Can an algorithm identify collegiate athletes who are Recovered or Not Recovered postconcussion, without relying on baseline neuropsychological testing?

Concussion, Sport InjuryLeave a comment

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 associated with risky or adverse health behaviors in students?

Concussion, Sport InjuryLeave a comment

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…

Characterizing Symptoms Before and Following Concussion in Professional Hockey

Sport Injury, TestingLeave a comment

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…

Psychological aspects of sport-related concussion: An evidence-based position paper

Concussion, Sport InjuryLeave a comment

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…

Transition-Related Psychosocial Factors and Mental Health Outcomes in Former NFL Players

Sport Injury, TestingLeave a comment

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.).…

Mild cognitive impairment and dementia reported by former professional football players over 50 years of age: an NFL-LONG study

Sport Injury, Testing

Summary: The authors analyzed self-report questionnaire data from over 900 former NFL players (ages 50+). Their results revealed higher prevalence of self-reported MCI and dementia compared to the general population, with self-reported impairment associated with various health-related (reported concussions, depression, anxiety, recent pain, sleep apnea) and demographics-related (age, race) factors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34593716/ Walton, S. R., Brett,…

Longitudinal trajectory of depression symptom severity and the influence of concussion history and physical function over a 19-year period among former NFL players

Neuropsychology, Sport Injury, TestingLeave a comment

Summary: The authors studied 333 former NFL players over a 19-year period to determine factors associated with severity and trajectory of depressive symptoms. Their data revealed an association between concussion history and severity of depression, as well as showed that declining physical functioning was associated with increases in depressive symptoms longitudinally. https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2021/10/17/jnnp-2021-326602 Brett B. L., Kerr Z. Y., Walton S.…

Selected issues in sport-related concussion for the team physician: a consensus statement

Sport Injury, Testing

This is the latest update to the Team Physician consensus statement on sport-related concussion developed by the Team Physician Consensus Conference (previous drafts published in 2006 and 2011).  The article delineates “essential” information that a team physician must understand and implement and “desirable” information that are considered best-practice in ideal settings.  The article then briefly…