Test-retest, retest, and retest: Growth curve models of repeat testing with Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT).
Computerized neuropsychological testing has become an important tool in the identification and management of sports-related concussions; however, the psychometric effect of repeat testing has not been studied extensively beyond test-retest statistics. The current study analyzed data from Division I collegiate athletes who completed Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) baseline assessments at four sequential time points that varied over the course of their athletic careers. Administrations were part of a larger National Institutes of Health (NIH) study. Growth curve modeling showed that the two memory composite scores increased significantly with successive administrations: Change in Verbal Memory was best represented with a quadratic model, while a linear model best fit Visual Memory. Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time composites showed no significant linear or quadratic growth. The results demonstrate the effect of repeated test administrations for memory composite scores, while speed composites were not significantly impacted by repeat testing. Acceptable test-retest reliability was demonstrated for all four composites as well.
a Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior , University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln , NE , USA.
Arthur C
AC
Maerlender
a Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior , University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln , NE , USA.
Caitlin J
CJ
Masterson
b Office of Research and Economic Development , University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln , NE , USA.
Tiffany D
TD
James
c Simbex LLC , Lebanon , NH , USA.
Jonathan
J
Beckwith
d Department of Sports Medicine , Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine , Blacksburg , VA , USA.
Per Gunner
PG
Brolinson
e Department of Bioengineering , Brown University , Providence , RI , USA.
Joe
J
Crisco
f Department of Bioengineering , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg , VA , USA.
Stefan
S
Duma
g Department of Psychiatry , Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College , Hanover , NH , USA.
Laura A
LA
Flashman
c Simbex LLC , Lebanon , NH , USA.
Rick
R
Greenwald
e Department of Bioengineering , Brown University , Providence , RI , USA.
Steven
S
Rowson
d Department of Sports Medicine , Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine , Blacksburg , VA , USA.
Beth
B
Wilcox
h Department of Psychiatry , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.
Tom W
TW
McAllister
D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013334:Students; D055815:Young Adult
Concussion; Growth curve modeling; Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT); Neuropsychology; Test–retest reliability