Retrospective analysis of contact sport participation on cognitive function in healthy athletes

This study explored the effects of contact and limited contact sport participation on neurocognitive function in non-concussed collegiate and adolescent athletes over time. Athletes participating in contact and limited contact sports have an increased risk of sustaining neurocognitive injuries, known as subconcussive blows, compared to non-contact sport athletes. We hypothesized that athletes participating in contact and limited contact sports, would exhibit a deficit in neurocognitive function following multiple seasons of play when compared to athletes participating in non-contact sports. Using a mixed repeated measures MANOVA statistical design, we analyzed computerized neurocognitive baseline ImPACT composite scores (verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor processing speed, reaction time, and total symptoms scores) over a four-year period in contact sport athletes (n=1791), limited contact sport athletes (n=364) and non-contact sport athletes (n=116). Over a four-year period, contact and limited contact sport athletes did not significantly differ in overall neurocognitive function compared to non-contact sport athletes over time (p = .0894). However, athletes participating in contact sports and limited contact sports exhibit slower visual motor processing speed and reaction time compared to non-contact sport athletes. Although subconcussive blows may lead to more long-term impairment of brain function, the effect of contact sport participation on brain function is less evident over a shorter three to four-year period