The document summarizes a study that investigated the relationship between concussion history and recovery of neurocognitive functions in collegiate athletes. The study found that athletes with 5 or more prior concussions took around twice as long to recover on neurocognitive tests compared to those with 1-4 previous concussions. Specifically, recovery of verbal memory, processing speed, and post-injury symptoms took approximately two weeks longer for athletes with 5 or more past concussions. The standard 7-10 day recovery period may not be sufficient for individuals with a history of multiple prior concussions.

1. orthosurg.ucsf.edu/patient-care/divisions/concussion-brain-injury-program
Prior Concussion Injuries May Influence
Neurocognitive Recovery Time in Collegiate Athletes
Jimmy Garcia and Justus D. Ortega, PhD
Department of Kinesiology, Humboldt State University

2. Introduction
• An estimated 1.6-3.8 million mild traumatic brain injuries
(mTBI) occur each year in the U.S. as a result of sports-related
participation [1].
• Magnitude and duration of impaired brain and motor control
functions from a concussive injury are not fully understood.
espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8297794/neuropsychological-testing-concussions-not-panacea
1. Langlois et al. J. Head Trauma Rehabil 2006:21(5) 375-378

3. Introduction
• Research suggests symptoms of a concussion resolve within
7-10 days post injury for a majority of athletes, allowing for a
return to play [2].
• Recovery time is dependent on multiple individual factors,
including history of prior concussions [3].
www.buzzle.com/articles/what-do-constant-headaches-mean.html
2. McCrea M et al. Int Neurospsychol Soc. 2005:11(1) 58-69
3. Collins M et al. Neurosurgery 2006:58 275-286

4. Purpose of the Study
To investigate the relationship between
concussion history and recovery of
neurocognitive functions in post-concussive
collegiate athletes.
www.healthtap.com/user_questions/921822-how-to-lose-weight-an-get-back-into-shape-after-a-concussion

5. Hypothesis
The time needed for recovery of
neurocognitive functions following a
concussion increases in direct
proportion to number of prior
concussions.

6. Methodology
Athletes take ImPACT
computerized test

7. Test Modules Neurocognitive Domains Tested
Word Memory Verbal Memory
Design Memory Visual Memory
X's and O's Visual Memory, Processing Speed, and Reaction Time
Symbol Match Verbal Memory and Reaction Time
Color Match Reaction Time
Three Letter Memory (Trigrams) Verbal Memory and Processing Speed
Each ImPACT test module was designed to test specific neurocognitive domains.

8. Methodology
Acquire ImPACT preseason
Athlete experiences a
concussion during play
Athlete takes ImPACT
test during
concussion recovery
N = 94
Females: 53, Males: 41
(age 20 ± 2 years)
(baseline) score
Athletes take ImPACT
computerized test

9. Measures
Recovery Time:
Defined as the time from initial injury
until ALL neurocognitive domain scores
returned to baseline levels.

10. Subjects with 5+ prior concussions took
twice as long to recover.
1 2 3 4 5+
Number of Prior Concussions
Recovery Time (in Days)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
*
P = 0.002

11. Recovery of verbal memory, processing speed,
and post-injury symptoms are longer for subjects
with 5+ prior concussions.
Recovery Time
Neurocognitive
Domain
# Prior
Concussions
Mean
(in days)
SEM
(in days)
Difference
(p-value)
Verbal memory
1 to 4 6 1
5+ 14 4
Visual memory
1 to 4 6 1
0.005
0.586
5+ 7 3
Processing Speed
1 to 4 6 1
5+ 13 5
Reaction Time
1 to 4 7 1
0.030
0.726
5+ 6 2
Post-Injury
Symptoms
1 to 4 7 1
5+ 16 5
0.030
0.008
0.008

12. • Only 42% of subjects with 1-4 prior concussions recovered
0 10 20 30 40 50
Days of Recovery
% of Athletes Recovered
100
80
60
40
20
0
42%
1 - 4 prior concussions
5+ prior concussions
within 10 days.
• No subjects with 5+ prior concussion recovered within 10 days

13. Conclusions
• Recovery time increases by approx. 2 weeks in
athletes with 5+ concussions.
• Verbal memory, processing speed and symptoms
take twice as long to recover in athletes with 5 or
more prior concussions.
• Only 42% of people with 1-4 prior concussions
recover within 10 days.
• Standard 7-10 day recovery time period may be
insufficient for individuals with history of prior
concussions.

14. Acknowledgments
• Elizabeth Larson, M.S.
Coordinator of the North Coast Concussion Program
• Members of HSU’s Biomechanics Laboratory
• Funding for this project was provided by the
Undergraduate Research and Mentoring Program (URM)