Administration and environment considerations in computer-based sports-concussion assessment

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Medicine
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Computer-based testing is increasingly used for sport-related concussion (SRC) assessment.
• Existing research covers baseline testing, special populations, psychometric properties, and administration.
• Technological factors in testing require explicit consideration for validity and reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline critical considerations for computer-based cognitive testing design, devices, and environment in SRC assessment.
• To review recent literature (2007-2013) on computer-based SRC testing methods.
• To provide a checklist for improving the reliability and validity of these assessments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies (2007-2013) using computer-based testing for SRC.
• Analysis of methodological approaches in published SRC research.
• Development of a checklist for test administration factors.

Main Results:

• Identified key technological factors in computer-based test design, input/output devices, and testing environments.
• Synthesized findings from recent literature on computer-based SRC assessment methods.
• Created a practical checklist to guide clinicians and researchers.

Conclusions:

• Explicit attention to technological factors is essential for accurate SRC assessment.
• Standardization of computer-based tests can enhance their utility in SRC.
• The proposed checklist can improve the reliability and validity of cognitive testing in SRC.