Researchers examined the records of 2248 college student athletes who had a concussion and examined whether a history of mental health problems and higher symptoms of anxiety/mood disruption before the concussion (at baseline) were more likely to have increased symptoms of anxiety or mood disturbance after concussion, as well as a longer recovery. About 41%…
What is the relationship between visual dysfunction during exercise and the development of persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS)? Adolescent athletes who had a concussion within the past week were administered the King Devick Test, a test used to assess visual dysfunction after concussion, and then completed the Buffalo Treadmill Test (experimental group) or stretching exercises (control…
Chris Vaughan, PsyD, SNS Fellow and current treasurer, collaborated with other SNS members, MaeganSady, PhD and Gerry Gioia, PhD to recently publish the article titled Association Between Early Return toSchool Following Acute Concussion and Symptom Burden at 2 Weeks Postinjury in JAMA Open in Januaryof 2023. In this cohort study, data from over 1600 youth…
Can an algorithm identify collegiate athletes who are Recovered or Not Recovered postconcussion, without relying on baseline neuropsychological testing? Researchers evaluate an evidence-based algorithms and discussion of cost savings associated with such an approach. Arnett, P., Merritt, V. C., Guty, E., Riegler, K., Greenberg, L., & Thomas, G. (2023). Validity of postconcussion only algorithms in collegiate athletes following…
Is risk of concussion in sports or physical activity associated with risky or adverse health behaviors (e.g., substance use, self-harm, fights, etc.) in middle school and high school students? Student athletes who had engaged in risky or adverse health behaviors were more likely to have sustained a concussion, with middle school students at highest risk. The study identifies middle…
The NHL is celebrating women in hockey, and every week through April, NHL.com will highlight a woman from each of the 32 teams. This week they highlighted Winnipeg Jets clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Lesley Ritchie. SNS is incredibly proud of the work Dr. Ritchie does and ask that you click the link below to read the…
Do the types of symptoms matter in the acute evaluation period? Based on this study in professional hockey players by SNS members Jared Bruce & Ruben Echemendia and colleagues they do! Post injury cognitive, somatic/physical, and headache symptoms best differentiated concussed players and active controls. Pre-injury affective/emotional symptoms were also associated with increased likelihood of concussion among…
Sport-related concussions (SRC) have become a public health issue, however little research has focused on the the psychological aspects of this injury. This position paper identifies five postulates that are intended to stimulate research and practice on psychological aspects of SRC. Article Citation:Gordon A. Bloom , Alicia M. Trbovich , Jeffrey G. Caron & Anthony…
Summer Ott, PsyD, SNS fellow and concussion expert with UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann appeared on Houston Local news channel KPRC 2+ and shared how to keep student athletes safe when returning back to school and sports this fall. https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2022/08/23/preparing-kids-for-school-sports/
A recent study of former NFL players revealed that leaving their sport involuntarily and without a transition plan was associated with greater severity of current depressive and anxiety symptoms. Further researcher is needed to understand how transition-related factors influence functioning in athletes discontinuing participation from sport at lower levels of play (high school, college, etc.).…