{"id":79815,"date":"2026-10-08T08:48:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T12:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/?p=79815"},"modified":"2026-10-08T08:48:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T12:48:33","slug":"utc-study-links-virtual-reality-performance-measure-to-history-of-multiple-concussions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/10\/utc-study-links-virtual-reality-performance-measure-to-history-of-multiple-concussions\/","title":{"rendered":"UTC study links virtual reality performance measure to history of multiple concussions"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Composite

A demonstration of the virtual reality test used in Dr. Gary Wilkerson\u2019s study of perceptual decision-making and concussion history. Participants wearing a VR headset respond to moving visual objects by turning their heads, reaching and stepping in specified directions. The figure was previously published in Brain Sciences, an open-access journal.<\/p><\/div>\n

A University of Tennessee at Chattanooga researcher has found that virtual reality-based measures of movement and decision-making may help identify subtle, lasting effects associated with multiple concussions.<\/p>\n

Dr. Gary Wilkerson, a professor in UTC\u2019s Graduate Athletic Training Program in the Department of Health and Human Performance, is the lead author of \u201cVirtual reality, machine learning, and statistical modeling reveal an association between multiple concussion history and impaired perceptual decision-making,\u201d published in PLOS One<\/strong><\/a>\u2014a peer-reviewed, open-access journal of the Public Library of Science.<\/p>\n

Wilkerson\u2019s co-authors are Dr. Mohammad Joghataee and Dr. Ashish Gupta of Auburn University.<\/p>\n

Their study examined virtual reality test results and self-reported concussion histories from 202 physically active adolescents and young adults. The researchers found that participants with a history of two or more lifetime concussions were more likely to record a low score on a measure of perceptual decision-making than participants who reported one or no prior concussions.<\/p>\n

The finding does not establish that multiple concussions caused the observed differences. Still, Wilkerson said it adds to growing research suggesting that the effects of repeated concussions may persist well beyond the time when an athlete\u2019s symptoms appear to have resolved.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe often view a sport-related concussion as a minor injury that only temporarily disrupts normal brain function,\u201d Wilkerson said, \u201cbut accumulating research evidence indicates that multiple concussions can produce cumulative adverse effects that persist and worsen over time.\u201d<\/p>\n

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury. A person may recover from noticeable symptoms, such as headache, dizziness or difficulty concentrating, while subtle changes in the brain\u2019s ability to process information and guide movement may be difficult to detect using conventional clinical tests.<\/p>\n

\u201cHighly advanced diagnostic imaging can identify concussion-related brain abnormalities, but the clinical tests now available are not sensitive enough to consistently detect subtle impairments,\u201d Wilkerson said. \u201cPrecise virtual reality measurement of perceptual-motor responses appears to offer an objective way to identify people who may have a subtle deficiency in brain processing.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the study, participants wore a virtual reality headset and responded to visual objects moving across the display. Depending on the object\u2019s direction, they rotated their necks, reached with an arm, and took a step in a specified direction.<\/p>\n

The test was designed to measure speed, accuracy and consistency as participants made rapid movement decisions based on changing visual information.<\/p>\n

Researchers analyzed 13 virtual reality performance measures using machine learning and statistical modeling. They compared results among participants reporting no concussion, one concussion or multiple concussions.<\/p>\n

The clearest distinction emerged between those reporting two or more concussions and those reporting one or no concussions. Participants with two or more concussions were more likely to have a low score on the study\u2019s Action Initiation Efficiency (AIE) measure, which combines measures of how quickly, accurately and consistently a participant begins a neck movement after seeing a visual stimulus.<\/p>\n

Compared to participants who demonstrated high AIE values, those with low AIE values had 5.75 times greater odds for having a history of two or more concussions.<\/p>\n

Wilkerson said a lower score may point to a reduced ability to respond effectively when conditions change quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe speed, accuracy and consistency of body responses to visual detection of objects moving across a virtual reality display may reflect brain processing efficiency,\u201d he said. \u201cA low Action Initiation Efficiency score may be an indicator of a suboptimal capability to effectively respond to rapidly changing environmental circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

That distinction, the study said, matters in sports, where athletes frequently must assess visual information and make immediate decisions while moving. The researchers said a subtle impairment in perceptual decision-making could affect both performance and injury risk.<\/p>\n

Wilkerson said the study\u2019s approach differs from traditional concussion evaluations because it measures a person\u2019s response to a task that combines perception, cognition and movement rather than examining those functions separately.<\/p>\n

\u201cSport participation requires athletes to rapidly process visual inputs and make numerous decisions under highly demanding conditions,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need better ways to identify subtle impairments that may not be apparent during standard clinical testing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The research builds on Wilkerson\u2019s nearly 35 years of work in sports injury prevention and cognitive performance. His earlier research has examined methods for assessing and training the perceptual-motor skills athletes use to process visual information, make decisions and execute movement.<\/p>\n

Dr. Eric Hungenberg, head of UTC\u2019s Department of Health and Human Performance, said Wilkerson\u2019s work reflects a sustained commitment to research and education focused on athlete health and injury prevention.<\/p>\n

\u201cI commend Gary\u2019s resolute pursuit of knowledge aimed at mitigating athletes\u2019 susceptibility to injury,\u201d Hungenberg said. \u201cEqually admirable, he has demonstrated a commitment to not just grow the body of literature, but has exhibited a passion for working with athletes directly, educating them on the relationships between mental health, sleep quality, performance and injury reduction.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter over a quarter of a century at UTC, I have great admiration for the man who continually seeks ways to expand his research line, display mentorship, and detect and implement new technology. UTC is very fortunate to have Dr. Wilkerson as a faculty member.\u201d<\/p>\n

The authors stressed that additional research is needed before the findings can be applied in clinical settings. The study was retrospective and cross-sectional, meaning it examined previously collected test results and concussion histories at one point in time. The concussion histories were self-reported, and the research could not account for every factor that might influence test performance\u2014including sex, age, prior injuries or differences in athletic experience.<\/p>\n

The researchers also noted that the study involved a limited number of participants with a history of multiple concussions. Independent studies involving broader groups of athletes and nonathletes will be needed to confirm the findings, assess their reliability and determine whether virtual reality testing can contribute to concussion screening, management or injury-prevention efforts.<\/p>\n

A PDF of the full study is available here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn more<\/h4>\n

Department of Health and Human Performance<\/a><\/p>\n

Master of Science in Athletic Training<\/a><\/p>\n

Visit UTC<\/a><\/p>\n

How to apply<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A UTC researcher has found that virtual reality-based measures of movement and decision-making may help identify subtle, lasting effects associated with multiple concussions. Dr. Gary Wilkerson, a professor in UTC\u2019s Graduate Athletic Training Program in the Department of Health and Human Performance, is the lead author of \u201cVirtual reality, machine learning, and statistical modeling reveal an association between multiple concussion history and impaired perceptual decision-making,\u201d published in PLOS One\u2014a peer-reviewed, open-access journal of the Public Library of Science.<\/p>\n

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