scholarly journals SCAT5 vs. SCAT3 Symptom Reporting Differences and Convergent Validity in Collegiate Athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breton M Asken ◽  
Zachary M Houck ◽  
Russell M Bauer ◽  
James R Clugston

Abstract Objective The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), fifth Edition, Symptom Evaluation (S5SE) differs from previous versions by having examinees report trait (i.e. “typical” feelings) as opposed to state (i.e., “how you feel right now”) concussion-like symptoms at baseline. This study assessed differences among, and convergent validity of, scores on the S5SE, SCAT3 Symptom Evaluation (S3SE), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18). Methods A total of 113 University of Florida varsity athletes completed symptom questionnaires on the same day in a counterbalanced administration. The final sample consisted of 94 participants (mean age ± SD = 18.4 ± 0.8 years, 57% male, 65% white) from 17 sports. We assessed convergent validity using Spearman rank-order correlations. Within-participant differences were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests. We qualitatively described free-response answers to the S5SE question that asks, “if not feeling 100%, why?”. Results S5SE total severity score demonstrated adequate convergent validity with both the S3SE (rho = .407, p < .001) and BSI-18 (rho = .432, p < .001). Domain-specific analyses indicated variable convergent validity (rho < 0.4 to rho > 0.6). Severity scores did not differ between the S3SE and S5SE (p = .500), but 24.5% of participants reported S3SE > S5SE and 34.0% S5SE > S3SE. Three themes emerged from qualitative examination of reasons for “not feeling 100%”: (1) tiredness/sleep, (2) adjustment difficulties, and (3) academic/athletic stress. Conclusions Adequate convergent validity exists between SCAT5 and SCAT3 symptom severity in collegiate athletes. However, most examinees report different baseline symptom severity when asked to describe their trait (S5SE) versus state symptoms (S3SE). Clinicians should consider using the new SCAT5 Symptom Evaluation as a screening tool for identifying otherwise healthy or “undiagnosed” individuals who would benefit from targeted interventions.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1476-1484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin L. Brett ◽  
Katherine Breedlove ◽  
Thomas W. McAllister ◽  
Steven P. Broglio ◽  
Michael A. McCrea ◽  
...  

Background: Organizations recommend that athletes should be asymptomatic or symptom-limited before initiating a graduated return-to-play (GRTP) protocol after sports-related concussion, although asymptomatic or symptom-limited is not well-defined. Hypotheses: (1) There will be a range (ie, beyond zero as indicator of “symptom-free”) in symptom severity endorsement when athletes are deemed ready to initiate a GRTP protocol. (2) Baseline symptom severity scores and demographic/preinjury medical history factors influence symptom severity scores at the commencement of the GRTP protocol. (3) Greater symptom severity scores at GRTP protocol initiation will result in longer protocol duration. (4) Symptom severity scores will not differ between those who did and did not sustain a repeat injury within 90 days of their initial injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Across 30 universities, athletes (N = 1531) completed assessments at baseline and before beginning the GRTP protocol, as determined by local medical staff. Symptom severity scores were recorded with the symptom checklist of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool–3rd Edition. Nonparametric comparisons were used to examine the effect of medical, demographic, and injury factors on symptom endorsement at GRTP protocol initiation, as well as differences in symptom severity scores between those who did and did not sustain a repeat injury within 90 days. A Cox regression was used to examine the association between symptom severity scores at GRTP protocol initiation and protocol duration. Results: Symptom severity scores at the time when the GRTP protocol was initiated were as follows: 0 to 5 (n = 1378; 90.0%), 6 to 10 (n = 76; 5.0%), 11 to 20 (n = 42; 3.0%), and ≥21 (n = 35; 2.0%). Demographic (sex and age), medical (psychiatric disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disorder), and other factors (baseline symptom endorsement and sleep) were significantly associated with higher symptom severity scores at the GRTP initiation ( P < .05). The 4 GRTP initiation time point symptom severity score groups did not significantly differ in total time to unrestricted RTP, χ2(3) = 1.4; P = .73. When days until the initiation of the GRTP protocol was included as a covariate, symptom severity scores between 11 and 20 ( P = .02; hazard ratio = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.06-1.96) and ≥21 ( P < .001; hazard ratio = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.34-2.63) were significantly associated with a longer GRTP protocol duration as compared with symptom severity scores between 0 and 5. Symptom severity scores at GRTP initiation did not significantly differ between those who sustained a repeat injury within 90 days and those who did not ( U = 29,893.5; P = .75). Conclusion: A range of symptom severity endorsement was observed at GRTP protocol initiation, with higher endorsement among those with higher baseline symptom endorsement and select demographic and medical history factors. Findings suggest that initiation of a GRTP protocol before an absolute absence of all symptoms is not associated with longer progression of the GRTP protocol, although symptom severity scores >10 were associated with longer duration of a GRTP protocol. Results can be utilized to guide clinicians toward optimal GRTP initiation (ie, balancing active recovery with avoidance of premature return to activity).


