The Predictive Capacity of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test After Sport-Related Concussion in Adolescents

Abstract

The Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) identifies the heart rate threshold (HRt) of exercise tolerance in concussed patients. A previous study found that an absolute HRt of 30 days) from sport-related concussion (SRC). In this study, we assessed the relationship of ΔHR (difference between resting HR and HRt) and recovery from SRC. Using a retrospective cohort design, we compared acutely ( 30 days) in RG (p=0.01) and PG (p=0.04). A ΔHR of ≤ 50 bpm on the BCTT is 73% sensitive and 78% specific for predicting prolonged recovery in concussed adolescents who were prescribed the current standard of care (i.e., cognitive and physical rest).