Concussion in sports: postconcussive activity levels, symptoms, and neurocognitive performance.
BACKGROUND
Evidence suggests that athletes engaging in high-intensity activities after concussion have more difficulties with cognitive recovery.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the role postinjury activity level plays in postconcussive symptoms and performance on neurocognitive tests in a population of student-athletes.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study with repeated measures of neurocognitive performance and symptom reporting.


METHODS
University-based sports concussion clinic.


METHODS
Ninety-five student-athletes (80 males, 15 females: age = 15.88 +/- 1.35 years) were retrospectively assigned to 1 of 5 groups based on a postinjury activity intensity scale.


METHODS
We employed a regression analysis for repeated measures to evaluate the relationship of activity intensity to symptoms and neurocognitive outcome up to 33 days after concussion. Postconcussion symptom scores and neurocognitive (verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, and reaction time) scores served as the primary outcome measures.


RESULTS
Level of exertion was significantly related to all outcome variables (P < .02 for all comparisons). With multivariate analysis, activity intensity remained significant with respect to visual memory (P = .003) and reaction time (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Activity level after concussion affected symptoms and neurocognitive recovery. Athletes engaging in high levels of activity after concussion demonstrated worse neurocognitive performance. For these tasks, those engaging in moderate levels of activity demonstrated the best performance.
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Cynthia W
CW
Majerske
Jason P
JP
Mihalik
Dianxu
D
Ren
Michael W
MW
Collins
Cara Camiolo
CC
Reddy
Mark R
MR
Lovell
Amy K
AK
Wagner
D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors