SEX DIFFERENCES IN NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTION AND POST-CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSED COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

Neurosurgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Covassin ◽  
Philip Schatz ◽  
C. Buz Swanik
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Reliable Change ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Composite Scores ◽  
The Impact

Abstract OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to determine whether sex differences exist with respect to post-concussion symptoms and neurocognitive function in concussed collegiate athletes. METHODS A prospective dependent-sample cohort design was used to compare baseline and post-concussion neuropsychological test scores and endorsed symptoms as functions of serial post-concussion assessment with respect to time and sex. The Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) battery was administered to a multicenter analysis group of 79 concussed athletes. This computerized neuropsychological test was given to the athletes during the preseason and, on average, 2 and 8 days postinjury. RESULTS Multivariate analyses revealed no significant between-group differences on baseline test performance with respect to sex on any of the ImPACT composite scores or on the total symptom score. Multivariate analyses of post-concussion data revealed a significant main effect of time on ImPACT scores, but no main effect of sex was identified, and no time-by-sex interaction existed. Post hoc analysis revealed that concussed female athletes performed significantly worse than concussed male athletes on visual memory tasks (P = 0.001), and analysis of endorsed post-concussion symptoms revealed that concussed men were significantly more likely than concussed women to report post-concussion symptoms of vomiting (P = 0.001) and sadness (P = 0.017). Athletes' scores were examined individually using the reliable-change methodology. At 2 days post-injury, 58% of concussed athletes had one or more reliable incidents of performance decline or increases in symptom reporting. At 8 days post-concussion, 30% of concussed athletes were still showing one or more reliable change from preseason values. CONCLUSIONS College athletes exhibit differences on visual memory composite scores and symptoms post-concussion as a function of sex. These data support the importance of evaluating neuropsychological status and post-concussion symptoms in concussed athletes. In addition, these data illustrate the importance of analyzing an individual athlete's recovery pattern, because individual differences in recovery trajectories may be overshadowed by global norm-group comparisons.

Multivariate Base Rates of Low Scores and Reliable Decline on ImPACT in Healthy Collegiate Athletes Using CARE Consortium Norms

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (09) ◽  
pp. 961-971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zac M. Houck ◽  
Breton M. Asken ◽  
Russell M. Bauer ◽  
Anthony P. Kontos ◽  
Michael A. McCrea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Reliable Change ◽  
Black African ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Base Rates ◽  
African American Athletes ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Composite Scores

AbstractObjectives: To describe multivariate base rates (MBRs) of low scores and reliable change (decline) scores on Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) in college athletes at baseline, as well as to assess MBR differences among demographic and medical history subpopulations. Methods: Data were reported on 15,909 participants (46.5% female) from the NCAA/DoD CARE Consortium. MBRs of ImPACT composite scores were derived using published CARE normative data and reliability metrics. MBRs of sex-corrected low scores were reported at <25th percentile (Low Average), <10th percentile (Borderline), and ≤2nd percentile (Impaired). MBRs of reliable decline scores were reported at the 75%, 90%, 95%, and 99% confidence intervals. We analyzed subgroups by sex, race, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or learning disability (ADHD/LD), anxiety/depression, and concussion history using chi-square analyses. Results: Base rates of low scores and reliable decline scores on individual composites approximated the normative distribution. Athletes obtained ≥1 low score with frequencies of 63.4% (Low Average), 32.0% (Borderline), and 9.1% (Impaired). Athletes obtained ≥1 reliable decline score with frequencies of 66.8%, 32.2%, 18%, and 3.8%, respectively. Comparatively few athletes had low scores or reliable decline on ≥2 composite scores. Black/African American athletes and athletes with ADHD/LD had higher rates of low scores, while greater concussion history was associated with lower MBRs (p < .01). MBRs of reliable decline were not associated with demographic or medical factors. Conclusions: Clinical interpretation of low scores and reliable decline on ImPACT depends on the strictness of the low score cutoff, the reliable change criterion, and the number of scores exceeding these cutoffs. Race and ADHD influence the frequency of low scores at all cutoffs cross-sectionally.

scholarly journals Computerized assessment of cognition in schizophrenia: Promises and pitfalls of CANTAB

