Abstract:
PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of valid yet suboptimal Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test(c) (ImPACT) performance in university athletes and to explore the benefit of subsequent ImPACT administrations. METHODS: This descriptive laboratory study involved baseline administration of ImPACT to 769 university athletes per the institution’s concussion management protocol. Testing was proctored in groups of /= 16th percentile and an additional 18/32 scored >/= 16th percentile after a third administration. Verbal Memory was most commonly < 16th percentile on the first administration (43%), Verbal Memory and Visual Motor Speed on the second administration (44% each) and Visual Motor Speed alone on the third administration (50%). CONCLUSION: Approximately 16% of ImPACT records were flagged as invalid or had one or more composite scores < 16th percentile, potentially indicative of suboptimal performance. Upon re-administration, 88% of those participants scored > 16th percentile. Clinicians must be aware of suboptimal ImPACT performance as it limits the clinical utility of the baseline assessment. Further research is needed to address factors leading to ‘valid’ but invalid baseline performance.