Development and Clinical Relevance of a Summary Score for the SCAT-5

Abstract Purpose Early versions of the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool utilized a summary score, but it was removed in the third edition due to lack of empirical support (Guskiewicz et al., 2013). Echemendia et al. (2017) note that the SCAT-5’s changes, such as an expansion from a 5-word to 10-word list, improved utility over previous additions. Therefore, empirical support for a summary score on the SCAT-5 should be reassessed. Methods Collegiate athletes (N=532, 64% male) completed the SCAT-5 and ImPACT during their baseline evaluation. Various SCAT-5 summary score formulas were created to determine a concurrently valid summary score that remained comprehensive of all three SCAT-5 domains (cognitive, symptom, vestibular). The summary score was calculated by: [Immediate Memory Total + Delayed Recall + Orientation + Concentration + (30 – BESS Total Errors) - Total Symptom Score]. Results Pearson correlations determined that the summary score was significantly correlated with ImPACT Verbal Memory (r=.27, p<.001), Visual Memory (r=.24, p<.001), Visual-Motor Speed (r=.30, p<.001), Reaction Time (r=-.25, p<.001) and Total Symptoms (r=-.18, p<.001). Conclusion Our results support the validity of a SCAT-5 summary score. Clinically, the summary score is intended to measure changes in global functioning across baseline, post-trauma and follow-up concussion evaluation. Additionally, it should serve as a measure of global progression during the acute post-trauma window of sideline to post-trauma evaluation. Future research should examine the SCAT-5 summary score with outcome measures such as recovery time.

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B-44 An Examination of Balance Measurements in Predicting Post-Concussion Neurocognitive Dysfunction

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acz034.127 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 990-990

Author(s):

A DaCosta ◽

A Crane ◽

M Fasciana ◽

A LoGalbo

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Clinical Utility ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Motor Speed ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Neurocognitive Dysfunction ◽

Balance Deficits ◽

Visual Motor

Abstract Objective Previous research indicates that athletes experiencing concussions demonstrate acute balance deficits (Guskiewicz, 2011). Although it is hypothesized that balance performance is related to neurocognitive function in athletes experiencing a concussion (Guskiewicz, Ross, & Marshall, 2001; Broglio, Sosnoff, Ferrara, 2009), limited research exists regarding the clinical utility of baseline measures. Method 68 collegiate athletes (ages 18-23; M = 19.62, SD = 1.44) were evaluated using the Balance error scoring system (BESS) and ImPACT at baseline and post-concussion. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine how BESS performance change across evaluations predicted post-concussion neurocognitive dysfunction compared to post-concussion performance alone. Results BESS performance changes from baseline to post-concussion significantly predicted post-concussion Verbal Memory (R² = .06, p = .05), Visual Memory (R² = .135, p = .002), Visual-Motor Speed (R² = .146, p = .001), Reaction Time (R² = .156, p = .001), and Total Symptom Scores (R² = .112, p = .005); while post-concussion BESS scores predicted Visual Memory (R² = .138, p = .002), Visual-Motor Speed (R² = .137, p = .002), and Reaction Time (R² = .145, p = .001). Therefore, assessing change in BESS performance is a more comprehensive predictor of neurocognitive dysfunction than solely post-concussion BESS performance. Conclusions Changes in BESS performance from baseline to post-concussion was found to be a more comprehensive predictor of neurocognitive dysfunction than post-concussion BESS scores alone. Therefore, our results support the clinical utility of evaluating balance at pre-participation to better understand neurocognitive risk factors.

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Test-Retest Reliability of ImPACT Across a Two-Year Interval in Collegiate Athletes

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acz026.48 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (5) ◽

pp. 778-778

Author(s):

C Burley ◽

A Datoc ◽

R Bennett ◽

L Lashley

Keyword(s):

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Motor Speed ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Symptom Scores ◽

