Analysis of Baseline Computerized Neurocognitive Testing Results among 5–11-Year-Old Male and Female Children Playing Sports in Recreational Leagues in Florida

Abstract

There is a paucity of data related to sports injuries, concussions, and computerized neurocognitive testing (CNT) among very young athletes playing sports in recreational settings. The purpose of this study was to report baseline CNT results among male and female children, ages 5–11, playing sports in Hillsborough County, Florida using ImPACT Pediatric, which is specifically designed for this population. Data were collected from 2016 to 2017. The results show that 657 baseline tests were conducted and t-tests and linear regression were used to assess mean significant differences in composite scores with sex and age. Results showed that females scored better on visual memory and in general as age increased, baseline scores improved. The results can be used to build further studies on the use of CNT in recreational settings and their role in concussion treatment, management, and interventions.

Injuries and concussions among young children, ages 5-11, playing sports in recreational leagues in Florida

“…Baseline neurocognitive data were collected with ImPACT Pediatric on available and consenting athletes with follow-up testing as requested by physicians and/or parents. Children were tested before participating in practices or games to avoid fatigue when responding [16].…”

“…ImPACT Pediatric is the only FDA-cleared concussion assessment tool for ages 5–11. Test providers must complete the appropriate online training and have a basic level of knowledge regarding the medical assessment of concussion and neurocognitive factors [16]. Post-injury testing must be done by properly trained and licensed healthcare professionals with specific knowledge and experience in interpreting neurocognitive test results [16].…”

“…Reliability testing to date has shown that test-retest correlation scores are high with intra-class correlations ranging from .46-.83 for test components, including word lists, design rotation, stop & go, memory touch, and picture match. ImPACT Pediatric was standardized with a sample of 5-11-year-old children from 2012–2015 in several states, including Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia [16]. The ImPACT Pediatric manual shows the test has good validity, including face and concurrent validity [16].…”

“…ImPACT Pediatric was standardized with a sample of 5-11-year-old children from 2012–2015 in several states, including Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia [16]. The ImPACT Pediatric manual shows the test has good validity, including face and concurrent validity [16].…”

Impact of Sports-Related Subconcussive Injuries in Soccer Players

“…In addition to the ImPACT assessment for adults, the ImPACT Pediatric Neurocogni-tive test was released for use with children aged 5 to 11 years to describe changes in cognitive functions such as sequential memory, word memory, visual memory, and rapid processing. 23 A preseason assessment whether accelerometers are going to be used to monitor the frequency and magnitude of head impacts should involve collection of the following information: (1) sociodemographic questionnaire of general information, such as participant's name, age, emergency contact, and social data, and health history, such as allergies, conditions, recreational activities, and others; (2) parents and the participant should attend a talk to explain the use of the accelerometer, what it measures, and its purpose. Finally, the administration of a standardized neurocognitive test that measures attention, memory, and/or cognitive functions should be done.…”