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Noëlle Levaux ◽  
Stéphane Potvin ◽  
Amir Ali Sepehry ◽  
Juliette Sablier ◽  
Adrianna Mendrek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Neurocognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Pharmacological Agents ◽  
Cognitive Predictors ◽  
Treatment Research ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveOver the last decade, the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), which comprises visuo-spatial tasks, has been utilized in cognitive studies of schizophrenia. A clear approach concerning the usage of CANTAB for the appraisal of neurocognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia is currently lacking.MethodIn this paper, we have first reviewed the overall applications of CANTAB and then evaluated methodological strengths and weaknesses of CANTAB as a neurocognitive battery for schizophrenia. We carried out a systematic search and assessment of studies where CANTAB was utilized to measure cognitive function in schizophrenia. We have also attempted to quantify the available data and perform a meta-analysis, but this approach turned out to be still premature.ResultsCANTAB has enabled researchers to highlight significant deficits affecting broad cognitive domains in schizophrenia, such as working memory, decision-making, attention, executive functions and visual memory. So far, the most consistent deficit observed with CANTAB testing has been attentional set-shifting, suggestive of fronto-striatal dysfunctions. In addition, preliminary evidence points towards the potential use of CANTAB to identify cognitive predictors of psychosocial functioning, to describe the relationships between symptoms and cognition, and to measure the impact of pharmacological agents on cognitive functioning.ConclusionCANTAB has been used successfully to highlight the range of visuo-spatial cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, producing similar results to those obtained with some traditional neuropsychological tests. Further studies validating the use of CANTAB following the standard set by Measurement And Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) are warranted.

Sex differences in outcome following sports-related concussion

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 856-863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna K. Broshek ◽  
Tanya Kaushik ◽  
Jason R. Freeman ◽  
David Erlanger ◽  
Frank Webbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Baseline Levels ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Females comprise an increasing percentage of the athlete population across all age groups, and analysis of recent literature reveals that they sustain more concussions in collegiate sports. Results of human and animal studies indicate that females may have poorer outcomes after traumatic brain injury; however, no return-to-play guideline takes sex or other individual differences into account. In the present study the authors evaluated the influence of patient sex on objective neurocognitive performance and subjective reporting of symptoms following sports-related concussion. Methods. According to preseason baseline neurocognitive computerized testing in 2340 male and female high school and collegiate athletes, individuals who sustained sports-related concussions (155 persons) were reevaluated using an alternate form of the cognitive test. Sex differences in the magnitude of cognitive change from baseline levels and the subjective experience of symptoms were analyzed. To account for the possible protective effects of helmets, comparisons were performed among females, males with helmets, and males without helmets; none of the female athletes wore helmets. Female athletes had significantly greater declines in simple and complex reaction times relative to preseason baseline levels, and they reported more postconcussion symptoms compared with males. As a group, females were cognitively impaired approximately 1.7 times more frequently than males following concussions. Furthermore, females experienced more objective and subjective adverse effects from concussion even after adjusting for the use of helmets by some groups of male athletes (for example, in football). Conclusions. Return-to-play decisions and concussion management must be objective and made on an individual basis, including consideration of factors such as patient sex rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all guideline.

Preseason Symptom Reporting and Cognition in Middle School Athletes with Past Concussions

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant L. Iverson ◽  
Paul D. Berkner ◽  
Ross Zafonte ◽  
Bruce Maxwell ◽  
Douglas P. Terry
Keyword(s):  
Visual Memory ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Symptom Reporting ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Health History ◽  
School Sports ◽  
History Of ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Composite Scores ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis study examined the association between past concussions and current preseason symptom reporting and cognitive performance in 9,257 youth ages 11–13. Participants completed neurocognitive testing prior to participating in a school sports between 2009 and 2019. We stratified the sample by gender and number of prior concussions and assessed group differences on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale total score and the ImPACT cognitive composite scores. Those with≥2 prior concussions reported more symptoms than those with 0 concussions (d=0.43–0.46). Multiple regressions examining the contribution of concussion history and developmental/health history to symptom reporting showed the most significant predictors of symptoms scores were (in descending order): treatment for a psychiatric condition, treatment for headaches, history of learning disability (in boys only), history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and age. Concussion history was the weakest statistically significant predictor in boys and not significant in girls. Cognitively, boys with 1 prior concussion had worse speed those with 0 concussions (d=0.11), and girls with≥2 prior concussions had worse verbal/visual memory than girls with 0 concussions (ds=0.38–0.39). In summary, youth with≥2 prior concussions reported more symptoms than those with no concussions. Boys with multiple concussions performed similarly on cognitive testing, while girls had worse memory scores.

