Efficacy of Brock String Therapy Post Concussion

Last updated: June 2, 2025
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Brain Injury

Treatment

Standard of Care

Brock String Therapy

Clinical Study ID

NCT04076657
STUDY19070375
  • Ages 12-20
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of the proposed study is to evaluate the efficacy of Brock String therapy prescribed in the acute stage of concussion recovery can improve clinical outcomes among patients with receded near point of convergence (NPC).

Aim 1: Determine if participants receiving the Brock String have more significant improvements in NPC measurements at follow up 7-10 days post injury.

Aim 2: Determine if participants receiving the Brock String 1) improve on computerized neurocognitive test scores from initial visit (<48 hours post injury) to follow up visit (7-10 days post injury) compared to control participants, and 2) have reduced recovery time (i.e., days from injury until return to play) compared to control participants.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Athletes who sustained a concussion during organized sport within past 48 hours

  • ages 12-20

  • at least one NPC measurement >10 centimeters at initial clinic evaluation.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • lack of access to a smart phone to receive text message prompts

  • vestibular disorder

  • seizure disorder

  • history of traumatic brain injury with imaging findings or brain surgery

  • history of 3+ concussions\

  • concussion within the past 6 months

  • history of developmental or intellectual disability

  • history of substance abuse

  • Patients will also be excluded from recruitment if the treating clinician feels thepotential participant would be unable to tolerate Brock String therapy due to severesymptoms

Study Design

Total Participants: 50
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Standard of Care
Phase:
Study Start date:
November 09, 2020
Estimated Completion Date:
March 19, 2025

Study Description

Receded near point of convergence (NPC) is a common oculomotor deficit associated with numerous vision diagnoses, including convergence and accommodative insufficiencies, following sport-related concussion (SRC). Researchers have found associations with worse neurocognitive test scores, higher post-concussion symptom burden, and longer recovery among patients with receded NPC relative to concussion patients with normal NPC. Although oculomotor dysfunction may resolve spontaneously or improves with vision therapy exercises in the post-acute phase of recovery, it is unclear if early intervention can improve recovery outcomes. The Brock String is a cost effective and practical vision therapy exercise for congenital convergence insufficiency (CI), and initial research supports effectiveness with SRC patients who have receded NPC in the subacute phase of recovery (e.g., weeks to months post injury). Early vision therapy intervention may be efficacious in improving recovery times and reduce healthcare costs by eliminating later therapies for chronic deficits.

Connect with a study center

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Rooney Sports Complex

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
    United States

    Site Not Available

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