Masters Applied Projects

Project 19

Evaluating the Relationship Between Heart Rate and Posture Stability Data to Create a Baseline for Concussion Measurement

Student: Emma Rodriguez

Mentors: Dr. Thurmon Lockhart – SBHSE
Dr. Claire Honeycutt – SBHSE
Dr. Marc Jacofsky of The CORE Institute

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/81392084806

Time: 10am – 2pm

Abstract

Sports-related concussions are a growing problem in athletics. This project focuses primarily on concussions in soccer. Heading a soccer ball increases the risk of concussion for players. Determining the occurrence of a concussion after a hit to the head is necessary to prevent further or a more severe head injury. As a part of concussion assessment, frequently, balance is measured using variety of systems including forceplate and wearable systems. However, currently available sway (i.e., balance) measurement systems do not take into consideration of the activities (as measured by heartrate) that precedes the balance assessments. This project will explore the relationship between heartrate and posture stability at rest and during exercise utilizing exercises that uses the arms to increase heartrate – as using lower extremity – i.e. walking or running types of exercises, may confound the balance results. It is hypothesized that arm exercise – i.e. heartrate, will influence postural stability.