SPORTS:Groton-Dunstable Addresses Concussion Concerns
It is evident that help was needed to improve detection and care of concussions in young athletes. With that in mind, the Groton-Dunstable school system is using the ImPACT test. "We hadn't used it until now with budgets tight but the GD Athletic Booster Club picked up the $750 annual fee for the program. They just felt very strongly about helping," said GD trainer Steve Kleeman.
ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment, and Cognitive Testing program. The science behind this test was developed in response to requests for neurocognitive testing from the NFL to help determine safe return to play. It is an objective way of measuring the after effects of concussion.
ImPACT is used by more than 7,400 high schools, colleges, universities, clinical centers, MLB, NHL, NFL, World Wrestling Association and select military units.
Kleeman hopes to test every student at GDRHS, not just those participating on sports teams. "With the school's computer lab, we can test multiple numbers at a time," Kleeman said. "We want to have baselines from which to measure all our students in case we suspect a concussion," he continued. "Automobile accidents, falls, skate board incidents. Concussions are not always a result of a sports issue."
ImPACT's test is web-based and takes 20-25 minutes to complete. It was developed in the early 1990's, field tested in 1997, again in 2,000 and can be administered by an athletic trainer, school nurse, team doctor or psychologist provided they have completed training in administrating the test.
"Why not take the test yourself?" suggested athletic Director Mike McCaffrey. After assuring me ImPACT was not to measure intelligence but rather, in my case, to establish a baseline in case contact to the head occurred, I agreed. After all, I didn't want to prove what people already thought.
The test featured visual memory, processing speed and reaction time by showing designs, colors, numbers and shapes. The results provide accurate, reliable baseline information which is one piece of the overall concussion evaluation. This tool can aid athletes, coaches, parents and doctors regarding post-concussion status.
I completed the ImPACT test and felt mentally fatigued. It was not a physically difficult experience but simply one that required me to focus, concentrate and exert my gray matter.
The test is not a cure-all for a concussion but rather a tool to help diagnose a concussion if contact to the head occurs.
College coaches and neurological surgeons are attempting to show high school football coaches - why practicing with full contact is detrimental to young brains, while presenting alternative practice techniques for coaches.
"Beginning this week, fall-season athletes will receive a testing schedule from their coaches. Winter and spring athletes will have the opportunity to have the test prior to the start of their season," continued Kleeman. The testing is not mandatory but recommended.
ImPACT constantly updates products, services, training programs, input from experts, those with practical hands-on experience and continued concussion rehabilitation methods. If you would like to familiarize yourself (take the test) with this state-of-the-art Post-Concussion Assessment testing tool, I have connections!
