| Confidentiality All documents and information pertaining to this research study will be kept confidential in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The study investigators will be the sole persons who will collect, maintain, and have access to the study data. Researchers of this study are utilizing the testing results for research purposes only, and each child’s participation is voluntary. Any publications or presentations as result of this study will not use any child’s name or identifying information; only group data will be used. |
| Procedures Each prospective football player will complete a 15 to 20 minute computerized neuropsychological test, the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), at the beginning of the football season and again at the end. ImPACT measures multiple aspects of cognitive and perceptual motor abilities, including concentration, attention, memory, and speed of processing abilities. Preseason testing enables team physicians to understand cognitive abilities prior to injury. This information is subsequently used comparatively to understand what changes might have occurred as a result of injury. In addition, these comparisons aid in return to play decisions. If a child sustains a concussion during the course of the football season, follow up assessmment with ImPACT is offered. Neuropsychological Testing Neuropsychological testing aids in the assessment and monitoring of post-injury recovery in head injured athletes. Medical and coaching staff utilize neuropsychological testing in making return to play decisions by monitoring the recovery of cognitive abilities. In addition, it benefits the athletes by returning them to play faster by not keeping them sidelined for longer than they need. Recent studies have shown that neuropsychological testing can be valuable in the acute and follow-up assessment of concussed athletes (Collins, et al.1999). In addition, studies have shown that neuropsychological tests are useful in the detection of cognitive impairment following sports-related mild head injuries (Collins & Hawn, 2002; Lovell, 2002; Echemendia, et al., 2001; Grindel, et al., 2001; Hinton-Bayre, et al. 1999; Collins, et al., 1999). |
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| Project Heads Up! Neuropsychological testing in high school football athletes |