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.