Comparison of Neurocognitive Performance in Contact and Noncontact Nonconcussed High School Athletes Across a Two-Year Interval

ABSTRACT

Investigating short-term effects of subconcussive impacts on neurocognitive functioning, we employed a repeated measures multivariate model and regression-based measure to examine neurocognitive changes in 771 contact and noncontact high school athletes over a two-year period. Results reveal significant changes in Visual Motor Speed for both groups over a two-year period, with small effect sizes. According to regression-based measures, differences in contact sport athletes’ expected Time 2 performances were significant for Visual Motor Speed, also with minimal effects. Results do not conclusively implicate subconcussive hits as the offending factor in differences observed, with gender and sport-type possibly contributing to the small effects.

Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Solomon is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of ImPACT and receives reimbursement for expenses to Board meetings. However, ImPACT had no input into the decision to conduct the study, its design, or execution, and no funding was obtained for this project.