2019 ◽  
Vol 185 (3-4) ◽  
pp. e431-e437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean P Roach ◽  
Megan N Houston ◽  
Karen Y Peck ◽  
Steven J Svoboda ◽  
Tim F Kelly ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Baseline symptom, balance, and neurocognitive scores have become an integral piece of the concussion management process. Factors such as sleep, learning disorders, fitness level, and sex have been linked to differences in performance on baseline assessments; however, it is unclear how tobacco use may affect these scores. The objective of this study was to compare baseline concussion assessment scores between service academy cadets who use and do not use tobacco. Methods Cadets completed a standard battery of concussion baseline assessments per standard of care and were classified into two groups: tobacco users (n = 1,232) and nonusers (n = 5,922). Dependent variables included scores on the Balance Error Scoring System, Standardized Assessment of Concussion, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Brief Symptom Inventory-18, and Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS). Separate Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to compare all baseline assessment scores between groups with an adjusted P-value &lt; 0.004. Results Cadets that used tobacco performed significantly worse on the impulse control (P &lt; 0.001) section of the ImPACT, reported greater ImPACT symptom severity scores (P &lt; 0.001), and were more likely to take risks as measured by the BSSS (P &lt; 0.001). No differences were detected for Balance Error Scoring System, Standardized Assessment of Concussion, Brief Symptom Inventory-18, and Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3 symptom scores, verbal memory, visual memory, visual-motor speed, or reaction time on the ImPACT (P &gt; 0.004). Conclusions Tobacco users performed significantly worse than tobacco nonusers on the impulse control section of the ImPACT, reported greater symptom severity scores on the ImPACT, and were more likely to take risks as measured by the BSSS. Despite statistical significance, these results should be interpreted with caution, as the overall effect sizes were very small. Future research should examine the influence of tobacco use on recovery post-concussion.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1035-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren McIntyre ◽  
Marc Campo

Context: Capturing baseline data before a concussion can be a valuable tool in individualized care. However, not all athletes, including dancers, have access to baseline testing. When baseline examinations were not performed, clinicians consult normative values. Dancers are unique athletes; therefore, describing values specific to dancers may assist those working with these athletes in making more informed decisions.Objective: To describe values for key concussion measures of dancers. Our secondary aim was to examine whether differences existed between sexes and professional status. Finally, we explored factors that may affect dancers' scores.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Professional dance companies and a collegiate dance conservatory.Patients or Other Participants: A total of 238 dancers (university = 153, professional = 85; women = 171; men = 67; age = 21.1 ± 4.8 years).Main Outcome Measure(s): We calculated the total symptom severity from the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool–3rd edition; the Standardized Assessment of Concussion score; the modified Balance Error Scoring System score; and the King-Devick score for each participant. Group differences were analyzed with Mann-Whitney or t tests, depending on the data distribution. We used bivariate correlations to explore the effects of other potential influencing factors.Results: Participants demonstrated the following baseline outcomes: symptom severity = 16.6 ± 12.8; Standardized Assessment of Concussion = 27.5 ± 1.8; modified Balance Error Scoring System = 3.2 ± 3.1 errors; and King-Devick = 41.5 ± 8.2 seconds. A Mann-Whitney test revealed differences in King-Devick scores between female (40.8 ± 8.0 seconds) and male (43.4 ± 8.4 seconds) dancers (P = .04). An independent-samples t test also demonstrated a difference in modified Balance Error Scoring System scores between female (2.95 ± 3.1 errors) and male (3.8 ± 3.1 errors) dancers (P = .02). Age, hours of sleep, height, and history of concussion, depression, or injury did not display moderate or strong associations with any of the outcome measures.Conclusions: Dancers' symptom severity scores appeared to be higher than the values reported for other athletes. Additional studies are needed to establish normative values and develop a model for predicting baseline scores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 991-999
Author(s):  
Jamie McAllister-Deitrick ◽  
Alicia M. Trbovich ◽  
Steven P. Broglio ◽  
Michael McCrea ◽  
Thomas W. McAllister ◽  
...  

