Does a 20 minute cognitive task increase concussion symptoms in concussed athletes?

Abstract

The current study suggests that there may be an increase in concussion symptoms following a 20-minute cognitive task. Thus, it illustrates the need for clinicians to make sure they are symptom free with both physical and cognitive testing.

Examining Academic Support After Concussion for the Adolescent Student-Athlete: Perspectives of the Athletic Trainer

“…4 Patients have often reported returning to school before concussion symptoms have subsided, 5 which may prolong recovery and affect academic performance. Previous researchers 6,7 have observed an increase in symptoms and a decrease in cognitive performance with bouts of cognitive activity after concussion. However, others 8 have not found an association between implemen-tation of cognitive rest and symptom recovery rate.…”

“…1 However, 55% of ATs in our study recommended school absence if a student-athlete was symptomatic, which may be beyond the AT's scope of practice and may interfere with school policy. 1,11 Although researchers have observed functional deficits after cognitive activity 6 and have recommended 3 to 5 days of complete cognitive rest after concussion, 7 others 8,19 have not corroborated these findings. In fact, patients who were advised to follow 5 days of strict cognitive rest experienced more daily postconcussion symptoms and slower symptom resolution than patients who were instructed to rest for a few days before gradually returning to school and activity.…”

Executive Dysfunction after a Sport-Related Concussion Is Independent of Task-Based Symptom Burden

“…Although previous studies have concluded that a SRC results in impaired executive-based oculomotor planning mechanisms, it is entirely unclear whether such a deficit is independent of an increase in task-based symptom burden. This is a notable issue because increased cognitive demand has been shown to increase symptom severity (e.g., headache, vertigo) in concussed athletes and result in decreased attention and vigilance (Covassin, Crutcher, & Wallace, 2013). Accordingly, there is a need to establish whether impairments associated with oculomotor and other executive-based tasks are independent of an increase in task-based symptom burden.…”

A Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Concussion on a Computerized Neurocognitive Test and Self-Reported Symptoms

“…After reviewing the 26 studies and reapplying the same inclusion criteria, we excluded 9 studies. Reasons for exclusion were the absence of the total PCSS score (n ¼ 5), [30][31][32][33][34] use of ImPACT version 1 (n ¼ 2), 35,36 absence of baseline data (n ¼ 1), 37 and lack of details regarding testing time points (n ¼ 1). 13 As such, 17 studies consisting of 29 independent samples were included (Figure).…”