Impact Testing
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury in which there is a short term disruption of neurological function that can cause a variety of symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, headaches, memory deficits, balance impairments and nausea to name a few.
Concussions have become a hot topic in sports over the last several years, especially when it comes to youth sports. Nothing is more important than the safety of our young athletes, and since wrapping our kids in bubble wrap isn’t the most practical idea, the next best thing is being prepared to treat a concussion and knowing when an athlete is ready to safely return to play after experiencing a concussion. That’s where the ImPACT test comes in.
The ImPACT test itself is a computer based neurocognitive test that has 2 uses: baseline and post-injury testing. Baseline testing occurs when an athlete takes an ImPACT test while they are healthy and non-concussed and baseline cognitive function is recorded. Then if a head injury were to occur, a post-injury test would be given to compare the pre- and post-injury scores to diagnose a concussion. Post-injury ImPACT testing also helps to determine if and when an athlete is ready to return to their sport after suffering a concussion.
The ImPACT test is recommended for athletes 10 years and older. The test will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. Athletes can come into 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy in Medford and our team will administer the test for your athlete or athletes now have the option of taking the ImPACT test from a home computer.
To take the test at 3DPT, please click here to set up an appointment or call our office at 609-714-3378.
If you prefer to take the test on your home computer, please follow these instructions:
(NOTE: It is best to have a mouse (connected or wireless) for the test (not a “touchpad” built into the laptop).
- Click here
- It will ask you to “Please enter your customer code”.
- Enter in this code exactly: TRJ4V8TX3V
- Once code is entered in, click “Validate”
- “Medford Youth Athletic Association” will appear and you can now click “Launch Test”
- Once you start the test, there is some demographic information you will have to enter. There is also a section asking you to describe any symptoms the test-taker is currently having.
- Once you have answered these questions, the IMPACT test will start and the athlete must be ALONE while they are taking the test.
Once you finish the test, you will receive a confirmation email that has a 12-digit confirmation code. Please make every effort to save this email and code. This will allow you to access your records from the IMPACT database.
If an athlete does experience a concussion, or if you are unsure if a concussion occurred, visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Symptoms of concussions vary but some of the most common are headaches, not being able to focus and dizziness. Sometimes a child may feel symptom-free after they have had a concussion, but symptoms arise when they go back to full game play. If the brain is not fully healed they may not perform at their best level which puts them at risk for any type of injury or worse another Concussion. An additional concussion can cause Second Impact Syndrome which is when a second concussion occurs before a first one has fully healed. This can cause rapid swelling in the brain and more permanent and disabling injury.
ImPACT testing is considered part of the standard for assessing ability to return to play and sport safely without risk of further brain injury. At 3DPT we work with patients who have experienced a concussion to manage their symptoms and also determine when they are ready to return to normal activities like school or sports. To learn more about the imPACT test and concussions, click here or call 3DPT to speak with a physical therapist!
