Interrater reliability of the smooth pursuit and saccadic tasks of the VOMS among certified athletic trainers
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Fredrick Gardin
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
Background: Sports-related concussions (SRC) are a prevalent form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained during athletic activities. Accurate assessment tools are essential for identifying SRCs, and the Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) is valuable in evaluating vestibular and ocular motor impairments associated with SRCs. However, VOMS remains underutilized and inconsistently administered among certified athletic trainers. Purpose: This study aims to assess the interrater reliability of the smooth pursuit and saccadic tasks of the VOMS among certified athletic trainers in District 2 and investigate the extent of formal VOMS training within athletic training programs. Methods: Twenty-five certified athletic trainers will be recruited through email outreach facilitated by Montclair State University, the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and the Athletic Trainer’s Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ). Participants will complete an electronic consent form and demographics survey before watching a standardized instructional video on VOMS administration. Testing will occur in a controlled environment at Montclair State University. Tobii Pro Glasses 3 will capture eye-tracking data during VOMS administration. Data analysis will be conducted via Kinovea, and participant confidentiality will be maintained through deidentification and secure storage. Results: We hypothesize a lack of consistency in VOMS delivery among certified athletic trainers and that athletic trainers receive limited formal training on VOMS protocols prior to certification. Conclusion: By identifying gaps in VOMS administration and training, this study seeks to promote standardized concussion evaluation practices, enhance clinical confidence among athletic trainers, and ultimately improve athlete safety and care.
Interrater reliability of the smooth pursuit and saccadic tasks of the VOMS among certified athletic trainers
Background: Sports-related concussions (SRC) are a prevalent form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained during athletic activities. Accurate assessment tools are essential for identifying SRCs, and the Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) is valuable in evaluating vestibular and ocular motor impairments associated with SRCs. However, VOMS remains underutilized and inconsistently administered among certified athletic trainers. Purpose: This study aims to assess the interrater reliability of the smooth pursuit and saccadic tasks of the VOMS among certified athletic trainers in District 2 and investigate the extent of formal VOMS training within athletic training programs. Methods: Twenty-five certified athletic trainers will be recruited through email outreach facilitated by Montclair State University, the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and the Athletic Trainer’s Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ). Participants will complete an electronic consent form and demographics survey before watching a standardized instructional video on VOMS administration. Testing will occur in a controlled environment at Montclair State University. Tobii Pro Glasses 3 will capture eye-tracking data during VOMS administration. Data analysis will be conducted via Kinovea, and participant confidentiality will be maintained through deidentification and secure storage. Results: We hypothesize a lack of consistency in VOMS delivery among certified athletic trainers and that athletic trainers receive limited formal training on VOMS protocols prior to certification. Conclusion: By identifying gaps in VOMS administration and training, this study seeks to promote standardized concussion evaluation practices, enhance clinical confidence among athletic trainers, and ultimately improve athlete safety and care.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.