What is ImPACT Testing?
Amberwell’s Sports Medicine physicians and trainers are certified in ImPACT concussion testing. ImPACT is a neurocognitive computer test utilized in the treatment of concussions. This testing system is currently used across the nation in many colleges, high schools, and middle schools. It is also used by many professional sports team in the NFL, MLB and NBA. The system does not diagnose a concussion; it is simply a tool we use to safely return athletes back to play.
How does ImPACT Testing Work?
Each athlete, prior to the start of the sport season, will complete a baseline ImPACT test. This baseline allows us to see how they perform on the test prior to any impairment. Then, if the athlete sustains a concussion or is suspected to have sustained a concussion, we are able to conduct a post-test to check the athlete for neurocognitive changes. The physicians will compare and use the results from the two tests in order to determine when it is safe to return the athlete to play.
Return to Play
Amberwell uses a return to play protocol where we gradually add back in activity after an athlete has had a concussion. Activity will be added slowly through a five day duration, as long as the athlete remains concussion symptom free. Full play will resume after this five day protocol is complete.
Check out our return to play protocol below:
1. Low levels of physical activity with no symptoms. This includes walking, light jogging, light intensity stationary biking, and light intensity weightlifting.
2. Moderate levels of physical activity with body/head movement and no symptoms. This includes moderate jogging, brief running, moderate intensity stationary biking, and moderate intensity weightlifting.
3. Heavy, non-contact physical activity with no symptoms. This includes sprinting/running, high intensity stationary biking, completion of a regular lifting routine, and non-contact sport specific drills.
4. Sport specific practice with no symptoms.
5. Full contact in a controlled drill or practice with no symptoms.
For more information about ImPACT testing, please visit www.impacttest.com.