Visual Motor ◽

Composite Scores ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Purpose To examine the two-year test-retest reliability of Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) in a sample of collegiate athletes. Methods A total of 163 college athletes (63.8% female) completed two pre-season baseline assessments two years apart as mandated by their athletic programs. Participants completed the first baseline prior to their first year of competition (M age=18.38, M edu=12.13). Individuals with baselines flagged as invalid by ImPACT were excluded. No diagnosed concussions occurred between baseline assessments. Results Pearson r correlations for ImPACT composite scores between assessments ranged from .32 to .70. Paired samples t-tests indicated significant differences between verbal memory (t(162)=-4.61, p<.001, MD=-3.6) and visual-motor speed (t(162)=-4.10, p<.001, MD=-1.5) at time 1 and time 2. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with a “two-way mixed” model and “consistency” type indicated higher reliability for all composite scores. Visual-motor speed (mean ICC=.83; .76–.87 95% confidence interval [CI]) was the most reliable composite score, followed by visual memory (.66; 95% CI .53-.75), impulse control (.62; 95% CI .48–.72), verbal memory (.58; 95% CI .43–.69), and reaction time (.49; 95% CI .30-.62). The total symptom score showed moderate reliability (.63; 95% CI .50–.73). Conclusion Overall, ImPACT composite and total symptom scores appear to maintain relative long-term stability in a collegiate sample across a two-year period. ImPACT composite scores showed moderate to good reliability, and total symptom scores showed moderate reliability. Results of this study corroborate previous research indicating moderately stable ImPACT scores across a 2-year test-retest period in collegiate athletes (Schatz, 2010).

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Does the Concussion Clinican Examination Predict Post-Concussion Subsequent Musculoskeletal Injury?

Neurology ◽

10.1212/01.wnl.0000581100.52572.15 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 93 (14 Supplement 1) ◽

pp. S27.3-S28

Author(s):

Thomas Buckley ◽

Jessie Oldham ◽

Nancy Getchell ◽

Buz Swanik ◽

Rob Lynall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Injury Rate ◽

Musculoskeletal Injury ◽

Elevated Risk ◽

Future Research ◽

Motor Speed ◽

Change Scores

ObjectiveTo identify post-concussion subsequent lower extermity musculoskeletal injury predictors from a clinical concussion assessment.BackgroundEmerging evidence has identified an elevated risk of subsequent lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (LE-MSK) in the year post-concussion. This approximately 2-fold elevated risk has been identified in diverse populations including high school, college, professional sports and military populations. While persistent impairments in postural control are a speculated mechanism, these assessments require instrumented biomechanical measures; thus, there are currently no clinically feasible predictors which have been identified.Design/MethodsEighty three NCAA Division I student-athletes (51.8% female, ht: 1.75 +/− 0.12 m, wt: 76.2 +/− 20.1 kg) who had suffered a sports related concussion (LOC: 7.5%, PTA: 12.2%) with baseline data were assessed within 72 hours post-concussion were included in this retrospectic study. The clinical examination consisted of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), Standard Assessment of Concussion (SAC), Clinical Reaction Time (CRT), King-Devick (KD) and the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitve Test (ImPACT) composite values. Change scores (Δ) from baseline to acute post-concussion served as predictors to identify subsequent LE-MSK with a step wise binary logistic regression.ResultsThe subsequent LE-MSK rate was 72.3% (60/83). The overall model failed to identify a predictive relationship between change scores and subsequent injury risk (r2 = 0.242, p = 0.458). Exploratory testing failed to identify any significant individual predictors of subsequent LE-MSK: BESS: Δ = −0.35 errs, p = 0.964; SAC: Δ = −0.55, p = 0.239; ImPACT Verbal Memory: Δ = −0.53, p = 0.324; ImPACT Visual Memory: Δ = −5.6, p = 0.750; ImPACT Motor Speed: Δ = −2.81, p = 0.070; ImPACT Reaction Time: Δ = 0.042 sec, p = 0.164; CRT: Δ = 12.2 ms, p = 0.564; and KD: Δ = 2.8 sec, p = 0.607.ConclusionsNone of the common clinical concussion assessments were a significant predictor of subsequent LE-MSK potentially due to a high injury rate (72.3%). Future research should continue attempts to idenify clinically feasible predictors to allow clinicians to identify at-risk athletes to engage injury prevention strategies to reduce subsequent LE-MSK.

