Brief Report: The Effect of Environmental Distractions on Preseason SCAT6 Cognitive Performance

OBJECTIVE: – To assess the effect of environmental distractions on the cognitive subcomponents of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6).DESIGN: – Retrospective chart review.SETTING: – Baseline testing completed during preseason physical examinations (PPEs) in an athletic training room.PARTICIPANTS: – Ninety male youth ice hockey players (13-18 years).INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: – Noise, distractions, and observed participant attention recorded by the certified athletic trainer (AT).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: – Total cognitive score; subcomponent SCAT6 scores, including orientation, immediate memory, digits backwards, and the months backward scores; total concentration score; and delayed recall score.RESULTS: – The months in reverse order score was significantly associated with whether the testing environment was quiet, that is, louder environments were associated with greater time to complete the task (P = 0.040). The concentration score was significantly associated with whether the participant was observed to have paid attention (P = 0.005). The total cognitive score correlated significantly with whether the participant was observed to be paying attention, that is, lower scores were associated with lower reported attention (P = 0.017).CONCLUSIONS: – Preseason SCAT6 testing ideally should be administered in a quiet, distraction-free environment whenever possible.