The study's main research question will be investigating whether or not there is a significant difference in Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) as well as startle response probability and magnitude between contact and noncontact youth sports players. The study team will test these questions using a controlled laboratory scenario in which the presentation of startle stimuli can be observed, measured, and quantified in order to compare the results between the two sample populations. During preliminary testing, the study team can predict that there will be no significant differences between contact sports players and noncontact sports players in their startle reactivity and level of exhibited PPI. Based on previous literature, the study team hypothesizes that those in the contact sports group will experience greater startle reactivity and less PPI than those in the noncontact sports group when they are tested at the end of their sports season. Using this information, the present study will allow for additional understanding of the neurological and physiological behaviors associated with subconcussive head impacts. This study will assess and determine whether prepulse inhibition in youth contact sports players and non-contact sports players, both before and after a sports season, will significantly differ. Measures will include the startle magnitude, startle probability, reaction time, and accuracy of tone detection responses.
Age range
13 Years – 19 Years
Sex
ALL
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Startle Magnitute
Timeframe: baseline
Startle Magnitute
Timeframe: startle test up to 1 hr from baseline
Startle Probability
Timeframe: baseline
Startle Probability
Timeframe: startle test up to 1 hr from baseline
Percentage of Prepulse Inhibition
Timeframe: baseline test
Percentage of Prepulse Inhibition
Timeframe: startle test up to 1 hr from baseline