Neuropsychological Factors Related to College Ice Hockey Concussions

Abstract

We analyzed data from 74 male collegiate hockey players. Each athlete's season began with a baseline administration of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) neuropsychology test battery. Fourteen athletes sustained a sport-related head injury and were readministered the test to assess the impact of the injury. A significant decrease in performance (compared to baseline) on immediate and delayed word recall and designs followed the first concussion. Following a second sport-related concussion, the 4 affected athletes showed significant decrease in visual motor speed. Performance improved on 2 response speed measures (Ps < .01). More errors occurred during a visual processing/discrimination task and immediate recall of designs declined (Ps < .05). We discuss the results in light of recent work related to the impact of early-life concussions and head injury on late-life consequences, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and more immediate issues such as returnto-play decisions for athletes.The last decade has seen dramatic increases in research addressing the neuropsychological impacts of sport-related head injuries (especially concussions) in children and young adults. 1-3 It is estimated that concussions represent 9% of all sport-related injuries. 4 Because they are often referred to as ''mild head injury,'' they often go unnoticed by medical professionals despite the fact they often show forces similar to sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, or both. Finally, and often most devastatingly, concussions that are believed to be cumulative in their impact may affect the person for years to come. 3 These impacts include deficits in cognitive, social, and behavioral functioning. 3 Thus, obtaining a concussion (or concussions) in early life may have a cumulative effect over the course of the person's mid-and later life. Indeed, there is now data showing the long-lasting negative effects on healthy retired athletes who sustained a sport-related concussion in early adulthood. 5 Athletes in several intercollegiate sports are impacted by the devastating effects of concussions. Men's ice hockey is consistently near the top of the list, yet the effects of concussions sustained by ice hockey players have only recently garnered substantial interest. 6 A recent summit of neuropsychological professionals interested in finding possible solutions to reduce the risk, incidence, severity, and consequences of concussions in ice hockey players advocated for a ''6-component solution'' to address concussions including (1) databases and metrics, (2) recognizing, diagnosing, management, and return to play, (3) player equipment and facilities, (4) prevention and education, (5) rules and enforcement, and (6) communication of outcomes. Consistent with this ''call to action,'' here we present 6 years' worth of archival data collected on a sample of men's college hockey players. We had several predictions. First, following baseline, we expected deficits in all Immediate PostConcussion Assessment and Co...

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