Predicting clinical concussion measures at baseline and re-test based on academic profile and motivation

Purpose: To determine if motivation, unweighted high school grade point average (hsGPA), and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) score can predict neurocognitive and postural control performance at baseline and re-test. Participants: 165 incoming student-athletes. Methods: Participants completed a computerized neurocognitive test, a balance test, and a measure of test-taking motivation at baseline and re-test. Statistical Analyses: Twenty-four separate multivariate regression models were used with SAT, hsGPA, and motivation as predictors for baseline and re-test neurocognitive and postural control performance. Results: The model explained a small amount of the variance for the baseline psychomotor speed and complex attention domains and postural control outcomes. Conclusion: Baseline motivation index, SAT and hsGPA do not predict a majority of the clinical concussion measures at baseline and/or re-test but should be considered when assessing the validity of baseline scores