Objective Oculomotor Tracking Differences In Submaximal Exertional Testing And Multi-Directional High Intensity Interval Training Groups

Purpose: Assess differences in objective oculomotor tracking testing (OOTT) summary scores in patients that completed linear submaximal exertional testing against those that completed multi-directional high intensity interval training (HIIT-MD). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 126 concussion patients aged 8 to 75, who were seen at a concussion clinic between 12/2023 and 7/2024. All patients were evaluated by a concussion specialist and underwent exertional testing and OOTT. 63 patients underwent multi-directional high intensity interval training (HIIT-MD) clearance testing. A concussion specialist determined their tolerance and if they passed based on symptoms/signs, orthostatic testing and pre/post KD, sway velocity testing. 63 patients underwent submaximal linear exertional testing. All patients also completed OOTT. This tool has patients follow a short moving video with their eyes. The video is played continuously in a square aperture while moving clockwise along the outer edges of a rectangular viewing monitor at a rate of 10 s per side for five complete cycles of 40s each, totaling to 220 s (Samadani, 2022). An OOTT summary score was generated based on the patient’s ability to follow the visual. The mean OOTT summary scores of the HIIT-MD and submaximal linear groups were compared. T-test was completed on these two groups OOTT summary scores and p value was determined. Results: Mean HIIT-MD OOTT summary score = 4.7 and submaximal linear group =7.94 (p = 0.00256). Conclusion: There is strong statistical significance between the groups, with the HIIT-MD group demonstrating improved oculomotor tracking relative to the submaximal linear group. This may be indicative of the potential value of OOTT in predicting and assessing exertional tolerance and multi-directional head eye movement demands. The eye tracking summary score may prove to provide clinical utility in assessing exertional tolerance. However, further investigation with a greater number of participants will be needed for more definitive conclusions.