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Abstract
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CONTEXT: Determination of return-to-play (RTP) following sports-related concussion (SRC) is critical given the potential consequences of premature RTP. Current RTP guidelines may not identify persistent exercise-induced neurocognitive deficits in asymptomatic athletes following SRC. Therefore, post-exercise neurocognitive testing has been recommended to further inform the RTP determination. In order to implement this recommendation, the effect of exercise on neurocognitive function in healthy athletes should be understood.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the acute effects of a high intensity, intermittent exercise protocol (HIIP) on neurocognitive function assessed by the SDMT and Stroop Interference tests.
DESIGN: A cohort study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 40 healthy male athletes (age 21.25±1.29 years, years of education 16.95±1.37). INTERVENTION: Each participant completed the SDMT and Stroop Interference tests at baseline and following random allocation to a condition (HIIP versus control). A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA assessed time (pre- versus post-condition) by condition interaction effects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SDMT and Stroop Interference test scores.
RESULTS: There was a significant time by condition interaction effect (p<0.001, η2=0.364) for the Stroop Interference test scores indicating that the HIIP group scored significantly lower (56.05±9.34) post-condition compared with the control group (66.39±19.6). There was no significant time by condition effect (p=0.997, η2<0.001) for the SDMT indicating that there was no difference between SDMT scores for the HIIP and control groups (59.95±10.7 vs. 58.56±14.02).
CONCLUSIONS: In healthy athletes, the HIIP results in a reduction in neurocognitive function as assessed by the Stroop Interference test, with no effect on function as assessed by the SDMT. Testing should also be considered following high intensity exercise in determining RTP decisions for athletes following SRC in conjunction with the existing recommended RTP protocol. These results may provide an initial reference point for future research investigating the effects of a HIIP on the neurocognitive function of athletes recovering from SRC.
Language: en |