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Immediate%20Post-Concussion%20Assessment%20and%20Cognitive%20Testing%20(imPACT)
Availability
Please visit this website for more information about the instrument: Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing
Classification
NeuroRehab Sport-Related Concussion (SRC) Core
 
Core: Sport-Related Concussion (SRC)
 
Core: One of the Core Neuropsychological Function cognitive measures should be collected: Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT), CNS Vital Signs, or Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). Please note that these could be replaced by a pen or paper battery under the direction of a neuropsychologist.
 
Core: One of Core Symptoms Checklists should be collected: Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT), Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (Child-SCAT), Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Post Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI), Post Concussion Symptoms Scale (PCS-S), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-3) or (SCAT-5), Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), or Rivermead Post-Concussive Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ)
 
Supplemental: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
 
Short Description of Instrument
Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is a computerized neuropsychological battery used to make return to play decisions in cases of sports concussion. It includes six test modules that measure verbal and visual memory, reaction time, processing speed, and impulse control: Word Memory, Design Memory, X's and O's, Symbol Match, Color Match, and Three Letters. Baseline and post-concussion testing can be performed to help evaluate when an athlete has recovered from a concussion.
 
The ImPACT is computerized and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. It can be administered by an athletic trainer, doctor or psychologist, or school nurse who has completed training in ImPACT test administration.
 
Sport-Related Concussion Specific:
 
Advantages: The most broadly researched and implemented computer based assessment of neurocognitive function at all levels of sport.  Available in multiple languages Computerized neurocognitive test battery that includes six subtests- 1) word memory, 2) design memory, 3) X's and O's, 4) symbol match,5 ) color match, and 6) three letters- that comprise four composite scores: 1) verbal memory, 2) visual memory, 3) visuo-motor processing speed, and 4 reaction time. Test has built in validity indicators (i.e., impulse control score). Test is commonly used in sport concussion and normative data are available. Includes a comprehensive demograpohic, injury information sections. The Post-concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS)- a 22-item symptom report- is embedded in the ImPACT test. The ImPACT test has most empirical support and research.
 
Limitations: Test reliability, sensitivity and specificity have been questioned; should be interpreted by a neuropsychologist. It has known practice effects for motor processing speed composite score. Test is lengthy- ~20-30 min. Requires a professional with specific ImPACT training to administer and interpret test findings. Ideally requires a baseline score for best interpretation of post-injury findings.
Sub-population: Adolscent to Adult, but newer Pediatric ImPACT now available to measure in children as young as 5 years.
 
Age Range: 10+
 
Advantages: Limitations: Age Range: Children, Adolescents, Adults-11+
Scoring
Scaled scores (M=10, SD=3), index scores (M=100, SD=15), T-scores (M=50, SD=10), and percentile ranks are available for composite scores (Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Reaction Time, Processing Speed, and Impulse Control) and a Postconcussion Scale Total Score.
References
Iverson GL, Lovell MR, Collins MW. Validity of ImPACT for measuring processing speed following sports-related concussion. J Clin Exper Neuropsychol. 2005;27(6):683-699.
 
Lau BC, Collins MW, Lovell MR. Sensitivity and specificity of subacute computerized neurocognitive testing and symptom evaluation in predicting outcomes after sports-related concussion. Am J Sports Med. 2011;39(6):1209-1216.
 
Maroon JC, Lovell MR, Norwig J, Podell K, Powell JW, Hartl R. Cerebral concussion in athletes: evaluation and neuropsychological testing. Neurosurgery. 2000;47:659-672.
 
Womble MN, Reynolds E, Schatz P, Shah KM, Kontos AP. Test-Retest Reliability of Computerized Neurocognitive Testing in Youth Ice Hockey Players. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2016;31(4):305-312.
 
Document last updated January 2022