Saccadic Differences in High and Low-Contact Sports

Authors

Monica Stapor, Binghamton University--SUNY
Natalia Gierlachowski, Binghamton University--SUNY
Chao Shi, Binghamton University--SUNY
Stanley Hunter, Binghamton University--SUNY
Michael Hunter, Binghamton University--SUNY
Isiah Turner, Binghamton University--SUNY
Fabiha Islam, Binghamton University--SUNY
Vipul Lugade, Binghamton University--SUNY

Publication Date

2025

Document Type

Article

Description

Young athletes competing in high-contact sports are more susceptible to mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) than those in low-contact sports. Such injuries can result in neurological deficits, including saccadic dysfunction and smooth pursuit deficits, which can potentially interfere with everyday activities. This study utilized eye-tracking technology (Tobii Pro Glasses 3) to evaluate the preseason saccadic behaviors in high and low-contact sports as well as athletes with and without previous concussions. It was hypothesized that concussed athletes would exhibit a lower saccade count, higher velocity and greater amplitude compared to non-concussed athletes. In high-impact sports, the results demonstrated significant differences in the saccade count, suggesting that the number of saccades may be a potential indicator for concussion-related visual deficits. Data obtained through eye-tracking assessments can provide valuable insights into the neurological effects of sports-related concussions and enhance diagnostics while supporting more effective injury management and prevention.

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Recommended Citation

Stapor, Monica; Gierlachowski, Natalia; Shi, Chao; Hunter, Stanley; Hunter, Michael; Turner, Isiah; Islam, Fabiha; and Lugade, Vipul, "Saccadic Differences in High and Low-Contact Sports" (2025). Research Days Posters 2025. 170.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2025/170