Network Analysis of Concussion Symptoms in Collegiate Athletes
Abstract
Concussions are a common brain injury, affecting millions of Americans each year, including military members and athletes. Following a concussion, athletes frequently experience a wide range of consequences including various changes in neurocognitive function and psychological symptoms. As a result, the recovery process varies widely from patient to patient with some patients recovering and returning to normal activity within 5 days while other patients experience symptoms for months. A patients status is determined using multiple variables measured through testing, including changes in neurocognitive function measured using the ImPACT test and changes in psychological symptoms measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18. This research develops a network model that examines the relationships among these variables over time so that we can analyze how these variables are interrelated, mutually reinforcing, and amplifying in an effort to better understand the concussion recovery process. The NCAA-DOD Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium comprehensively collects concussion test results from college athletes and service academy cadets at 30 participating institutions. These tests include baseline assessments, assessments within 48 hours of an injury, and upon reaching asymptomatic. Using the CARE dataset, we develop a network that depicts the relationships between multiple variables at individuals timepoints and the evolution of each variable over time following an injury. The model demonstrates that there are significant interactions between psychological symptoms and neurocognitive functions as a result of a concussion that were not present prior to the concussion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1171892
Entities
People
- Caroline G. Turner
Organizations
- United States Naval Academy