Sleep Quality and Executive Function After Concussion
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
Introduction: Executive functioning aids skills like planning, multitasking, and reasoning. Strong executive function and good sleep are crucial for athletic preparation, both in and off-season. Athletes at all levels face rising concussion injuries, leading to poor sleep and reduced executive function. This study examines the link between sleep quality and executive function in those with concussion history.
Methods: NCAA Division I athletes underwent baseline concussion testing, evaluating sleep quality with a modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and assessing executive function with the Shifting Attention Test. They were grouped by self-reported sleep quality: Normal (0-4), Mild (5-7), Moderate/Severe (8-17), where higher scores indicate poorer sleep. A One-Way Between-Subjects Analysis of Variance compared executive function across groups.
Results: A total of 112 NCAA Division I athletes across 12 sports were included in this study. The mean scores for executive function for each sleep group are as follows: Normal (n=30) = 47.63+9.27, Mild (n=45) = 46.58+9.86, Moderate/Severe (n=37) = 48.70+9.09. No statistically significant differences were found in executive function performance between sleep quality groups, F(2, 109) = 0.51, p = 0.60.
Conclusion: Overall, this study revealed that for individuals with a history of concussion, sleep quality does not impact executive function. Despite this finding, research has demonstrated that sleep quality is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, particularly in athletic performance. We suggest future research include individuals with no history of concussion and evaluate sleep quality and executive functioning.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Thomas R. Campbell
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
trcampbe@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
School of Rehabilitation Sciences
College/School Affiliation
Ellmer College of Health Sciences
Student Level Group
Undergraduate
Presentation Type
Poster
Sleep Quality and Executive Function After Concussion
Introduction: Executive functioning aids skills like planning, multitasking, and reasoning. Strong executive function and good sleep are crucial for athletic preparation, both in and off-season. Athletes at all levels face rising concussion injuries, leading to poor sleep and reduced executive function. This study examines the link between sleep quality and executive function in those with concussion history.
Methods: NCAA Division I athletes underwent baseline concussion testing, evaluating sleep quality with a modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and assessing executive function with the Shifting Attention Test. They were grouped by self-reported sleep quality: Normal (0-4), Mild (5-7), Moderate/Severe (8-17), where higher scores indicate poorer sleep. A One-Way Between-Subjects Analysis of Variance compared executive function across groups.
Results: A total of 112 NCAA Division I athletes across 12 sports were included in this study. The mean scores for executive function for each sleep group are as follows: Normal (n=30) = 47.63+9.27, Mild (n=45) = 46.58+9.86, Moderate/Severe (n=37) = 48.70+9.09. No statistically significant differences were found in executive function performance between sleep quality groups, F(2, 109) = 0.51, p = 0.60.
Conclusion: Overall, this study revealed that for individuals with a history of concussion, sleep quality does not impact executive function. Despite this finding, research has demonstrated that sleep quality is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, particularly in athletic performance. We suggest future research include individuals with no history of concussion and evaluate sleep quality and executive functioning.