WHAT IS IMPACT TESTING?

ImPact testing is a computerized program that evaluates and documents multiple aspects of Neurocognitive functioning. It will test the areas of verbal memory, visual memory, processing/visual motor speed, reaction time and impulse control. The test will be done in a computer lab and is not invasive. It takes about an hour to do. 

Athletes will have to fill out a brief history, know their birthday, approximate height and weight, if they are right or left handed and their school id number.  Click here for the Impact Baseline Worksheet Demographic and Background Info

By following this testing protocol we join a growing number of high schools, colleges and professional teams in New Jersey that are also doing this testing on their athletes.

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO TAKE THIS TEST?

You will need to take this test this year (Sept 2008) for all NHHS athletes and intramural athletes.  After this year, incoming freshman will need to take the test as well as any transfers or new students. Freshman in 2008 will need to re-test before the beginning of their junior year (2010). You will also need to test if you suffer a concussion during the year and also may need to test more than once in the concussed time frame. A time schedule will be developed by the athletic training department.

WHAT IF I HAVE ALREADY HAD A CONCUSSION, WILL IT AFFECT MY TEST SCORES?

No, the score you get will be the baseline we use for all future tests.

WHY DO WE HAVE TO TAKE THE TEST BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS?

We need baseline test scores on all of our athletes before their seasons start to be able to use this test correctly. The longer you practice and play the greater your chances of sustaining a concussion are and altering your baseline score.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH ALL OF THIS DATA?

The test scores are confidential and are not for comparison. Should your child suffer a concussion we re-administer the test as soon as possible after the concussion to see what is going on with their cognitive skills.  The pre and post concussive scores are looked at and we also look at what areas the athlete’s deficient in. We also re-administer the test when the athlete is ready to return to play. The pre and ready to return scores must be very similar to return to play. The scores help us to track their recovery and to make sure they are absolutely ready to return to play before they go back on the field.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

Concussion is a group of symptoms that includes dazed appearance, headache, nausea, balance problems, double vision, photosensitivity, feeling sluggish, feeling foggy, change in sleep pattern, cognitive changes, confused about play, moves clumsily, answers questions slowly, personality or behavior change, forgets plays after hit, loss of consciousness.

Source: ImPact