Cognitive Function and Reaction Time in Collegiate Athletes with Concussion Histories
Poster #: 175
Session/Time: B
Author:
Amin Mohammadi, BS, MS
Mentor:
Tom Campbell, MS, PhD
Research Type: Clinical Research
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Concussions are a prevalent concern in athletics, particularly among collegiate athletes, due to their potential for long-term cognitive impairments. Sport-related concussions can lead to deficits in executive function, psychomotor speed, memory, and reaction time, which may persist beyond the acute recovery phase. While many athletes return to play after symptom resolution, research suggests neurocognitive deficits may linger, affecting overall cognitive performance. Reaction time is particularly relevant in assessing post-concussion recovery, as slowed reaction times have been associated with altered brain function and prolonged cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, impairments in executive function and psychomotor speed are known to impact decision-making and motor coordination, both critical components of athletic performance. Despite the widespread implementation of neurocognitive testing in concussion management, there is a need for further research on how these deficits manifest in collegiate athletes with a history of concussion. This study aims to examine the relationships between reaction time, executive function, psychomotor speed, and memory in NCAA Division I athletes with a history of concussion. Understanding these associations may help refine post-concussion assessments and inform return-to-play decisions.
METHODS:
112 college-aged athletes (M: F = 72:40) from a NCAA Division I institution with a self-reported history of concussion were included in this cross-sectional study. Reaction Time Composite (RT-Comp), executive function, and psychomotor speed were assessed using Concussion Vital Signs (CNS Vital Signs LLC), a computerized neurocognitive assessment. Immediate memory and delayed recall were evaluated as part of the Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool - 6th edition (SCOAT-6). Correlations were analyzed using Pearson's correlation to assess the strength of associations. A priori p-value was set at p < .05.
RESULTS:
RT-Comp demonstrated significant negative correlations with executive function (r = -0.430, CI [-0.572, -0.265], p < 0.001), indicating that slower reaction times were associated with reduced cognitive flexibility and decision-making abilities. A similar negative correlation was observed with psychomotor speed (r = -0.355, CI [-0.508, -0.184], p < 0.001), suggesting impairments in motor response efficiency. Additionally, slower RT was associated with lower scores in immediate memory (r = -0.307, CI [-0.469, -0.127], p = 0.001) and delayed recall (r = -0.233, CI [-0.403, -0.043], p = 0.013), highlighting potential long-term cognitive consequences of concussion.
CONCLUSION:
Slower reaction times in collegiate athletes with concussion history predict lasting deficits in executive function, psychomotor speed, and memory, underscoring the need for ongoing cognitive monitoring before return to play.
Concussions are a prevalent concern in athletics, particularly among collegiate athletes, due to their potential for long-term cognitive impairments. Sport-related concussions can lead to deficits in executive function, psychomotor speed, memory, and reaction time, which may persist beyond the acute recovery phase. While many athletes return to play after symptom resolution, research suggests neurocognitive deficits may linger, affecting overall cognitive performance. Reaction time is particularly relevant in assessing post-concussion recovery, as slowed reaction times have been associated with altered brain function and prolonged cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, impairments in executive function and psychomotor speed are known to impact decision-making and motor coordination, both critical components of athletic performance. Despite the widespread implementation of neurocognitive testing in concussion management, there is a need for further research on how these deficits manifest in collegiate athletes with a history of concussion. This study aims to examine the relationships between reaction time, executive function, psychomotor speed, and memory in NCAA Division I athletes with a history of concussion. Understanding these associations may help refine post-concussion assessments and inform return-to-play decisions.
METHODS:
112 college-aged athletes (M: F = 72:40) from a NCAA Division I institution with a self-reported history of concussion were included in this cross-sectional study. Reaction Time Composite (RT-Comp), executive function, and psychomotor speed were assessed using Concussion Vital Signs (CNS Vital Signs LLC), a computerized neurocognitive assessment. Immediate memory and delayed recall were evaluated as part of the Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool - 6th edition (SCOAT-6). Correlations were analyzed using Pearson's correlation to assess the strength of associations. A priori p-value was set at p < .05.
RESULTS:
RT-Comp demonstrated significant negative correlations with executive function (r = -0.430, CI [-0.572, -0.265], p < 0.001), indicating that slower reaction times were associated with reduced cognitive flexibility and decision-making abilities. A similar negative correlation was observed with psychomotor speed (r = -0.355, CI [-0.508, -0.184], p < 0.001), suggesting impairments in motor response efficiency. Additionally, slower RT was associated with lower scores in immediate memory (r = -0.307, CI [-0.469, -0.127], p = 0.001) and delayed recall (r = -0.233, CI [-0.403, -0.043], p = 0.013), highlighting potential long-term cognitive consequences of concussion.
CONCLUSION:
Slower reaction times in collegiate athletes with concussion history predict lasting deficits in executive function, psychomotor speed, and memory, underscoring the need for ongoing cognitive monitoring before return to play.