The sensory-motor auditory visual education (SAVE) program for adults with prior concussions: a prospective case study.

BACKGROUND

The Sensory-Motor Auditory Visual Education (SAVE) Program is an intervention that utilizes an accelerated multisensory integration process to facilitate neuroplasticity. This study aimed to determine if the SAVE Program might benefit individuals with residual symptoms from a prior concussion.

METHODS

The study consists of two 1-hour sessions per day for 5 consecutive days. Five individuals were recruited and completed a symptom questionnaire, static postural assessment, auditory detection assessment, peripheral vision assessment, and a battery of computerized cognitive tests.

RESULTS

Following the treatment program, 5 individuals showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in various reported symptoms, significant (p < 0.05) improvements in recognizing colors further from the center of a target, and better detection of an auditory stimulus in the right ear. All tested cognitive domains improved, except for episodic memory accuracy and choice reaction time. The most notable improvements were in planning latency (29.94%), planning accuracy (19%), and working memory accuracy (34.30%). The results of the balance assessment were mixed.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the SAVE Program may be a beneficial treatment of residual symptoms from a prior concussion. However, the intrinsic caveats of a case series require more rigorous research.