August 21, 2014
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Post-concussion assessment test shows reliability at multiple time points

A computerized neurocognitive assessment provided a reliable post-concussion test battery at 45 and 50 days after baseline assessment, according to recently published study data.

In a descriptive laboratory study, Yusuke Nakayama, MD, ATC, CSCS, and colleagues re-examined the test-retest reliability of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). Nakayama and colleagues analyzed the results of 85 physically active college students who completed the ImPACT as well as a 15-item memory test at baseline, 45 days and 50 days.

Respective intraclass correlation coefficients from baseline to 45 days, 45 to 50 days, baseline to 50 days and overall were as follows: verbal memory (0.76, 0.69, 0.65 and 0.78), visual memory (0.72, 0.66, 0.60 and 0.74), visual motor/processing speed (0.87, 0.88, 0.85 and 0.91), and reaction time (0.67, 0.81, 0.71 and 0.80). Each of the intraclass correlation coefficients exceeded the threshold value of 0.60 for acceptable test-retest reliability, according to the researchers.

Disclosure: Schatz received funding to study the effect of concussions in high school and college athletes from the International Brain Research Foundation, the Sports Concussion Center of New Jersey and ImPACT Applications.