Méta-analyse sur les effets cognitifs à long terme des commotions cérébrales chez des athlètes adultes
Background: Research suggests that athletes with a history of concussion (HOC) may present long-term cognitive impairments in processing speed, attention, executive functions (EFs), and episodic memory. However, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the presence of these persisting impairments. Methods: This study undertook a literature search of seven databases for studies investigating the long-term impact of concussions in college-aged (18–35 years) athletes with a HOC, compared to a control group without a HOC, using neuropsychological measures. The assessment had to be completed at least two months after the last sport-related concussion. Results: We conducted a meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). The results support the observation that relative to the control group without HOC, those with HOC are associated with statistically significant, small to medium effect-sized impairment in visual learning memory (Hedge’s g = - 0.44, p = 0.02). Moreover, although not significant, small effect sizes were also found in focal selective attention and EFs strategy generation and regulation. Neuropsychological measures did not detect differences between the groups on the other cognitive domains studied. Conclusion: It is important to bear in mind that most individuals who sustain sports concussion experience a relatively quick recovery from their injury. Nevertheless, we cannot reject the possibility of long-term cognitive impairment for a minority of athletes with HOC. Thus, this meta-analysis highlights some methodological limitations of the concussion  iv literature, and as such, directs future research to better understand potential long-term cognitive impairments.
Sport-related concussion Cognitive impairments Long-term Athletes Clinical neuropsychology Meta-analysis