Measurement of Symptoms Following Sports-Related Concussion: Reliability and Normative Data for the Post-Concussion Scale

TLDR

Evaluating self‑reported symptoms in athletes with suspected concussions is essential. This study examines the psychometric and clinical properties of the Post‑Concussion Scale. Normative and psychometric data were collected from 1,391 young men, 355 young women, and 260 concussed athletes across high school and collegiate levels, with a subsample of 52 athletes followed three times post‑injury to illustrate symptom trajectories. The study offers general guidelines for clinical use of the Post‑Concussion Scale.

Abstract

It is important to carefully evaluate self-reported symptoms in athletes with known or suspected concussions. This article presents data on the psychometric and clinical properties of a commonly used concussion symptom inventory-the Post-Concussion Scale. Normative and psychometric data are presented for large samples of young men (N = 1,391) and young women (N = 355). In addition, data gathered from a concussed sample of athletes (N = 260) seen within 5 days of injury are presented. These groups represent samples of both high school and collegiate athletes. Data from a subsample of 52 concussed athletes seen 3 times post-injury are presented to illustrate symptom reporting patterns during the initial recovery period. General guidelines for the clinical use of the scale are provided.