@article{ref1,
title="Test-retest reliability of a computerized concussion test: CNS vital signs",
journal="Sports health",
year="2015",
author="Littleton, Ashley C. and Register-Mihalik, Johna K. and Guskiewicz, Kevin M.",
volume="7",
number="5",
pages="443-447",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive testing is an important concussion evaluation tool, but for neurocognitive tests to be useful, their psychometric properties must be well established. Test-retest reliability of computerized neurocognitive tests can influence their clinical utility. The reliability for a commonly used computerized neurocognitive test, CNS Vital Signs, is not well established. The purpose of this study was to examine test-retest reliability and reliable change indices for CNS Vital Signs in a healthy, physically active college population. HYPOTHESIS: CNS Vital Signs yields acceptable test-retest reliability, with greater reliability between the second and third test administration compared with between the first and second administration. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. <br><br>METHODS: Forty healthy, active volunteers (16 men, 24 women; mean age, 21.05 ± 2.17 years) reported to a clinical laboratory for 3 sessions, 1 week apart. At each session, participants were administered CNS Vital Signs. Outcomes included standard scores for the following CNS Vital Signs domains: verbal memory, visual memory, psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility, complex attention, processing speed, reaction time, executive functioning, and reasoning. <br><br>RESULTS: Participants performed significantly better on the second session and/or third session than they did on the first testing session on 6 of 9 neurocognitive domains. Pearson r test-retest correlations between sessions ranged from 0.11 to 0.87. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.86. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider using reliable change indices to account for practice effects, identify meaningful score changes due to pathology, and inform clinical decisions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the importance of clinicians understanding the psychometric properties of computerized neurocognitive tests when using them in the management of sport-related concussion. If CNS Vital Signs is administered twice within a small time frame (such as 1 week), athletes should be expected to improve between the first and second administration.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1941-7381",
doi="10.1177/1941738115586997",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1941738115586997"
}