scholarly journals Neuropsychological Assessment of Professional Ice Hockey Players: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Baseline Data Across Language Groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben J Echemendia ◽  
Joanie Thelen ◽  
Willem Meeuwisse ◽  
Michael G Hutchison ◽  
John Rizos ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Neuropsychological testing in sports has become routine across all levels of play. The National Hockey League (NHL) has conducted baseline neuropsychological assessment of all players since 1997. This study seeks to examine baseline differences among linguistically and culturally diverse groups within the NHL and to present comprehensive normative data for these groups. Method Baseline data were obtained from 3,145 professional hockey players’ baseline symptom reporting, neuropsychological test performance on a battery of traditional “paper and pencil” measures, and self-reported concussion history. In addition, 604 baseline post-injury paper and pencil evaluations were conducted the season following a concussion and 4,780 computerized baseline ImPACT administrations were obtained following the introduction of computerized testing. Results Normative data for paper and pencil tests and ImPACT are presented for the major language groups within the league: English, French, Swedish, Russian, Czech, Finnish, and German (ImPACT only). It was found that symptom reporting, the number of concussions sustained, and neuropsychological test results vary significantly based on a players’ language of origin. This variability was also present when players were tested in their language of origin. Conclusions This study provides insight into the significant baseline differences that exist among NHL players regarding symptoms, concussion history, and cognitive functioning. The findings are discussed with respect to the evaluation and management of NHL players who sustain concussion and more generally in the context of neuropsychological assessment in cross-cultural settings, including the importance of examining neuropsychological functioning using culturally specific norms.

Author(s):  
Sanne Franzen ◽  
Janne M Papma ◽  
Esther van den Berg ◽  
T Rune Nielsen

Abstract Objective The increasing ethnic diversity in the European Union (EU) calls for adaptations to neuropsychological assessment practices. The aims of this study were to examine the current state of cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment in EU-15 countries and to provide recommendations for researchers and policy makers. Method Twelve experts from nine EU-15 countries participated in a Delphi consensus study involving two sequential rounds of web-based questionnaires and an in-person consensus meeting. The experts individually rated Delphi topics on the basis of importance (scale 1–10). The degree of consensus was determined by assessing first and third quartiles (Q1 and Q3) and medians. Results Consensus outcomes showed the following priorities: (a) the development of tests (median importance rating 10, Q1-Q3: 9–10), (b) the collection of normative data (median importance rating 9, Q1-Q3: 8–10), and (c) more training, awareness, and knowledge regarding cross-cultural assessment among neuropsychologists in the EU (median importance rating 9, Q1-Q3: 8–10). Whereas memory tests were often available, tests measuring social cognition (median 9, Q1-Q3: 8–10) and language (median 9, Q1-Q3: 7–10) are particularly lacking. Recommendations were made regarding essential skills and knowledge necessary for cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment. Conclusions This study in a small group of experts suggests that the development and availability of cross-cultural tests and normative data should be prioritized, as well as the development and implementation of training initiatives. Furthermore, EU guidelines could be established for working with interpreters during neuropsychological assessment. Before implementing these recommendations, follow-up studies are recommended that include more minority neuropsychologists and community stakeholders.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Hutchinson ◽  
Paul Ellison ◽  
Andrew Levy ◽  
David Marchant

Objective Concussion is a common injury in ice hockey, and previous research suggests some misconceptions and unsafe attitudes amongst players. The purpose of this study was to assess sport concussion knowledge, attitudes and the effect of sport concussion history in UK-based male ice hockey players across three levels of competition: professional, semi-professional and amateur. Methods Sixty-one participants across a number of UK ice hockey teams completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey and reviewed a series of statements to assess knowledge (concussion knowledge index), attitudes (concussion attitude index) and misconceptions of concussion. Results Level of competition and concussion history had no significant effect on concussion knowledge index or concussion attitude index. A positive significant relationship exists between playing experience and concussion knowledge index and concussion attitude index. Statements identified common misconceptions and areas of accurate knowledge regarding concussion symptoms suggesting that male ice hockey players have a higher level knowledge compared to a sample of the UK general public. Playing experience was associated with increased knowledge and increasingly safe attitudes towards concussion. Conclusion Despite knowledge relating to loss of consciousness and correct management of symptoms being generally accurate, there are worryingly unsafe attitudes regarding aspects of concussion. Such attitudes may well pose significant threats to players’ safety and long-term health.


1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel O. Pontón ◽  
Paul Satz ◽  
Lawrence Herrera ◽  
Freddy Ortiz ◽  
Carla P. Urrutia ◽  
...  

AbstractNeuropsychological assessment of monolingual Spanish-speaking people in the United States is both a common practice and an ethical dilemma. Lack of appropriate tests, the absence of norms, use of interpreters, and the multiplicity of in-house translations of commonly used measures add to the problem of accurate assessment. This paper helps address the lack of appropriate measures for the neuropsychological assessment of Latinos in the United States by providing a standardization of the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for Hispanics (NeSBHIS). Normative data on a sample of 300 Hispanic subjects stratified by gender, age, and education are provided. Current results reveal that not one measure of cognitive functioning is free from education effects. Both nonverbal measures and psychomotor speed measures were highly related to education. Age effects were noted on measures of psychomotor speed, visuospatial reasoning, and visuoconstructive skills. Gender effects were found on measures of psychomotor speed and language, with males achieving higher scores than females. The limitations of the current findings are considered. Further research for the validation of the NeSBHIS with clinical populations, as well as further normative data collection at the national and international levels, is needed. (JINS, 1996, 2, 96–104.)


