Repeat baseline assessment in college-age athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Athletic Training

Background:

• Baseline neurocognitive testing is common for collegiate athletes.
• The necessity of repeat baseline testing remains debated in sports concussion management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the necessity of repeat baseline ImPACT testing in collegiate athletes.
• To determine if significant changes occur in neurocognitive scores over time in athletes without concussion.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of ImPACT test scores from NCAA Division I athletes.
• Scores were collected over intervals of 13 to 40 months (median 24 months).
• Statistical analysis was performed on 67 athletes' data.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found in any composite ImPACT test scores over time.
• The number of athletes showing changes exceeding chance levels was insignificant.

Conclusions:

• Current data do not support the routine recommendation for repeat baseline neurocognitive testing in college athletes.
• Further research replicating these findings is recommended before altering current practice guidelines.