A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
On-field signs of concussion predict deficits in cognitive functioning: Loss of consciousness, amnesia, and vacant look
Authors: Peltonen Kati, Launes Jyrki, Koskinen Sanna, Vartiainen Matti, Pajunen Sara, Pertab Jon, Laitala Tiina, Hokkanen Laura
Publisher: WILEY
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Translational sports medicine
Journal name in source: TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE
Journal acronym: TRANSL SPORTS MED
Volume: 3
Issue: 6
First page : 565
Last page: 573
Number of pages: 9
eISSN: 2573-8488
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tsm2.179
Web address : https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tsm2.179
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/58625157
The usefulness of on-field signs in predicting concussion outcome is under debate. We studied the prevalence of these signs and analyzed the predictive value for post-injury cognitive recovery in Finnish elite-level youth ice hockey players. Of the 570 consecutive athletes, 52 were concussed during seasons 2015-2017. After exclusion criterion analysis included 34 hockey players (14-20 years-old). Follow-up assessment was performed seven days post-injury and compared with pre-injury baseline. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT (R)) battery. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between on-field signs of concussion and the post-injury change in cognitive performance. The findings indicated that on-field loss of consciousness, amnesia, and vacant look were associated with larger decrements in cognition. Loss of consciousness accounted for 22% of the variance in verbal memory scores; amnesia accounted for 15% of the variance in verbal memory scores, and the presence of vacant look accounted for 9% of the variance in visual memory performance. The presence of loss of consciousness, amnesia, or vacant look is risk factors for longer recovery times and predict the need for extended cognitive follow-up.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |  |
