Risk factors associated with baseline King-Devick performance.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of baseline risk factors on the King-Devick (K-D) test in youth athletes, including of age, sex, and history of concussion. METHODS: A total of 422 youth football and soccer athletes between the ages of 8 and 14 completed a baseline K-D test prior to the start of their respective seasons. Participant age, sex, and history of concussion were analyzed for K-D performance (i.e., errors and baseline time). A series of Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to determine the effects of risk factors on performance. Correlations and regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between risk factors and K-D time and errors. RESULTS: Differences in age (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001) were reported on K-D time and errors. A history of concussion did not have an effect on K-D time (p=0.15) or errors (p range=0.15-0.17). Overall, weak to moderate correlations were observed between risk factors and K-D performance (r range=-0.43-0.23). Baseline K-D time and total errors improved with increasing participant age (p<0.001). Sex was also able to predict K-D time and errors (p<0.001). History of concussion was not able to predict K-D time (p=0.18) or errors (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the influence of risk factors such as sex and age on baseline K-D assessment. Associated risk factors at baseline further emphasize the need for individualized, multifaceted assessment for sport-related concussion diagnosis and management.

Sex differences in baseline neuropsychological function and concussion symptoms of collegiate athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sex differences in baseline neuropsychological function and concussion symptoms between male and female collegiate athletes. METHODS: A post-test only design was used to examine baseline neuropsychological test scores and concussion symptoms. A total of 1209 NCAA Division I collegiate athletes from five northeastern universities in the USA completed a baseline ImPACT test. ImPACT, a computerised neuropsychological test battery, was administered during an athlete's pre-season. RESULTS: Female athletes performed significantly better than male athletes on baseline verbal memory scores (p = 0.001), while male athletes performed significantly better than female athletes on baseline visual memory scores (p = 0.001). Female athletes endorsed a significant number of mild baseline symptoms as compared to male athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Male and female athletes exhibit differences on baseline neuropsychological test performance and concussion symptoms.

Improving athletes' perspectives of sport psychology consultation: a controlled evaluation of two interview methods.

Although investigations have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of sport psychology interventions, these methods have been underutilized by athletes. In this study, 124 athletes completed the athletes' Attitudes Toward Seeking Sport Psychology Consultation Questionnaire (ATSSPCQ) and were subsequently randomly assigned to receive one of the two semistructured interview formats. One interview focused on discussing the athlete's experiences in sports, and the other focused on delineating sport psychology and its potential benefits to the athlete. Upon being interviewed, athletes were readministered the ATSSPCQ. Discussing sport psychology and its personal benefits was more effective in enhancing athletes' perception of need for sport psychology than discussing sport experiences. However, neither interview format enhanced athletes' perceptions of openness to discuss personal issues with a sport psychology consultant and tolerance of stigma associated with sport psychology consultation. Indeed, participants who received the discussion of sports intervention reported a significant decrease in personal openness to discuss personal issues relevant to sports psychology from pre- to postintervention. Intervention effects were similar for male and female athletes. Study implications and future directions are discussed in light of these results.