Component structure of the CNS vital signs computerized cognitive battery in adults with traumatic brain injury: A preliminary investigation of predictors of cognitive performance

Adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have an increased risk for cognitive impairment. This study preliminarily examined the component structure of the CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS) computerized cognitive battery in adults with TBI and evaluated associations between cognitive reserve (CR) proxies (premorbid IQ, education and leisure cognitive activities), time since injury and injury severity with cognitive outcomes. Participants included 49 adults (M = 44.90, SD = 12.81; mild n = 16, moderate n = 5, severe n = 28) recruited from New York City metropolitan area. Nine CNSVS domain standard scores were entered into principal component analysis (PCA) with direct oblimin rotation after excluding redundant composites, followed by simultaneous multiple regressions predicting component scores. PCA revealed a two-component solution accounting for 69.78% of variance: memory and cognitive processing (verbal memory, visual memory, executive function, complex attention, reaction time, processing speed) and executive/attentional control (working memory, reasoning, sustained attention). For memory and cognitive processing, the regression model was significant, with higher premorbid IQ and less severe TBI predicting better performance. For executive/attentional control, the regression model was nonsignificant. Findings suggest a preliminary two-component CNSVS structure in adults with TBI, differing from pediatric samples and requiring replication. CR (i.e., premorbid IQ) and injury severity exclusively predicted memory and cognitive processing performance, highlighting CR’s neuroprotective role following TBI.