Exploring changes in processing speed and intraindividual variability in youth following sports-related concussion

BackgroundConcussion represents a growing concern in sports participation for adults and youth alike. Studies exploring the neurocognitive sequelae of concussion, such as speed of processing typically compare mean reaction time scores to a control group. Intraindividual variability measures the consistency of reaction times between trials and has been previously explored in adults post-concussion. Some adult studies show increased variability following injury. Developmentally youth show higher intraindividual variability than adults, which may put them at higher risk of increased intraindividual variability change post-concussion. Exploring intraindividual variability may provide additional insight into fluctuating performance reported following injury. Despite preliminary findings of slowed reaction time in youth, a pre-/post-concussion comparison of intraindividual variability of reaction time has not been explored.ObjectiveTo describe and compare pre- and post-concussion measures of processing speed an...