title: Computerized neurocognitive testing for the management of sport-related concussions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the prevalence of computerized neurocognitive testing for the assessment of high school athletes who sustain concussions, and to describe associations between using computerized neurocognitive tests, timing of return-to-play, and medical provider managing the athlete.
  
  
  METHODS
  Concussions recorded in the High School Reporting Information Online injury surveillance system during the 2009-2010 academic year were included. Measures of association between use of computerized neurocognitive testing and outcomes were analyzed. A questionnaire was sent to athletic trainers (ATs) querying the use of computerized neurocognitive testing. χ(2) analyses were conducted for categorical variables. Logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High School Reporting Information Online recorded 1056 concussions. Athletes who underwent computerized neurocognitive testing were less likely to be returned to play within 10 days of injury (38.5% vs 55.7%, P < .001) and more likely to be returned to play by a physician (60.9% vs 45.6%, P < .001). We had a response rate of 97.3% for the survey. Of respondents, 39.9% used computerized neurocognitive testing; 93.0% of those used ImPACT. Tests were most often interpreted by ATs (78.9%) and/or physicians (78.8%), as opposed to neuropsychologists (16.9%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Approximately 40% of US high schools that employ an AT use computerized neurocognitive tests when managing sport-related concussions. Tests are most often interpreted by ATs and physicians, as opposed to neuropsychologists. Computerized neurocognitive tests are significantly associated with the timing of return-to-play.
authors: Sports Concussion Clinic, Division of Sports Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, 319 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. william.meehan@childrens.harvard.edu
authors: William P
authors: WP
authors: Meehan
authors: Pierre
authors: P
authors: d'Hemecourt
authors: Christy L
authors: CL
authors: Collins
authors: Alex M
authors: AM
authors: Taylor
authors: R Dawn
authors: RD
authors: Comstock
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data