Anthony P. Kontos|R.J. Elbin|Tracey Covassin|Eric R. Larson
Exploring Differences in Computerized Neurocognitive Concussion Testing Between African American and White Athletes
Humboldt State University|University of Pittsburgh Medical Center|East Tennessee State University|Michigan State University|Humboldt State University
purpose current study explore potential differences pre postconcussion performance computerized neurocognitive concussion test african american white highschool collegiate studentathletes prospective casecontrol design used compare baseline 2 7day postconcussion computerized neurocognitive performance symptoms 48 white 48 african american athletes matched age gender concussion history immediate postconcussion assessment cognitive test impact version 20 neurohealth system llc pittsburgh pa usa computer software program used assess neurocognitive function ie verbal visual memory motor processing speed reaction time concussion symptoms regardless raceethnicity significant decrements computerized neurocognitive performance increased symptoms following concussion entire sample african americans whites differ significantly baseline postconcussion verbal memory visual memory reaction time total reported symptoms however african american participants 24 likely least one clinically significant cognitive decline impact 7 days postconcussion scored lower 7 days postconcussion compared baseline processing speed white participants authors concluded baseline impact test culturally equivalent construct valid use two racialethnic groups however contrast findings support deleterious performance african american athletes compared white athletes impact postconcussion evaluation critical clinical relevance warrants research