo explained. “Record the student’s times or scores and file it away. This is the baseline for that child. Then, should a concussion be suspected during the season, parents can repeat the test. If the child’s time increases by more than five seconds overall, physical activity should be stopped and medical attention should be sought.”

Although the King-Devick test is not as commonly used as the imPACT test, Dr. Falbo believes that as coaches and trainers become more
knowledgeable about it, the test should become more widely used on the sidelines. “We are working hard to inform parents and coaches so that our student athletes can be protected. The King-Devick serves as a good screening test, but will not replace the imPACT test as the measurement of how concussions are managed.”

The symptoms of a concussion include dizziness, headaches, poor balance, blurry or double vision, difficulty concentrating or sleeping,
and poor short-term memory, according to Dr. Falbo. Treatment can include rest without visual or auditory stimulation, vision therapy for visual issues, and medication.

For more information about the King-Devick test, contact Dr. Falbo at Red Apple Learning Centers at (724) 942-7323 or info@redapplelearningcenters.com.