S P Broglio | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Concussion history is not a predictor of computerised neurocognitive performance.

BACKGROUND: The long term effects of self reported concussion on neurocognitive functioning have been found to be variable. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate cognitive performance on the Headminder concussion resolution index (CRI) and ImPACT assessment tests of subjects with and without a history of self reported concussion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was completed on 235 Headminder CRI baseline assessments and 264 ImPACT baseline assessments. Participants were divided into four groups on the basis of reported number of concussions (zero, one, two, or three). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences between the concussion history groups on the two computer based concussion assessment programs. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance indicated no significant difference between those with and without a history of concussion on the CRI (Lambda = 0.963, F((15, 627.05)) = 0.57, p = 0.898). It also revealed no significant differences between groups on the ImPACT test (Lambda = 0.951, F((12, 672.31)) = 1.07, p = 0.381). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that either long term cognitive decrements may not be associated with a history of concussion or the decrements may be subtle and undetectable by these computer programs.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

No acute changes in postural control after soccer heading.

BACKGROUND: Soccer heading has been proposed as a potential cause of cerebral dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To examine the acute effects of two types of soccer heading on postural control. METHODS: Collegiate soccer players were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, linear heading, simulated rotational heading, or rotational heading. Each subject completed a baseline postural stability assessment on day 1. On day 2 the same assessment was completed for the control subjects. The simulated rotational heading group completed a simulated heading drill before postural stability testing. The linear and rotational heading groups performed a heading drill with 20 balls at 88.71 km/h (55 mph), before postural stability testing. Separate one between (group), three within (surface, eyes, and day), mixed model, repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted on values for total sway and mean centre of pressure. RESULTS: The mixed model analysis of variance of results showed no significant differences (p>0.05) for the interactions of interest for either variable. Results suggest no acute changes in measures of postural control in soccer players completing either a linear or rotational soccer heading drill of 20 balls at a fixed speed. CONCLUSION: Non-significant interactions between surface, eyes, day, and group indicate that sensory interaction of the balance mechanism components are not be compromised by the heading drill. This research supports previous studies suggesting that there are no acute risks associated with routine soccer heading. A direct comparison between these findings and those suggesting long term chronic deficits, however, cannot be made. Other studies that report chronic cerebral deficits in soccer players may have resulted from factors other than soccer heading and warrant further examination.

Adolescent↗