Citation

Kontos AP, Covassin T, Elbin RJ, Parker T. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2012; 93(10): 1751-1756.

Affiliation

UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2012.03.032

PMID

22503738

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine the relationship of sport-related concussion to depression and neurocognitive performance and symptoms among male and female high school and college athletes. A secondary objective was to explore age and sex differences. DESIGN: Pre-test, multiple post-test, repeated measures design SETTING: Laboratory PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-five high school and collegiate athletes with a diagnosed concussion MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), computerized neurocognitive test battery (Immediate Post Assessment and Cognitive Test [ImPACT]), which includes concussion symptoms (Post-Concussion Symptom Scale [PCSS]) at baseline; and at 2, 7, and 14 days post-injury. RESULTS: Concussed athletes exhibited significantly higher levels of depression from baseline at 2 days ( p ≤.001), 7 days ( p =.006), and 14 days post-concussion ( p =.04). Collegiate athletes demonstrated a significant increase in depression at 14 days post-concussion compared to high school athletes ( p = .03). There were no sex differences in depression levels. Neurocognitive decrements at 14 days were supported for reaction time ( p = .001) and visual memory ( p = .001). Somatic depression at 7 days post-concussion was related to slower reaction time at 7 days post-concussion. Somatic depression at 14 days post injury was related to lower visual memory scores at 14 days post injury. CONCLUSIONS: Although not clinically significant, athletes experienced increased depression scores up to 14 days following concussion that coincided with neurocognitive decrements in reaction time and visual memory. Somatic depression appears to be most salient with regard to lower neurocognitive performance. Mood assessments following concussion are warranted to help monitor and enhance recovery.

Language: en