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A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
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Investigating the association between subjective and objective performance-based cognitive function among former
Andrew M Bryant1,2, Zachary Y Kerr3, Samuel R Walton3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
The Clinical Neuropsychologist
|June 7, 2022
Summary
Self-reported cognitive function in former football players did not align with objective tests. Concussion history and distress impacted subjective cognition, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Contact sport participation, particularly football, is linked to varied cognitive outcomes.
- Previous research shows inconsistent associations between subjective and objective cognitive measures in athletes.
- Understanding these discrepancies is crucial for evaluating cognitive health in former players.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between subjective self-reported cognition and objective performance-based cognition in former collegiate football players.
- To examine the association between self-reported concussion history and both subjective and objective cognitive measures.
- To explore the influence of distress and sleep quality on cognitive assessments in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 57 former collegiate football players (average retirement 15 years prior) was studied.
- Linear regression models assessed associations between subjective cognition (QOLIND-CFS) and neuropsychological performance.
- Domain-specific executive function measures (subjective and objective) and concussion history were analyzed, controlling for sleep and distress.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between subjective cognition and objective cognitive performance (p > .05).
- Increased self-reported concussion history correlated with poorer subjective cognition (B = -2.49, p = .004) but not objective performance.
- Distress significantly impacted all subjective cognition metrics and some objective measures (delayed recall, verbal fluency).
Conclusions:
- Relying solely on self-reported cognitive function is inadequate for assessing former contact sport athletes.
- Comprehensive cognitive evaluations should incorporate assessments of factors like distress and sleep quality.
- Identifying factors influencing subjective cognitive complaints is essential for diagnosing potential cognitive deficits.
Keywords:
Brain concussionTBI cognitive functioningathletescognitionconcussioncontact sport participation
