Brief Report: The Effect of Environmental Distractions on Preseason SCAT6 Cognitive Performance

To assess the effect of environmental distractions on the cognitive subcomponents of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6).

Retrospective chart review.

Baseline testing completed during preseason physical examinations (PPEs) in an athletic training room.

Ninety male youth ice hockey players (13-18 years).

Noise, distractions, and observed participant attention recorded by the certified athletic trainer (AT).

Total cognitive score; subcomponent SCAT6 scores, including orientation, immediate memory, digits backwards, and the months backward scores; total concentration score; and delayed recall score.

The months in reverse order score was significantly associated with whether the testing environment was quiet, that is, louder environments were associated with greater time to complete the task ( P = 0.040). The concentration score was significantly associated with whether the participant was observed to have paid attention ( P = 0.005). The total cognitive score correlated significantly with whether the participant was observed to be paying attention, that is, lower scores were associated with lower reported attention ( P = 0.017).

Preseason SCAT6 testing ideally should be administered in a quiet, distraction-free environment whenever possible.