Examination of the construct validity of impact™ computerized test, traditional, and experimental neuropsychological measures

A. Maerlender, L. Flashman, A. Kessler, S. Kumbhani, R. Greenwald, T. Tosteson, T. McAllister

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although computerized neuropsychological screening is becoming a standard for sports concussion identification and management, convergent validity studies are limited. Such studies are important for several reasons: reference to established measures is needed to establish validity; examination of the computerized battery relative to a more traditional comprehensive battery will help understand the strengths and limitations of the computer battery; and such an examination will help inform the output of the computerized battery. We compared scores on the ImPACT™ battery to a comprehensive battery of traditional neuropsychological measures and several experimental measures used in the assessment of sports-related concussion in 54 healthy male athletes. Convergent validity was demonstrated for four of the five ImPACT™ domain scores. Two cognitive domains often compromised as a result of mild TBI were not directly identified by the ImPACT™ battery: sustained attention and auditory working memory. Affective symptoms correlated with performance on measures of attention and working memory. In this healthy sample the correlations between the domains covered by ImPACT™ and the neuropsychological battery supports ImPACT™ as a useful screening tool for assessing many of the cognitive factors related to mTBI. However, the data suggest other sources of data need to be considered when identifying and managing concussions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1309-1325
Number of pages17
JournalClinical Neuropsychologist
Volume24
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Computerized neuropsychological testing
  • Construct validity
  • ImPACT™
  • Mild TBI
  • Sports concussion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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