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King-Devick Concussion Screening

About King-Devick Test

The King–Devick Test (K–D Test) is defined by Mosby’s Medical Dictionary as a tool for evaluation of saccade, consisting of a series of test cards of numbers. The test cards become progressively more difficult to read due to variability of spacing between the numbers. Both errors in reading and speed of reading are included in deriving a score. Saccades are quick, simultaneous movements of both eyes.

The King–Devick Test was developed in 1976 by Alan King, O.D. and Steven Devick, O.D. as an indicator of saccadic performance as it relates to reading ability. In 1983, a sample of 1202 children ages six to fourteen was screened using the K–D Test. The study done by the State University of New York (SUNY) concluded that the test was quick and easy to score and could be administered by non-eye care practitioners. For more than 30 years, the King–Devick Test has been a proven indicator of oculomotor inefficiencies regarding eye movements during reading. The King–Devick Test (K–D Test) is utilized as a tool in schools, eye care and psychologist offices to help detect learning disabilities, including dyslexia.

In 2011, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine published a study in Neurology of an investigation of the King–Devick Test as a potential rapid sideline screening test for concussion in a cohort of 39 boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. A pre-fight K-D test baseline was determined and a post-fight K-D test was also administered after bouts. Post-fight K–D time scores were significantly worse (higher) than pre-fight scores for participants who had sustained head trauma during the match. Additionally, statistical analysis showed that the K–D test had high test-retest reliability. The researchers concluded that the King–Devick Test is an accurate and reliable method for identifying athletes with head trauma, and is a strong candidate rapid sideline screening test for concussion.

Since the Neurology study was published in early 2011, there have been over 50 peer-reviewed studies published supporting King-Devick Test as a quick, objective indicator of suboptimal brain function and correlates with indicators of neurological conditions such as: concussion, reading disabilities, hypoxia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and extreme sleep deprivation.

How King-Devick Test Works

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The King-Devick Test is an objective, physical method of evaluating visual tracking and saccadic eye movements. King-Devick Test is based on the time to perform rapid number naming. It involves reading aloud a series of single digit numbers from left to right on three test cards. Participants are asked to read the numbers on each card from left to right as quickly as possible but without making any errors. The sum of the three test card time scores constitutes the summary score for the entire test.

There’s No Such Thing As A Tough Brain!

The King-Devick Test is an objective remove-from-play sideline concussion screening test that can be administered by parents and coaches in minutes. The King-Devick Test is an accurate and reliable method for identifying athletes with head trauma and has particular relevance to: Football, Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Baseball, Softball and All Other Contact and Collision Activities.
King-Devick Test is an easy-to-administer test which is given on the sidelines of sporting events to aid in the detection of concussions in athletes. King-Devick Test (K-D Test) can help to objectively determine whether players should be removed from games. As a result, King-Devick Test can help prevent the serious consequences of repetitive concussions resulting from an athlete returning to play after a head injury.

How King-Devick Test Works

Concussions are a complex type of brain injury that is not visible on routine scans of the brain, yet are detectable when important aspects of brain function are measured. King-Devick Test (K-D Test) is a two-minute test that requires an athlete to read single digit numbers displayed on a tablet or on an iPad. After suspected head trauma, the athlete is given the test and if the time needed to complete the test is any longer than the athlete’s baseline test time, the athlete should be removed from play and should be evaluated by a licensed professional.
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K-D Test-imonials

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Screening For Impairments

Did you know that the eyes are really part of the brain? Vision alone accounts for >55% of the brain’s pathways.
King-Devick Test Screens For:
  • Saccades (eye movements)
  • Attention
  • Concentration
  • Speech/Language
  • Other correlates of sub-optimal brain function
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Remove-From-Play vs. Return-To-Play

Both remove-from-play and return-to-play decisions are crucial in concussion recovery. It is critical to remove a concussed athlete from play in order to prevent further damage. It is also extremely important to keep the athlete from returning to play until they have made a full recovery. There are tools to assist in making both remove-from-play and return-to-play decisions.
King-Devick Test for Remove-From-Play Decisions
  • Quick, objective sideline testing
  • Measures impairments of speech, language and other correlates of suboptimal brain function
  • Instant screening feedback in minutes
  • Administered by parents, coaches, athletic trainers and medical professionals in remove-from-play decisions
Neurocognitive Testing for Return-To-Play Decisions
  • Computerized concussion evaluation system (in the computer lab)
  • Measures verbal and visual memory, processing speed and reaction
  • Tracks recovery of cognitive processes following concussion
  • Assists clinicians in making return-to-play decisions
 

Contact Us

Ridge Youth Sports Inc.

65 South Maple Avenue, 2nd Floor
Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920

Email Us: [email protected]
Phone : 908-766-1311
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