The neuropsychological impact of sports-related concussion: A meta-analysis

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the potential neuropsychological impact of sports-related concussion. A meta-analysis of the relevant literature was conducted to determine the impact of sports-related concussion across six cognitive domains. The analysis was based on 21 studies involving 790 cases of concussion and 2014 control cases. The overall effect of concussion (d 5 0.49) was comparable to the effect found in the non-sports-related mild traumatic brain injury population (d 5 0.54; Belanger et al., 2005). Using sports-concussed participants with a history of prior head injury appears to inflate the effect sizes associated with the current sports-related concussion. Acute effects (within 24 hr of injury) of concussion were greatest for delayed memory, memory acquisition, and global cognitive functioning (d 5 1.00, 1.03, and 1.42, respectively). However, no residual neuropsychological impairments were found when testing was completed beyond 7 days postinjury. These findings were moderated by cognitive domain and comparison group (control group versus preconcussion self-control). Specifically, delayed memory in studies utilizing a control group remained problematic at 7 days. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed. (JINS, 2005, 11, 345-357.)

Episodic Memory in Former Professional Football Players with a History of Concussion: An Event-Related Functional Neuroimaging Study

“…The literature is inconsistent regarding these effects 6 ; although a 2005 meta-analysis suggested that athletes typically demonstrate a full neuropsychological recovery in 7-10 days after concussion, 7 two recent studies demonstrated significant episodic memory impairments in middle-aged and older adults with a history of sport-related concussion. 8,9 In a recent review, Broglio and colleagues 6 suggested that such impairments are indicative of accelerated age-related cognitive decline from concussive and subconcussive head trauma.…”

Multisensory impairment reported by veterans with and without mild traumatic brain injury history

“…Symptoms typically resolve within days or weeks and significant improvement is often seen in 3 months [14][15]. The most visible injuries (e.g., penetrating wounds) understandably receive the most attention in theater, but other symptoms may emerge or be reported later [16], after even a mild injury [17][18].…”

Review of sports-related concussion: Potential for application in military settings

“…Belanger and Vanderploeg's meta-analysis of the initial impact of sports-related concussion on neuropsychological test scores found an overall effect size equivalent to one-half of one standard deviation [13]. The largest specific effects involved global cognitive functioning, memory acquisition, and delayed memory, and cognition typically returned to normal within 1 week [13][14].…”

“…The largest specific effects involved global cognitive functioning, memory acquisition, and delayed memory, and cognition typically returned to normal within 1 week [13][14]. In a meta-analysis of MTBI from causes other than sports injuries, Belanger et al found an overall cognitive effect size similar to that found in sports, with the largest specific effects for delayed memory and fluency [15].…”