| ASSESSMENT Medical and coaching staff, along with neuropsychologists utilize neuropsychological testing in high school football to monitor recovery of brain injury. In addition, these neuropsychological evaluations benefit athletes by returning them to play faster and not keeping them sidelined for longer than needed. |
| PROCEDURES Participants complete a computerized neuropsychological testing program at pre- and post-season. Pre-season testing enables physicians, neuropsychologists, and/or coaches to better understand the player’s cognitive abilities prior to brain injury, which is subsequently used to aid in return to play decisions following a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). POST-INJURY If a player sustains a concussion or brain injury during the football season, additional neuropsychological testing is performed to evaluate severity of injury and to assist with return to play. NOTE Researchers are utilizing testing results for research purposes only. Each player’s participation is voluntary. Any publications or presentations as result of this study will not use any names or any identifying information. |
| INCIDENCE An estimated 250,000 head injuries occur each year in high school football sports. Approximately 354 million head impacts occur per season in high school football sports. An estimated 5.8% of high school athletes experience a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury each season. The National Athletic Trainer Association (NATA) found that of all high school sports, football had the highest rate of mild traumatic head injury, accounting for 63% of the annual cases. Post-concussion symptoms from traumatic brain injury (TBI) typically resolve within one to four weeks, but may persist longer in some individuals. |
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| Project Heads Up! Neuropsychological testing in high school football athletes |