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1036-1036
Author(s):  
Kaitlin E Riegler ◽  
Erin T Guty ◽  
Garrett A Thomas ◽  
Megan Bradson ◽  
Peter A Arnett

Abstract Objective First, to explore demographic/injury characteristics associated with increased sleep disruption post-concussion. Second, to examine the association between sleep disruption post-concussion and symptom reporting and cognitive variability. Method 124 athletes (M = 103, F = 21) completed neuropsychological testing within 14 days of concussion. Athletes were categorized as sleep-disrupted (n = 52) or not sleep-disrupted (n = 72). Athletes in the sleep-disrupted group endorsed one or more of the following from the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS): trouble falling asleep, sleeping more than usual, and sleeping less than usual. Loss of consciousness (LOC) and concussion history were explored. Two neurocognitive variability measures were derived from the neuropsychological battery: intraindividual standard deviation (ISD) and maximum discrepancy score (MDS). Variability in memory and attention/processing speed (APS) composites were explored. Total PCSS symptom score, without sleep items, was calculated. Results A significantly greater proportion of sleep-disrupted athletes experienced LOC (30%) compared to not sleep-disrupted athletes (13%), χ2(1,N = 118) = 4.99, p < 0.03, φ = 0.21. Sleep-disrupted athletes reported more symptoms, t(122) = −5.42, p < 0.001, d = 0.98, and demonstrated more memory variability (memory ISD, t(122) = −2.22, p = 0.03, d = 0.40, and memory MDS, t(122) = −2.29, p = 0.02, d = 0.41) than not sleep-disrupted athletes. Groups did not differ in APS variability or concussion history. Conclusions Given the higher rate of LOC in sleep-disrupted athletes, it is possible that LOC is a mechanism leading to post-concussion sleep difficulties. Furthermore, sleep disruption following concussion results in more variable memory performance and higher symptom reporting. Symptom reporting and/or return to baseline cognitive functioning are often decision-making tools in concussion management. The difficulties experienced by sleep-disrupted athletes may complicate recovery.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 713-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Rune Nielsen

Abstract Objectives Test performances of illiterate and literate immigrants were compared to investigate the effects of illiteracy on the European Cross-cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB), and associations between test performance and participant characteristics were examined. Method Participants were 20 illiterate and 21 literate middle-aged and older Turkish immigrants (50–85 years) matched by age and gender that completed the CNTB as well as a number of demographic and medical questionnaires. Results No significant group differences or correlations between education, acculturation or health characteristics and test performances were found on 10 of 16 measures. Illiteracy status and participant characteristics affected measures of mental processing speed, executive function, and visuoconstruction. Conclusions The preliminary findings suggest that several of the measures in the CNTB may be valid for assessment of cognitive functioning in people who are illiterate when applied using available normative data. However, these findings need to be replicated in larger samples.


Author(s):  
Savannah K H Siew ◽  
Madeline F Y Han ◽  
Rathi Mahendran ◽  
Junhong Yu

Abstract Objective The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) is widely used in research and clinical settings. However, little is known about the use of the CANTAB in the local aging context. This study aimed to develop normative data for various CANTAB measures in community-living older adults in Singapore. Normative data were built using the regression-based approach. A secondary aim was to examine the concurrent validity of CANTAB measures with their traditional neurocognitive test counterparts. Method A total of 210 older adults (Mage = 67.27 years, SD = 5.45) from an existing cohort study completed standard neurocognitive tests and a CANTAB battery. A total of 160 were normal aging, 46 diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and one diagnosed with Dementia. Older adults with MCI and Dementia were not included in the calculation of norms but were included in other analyses. For the CANTAB battery, regression-based norms were generated for each CANTAB measure, with age, sex, and education included as covariates. Concurrent validity was examined by correlating the CANTAB measures with their traditional neurocognitive counterparts. Results As expected, performance across most CANTAB measures declined significantly with increasing age and decreasing education levels. There were no significant effects of sex on most CANTAB measures. Our study also showed that some CANTAB measures demonstrated good concurrent validity as they significantly correlated with their traditional neurocognitive test counterparts. Conclusions We have developed age, sex, and education-specific CANTAB norms for use in the local aging context. The advantages and challenges of using the CANTAB in the local aging context are discussed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H Van Wijk

<p><strong>Objective:</strong> The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) has proved useful to assess mood states in a range of clinical settings. Its local utility is restricted by the lack of normative data from South Africa. This paper presents preliminary normative data for the use of the BRUMS in the South African health care setting. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Participants (N=2200), ranging from 18 to 59 years, employed in the public sector, and were recruited during routine occupational health surveillance, completed the 24-item self-report BRUMS. They came from all South African race and language groups, and from all nine provinces. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Significant differences were found between the scores of women and men, and their results are reported separately. Due to the language dependant nature of the BRUMS, results are also reported separately for respondents with English as first language, and those who have other South African languages as mother tongue. Norm tables with T-scores are presented for the full sample, and per gender X language groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study presents normative data for a sample of educated and employed South Africans from various backgrounds. Its brevity, and provisionally language friendly nature makes it a useful measure for screening psychological distress in the SA clinical health care context.</p>


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