Citation

Pedersen HA, Ferraro FR, Himle M, Schultz C, Poolman M. Am. J. Alzheimers Dis. Other Demen. 2014; 29(3): 201-204.

Affiliation

Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1533317513517036

PMID

24370620

Abstract

We analyzed data from 74 male collegiate hockey players. Each athlete's season began with a baseline administration of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) neuropsychology test battery. Fourteen athletes sustained a sport-related head injury and were readministered the test to assess the impact of the injury. A significant decrease in performance (compared to baseline) on immediate and delayed word recall and designs followed the first concussion. Following a second sport-related concussion, the 4 affected athletes showed significant decrease in visual motor speed. Performance improved on 2 response speed measures (Ps < .01). More errors occurred during a visual processing/discrimination task and immediate recall of designs declined (Ps < .05). We discuss the results in light of recent work related to the impact of early-life concussions and head injury on late-life consequences, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and more immediate issues such as return-to-play decisions for athletes.

Language: en