Sway Medical vs. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 Concussion Sideline Reliability: A Critically Appraised Topic
Date
2-19-2025
Faculty Mentor
Christopher Clark, Kinesiology; Jennifer Savage Burgett, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
1:45-1:55 am | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Context: Concussions in sports are a growing concern, with biomechanical forces frequently resulting in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can have long-term cognitive and physical effects. Early and accurate assessment of concussion-related impairments is crucial to prevent further injury and guide return-to-play decisions. The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5) and Sway Medical are two commonly used tools for sideline concussion assessments. This critically appraised topic compares the reliability and effectiveness of these tools, focusing on their ability to assess cognitive and proprioceptive functions in athletes suspected of concussion.
Methods: A computerized search was completed in October 2024. The search terms used were concussion, SCAT5, SWAY Medical, TBI. Electronic databases used were PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: published articles within the last five years and studies that discussed cognitive and proprioceptive reliability. Exclusion criteria: articles that did not include sideline assessments and articles that examined a computerized application called Impact. Validity of the selected studies was determined using PEDro and STROBE checklists. One author independently reviewed the studies, scored each paper, and reviewed the completed appraisals to come to a consensus on the study quality.
Results: The literature search retrieved 565 total articles and 560 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, resulting in five studies. Both SCAT5 and Sway Medical were found to provide reliable assessments, however each have unique strengths. SCAT5 is a comprehensive, multidomain tool that evaluates cognitive, neurological, and symptom-related functions, making it ideal for clinical settings. However, its reliance on baseline data, manual scoring, and time-consuming process yields less suitable for rapid sideline assessments in high-pressure sporting activities. In contrast, Sway Medical offers a mobile app that leverages smartphone accelerometers to assess balance, reaction time, and cognitive function. The app provides a quick, objective, and repeatable assessment in approximately three to four minutes. This tool is particularly effective for sideline evaluations due to its portability, ease of use, and minimal inter-rater variability. When comparing sensitivity and specificity among the two sideline assessments, SCAT5 had a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 80.9%, while SWAY Medical had a 52% sensitivity and a 52% specificity.
Conclusions: Both SCAT5 and Sway Medical have distinct advantages in concussion management, and their usage depends on the context. SCAT5 is best suited for detailed clinical evaluations, while Sway Medical is ideal for fast-paced sideline assessments. Despite the limitations of both tools—SCAT5’s complexity and Sway’s reliance on technology—each tool offers reliable and valid assessments that help ensure athlete safety. Future research should focus on head-to-head comparisons of these tools in various sports and activities to refine concussion management protocols and better guide clinical decision-making for athletic trainers and other healthcare professionals.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
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Disciplines
Kinesiology
Recommended Citation
Robles, Isabel, "Sway Medical vs. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 Concussion Sideline Reliability: A Critically Appraised Topic" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 51.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/51