A New Test of Dynamic Visual Retention

1967 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
William H. Gaddes
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Visual Perception ◽  
Brain Damage ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Normal Development ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Serial Order ◽  
Spatial Imagery ◽  
Cerebral Dysfunction ◽  
Adolescents And Adults

A new test is described which is designed to measure visual serial-order perception. A total of 331 normal Ss, including children aged 8 through 12 and groups of both adolescents and adults, were tested. Results indicate that performances of Ss free of obvious cerebral dysfunctions show a linear improvement from age 8 to about 13. After that age, gains are at a slower rate until adulthood. No sex differences were noted. The test appears to have value for providing information about the normal development of serial-order visual perception, serial-order visual memory and spatial imagery. As a neuropsychological test it is sensitive in discriminating brain-damage and cerebral dysfunction.

scholarly journals Variability in ImPACT Baseline Scores in Adolescent Athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 779-779
Author(s):  
R Bennett ◽  
A Datoc ◽  
L Stebbins ◽  
L Lashley ◽  
A Posey
Keyword(s):  
Visual Memory ◽  
Reliable Change Index ◽  
Adolescent Athletes ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Symptom Scores ◽  
Composite Scores ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
One Way Anova ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to observe the test-retest-reliability of adolescent athlete Baseline ImPACT scores over a one and two-year interval. Methods Participants were selected from an archival de-identified sports medicine ImPACT database in Florida. The sample (N=4,044) consisted of primarily male (62.2%), adolescent athletes aged (Mage= 15.45, SD=1.291). Athletes were included in the study if they completed an initial and follow-up baseline ImPACT between 2016 and 2019, and if they had no history of concussion. One-Way ANOVA was conducted to determine the relationship between overall mean composite and total symptom scores between baseline tests. Results One-Way ANOVA revealed Verbal Memory (F[2,4041])=16.231, p<.001), Visual Memory (F[2,4041])=23.528, p<.001), and Visual Motor (F[2,4041)=46.111, p<.001) composite scores significantly differed over time. While these results yielded statistical significance over time, further descriptive statistics showed that the mean differences for these composite scores did not fall outside of the ImPACT Reliable Change Index (RCI) criteria. Conclusion Assuming no significant physical or cognitive changes between baseline administrations, ImPACT composite and total symptom scores are expected to be consistent over time. Results indicate that ImPACT composite and total symptom scores are reliable in an adolescent sample across one and two-year time periods. Previous literature regarding test-retest reliability of composite and total symptom scores on ImPACT in youth and adolescent athletes has been inconsistent, which has caused researchers and clinicians to question the clinical utility of this assessment. Future research is needed to highlight the utilization of clinical judgement and clarify the psychometric properties of this measure.

scholarly journals The Influence of Hormonal Contraceptives on Cognitive Recovery in Concussed Collegiate Athletes: Data from the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (14 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S14.3-S15
Author(s):  
Jacob Kay ◽  
Andrew Lapointe ◽  
Thomas McAllister ◽  
Michael McCrea ◽  
Steven Broglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Cognitive Efficiency ◽  
Concussion Recovery ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo longitudinally examine the relation between hormonal contraceptives and concussion recovery. We hypothesized that female athletes using hormonal contraceptives would exhibit faster recovery times and smaller post-injury alterations in neurological status, cognition, and clinical symptoms than female athletes not using hormonal contraceptives.BackgroundResearch indicates sex may moderate concussion outcomes, with some females experiencing protracted recovery relative to males. It is hypothesized that fluctuations of sex hormones lead to poorer outcomes in these females. Thus, female athletes taking hormonal contraceptives may exhibit better recovery than their un-medicated counterparts, as their hormone levels are artificially stabilized.Design/MethodsData from the NCAA-DOD Grand Alliance: Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium were used to evaluate female athletes who were (n = 50) and were not (n = 50) taking hormonal contraceptives. Baseline assessments were completed prior to athletes’ sport season. Athletes were re-assessed 24–48 hours post-concussion, and again at the unrestricted return-to-play. Length of recovery was defined as days between injury and the unrestricted return-to-play. Neurological status was measured using the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC). Cognitive function and clinical symptoms were measured using the ImPACT test. Participants were matched on age, sex, body mass index, sport, and concussion history.ResultsNo group differences in length of recovery were observed (p > 0.05). Across all timepoints, analyses revealed main effects of group for concentration (SAC; p = 0.04), verbal memory (ImPACT; p = 0.03), and cognitive efficiency (ImPACT; p = 0.01). No differences in change scores (relative to baseline) were observed between groups.ConclusionsThe current results suggest that hormonal contraceptives do not influence concussion recovery. However, irrespective of injury status, our findings indicate that females on hormonal contraceptives may exhibit better concentration, working memory, and cognitive efficiency.

