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Updated: May 10, 2026
11:32
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Does an individual's fitness level affect baseline concussion symptoms?
Martin Mrazik1, Dhiren Naidu, Constance Lebrun
1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Journal of Athletic Training
|June 4, 2013
Summary
Higher physical fitness in collegiate athletes is linked to fewer reported concussion symptoms at baseline. This suggests fitness level is a key factor influencing symptom reporting in concussion assessments.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Baseline concussion symptom reporting is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Factors influencing these initial reports require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of physical fitness on self-reported baseline concussion symptoms in collegiate athletes and students.
- To determine if fitness level, sport type, or sex significantly predicts symptom reporting.
Main Methods:
- A controlled laboratory study involving 125 undergraduates (95 collegiate athletes, 30 recreational athletes).
- Participants completed the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2) at baseline, post-Leger test, and 24 hours later.
- Leger (beep) test was used to measure maximal aerobic power, serving as a proxy for fitness level.
Main Results:
- A significant time effect was observed, with more symptoms reported post-activity and fewer at 24 hours compared to baseline.
- Higher fitness levels were associated with fewer reported symptoms across all time points.
- Fitness level significantly accounted for 22% of the variance in SCAT2 baseline symptom scores (R² = 0.22, P < .01).
Conclusions:
- Physical fitness demonstrably influences baseline concussion symptom reporting in collegiate populations.
- Exercise may potentiate symptom reporting, with severity potentially correlating with conditioning levels.
- Sports medicine professionals should integrate an athlete's fitness level into baseline concussion assessments.
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