Tired of Concussions? Testing Causes Fatigue

Researchers at Penn State are studying the relationship between concussion tests and fatigue. The concern, according to researchers, is that concussion tests themselves, which can last up to two hours, can cause mental fatigue that is mistaken for a symptom of concussion.

Using a group of healthy and athletic subjects, the researchers first determined an initial baseline for fatigue. They then administered the Stroop Neuropsychological Screening Test, which can be used to measure cognitive processing. After completing the test, researchers again measured the participants' levels of fatigue.

Semyon Slobnouv, professor of kinesiology and head of the study, hopes to apply the research by testing athletes, specifically those in high contact sports, at the beginning of their season to establish a baseline for fatigue. That baseline can later be used during concussion testing to determine whether fatigue is a symptom of concussion.

Also: Not content with the public health policies offered by the NHL, a Canadian concussion specialist has collaborated with various research institutions to launch an online resource to encourage parents of children who play contact sports to educate themselves on concussions. The Sport Concussion Library includes a collection of articles, book chapters, research, legislation, video, tests and assessments. Updated monthly, the site offers resources for parents, athletes, coaches, schools, researchers and medical professionals.