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

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).

scholarly journals High Baseline Postconcussion Symptom Scores and Concussion Outcomes in Athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee Custer ◽  
Alicia Sufrinko ◽  
R. J. Elbin ◽  
Tracey Covassin ◽  
Micky Collins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Symptom Scores ◽  
High Level ◽  
Composite Scores

 Some healthy athletes report high levels of baseline concussion symptoms, which may be attributable to several factors (eg, illness, personality, somaticizing). However, the role of baseline symptoms in outcomes after sport-related concussion (SRC) has not been empirically examined.Context:  To determine if athletes with high symptom scores at baseline performed worse than athletes without baseline symptoms on neurocognitive testing after SRC.Objective:  Cohort study.Design:  High school and collegiate athletic programs.Setting:  A total of 670 high school and collegiate athletes participated in the study. Participants were divided into groups with either no baseline symptoms (Postconcussion Symptom Scale [PCSS] score = 0, n = 247) or a high level of baseline symptoms (PCSS score &gt; 18 [top 10% of sample], n = 68).Patients or Other Participants:  Participants were evaluated at baseline and 2 to 7 days after SRC with the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test and PCSS. Outcome measures were Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test composite scores (verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor processing speed, and reaction time) and total symptom score on the PCSS. The groups were compared using repeated-measures analyses of variance with Bonferroni correction to assess interactions between group and time for symptoms and neurocognitive impairment.Main Outcome Measure(s):  The no-symptoms group represented 38% of the original sample, whereas the high-symptoms group represented 11% of the sample. The high-symptoms group experienced a larger decline from preinjury to postinjury than the no-symptoms group in verbal (P = .03) and visual memory (P = .05). However, total concussion-symptom scores increased from preinjury to postinjury for the no-symptoms group (P = .001) but remained stable for the high-symptoms group.Results:  Reported baseline symptoms may help identify athletes at risk for worse outcomes after SRC. Clinicians should examine baseline symptom levels to better identify patients for earlier referral and treatment for their injury. Additional investigation of baseline symptoms is warranted to help delineate the type and severity of premorbid symptoms.Conclusions:

scholarly journals The Influence of Hormonal Contraceptives on Baseline ImPACT Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 784-784
Author(s):  
H W Carrington ◽  
D K Broshek ◽  
N K Erdman ◽  
X D Thompson ◽  
S R Walton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical History ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Impact Performance ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes

Abstract Purpose Our study examined the influence of hormonal contraceptives (HC) on pre-injury (baseline) ImPACT performance in female collegiate athletes. Methods Participants in our cross-sectional study consisted of 304 NCAA Division I female athletes who self-reported taking (HC+ [n=154]) or not taking (HC- [n=154]) HC. HC+ participants were matched to HC- participants for height, weight, sport, and position. HC+ participants had an average age of 19.0±1.33 years, height of 170.5–8.70 cm, and mass of 64.2–10.58 kg. HC- participants had an average age of 19.0±1.24 years, height of 170.3–9.19 cm, and mass of 64.2–9.75 kg. Participants completed ImPACT as part of their preseason baseline assessment. Only participants with valid ImPACT assessments were included in our analyses. Chi-squared (χ2) tests were performed to compare groups in terms of medical history variables. Independent t-tests were used to compare groups in terms of demographic variables, self-reported hours of sleep, and ImPACT (Verbal and Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed [VMS], Reaction Time [RT], and Total Symptom Severity [TSS]) outcome scores. Analyses were performed with α=0.05. Results No differences were observed between groups for demographic variables, hours of sleep, or medical history variables (p<0.05). For VMS, the HC- group (42.9+5.63) scored significantly worse (t[304]=2.17, p=0.03; d=0.25; 95% CI [0.1, 2.7]) than the HC+ group (44.3+5.67). For RT, the HC- group (0.55+0.06) performed significantly slower (t[304]=-2.02, p=0.05; d=0.23; 95% CI [-0.03, -0.0003]) than the HC+ group (0.54+0.05). Conclusion Our results suggest HCs may influence ImPACT performance in female collegiate athletes. Clinicians must consider the role of HCs when interpreting ImPACT outcome scores.

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