Measurement of symptoms following sports-related concussion: reliability and normative data for the post-concussion scale

Appl Neuropsychol. 2006;13(3):166-74. doi: 10.1207/s15324826an1303_4.

Abstract

It is important to carefully evaluate self-reported symptoms in athletes with known or suspected concussions. This article presents data on the psychometric and clinical properties of a commonly used concussion symptom inventory-the Post-Concussion Scale. Normative and psychometric data are presented for large samples of young men (N = 1,391) and young women (N = 355). In addition, data gathered from a concussed sample of athletes (N = 260) seen within 5 days of injury are presented. These groups represent samples of both high school and collegiate athletes. Data from a subsample of 52 concussed athletes seen 3 times post-injury are presented to illustrate symptom reporting patterns during the initial recovery period. General guidelines for the clinical use of the scale are provided.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Athletic Injuries / psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination / statistics & numerical data
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / psychology*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Factors