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A-062 Cognitive Profiles in Athletes with Neurodevelopmental Disorders on Baseline Testing

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa068.062 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 852-852

Author(s):

Maietta J ◽

Flood S ◽

Johnson L ◽

Hopkins N ◽

Maietta L ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Verbal Memory ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Impact Testing ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

Future Research ◽

Cognitive Profiles ◽

Motor Speed ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective The Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is a commonly utilized sport concussion assessment. Previous literature examined differences in concussion rates, symptom scores, and invalid baselines between healthy athletes and athletes with neurodevelopmental disorders. There are no current studies that investigate cognitive profiles of athletes with autism. The present study explores possible differences in ImPACT performance for these athletes. Method Participants included 31,368 high school athletes (mean age = 15.0, SD = 1.2; mean education = 9.0; SD = 1.4; 43.9% female) selected from a larger database who completed baseline ImPACT testing from 2008–2016. Self-reported neurodevelopmental history consisted of these distinct groups: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; 3.6%), learning disorders (LD; 1.3%), Autism (0.3%), ADHD/LD (0.6%). ImPACT Composite Scores were analyzed using Mixed-model ANCOVA (age and gender covariates)-Verbal Memory (VerbM), Visual Memory (VisM), Visual Motor Speed (VisMot), Reaction Time (RT), and Impulse Control (IC). Composites were standardized and RT was reverse coded. For comparison purposes, individuals from all neurodevelopmental groups were utilized. Results There was a main effect for Composites and neurodevelopmental history (p < .01). An interaction effect between Composites and neurodevelopmental history was found (p < .01). The Autism group scored significantly lower than healthy athletes on VerbM, VisM, VisMot, and RT. No difference was found for IC. Pattern differences between neurodevelopmental groups will also be reported. Discussion Results reveal cognitive profile differences for athletes with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The ImPACT provides normative data for LD and ADHD athletes; however, our results indicate similar pattern differences for Autism and ADHD/LD. Future research should investigate whether separate norms may be beneficial for these groups.

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Overview of the Complex Figure Test and Its Clinical Application in Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Including Copying and Recall

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.680474 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaonan Zhang ◽

Liangliang Lv ◽

Guowen Min ◽

Qiuyan Wang ◽

Yarong Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽

Machine Learning Algorithms ◽

Brain Diseases ◽

Fine Motor ◽

Future Research ◽

Scoring Method ◽

Complex Figure

The Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test is a commonly used neuropsychological assessment tool. It is widely used to assess the visuo-constructional ability and visual memory of neuropsychiatric disorders, including copying and recall tests. By drawing the complex figure, the functional decline of a patient in multiple cognitive dimensions can be assessed, including attention and concentration, fine-motor coordination, visuospatial perception, non-verbal memory, planning and organization, and spatial orientation. This review first describes the different versions and scoring methods of ROCF. It then reviews the application of ROCF in the assessment of visuo-constructional ability in patients with dementia, other brain diseases, and psychiatric disorders. Finally, based on the scoring method of the digital system, future research hopes to develop a new digital ROCF scoring method combined with machine learning algorithms to standardize clinical practice and explore the characteristic neuropsychological structure information of different disorders.

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Baseline Neurocognitive Performance and Clearance for Athletes to Return to Contact

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.27 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 51-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Breton M. Asken ◽

James R. Clugston ◽

Aliyah R. Snyder ◽

Russell M. Bauer

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Decline ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Composite Score ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Motor Speed ◽

Neurocognitive Performance ◽

Composite Scores

Context: Computerized neurocognitive assessments are commonly used to manage sport-related concussion. Variations in baseline performance may influence neurocognitive performance after injury as well as the amount of time needed for an athlete to be cleared for return to sport participation.Objective: To investigate the relationship between mean baseline Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) scores and postconcussion reliable decline as well as the association between postconcussion cognitive decline and days missed after injury.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: University concussion databank.Patients or Other Participants: A total of 84 collegiate athletes who sustained a concussion between 2008 and 2015 were studied. For each ImPACT composite score (verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time), athletes were grouped based on the presence or absence of reliable decline and on the presence of reliable decline in 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 cognitive domains.Main Outcome Measure(s): Outcome measures were baseline ImPACT composite scores and days missed due to concussion.Results: Athletes with a reliable decline in visual memory scored higher on baseline visual memory than did athletes with no decline or an improvement (t82 = −2.348, P = .021, d = 0.65). When comparing athletes who displayed a reliable decline with those who showed no change or an improvement in any composite score, days missed did not differ. The number of composite scores with a reliable decline demonstrated no main effect on days missed (P = .530).Conclusions: Athletes who exhibited cognitive decline in most or all of the composite scores did not miss more days after injury than athletes with a decline in fewer or none of the composite scores. Athletes should be educated regarding the lack of association between baseline neurocognitive scores and the presence or absence of a reliable decline after concussion, as well as the fact that, on average, individuals with a reliable decline across multiple domains did not miss more time after concussion.

