Article Text
Abstract
Objective The SCAT5 introduced Immediate Memory (IM) and Delayed Recall (DR)10-word lists to improve the ceiling effects found on SCAT3 5-word lists. We examined whether the 10-word lists improved the normative distribution of scores over the 5-word lists at baseline among professional hockey players.
Design Retrospective Cohort.
Setting Outpatient professional hockey.
Participants English-language preference professional hockey players completed the SCAT3 5-word lists (n=1123) during pre-season in 2017 and SCAT5 10-word lists (n=1479) in 2019 for a total sample of 2602.
Independent Variables 5-word vs. 10-word SCAT lists.
Outcome Measures SCAT3 5-word IM and DR, SCAT5 10-word IM and DR scores.
Main Results SCAT3 5-word IM lists produced a significant total score ceiling effect (M=14.62, md=15). A perfect score of 15 was achieved by 809 players (72%) on the 5-word list. In contrast, the SCAT5 10-word IM lists total scores were normally distributed (M=21.30, md=21). Only 1 player (0.1%) obtained a perfect score. Older players outperformed younger players (rs =.19, p<.001). Differences were found across language groups, F(7,1863)=7.14, p<.001, and form versions of the lists, F(2,1868)=62.41, p<.001. The 5-word DR component yielded similar distributions (M= 3.89, md=4) with 39% of players obtaining perfect scores. The 10-word mean DR score=7.02 (md=7). Again, older players outperformed younger players (rs =.12, p< .001). No language differences emerged.
Conclusions The 10-word lists improved the distribution of scores on the SCAT5 IM/DR tasks, which should improve the detection of impaired performance following concussion. Significant differences were found in age, language preference and form.