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Student-Athletes' Perceptions of the Serial 7s Dual-Task Concussion Testing Paradigm
Tyler A Wood1, Nicholas E Grahovec1, Ashley Harris2
1Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, College of Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb.
Journal of Athletic Training
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Student-athletes found the Serial 7s concussion test challenging due to cognitive load and math anxiety. Understanding these perceptions is key for accurate concussion assessments in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- The Serial 7s test is a standard cognitive assessment in concussion protocols like the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6).
- While useful for dual-task evaluation, math anxiety may impact its effectiveness in student-athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore student-athletes' experiences and perceptions of the Serial 7s cognitive test used in concussion assessments.
- To identify factors influencing performance and emotional responses during the Serial 7s test.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study involving 14 university student-athletes (7 male, 7 female).
- Participants completed SCAT6 gait assessments followed by semi-structured interviews.
- Data analysis utilized the Colaizzi phenomenological approach with member checking and data triangulation.
Main Results:
- Student-athletes reported cognitive load and multitasking difficulties with the Serial 7s test.
- Math anxiety and variable confidence in mental math were significant themes.
- Emotional/psychological reactions, prior experience, and task-specific strategies influenced perceptions.
Conclusions:
- The Serial 7s test is cognitively demanding, eliciting varied responses in student-athletes.
- Clinicians must consider factors like math anxiety and confidence for accurate concussion assessment.
- Further research should investigate changes in math anxiety and confidence during recovery for personalized protocols.
