Neurocognitive Test Performance And Health Behavior Engagement In Young Adults With And Without Concussion History

Neurocognitive test (NCT) performance can be affected by concussion history and health behavior (HB) engagement. However, the joint relationship between concussion history, HB engagement, and NCT performance has yet to be explored. PURPOSE: 1) Compare NCT performance between concussion history groups; 2) Determine the relationship between HB engagement (physical activity [PA], sleep) and NCT performance; and 3) Examine potential interactions between concussion history and HB engagement. METHODS: Participants in this cross-sectional pilot study (n=57; 22.4±3.7 years old; 47 females) provided demographic and concussion history information via an online survey, then completed a computerized NCT (CNS Vital Signs; CNSVS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Thirteen individuals reported at least one prior concussion (1.9±1.0; range=1-4). Welch two-sample t-tests examined differences in valid standard scores between concussion history groups across each CNSVS domain. Pearson correlations examined the relationship between PA (total minutes/week), sleep quality (PSQI global score), and CNSVS scores. Linear regressions then explored a potential interaction between PA, sleep quality, and concussion history on the domains which differed between groups. RESULTS: Individuals with a concussion history scored significantly lower on the Psychomotor Speed, (t(26.5)=2.6, p=.017), Processing Speed (t(31.1)=2.1, p=.045), and Motor Speed (t(23.6)=2.2, p=.035) domains than those without. Neither PA nor sleep quality correlated with CNSVS scores (rs≤.25, ps≥.06). Regressions indicated no interactions between PA or sleep and concussion history (interaction term ps≥.28). CONCLUSIONS: Previously concussed individuals performed worse on average than those without a concussion history across three NCT domains. HB engagement (PA, sleep) did not relate to any CNSVS scores, nor did it interact with concussion history. Given the established relationship between HBs and cognitive function, coupled with an increase in active concussion rehabilitation paradigms, future work should examine the role of HBs in NCT performance for acutely concussed individuals and those experiencing persisting post-concussion symptoms.