Study Reveals Impact of Concussions on Athlete Reaction Times

Research published in the journal Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology highlights the significant impact of sports-related concussions on athletes’ reaction times. The study, led by Dr. Susan Mingils from CU Anschutz, reveals that even mild traumatic brain injuries can impair cognitive functions crucial for performance and safety in sports.

Concussions occur when rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull leads to injury, often resulting from impacts during athletic activities. According to Dr. Mingils, “You can think of concussions as a software problem more than a hardware problem.” This perspective emphasizes the alterations in brain function and information processing rather than visible structural damage often seen in more severe brain injuries.

Understanding Concussion Diagnosis and Its Impacts

Concussions are diagnosed primarily through observable symptoms that can appear within minutes to hours following an injury. Severity is evaluated using various scales, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, and tools like the Concussion Recognition Tool help non-medical personnel identify and manage potential concussions effectively.

The study notes that younger athletes are particularly vulnerable to concussions due to ongoing brain development. Their unique physiology responds differently to injuries, and the time missed from school or sports can adversely affect their mental and physical well-being. Dr. Mingils underscores the need for research focused specifically on this demographic to create tailored recovery strategies.

The Complexity of Concussion Research

One major challenge in studying sports-related concussions is the nonspecific nature of many symptoms. Athletes often face pressure to perform, leading to the underreporting of concussion symptoms. This complicates the research landscape, as scientists strive to understand the range of symptoms and their varying severities.

The study utilized the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics to evaluate cognitive skills, including reaction time. This flexible testing can be conducted on tablets, making it easily accessible in athletic environments. Reaction time is crucial for athletes, as even minor delays can lead to critical errors on the field or increased injury risk.

The research found that reaction times typically return to baseline within two to four weeks post-concussion, although results can vary significantly between individuals. Establishing a baseline through preseason testing is essential for accurate recovery assessments.

Findings on Reaction Times and Sex Differences

The study examined high school athletes with varying concussion histories. Athletes who had experienced multiple concussions displayed a noticeable decline in their ability to maintain performance over time compared to those with no or only one concussion. This suggests that repeated injuries can have cumulative effects on cognitive functions such as reaction time.

Additionally, the research explored sex differences in concussion effects. It indicated that female athletes with a concussion history showed increased inhibition, potentially leading to a fear of re-injury. Conversely, male athletes with similar histories tended to take more risks. These findings suggest that recovery dynamics may differ significantly between sexes, with female athletes reporting longer recovery times after concussions than their male counterparts.

Dr. Mingils emphasizes the importance of educating parents and coaches about concussions. She recommends resources like HEADS UP training to improve awareness and understanding of concussion management.

By fostering collaboration between researchers, athletes, trainers, and coaches, there is potential for improved outcomes in concussion management and recovery practices. As research continues to evolve, a comprehensive understanding of concussions will be vital in safeguarding the health of young athletes.

For further insights, refer to the study by Erika K. Osherow et al, titled “The Effect of Youth Concussion History on Preseason Reaction Time Performance on a Computerized Neuropsychological Test Battery,” published in 2025.