The authors prospectively examined the relationship between sport-related concussions (SRC) and self-reported SRC symptoms, symptom severity, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in high school football players from 31 Wisconsin schools. The Post-concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), the SCAT-3, the PHQ-9, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) were administered at study entry.…
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the benefits of symptom-limited aerobic exercise on persistent concussion symptoms following sport-related concussion in adolescents. Seven RCT studies, representing 326 participants were included in the meta-analysis (Cochrane Collaboration Handbook methodology utilized). When compared to control interventions, results revealed that aerobic exercise was effective (low level of evidence)…
Is age of first exposure (AFE) to football associated with brain health problems in midlife (ages 35-55)? Results from the study showed that those participating in football before the age of 12 (AFE <12) did not significantly differ from those starting football at or after the age of 12 (AFE >12) in mental health treatment…
There are important considerations around when and how to return to phased-in operations for 5 North American professional sports leagues (Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, National Basketball Association, National Football League and National Hockey league) in the context of COVID-19. With a fundamental prioritization on the health and safety of all stakeholders (players, coaches,…
Conder, A., Conder, R., & Friesen, C. (2020). Neurorehabilitation of persistent sport-related post-concussion syndrome. NeuroRehabilitation, 46, 167-180. This review article describes the benefit of applying a biopsychosocial diagnostic framework to guide diagnosis and treatment of sport-related concussion. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32083597/
Bruce, J. M., Thelen, J., Meeuwisse, W., Hutchison, M. G., Rizos, J., Comper, P., & Echemendia, R. J. (2020). Use of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) in professional hockey, part 2: Which components differentiate concussed and non-concussed players? British Journal of Sports Medicine. Subcomponents of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5): Symptom report,…
Echemendia, R. J., Thelen, J., Meeuwisse, W., Hutchison, M. G., Comper, P., Rizos, J., & Bruce, J. M. (2020). Use of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) in professional hockey, part 1: Cross-cultural normative data. British Journal of Sports Medicine. New normative data for NHL athlete performance on the SCAT5 provides information regarding consideration of language…
This study compared cognitive profiles of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), finding that retired athletes with history of concussion and non-athletes without history of concussion performed similarly on many cognitive domains (verbal memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed), with athletes demonstrating somewhat lower scores on naming and speeded visual attention measures. Results suggest overall…
This study examined factors that relate to level of cognitive symptoms among individuals seen in an interdisciplinary concussion clinic. These results highlight the importance of considering sleep, affective symptoms, time since injury, and age in concussion care and management. Hromas, G. A., Houck, Z. M., Asken, B. M., Svingos, A. M., Greif, S. M., Heaton,…
If you’ve been asked about using EEG as part of concussion diagnosis or management, Neuropsychology Review published a review article you should read: The Use of Electroencephalography as an Informative Tool in Assisting Early Clinical Management after Sport-Related Concussion: a Systematic Review The publication is linked below: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32577950/