University Athletes

Does Age Play a Role in Recovery from Sports-Related Concussion? A Comparison of High School and Collegiate Athletes

• Authors: Field, Collins, Lovell, Maroon
• Publication: Journal of Pediatrics
• Date: Feb 18, 2003

Abstract:
Objectives- Sports related concussion is common in children and adults. However age-related differences have never been studied. In this study we evaluate post-concussion recovery patterns between high school and college athletes. Study Design- 371 college and 183 high school athletes underwent baseline neuropsychological evaluation between 1997 and 2000. Individuals sustaining a concussion during athletic competition underwent serial neuropsychological evaluation following injury. Main outcome measures included structured interview, four memory measures, and Concussion Symptom Scale ratings. These were statistically evaluated using multiple analysis of variance analyses. Results- Concussed high school athletes demonstrated prolonged memory dysfunction compared to concussed college athletes. High school athletes performed significantly worse than agematched controls at 7 days post-injury (F=2.90; p<.005). College athletes, despite suffering more severe in-season concussions, displayed commensurate performance with matched control subjects by day 3 after concussion. Self-report of post-concussion symptoms by student athletes was not predictive of poor performance on neuropsychological testing. Conclusions- Caution and more systematic evaluation should be undertaken before returning concussed high school athletes to competition. Sole reliance on the self-report of the athlete may be inadequate. Current adult concussion guidelines may not provide the best standard for making return-to-play decisions in high school athletes.