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Kuwabara H, Moore S, Grant K, Maietta J, Kinsora T, Ross S, Allen D, A-127 Changes in Frequency of ImPACT Assessments Over Time, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, Volume 35, Issue 6, September 2020, Page 920, https://doi.org/10.1093/arclin/acaa068.127
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Abstract
Assessment, management, and rates of sport concussion have changed significantly over the past decade. The present cross-sectional study investigated rates of ImPACT baseline and post-concussion assessments and self-reported concussion history (CH) to gain insight on patterns of change between 2008, 2012, and 2016.
Participants included 14,129 high-school athletes (Mage = 15.11; 42.9% male) in Nevada who completed ImPACT baseline and post-concussion assessments in 2008 (n = 677), 2012 (n = 8315), and 2016 (n = 5137). Chi-square analyses were conducted to examine frequencies of ImPACT tests by year (i.e., baseline, initial post-concussion test, and post-concussion follow-up). Further analyses investigated gender differences and changes in self-reported CH.
There were significant differences in rates of all ImPACT tests (p < .01) with baselines, post-concussion assessments, and post-concussion follow-ups increasing over time. Female athletes accounted for less than 35% of post-concussion assessments in 2008 and 2012 but increased to 41.5% in 2016 (p < .05). There were no gender differences over time in baselines or post-concussion follow-ups. There were no significant differences in self-reported CH between years (p > .05).
The present study found an increase in the rate of post-concussion assessments; however, no increase in self-reported CH were evident. It is possible that an increase in awareness and preventative efforts could account for the increased utilization of post-concussion assessments. Results also indicated that female athletes took more post-concussion assessments over time suggesting an increase in concussions or prevention efforts for females. Future research should continue exploring possible risk factors to ensure proper intervention and implementation of prevention protocols where applicable.