Background: Symptoms, cognition, balance, and other domains are commonly assessed at baseline testing as part of comprehensive preseason evaluations among collegiate student-athletes. Although approximately 27% of college students have at least 1 sleep disorder, researchers have yet to examine the role of a preexisting sleep disorder on preinjury baseline performance. Purpose: To compare athletes with and without a reported history of diagnosed sleep disorders on commonly used baseline concussion assessments. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 666 National Collegiate Athletic Association student-athletes completed baseline measures including the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), Brief Symptom Inventory–18 (BSI-18), Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool–5th Edition (SCAT5), and Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC). There were 333 athletes with a history of diagnosed sleep disorders who were matched on age, sex, sport, and concussion history to 333 athletes with no history of diagnosed sleep disorders. Participants in both groups had a mean age of 19.89 ± 1.36 years and included 182 (54.7%) male athletes, and 126 (37.8%) reported a history of ≥1 concussions. Results: A series of 1-way analyses of covariance with Bonferroni corrections revealed significant group differences on the BESS (F1,559 = 8.88; P < .01); BSI-18 somatization (F1,640 = 18.48; P < .01), depression (F1,640 = 18.78; P < .01), anxiety (F1,640 = 19.42; P < .01), and global severity index (F1,640 = 27.18; P < .01); PCSS (F1,424 = 29.42; P < .01); SCAT5 symptom number (F1,634 = 28.79; P < .01) and symptom severity (F1,634 = 31.74; P < .01); and SAC (F1,578 = 4.36; P = .037). Specifically, while the sleep disorder group did perform better on the BESS, they also reported higher symptoms on the BSI-18, PCSS, and SCAT5 and performed worse on the SAC. There were no group differences on ImPACT performance. Conclusion: Collegiate student-athletes with diagnosed sleep disorders reported elevated affective and concussion symptoms at baseline that could affect the interpretation of postinjury impairments and symptoms. Based on the small effect sizes of our findings, however, the magnitude of these differences is of questionable clinical significance. Still, clinicians should consider diagnosed sleep disorders as reported during preparticipation sports physical examinations when interpreting baseline and postinjury concussion assessments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-643
Author(s):  
Bunt SC ◽  
Presley C ◽  
Tarkenton T ◽  
Wilmoth K ◽  
Didehbani N ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Evaluation of concussion symptoms is a key element in management of sport-related concussions (SRC). The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased reports of anxiety and depression in the general population, though it is unknown if this increase has also affected reporting of concussion symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were differences in reporting of concussion symptoms in adolescents who sustained an SRC before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Subjects (n = 707) aged 12–18 with SRC were evaluated within 14 days of injury (M = 5.64 days, SD = 3.68) at a North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex) clinic and completed the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT-5) Symptom Evaluation. Subjects were grouped by those evaluated before (n = 625) or after (n = 82) March 23, 2020 and were similar in age, sex, and history of treatment for anxiety or depression. T-tests were used to compare the number of endorsed concussion symptoms and symptom severity between groups. Results There was no significant difference in number of concussion symptoms endorsed (M = 10.81, SD = 6.53 vs M = 11.35, SD = 6.25, p = 0.463) or symptom severity (M = 28.33, SD = 24.14, M = 26.79, SD = 20.91, p = 0.540) between before vs during COVID-19 SRC groups. Conclusions In this cohort of young athletes, results suggest that despite effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on community mental health, we did not see evidence of a systematic influence on SRC symptom reporting during the pandemic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Wallace ◽  
Jonathan D Smirl ◽  
Henrik Zetterberg ◽  
Kaj Blennow ◽  
Kelsey Bryk ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of heading a soccer ball on serum neurofilament light (NF-L) protein, plasma tau protein and symptom metrics including total number of symptoms reported and symptom severity scores on the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool— 3rd edition (SCAT3).MethodsEleven male collegiate soccer players were recruited to take part in three experimental conditions including heading, sham and control conditions. Participants were required to perform 40 headers in 20 min in the heading condition, and control 40 soccer balls directed at them with their hands, chest or thigh in the sham condition. No ball contact was made during the control condition. Blood sampling and SCAT3 symptom assessments were completed prior to and 1 hour following conditions. A subset of participants returned 3 weeks following the heading condition for blood sampling.ResultsNF-L was elevated at 1 hour (p=0.004) and 1 month (p=0.04) following the heading condition, and at 1 hour (p=0.02) following the control condition. Tau levels remained unchanged following all conditions. The total number of symptoms (TS) and symptom severity (SS) scores from the SCAT3 were both elevated following the heading condition (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Both TS and SS decreased following sham (p=0.04 and p=0.04) and control conditions (p=0.04 and p=0.04).ConclusionAn acute bout of soccer heading is associated with increased NF-L concentrations at 1 hour and 1 month following the session and can lead to symptoms commonly reported following sport-related concussion.


