A new study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that administering baseline neurocognitive testing to athletes in a group setting could create errors and negatively affect test performance.
Researchers examined high school athletes during preseason baseline neurocognitive tests in groups at their school or individually in a private neuropsychological clinic. All athletes received the ImPACT test.
Athletes tested in the group setting scored significantly lower on verbal memory, visual memory, motor processing speed and reaction time. The athletes in the group setting also had a greater rate of invalid baselines.
Related Articles on Sports Medicine:
Study: Hamstring Autograft Most Cost-Effective for ACL Reconstruction
Hip Surgeons Debate Efficacy of Hip Impingement Surgery
12 Orthopedic Surgeries for Professional Athletes
Athletes tested in the group setting scored significantly lower on verbal memory, visual memory, motor processing speed and reaction time. The athletes in the group setting also had a greater rate of invalid baselines.
Related Articles on Sports Medicine:
Study: Hamstring Autograft Most Cost-Effective for ACL Reconstruction
Hip Surgeons Debate Efficacy of Hip Impingement Surgery
12 Orthopedic Surgeries for Professional Athletes