Predicting clinical concussion measures at baseline based on motivation and academic profile.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to predict baseline neurocognitive and postural control performance using a measure of motivation, high school grade point average (hsGPA), and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
Clinical research center.


METHODS
Eighty-eight National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I incoming student-athletes (freshman and transfers).


METHODS
Participants completed baseline clinical concussion measures, including a neurocognitive test battery (CNS Vital Signs), a balance assessment [Sensory Organization Test (SOT)], and motivation testing (Rey Dot Counting). Participants granted permission to access hsGPA and SAT total score.


METHODS
Standard scores for each CNS Vital Signs domain and SOT composite score.


RESULTS
Baseline motivation, hsGPA, and SAT explained a small percentage of the variance of complex attention (11%), processing speed (12%), and composite SOT score (20%).


CONCLUSIONS
Motivation, hsGPA, and total SAT score do not explain a significant amount of the variance in neurocognitive and postural control measures but may still be valuable to consider when interpreting neurocognitive and postural control measures.
*Dunn Physical Therapy, Cary, North Carolina; †Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and ‡Clinical Research Unit, Emergency Services Institute, WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Katrina J
KJ
Trinidad
Julianne D
JD
Schmidt
Johna K
JK
Register-Mihalik
Diane
D
Groff
Shiho
S
Goto
Kevin M
KM
Guskiewicz
D000293:Adolescent; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D004856:Postural Balance; D011594:Psychometrics; D012015:Reference Standards; D055815:Young Adult