GeroPsych ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Kuemmel (This author contributed eq ◽  
Julia Haberstroh (This author contributed ◽  
Johannes Pantel

Communication and communication behaviors in situational contexts are essential conditions for well-being and quality of life in people with dementia. Measuring methods, however, are limited. The CODEM instrument, a standardized observational communication behavior assessment tool, was developed and evaluated on the basis of the current state of research in dementia care and social-communicative behavior. Initially, interrater reliability was examined by means of videoratings (N = 10 people with dementia). Thereupon, six caregivers in six German nursing homes observed 69 residents suffering from dementia and used CODEM to rate their communication behavior. The interrater reliability of CODEM was excellent (mean κ = .79; intraclass correlation = .91). Statistical analysis indicated that CODEM had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .95). CODEM also showed excellent convergent validity (Pearson’s R = .88) as well as discriminant validity (Pearson’s R = .63). Confirmatory factor analysis verified the two-factor solution of verbal/content aspects and nonverbal/relationship aspects. With regard to the severity of the disease, the content and relational aspects of communication exhibited different trends. CODEM proved to be a reliable, valid, and sensitive assessment tool for examining communication behavior in the field of dementia. CODEM also provides researchers a feasible examination tool for measuring effects of psychosocial intervention studies that strive to improve communication behavior and well-being in dementia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0014
Author(s):  
David R. Howell ◽  
Danielle Hunt ◽  
Stacey E. Aaron ◽  
William P. Meehan ◽  
Can Ozan Tan

Background: Current recommendations for sport-related concussion uniformly emphasize the importance of physical activity. However, specifics of this recommendation remain vague and do not account for an exercise dosage or compliance. Purposes: First, we examined if an 8-week individualized sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise prescription, initiated within the first two weeks of concussion, alleviates symptom severity or affects the amount of exercise performed during the study. Second, we examined whether prescription adherence, rather than randomized group assignment, reflects the actual impact of aerobic exercise in post-concussion recovery. Methods: For this single-site prospective randomized clinical trial, participants completed an aerobic exercise test within 14 days of injury, and were randomized to an individualized aerobic exercise program or standard-of-care, and returned for assessments 1 month and 2 months after the initial visit (Table 1). The aerobic exercise group was instructed to exercise 5 days/week, 20 minutes/day, at a target heart rate based on an exercise test at the initial visit. Participants reported their symptom exercise volume each week over the 8-week study period, and reported symptoms at each study visit (initial, 1 month, 2 month). Results: Initial symptom severity was not different between randomized groups (Figure 1A), and no significant differences in symptom severity were found at the 4-week (Figure 1B) or 8-week (Figure 1C) assessment. In addition, there was no significant differences between groups for average weekly exercise volume during the first four weeks (Figure 2A) or second four weeks (Figure 2B) of the study. During the first four weeks of the study, 65% (n=11/17) of the exercise intervention participants were compliant with their exercise recommendation (≥100 min/week), compared to 45% (n=9/20) of the standard-of-care group (p=0.33). During the second four weeks of the study, 71% (n=12/17) of the exercise prescription group exercised ≥100 min/week, compared to 55% (n=11/20) of the standard-of-care group (p=0.50). When grouped by exercise volume, the group who exercised ≥100 minutes/week during the first month of the study reported significantly lower symptom severity scores than those who exercised <100 minutes/week (Figure 3B), despite similar initial symptom severity scores (Figure 3A). Conclusion: Participant randomization within 14 days of concussion did not lead to a significant reduction in symptoms, or greater exercise volume. Given that greater exercise volume was associated with lower symptoms after one month of the study, researchers and clinicians should pay particular attention to adherence to aerobic exercise programs for the treatment of concussion. [Table: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text]


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Faustino ◽  
António Branco Vasco

Abstract The identification of dysfunctional patterns in individuals’ interpersonal interactions is a cornerstone of psychotherapy. The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32) is one of the most used measures to explore individuals’ interpersonal styles. However, an IIP-32 Portuguese version is missing. Therefore, this study describes a preliminary psychometric study of an IIP-32 Portuguese version in a nonclinical sample. In a cross-sectional correlational design, 250 participants (M age = 20.67, SD = 4.88, males = 33, females = 217) were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), convergent, and divergent validities of the IIP-32 were tested with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Relationships with symptomatology were also tested with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53). The EFA showed a theoretically coherent eight-factor structure. Almost all of the IIP-32 subscales were positively correlated with personal discomfort and with BSI-53 subscales. Vindictive/self-centred, socially inhibited, domineering/controlling and self-sacrificing subscales predicted symptomatology. Promising preliminary psychometric properties were found that may support the IIP-32 as a reliable instrument to assess interpersonal styles. However, more research is required to deepen the analysis of the IIP-32 in the Portuguese population.


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