Providing a clearer insight into how concussion and pain impact mental
health, cognition, and quality of life
Abstract
Much of the present literature suggests that sport-related concussion
(SRC) can lead to poor mental health, impaired cognition, and reduced
quality of life. However, physical pain has also been reported to have
the same influence on these three outcomes, and while SRC and pain often
accompany each other, it is surprising that little research assesses the
two simultaneously. Therefore, the present study aimed to further
investigate the relationship the two factors have on the three outcomes.
Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies,
anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory while the
SF-12 recorded quality of life. A trail-making test assessed cognitive
flexibility of participants. Data analysis of 84 participants (Concussed
45 vs. 39 Non-concussed) revealed that (i) SRC history was related to
reduced accuracy in the cognitive flexibility task but had no bearing on
mental health symptoms and quality of life scores, and (ii) physical
pain was not related to cognitive flexibility but was responsible for
poorer mental health and lower quality of life. This study, like no
other to our knowledge, highlights the different influence that SRC and
pain have on mental health, cognition, and quality of life. With the
knowledge that concussion appears to be more responsible for impaired
cognition whereas physical pain is associated with poorer mental health
and reduced quality of life, we are better placed to predict the outcome
of these events and support athletes that have sustained SRC, are
experiencing physical pain, or both.