3 Reseach articles - Research Paper Example

All players were examined physically and underwent neuropsychological testing to establish baseline values. Players who sustained concussion, identified by failing tests requiring intact memory and orientation, were continuously assessed till its resolution. Players were repeatedly assessed at predetermined intervals by the similar neuropsychological tests used for baseline testing. The scores of neuropsychological tests and self reported symptoms of players were compared in both the groups using a between-subjects multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) (Macciocchi et al, 2001) .

Additional statistical analysis was performed to compare scores of players experiencing 2 injuries after their first (T1) and second (T2) injuries to determine whether a second concussion led to a change in cognitive functioning. Additionally, scores were compared between players sustaining 2 concussions in close temporal proximity and players sustaining second injury over 2 or more seasons. Also, to examine the time related changes, pretest and posttest results of subjects with 2 concussions were analyzed with a within-subject MANOVA.

Test results showed no significant difference between players with a single injury (S) and players who sustained 2 injuries, either at the time of their first injury or second injury. Players who sustained 2 injuries showed no significant differences in test scores after their first injury and second injury. Improvement in scores was seen in players after their second concussion as compared to pretest scores. Concussions significantly increased the number of symptom complaints at 24 hours and 5 days postinjury in both the groups, but symptoms were comparable to pretest levels by 10 days postinjury.

The investigators concluded that there was no significant difference in the degree of neurocognitive impairment with 2 grade 1 concussive injuries sustained at least 2 weeks apart in