Baseline Concussion Testing: High School Only
Baseline Concussion Testing may be offered at the beginning of each season (fall/winter/spring) and all athletes are encouraged to participate. Athletes playing the following sports are highly encouraged to participate: football, soccer, and basketball.
Information regarding ImPACT testing:
Tempe Preparatory Academy is participating in a concussion baseline testing program for our student athletes. This program will assist our team physicians/athletic trainers in evaluating and treating head injuries (e.g., concussion). In order to better manage concussions sustained by our student-athletes, we have acquired a software tool called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). ImPACT is a computerized exam utilized in many professional, collegiate, and high school sports programs across the country to successfully diagnose and manage concussions. If an athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury during competition, ImPACT is used to help determine the severity of head injury and when the injury has fully healed.
The computerized exam is given to athletes before beginning contact sport practice or competition. This non-invasive test is set up in "video-game" type format and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. It is simple, and actually many athletes enjoy the challenge of taking the test. Essentially, the ImPACT test is a preseason physical of the brain. It tracks information such as memory, reaction time, speed, and concentration. It, however, is not an IQ test.
If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will take the test under the supervision of the athletic trainer. Both the preseason and post-injury test data is given to the supervising physician. The information gathered can also be shared with your family doctor. The test data will enable these health professionals to determine when return-to-play is appropriate and safe for the injured athlete. If an injury of this nature occurs to your child, you will be contacted and requested to pursue further medical evaluation.
I wish to stress that the ImPACT testing procedures are non-invasive, and they pose no risks to your student-athlete. We are excited to implement this program given that it provides us the best available information for managing concussions and preventing potential brain damage that can occur with multiple concussions. The Tempe Prep administration, coaching, and athletic training staffs are striving to keep your child’s health and safety at the forefront of the student athletic experience.