Robust RT deficits were observed acutely following concussion .
Minimal magnitude differences were noted when comparing between- and within-subject effects , suggesting that pre-injury baselines may not add clinical value in determining post-injury RT impairment .
RT deficits persisted up till the intermediate-term ( 21–59 days post-injury ) timeframe and indicate lingering deficits exist .
Mean effect size differences were observed between RT measure types and computerized neurocognitive testing platforms ; however , all categories displayed negative effects consistent with impaired RT following concussion .
Reaction time ( RT ) deficits are reported following concussion , but it is unknown when these deficits normalize to pre-injury status .
It is also unclear how factors such as RT measurement technique and participant characteristics influence post-concussion RT .
The purpose of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to ( 1 ) characterize acute post-concussion ( 0–3 days ) RT impairments , ( 2 ) examine RT recovery over time , and ( 3 ) explore moderating factors related to acute RT impairment following concussion .
Sensitivity and specificity of the ImPACT Test Battery for concussion in athletes.
This study explored the diagnostic utility of the composite scores of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing ( ImPACT ) and Post Concussion Symptom Scale scores ( PCSS ) . Recently concussed high school athletes ( N=72 ) were tested within 72 h of sustaining a concussion , and data were compared to non-concussed high school athletes with no history of concussion ( N=66 ) . Between-groups MANOVA revealed a significant multivariate effect of concussion on test performance ( p<.001 ) ; univariate ANOVAS revealed all six measures contributed to the between-groups differences . A discriminant function analyses was conducted to measure the ability of the five ImPACT composite scores , as well as the PCSS to classify concussion status . One discriminant function was identified that consisted of the Visual Memory , Processing Speed , and Impulse Control composite scores PCSS , which correctly classified 85.5 % of the cases . Approximately 82 % of participants in the concussion group and 89 % of participants in the control group were correctly classified . Using these data , the sensitivity of ImPACT was 81.9 % , and the specificity was 89.4 % . As part of a formal concussion management program , ImPACT is a useful tool for the assessment of the neurocognitive and neurobehavioral sequelae of concussion , and can also provide post-injury cognitive and symptom data that can assist a practitioner in making safer return to play decisions
Robust RT deficits were observed acutely following concussion .
Minimal magnitude differences were noted when comparing between- and within-subject effects , suggesting that pre-injury baselines may not add clinical value in determining post-injury RT impairment .
RT deficits persisted up till the intermediate-term ( 21–59 days post-injury ) timeframe and indicate lingering deficits exist .
Mean effect size differences were observed between RT measure types and computerized neurocognitive testing platforms ; however , all categories displayed negative effects consistent with impaired RT following concussion .
Reaction time ( RT ) deficits are reported following concussion , but it is unknown when these deficits normalize to pre-injury status .
It is also unclear how factors such as RT measurement technique and participant characteristics influence post-concussion RT .
The purpose of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to ( 1 ) characterize acute post-concussion ( 0–3 days ) RT impairments , ( 2 ) examine RT recovery over time , and ( 3 ) explore moderating factors related to acute RT impairment following concussion .