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A-120 Comparison of Baseline and Post-Concussion ImPACT Performance in Spanish-English Bilingual and English Monolingual Athletes

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acab062.138 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 1170-1170

Author(s):

Erick Rogers ◽

Hana Kuwabara ◽

Grace Goodwin ◽

Sara Moore ◽

Nia Hopkins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

English Speakers ◽

Future Research ◽

Motor Speed ◽

Linear Modeling ◽

Impact Performance ◽

Sport Type ◽

Visual Motor

Abstract Objective Research comparing English and Spanish administrations of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) have consistently found differences in performance on various cognitive composites. Few studies have examined the effect of bilingualism on baseline and post-concussion assessments. This study examined whether monolingual English-speakers (MO) and bilingual Spanish/English speakers (BI) differed in cognitive performance at baseline (BL) and post-concussion (PC). Methods Participants were selected from a larger database of high school athletes administered ImPACT in English at BL and PC. Participants included 86 BI athletes (Mage = 14.53; 65.10% male) and 86 MO athletes matched on age, gender, sport type, and probable concussion as defined by number of PC follow-up assessments (PCF; 0 vs. ≥1). To examine group differences and changes over time in cognitive composites, a general linear modeling approach was used with language and PCF as between-subjects factors and time as a within-subjects factor. Results There was a significant Language x Time x PCF interaction for Visual Memory (VM), Visual Motor Speed (VMS), and Reaction Time (RT). On VM and RT, MO with multiple PCF performed the worst at PC, while MO with 0 PCF performed the best at PC. On VMS, BI with 0 PCF performed the worst at BL. Conclusion Visual memory and reaction time were less affected in bilingual compared to monolingual athletes with probable concussion. However, at baseline, bilingual athletes had slower visual motor speed compared to monolingual athletes. Future research should focus on how bilingualism may serve as both a protective and risk factor for cognitive functioning after probable concussion.

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Association between Shift Work and Neurocognitive Function among Firefighters in South Korea: A Prospective before–after Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17134647 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (13) ◽

pp. 4647 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kyeongmin Kwak ◽

Bong-Kyu Kim ◽

Tae-Won Jang ◽

Chang Sun Sim ◽

Yeon-Soon Ahn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Korea ◽

Shift Work ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Night Shift ◽

Neurocognitive Function ◽

Night Work ◽

Motor Speed ◽

Before And After ◽

Fire Stations

Background: Recent research indicates that shift work is associated with neurocognitive function. However, studies that examine the association between shift work and neurocognitive function in firefighters have not yet been performed. We examined the effect of shift work on neurocognitive function in firefighters by measuring and comparing neurocognitive function before and after night shift. Methods: 352 firefighters from eight fire stations in South Korea were included in this study. We performed neurocognitive function test using central nervous system vital signs (CNSVS) during daytime work and on the next day after night work. We performed paired t-tests to assess differences between neurocognitive function before and after night work. We also compared neurocognitive function in insomnia and depression. We used a general linear model to analyze the associations between shiftwork schedule and the changes in neurocognitive function. Results: The neurocognitive function significantly decreased in six domains (composite memory, verbal memory, visual memory, complex attention, psychomotor speed, and motor speed) as did the neurocognitive index on the next day after night work compared with during day work. These decreased domains were the same following night work regardless of the type of shift work. Conclusion: Night work in firefighters may cause neurocognitive decline.

