A-43 Somatic and Cognitive Predictors of Concussion Recovery Length

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study explored the relationship between neurocognitive testing and symptom reporting before and after concussion and recovery duration. It was hypothesized that declines in cognition would predict length of recovery. Methods Neurocognitive data was collected from 257 college students at baseline and post-concussion using Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). Results Results revealed an increase in ImPACT Total Symptoms from baseline to post-injury predicted recovery time b=-.45, t(255)=4.25, p<.01, explaining a significant portion of variance in recovery time R2=.07, F(1,255)=18.35, p<.01. Meanwhile, changes in cognition were not significant predictors of recovery time. However, recovery time was longer among participants who declined in Verbal Memory (M=26.98, SD=37.80) compared to those with no decline (M=17.66, SD=24.38) t(249)=2.40, p< 01. Similar findings were observed among those who declined in Visual Motor Speed (M=27.22, SD=33.77) versus no decline (M=19.06, SD=34.58) t(232)=1.80, p<.05; decline in Reaction Time (M=28.55, SD= 39.67) versus no decline (M=16.71, SD=21.78) t(215)=2.91, p<.01; and those who had an increase in Total Symptoms (M=25.53, SD=35.16) versus no increase (M=10.12, SD=12.23) t(193)=5.07, p<.01. Conclusions ImPACT Total Symptom score appears to be the best predictor of length of recovery time after a concussion. However, declines in Verbal Memory, Visual Motor Speed, and Reaction time, and an increase in Total Symptom score, also appear to be related to a longer recovery time after a concussion.