Long-term Effects Of Adolescent Concussion History On Cognition

Abstract

Following concussion, persistent changes in cognition in an elite athlete population is thought to occur. However, it is unclear if concussion history affects cognitive performance in a non-elite athlete population. PURPOSE: To assess the long-term effects of concussion history on cognitive performance in a non-elite athlete population. METHODS: Participants (N=84) were divided into three age groups (18-29 years, n=45; 40-49 years, n=19; 60-69 years, n=20) and two concussion history groups (control, n=54; concussion history, n=30) based on self-report. Following consent, each participant was instructed complete a computerized clinical battery assessing multiple cognitive domains. The cognitive battery consists of four test modules: detection (simple reaction time), identification (choice reaction time), one card learning (working memory), and one back speed/accuracy (attention and working memory). The cognitive battery provides five output scores: processing speed, attention, learning, working memory speed, and working memory accuracy. Two-factor (Age x Group) multivariate ANOVA, post hoc comparisons when indicated, and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated to compare within age and between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant (p’s > 0.05) main effects for age group or concussion history group, nor an age by concussion history interaction on the five outcome measures. CONCLUSION: These data do not support a relationship between prior concussion history and long-term cognitive declines in non-elite athletes. These results may differ from previous findings in an elite-athlete population due to differences in cumulative sub-concussive head trauma exposure between the two populations. Future research should employ a more sensitive cognitive test battery capable of detecting more subtle cognitive impairment.