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The Relation Between Cognitive Performance and Symptom Factors Following Concussion

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acz026.34 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (5) ◽

pp. 764-764

Author(s):

E Whitley ◽

R Gerkin ◽

A Kontos ◽

C Quintana ◽

B Nalepa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Performance ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Clinical Importance ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Symptom Assessment ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Motor Speed ◽

And Gender

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore if symptom factors are related to cognitive outcomes. Prior studies have examined the relationship of individual symptoms to cognition. However, the relation between empirically-derived symptom factors and cognitive outcomes has yet to be explored. Methods Data were extracted via retrospective chart review of 691 patients (aged 10–24, mean: 14.99±2.63). Participants completed ImPACT and the PCSS within 14 days of injury (mean: 9.27±3.37). Predictors were PCSS factor scores of Cognitive-Fatigue-Migraine (CFM), Affective (AFF), Somatic (SOM), and Sleep (SLP) (Kontos et al., 2012). Outcomes examined were ImPACT composite scores. Univariate analyses were performed and values with p < 0.10 were entered into stepwise linear regression (LR) models. Retained predictors in each LR model had p values <.05. Results Verbal memory was predicted by CFM, SOM, age, and gender. Visual memory was predicted by CFM and SOM. Visual motor speed was predicted by age, gender, CFM, SOM, and AFF. Reaction time was best predicted by SOM, CFM, and age. The variance explained was fairly small (0.08 to 0.21). SLP was not a significant predictor in any LR. Conclusion CFM and SOM factors were most predictive of lower cognitive performance, similar to prior studies linking dizziness to longer recovery and post-traumatic migraine to worse cognitive performance. These findings underscore the clinical importance of diverse symptom assessment and injury education. Higher CFM and SOM scores may also serve as proxy for injury severity, which we would expect to be associated with worse cognitive performance.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACUTE MOOD, SLEEP, AND SEX ON NEUROCOGNITIVE PERFORMANCE POST-CONCUSSION IN ADOLESCENTS

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00191 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0019

Author(s):

Sara Stremlau ◽

Richard Cameron Allred ◽

Richard Gerkin ◽

Steven Erickson ◽

Jamie Pardini

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Memory ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

Motor Speed ◽

Neurocognitive Performance ◽

Symptom Report ◽

Mood Symptoms ◽

Visual Motor ◽

And Performance

Background: Both sleep disturbance and mood changes are common symptoms post-concussion (Sell & Rubeor, 2017). Studies have found these symptoms are correlated with poorer performance on neurocognitive testing (Kontos et al., 2012 and Kostyun et al., 2015). In addition, Brown et al., (2015) showed that females report more symptoms at both baseline and post-concussion compared to males on the Post-Concussion Scale and the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how a patient’s sex, as well as self-reported acute mood and sleep symptoms are related to neurocognitive performance in individuals with concussion. Methods: Data were acquired through IRB-approved retrospective chart review. Composite scores from the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) computerized evaluation and self-reported symptom scores on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale were gathered for 1619 adolescents age 12-18 (49.3% female) who presented to a large metropolitan outpatient clinic for treatment of concussion. Results: Females endorsed higher overall symptoms (x=19.52, SD 19.37, median 13.0 for females; x=12.88, SD 15.89, median 7.0 for males; Mann-Whitney U Test p<0.001). This same pattern emerged for the mood and sleep symptom clusters (female mood mean=2.92, SD 4.51; male mood mean=1.64, SD 3.34; female sleep mean=1.59, SD 2.0; male sleep mean=1.11, SD 1.84; both Independent Samples Mann-Whitney U Tests ps<0.001). There were significant but modest negative correlations between mood symptoms and performance on verbal memory (r=-0.174), visual memory (r=-0.213), and visual motor speed (r=-0.146) composites (all ps<0.01). There was positive correlation between reaction time composite and mood symptoms (r=0.191). There were significant but modest negative correlations between sleep symptoms and performance on verbal memory (r=-0.171), visual memory (r=-0.184), and visual motor speed (r=-0.161) composites (all ps<0.01). There was a positive correlation between reaction time composite and sleep symptoms (r=0.196, p<0.01). Conclusion: Consistent with prior research, adolescent females reported more symptoms post-concussion, including total symptom score, mood symptoms, and sleep symptoms. Adolescents presenting with more mood and sleep symptoms demonstrated poorer performance on neurocognitive testing. However, given the modest nature of the correlation, a significant amount of variation in test performance is not explained by symptom report. Results from this study underscore the importance of a multidimensional concussion assessment that includes both symptom report and cognitive testing when working with pediatric athletes. This study also reinforces the importance of understanding potential effects of sleep, mood, and sex on concussion.

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