Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Abstract

Reaction time is commonly used as an indicator of cognitive function post-concussion and is an important measurement in return-to-play protocols. Current post-concussion assessments lack evidence regarding their reliability and do not simulate real-world functional movement patterns and choice reactions that occur in sport performance. This study sought to establish the test-retest reliability of the FitLight Trainer™ a novel piece of equipment that can evaluate reaction time in a non-concussed, healthy population. Repeated measures. Twenty-six (14 males, 12 females) healthy individuals (age 20.5 ± 1.8 years, height 171.4 ± 7.5 cm, weight 71 ± 12.7 kg, hand dominance right-23, left-3) from Bowling Green State University participated. Choice reaction time was assessed at two separate time intervals (7 days apart). Subjects completed three trials each session. Subjects were asked to reach out and tap a series of 8 lights mounted to the wall as quickly as possible. The dependent variable was choice reaction time, and the independent variable was session (session 1, session 2). Good test-retest reliability was demonstrated for choice reaction time using the FitLight Trainer™ across the two testing sessions (ICC2,1 = .89, p= 0.000). Minimal detectable change (MDC) values were recorded for session 1 (79.9 ms) and session 2 (78.5 ms). The FitLight Trainer™ provides reliable measures of reaction time in a healthy population. Considering its ease of use, versatility and portability during testing procedures, the FitLight Trainer™ could be considered a practical standard for evaluating choice reaction times. Determining the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of the FitLight Trainer™ as a valid measure for testing reaction time in a healthy population was an important first step. Future studies should evaluate the test-retest reliability of the FitLight Trainer™ in pathological populations. Keywords: Reaction time, FitLight Trainer™, Concussion Assessment, Test-retest reliability

Advisor

Dr. Andrea Cripps

Second Reader

Dr. Jenny Toonstra

Semester

Spring

Year

2021

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Kinesiology

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