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The Effects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on the Association between Repetitive Head Impacts and Post-Season Concussion Symptoms

Lynch, James D
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1595846550319503

Abstract Details

2020, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Psychology.
Though research highlights the importance of examining ADHD and repetitive head impacts as they relate to concussion symptoms, historically these variables have been assessed independently of one another. However, there is increasing evidence that ADHD and head impacts should be examined in conjunction. We hypothesized that increased repetitive head impact exposure over the course of an athletic season would result in increased post-season concussion symptoms, and that increased ADHD symptom severity would strengthen this association. Study participants included 447 athletes aged 13-19 years old who participated on a high school boys’ football or girls’ soccer team (football = 276, soccer = 171) over the course of a single athletic season. ADHD symptoms were assessed at pre-season using parent-reported Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior (SWAN) ratings. Concussion symptoms were assessed using athlete- and parent-reported ratings on a modified Post Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) at pre- and post-season. Head impacts were measured using an accelerometer worn behind the left ear by athletes during all head impact exposure (practices and games). Mixed-model analyses were used to examine the moderating effects of ADHD symptom severity on the association between repetitive head impacts (>90g) and post-season PCSI symptom ratings, controlling for pre-season PCSI ratings. In football and soccer players, neither repetitive head impacts, nor ADHD symptoms, were associated with increased post-season athlete- or parent-reported PCSI ratings, with the exception that increased ADHD inattentive symptoms were associated with increased parent-reported PCSI Cognitive factor scores at post-season. ADHD symptoms did not moderate associations between repetitive head impacts and any post-season PCSI factor score. These results indicate that broadly, ADHD symptoms do not appear to exacerbate the effects of repetitive head impacts after a single season of exposure, but that cognitive concussion symptoms may be particularly susceptible to the influences of premorbid inattention difficulties.
Jeffery Epstein, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Quintino Mano, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Shari Wade, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
46 p.
Psychology
ADHD; head impacts; sports; attention; post-concussion symptoms; adolescents

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lynch, J. D. (2020). The Effects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on the Association between Repetitive Head Impacts and Post-Season Concussion Symptoms [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1595846550319503

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lynch, James. The Effects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on the Association between Repetitive Head Impacts and Post-Season Concussion Symptoms. 2020. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1595846550319503.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lynch, James. "The Effects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on the Association between Repetitive Head Impacts and Post-Season Concussion Symptoms." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1595846550319503

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1595846550319503
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.