How long after maximal physical exertion should baseline computerized neurocognitive testing and symptom assessment be administered?

Objective

Prior research suggests maximal physical exertion (MPE) may negatively affect the reliability and validity of computerized neurocognitive testing (CNT); the purpose of this study was to identify aclinically relevant recovery interval following MPE for the administration of baseline CNT.

Design

Random-crossover.

Participants

Thirty (M = 21.87 ± 2.29 y), moderately-active,healthy participants, without history of ADHD, learning disabilities, psychological disorders or concussion (within the last six months).Intervention: Participants completed four randomly ordered experimental trials. Except for the control trial, CNT was administered following MPE with assigned recovery intervals [Immediate, 10-minutes,or 20-minutes]. Aseries of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were performed on CNT composite and total symptom scores.

Results

Total symptom scores were significantly greater (p < .01) at the immediate, 10-minute,and 20-minuterecovery intervals compared to the control trial. Processing speed was significantly faster at the 20-minuterecovery interval compared to the control trials. Visual memory, verbal memory, or reaction time did not differ across recovery intervals.

Conclusions

Clinicians should wait more than 20 minutes before assessing baseline concussion symptoms following about of MPE.