Neuro-Cognitive Assessment, Symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, and Soldier Performance during 68W Advanced Individual Training

Abstract

Abstract : This study is one in a series of studies examining factors that impact Soldier performance during Advanced Initial Training (AIT). This study examines the relationships between a) Soldier performance using the Interactive Metronome1 (IM), a new interactive computer technology used to assess neuro-cognitive function in terms of auditory and visual input with psychomotor timing and rhythm output, b) symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (SoAD/HD), and c) academic and physical performance during military occupational specialty 68W AIT. Pearson product correlations and backward stepwise regressions were used to analyze the data. Participants included 122 Soldiers attending 68W AIT. Results revealed a negative correlation between SoAD/HD and grade point average (GPA) (p = 0.03). Results also revealed correlations between overall (p = 0.03) and inattentive type (p = 0.00) SoAD/HD and IM performance without auditory cues hypoanticipatory scores (the individual is late in his response) (p < 0.05). In addition, the IM assessment with auditory cues was predictive of AIT performance including GPA and all components of the Army Physical Fitness Test and of both the total number of new musculoskeletal injury (MSI) profiles and total profile days for MSIs. Although the R-square was small in each case (R2 d 0.13), these results demonstrate relationships between neuro-cognitive performance as measured by the IM, SoAD/HD, and physical and cognitive performance during AIT. Additional research is recommended on SoAD/HD among Soldiers, training with the IM to reduce attrition and improve cognitive performance among Soldiers at risk for reduced performance during AIT, and the use of IM training to improve physical performance and reduce MSI injuries.