What Is Impact Testing for High School Sports

• ACPS hold the interest of our student-athletes with the highest regard.  The school system has adopted the ImPACT Concussion Management Model for ALL high school athletics.

  
  

  Key Features of the ImPACT Test are:

  • Measures player symptoms
  • Measures verbal and visual memory, processing speed and reaction time
  • Reaction time measured to a 1/100th of second
  • Assists clinicians and athletic trainers in making difficult return-to-play decisions
  • Provides reliable baseline test information
  • Produces a comprehensive report of test results
  • Results are presented as a PDF file and can be emailed
  • Automatically stores data from repeat testing
  • Testing is administered online for individuals or groups
  • Compatible with PC and MAC

  The test modules consist of a near infinite number of alternate forms by randomly varying the stimulus array for each administration. This feature was built in to the program to minimize the "practice effects" that have limited the usefulness of more traditional neurocognitive tests.

  The program measures multiple aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including:

  • Attention span
  • Working memory
  • Sustained and selective attention time
  • Response variability
  • Non-verbal problem solving
  • Reaction time

  ImPACT uses the 5-Step Concussion Management Model that assists in making return to play decisions that are safe for the athlete and limits the likelihood of long-term injury.

  

  STEP 1 - Pre-Season Baseline Testing & Education

  • Educate athletes, parents, coaches, and teachers on concussions.
  • Take an ImPACT Training Webinar or Video on Demand course, or attend a Workshop to learn about baseline test administration.
  • Have a concussion management protocol on-hand and a ready team of key professionals prepared to treat an athlete. Roles and duties should be established for athletic trainer, concussion specialist (MD/DO/PhD), and rehabilitation.
  • Have parents sign high school permission slip.
  • Schedule supervised baselines in school's computer lab.
  • Test Administrator confirms all baselines are valid. If invalid, retest athlete.

  STEP 2 - Concussion is Suspected

  • Conduct sideline assessment.
  • ImPACT mobile apps, such as Sideline or PCSI may be utilized in this step.
  • If concussion is suspected, immediately remove from play/activity.
  • Athletic trainer sets up referral for concussion specialist (MD/DO/PhD).
  • Conduct vestibular screening.
  • At the discretion of trained medical personnel, conduct brain imaging through MRI, CT scan or a Near-Infrared device such as an infra scanner.

  STEP 3 - Post-Injury Testing & Treatment Plan

  • Athlete to take supervised post-injury test 24-72 hours after injury.
  • Athletic trainer continues to coordinate ongoing care with concussion specialist (MD/DO/PhD).
  • Team coordinates care between athlete, parent, MD/DO/PhD, athletic trainers, teachers, and coaches.
  • Does the athlete need additional and more extensive neuropsychological testing? If so, refer to Neuropsychologist.
  • Does the athlete need vestibular/physical therapy? If so, refer to Physical Therapist.

  STEP 4 - Is Athlete Ready for Non-Contact Activity?

  Criteria:
  A. Symptom free at rest and with cognitive exertion.
  B. Post-injury test within normal range of baseline.
  C. Normal vestibular evaluation.

  • If A, B, C are not met, return to Step 3.
  • If A, B, C are met, obtain written clearance for progression to activity by supervising professional that has specific training in concussion management.
  • Implement stepwise return-to-play progression, beginning with light non-contact activity progressing to full non-contact exertion, with approval of a trained medical professional.

  STEP 5 - Determining Safe Return-to-Play

  • Return-to-play decisions should always be made by a concussion specialist (MD/DO/PhD).
  • No recurring symptoms at rest or following physical or cognitive exertion.
  • ImPACT test scores back to baseline.
  • Athlete's final ImPACT score is set as their new baseline.

What Is Impact Testing for High School Sports

Source: https://www.acpsmd.org/page/748

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