Neuroimaging dual task performance in youth after sports-related concussion: an fMRI study Journal Articles uri icon

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abstract

  • ObjectiveTo identify the neural substrates of a dual-task paradigm and evaluate performance in concussed versus non-concussed youth 3–6 months post-injury.DesignStandard structural (T1, T2, FLAIR, DTI) and functional (single-shot T2*-weighted pulse sequence with in-out spiral readout images) were collected using a 3 Tesla imaging system. fMRIstat was used to analyse the data.SettingMale participants 9–15 years of age were recruited from The Greater Toronto Hockey League and The Hospital for Sick Children via poster advertising.Subjects13 concussed youth (mean age=12.61+1.55 years) and 14 control subjects (mean age 12.59±1.55 years).InterventionNone.Outcome MeasuresAccuracy (ACC) and reaction time (RT) during (1) a 0–3 back visuospatial working memory task; (2) a two finger button pressing motor task and (3) dual-task cost associated with simultaneously performing the working memory and motor tasks.ResultsThere were no significant group differences across single and dual-task conditions. Although both groups activated similar brain regions across tasks, concussed youth demonstrated significantly less percent BOLD change in the prefrontal cortex across all working memory task comparisons. Similar results were found during the 1 vs 0 back and 2 vs 0 back dual task conditions, but not for the 3 vs 0 back dual task condition.ConclusionsDifferences in brain function can be observed in youth who have sustained a single injury 3–6 months earlier. Further research is needed to identify the clinical correlates of these atypical activation patterns.AcknowledgementsCanadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) and Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF).Competing interestsNone.

authors

  • Keightley, Michelle L
  • Sinopoli, Katia
  • Wells, Greg
  • Chen, Jen-Kai
  • Taha, Tim
  • Ptito, Alain

publication date

  • April 2013