Abstract
There are many forms of evaluating traumatic brain injury in sports medicine. This may include "paper and pen" neuropsychological tests, …which often lend themselves to the sports medicine environment. A reliable, and inexpensive test that can be used on the sideline without any additional devices is highly desirable. However, the chosen "length" (number of questions/tasks) of these instruments are rarely justified, if at all. PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment was to determine if duration of testing makes a difference in outcomes. From our experiences as clinicians, we have observed the frustration build in the injured athlete as the test continues. We hypothesize that there is an optimal duration to the test, and as such, with an extended and unnecessary duration, we contend that lower scores may be present due to other extrinsic variables including boredom and frustration. METHODS: A convenience sample of 55 subjects (mean height=175.8 cm, mass=88.2 kg) were each given a 30-question and a 70-question version of the Stroop test, and a 30-question and a 120-question version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Each had their mental status assessed by each version of the test. RESULTS: Fifty-five subjects completed the Stroop test long version (70 questions). The time for testing averaged 81 sec and number of missed questions averaged 1.5. With regard to the short version (30 question) Stroop test, 28 subjects took the test. Results averages 32 seconds to take the test, and number missed averaged 1.0 questions. As for the SDMT short version (45 question test), 47 subjects completed the test in an average of 47.1 sec while missing an averaged 0.4 questions. The long version of the SDMT contained 120 questions. Twenty-five subjects completed the test with an average of 0.62 questions missed. Time was not obtained in this trial segment due to a technical error. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that the duration of testing time may in fact alter the performance of the subject. Further research on this topic is warranted.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
