Persistent prolongation of simple reaction time in sports concussion

A baseline computerized cognitive assessment was completed by 483 military cadets before their initial school year. Fourteen cadets concussed during p hysical education boxing were retested <1 hour after injury and again on re turn to full activity 4 days later. Compared with baseline testing, postinj ury performance on simple reaction time and continuous performance tests wa s significantly slowed, even after cadets experienced resolution of physica l symptoms and were cleared to resume full activity. These findings may be relevant to current concussion management guidelines.