The rapid screen of concussion: an evaluation of the non-word repetition test for use in mTBI research.
OBJECTIVE
(1) To investigate the Nonword Repetition test (NWR) as an index of sub-vocal rehearsal deficits after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI); (2) to assess the reliability, validity and sensitivity of the NWR; and (3) to compare the NWR to more sensitive tests of verbal memory.


METHODS
An independent groups design.


METHODS
Study 1 administered the NWR to 46 mTBI and 61 uninjured controls with the Rapid Screen of Concussion (RSC). Study 2 compared mTBI, orthopaedic and uninjured participants on the NWR and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT-R).


RESULTS
The NWR did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of the RSC. However, it is reliable and indexes sub-vocal rehearsal speed. These findings provide evidence that although the current form of the NWR lacks sensitivity to the impact of mTBI, the development of a more sensitive test of sub-vocal rehearsal deficits following mTBI is warranted.
Falconer
Emmaline Kate
EK
Cognitive Psychophysiology Laboratory, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Geffen
Gina Malke
GM
Olsen
Sara Louise
SL
McFarland
Ken
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014706:Verbal Learning