By Ken Reed
The King-Devick Test has once again proven to be an easy, effective, and immediate sideline concussion screening tool for sports activities. In a study published by the Journal of Neurological Sciences, the King-Devick test proved to be an accurate “remove from play” sideline concussion assessment tool in youth rugby games according to a team of researchers from the Sports Performance Research Institute of New Zealand.
“The King-Devick Test was not only useful in identifying changes in players with witnessed suspected concussion, but also in players with an un-witnessed concussion,” said Doug King, PhD, corresponding author on the paper, but not related to the co-inventor of the K-D Test. “Using the K-D Test iPad platform enabled us to complete a quick and easy assessment of the players when they came off the field. The instant identification of a difference in scores makes the King-Devick Test ideal for sideline assessment,” King said.
The King-Devick Test is a two-minute sideline test which can be given via an iPad app or with physical test-cards. It can be used in all contact sports, including football, soccer, hockey, basketball, and rugby. This study is the third recent, peer-reviewed neurological journal publication supporting the effectiveness of the King-Devick test as an accurate concussion screening tool.
The League of Fans has called for the mandatory implementation of the King-Devick test on the sidelines of all high school and youth sports events.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans