Although the convergent validity of ImPACT was supported , evidence of discriminant and predictive validity , diagnostic accuracy and responsiveness was inconclusive .
The review found many factors influenced the validity and utility of ImPACT scores .
Background The immediate post concussion assessment and cognitive testing ( ImPACT ) is the most widely used concussion assessment tool .
Despite its popularity , it is unclear if validation studies for the ImPACT test covered all aspects of validity to support its widespread use in research and clinical practice .
Objective The purpose of this report is to review literature surrounding the validity and the utility of the ImPACT test .
Exploring differences in computerized neurocognitive concussion testing between African American and White athletes.
The purpose of the current study was to explore potential differences in pre- and post-concussion performance on a computerized neurocognitive concussion test between African American and White high-school and collegiate student-athletes . A prospect i ve case-control design was used to compare baseline and 2- and 7-day post-concussion computerized neurocognitive performance and symptoms between 48 White and 48 African American athletes matched for age , gender , and concussion history . The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment Cognitive Test ( ImPACT ) version 2.0 ( NeuroHealth System , LLC , Pittsburgh , PA , USA ) computer software program was used to assess neurocognitive function ( i.e. , verbal and visual memory , motor processing speed , and reaction time ) and concussion symptoms . Regardless of race/ethnicity , there were significant decrements in computerized neurocognitive performance and increased symptoms following a concussion for the entire sample . African Americans and Whites did not differ significantly on baseline or post-concussion verbal memory , visual memory , reaction time , and total reported symptoms . However , African American participants were 2.4 × more likely to have at least one clinical ly significant cognitive decline on ImPACT at 7 days post-concussion and scored lower at 7 days post-concussion compared with baseline on processing speed than White participants . The authors concluded that the baseline ImPACT test was culturally equivalent and construct valid for use with these two racial/ethnic groups . However , in contrast , the findings support deleterious performance for the African American athletes compared with the White athletes on the ImPACT post-concussion evaluation that is of critical clinical relevance and warrants further research
Although the convergent validity of ImPACT was supported , evidence of discriminant and predictive validity , diagnostic accuracy and responsiveness was inconclusive .
The review found many factors influenced the validity and utility of ImPACT scores .
Background The immediate post concussion assessment and cognitive testing ( ImPACT ) is the most widely used concussion assessment tool .
Despite its popularity , it is unclear if validation studies for the ImPACT test covered all aspects of validity to support its widespread use in research and clinical practice .
Objective The purpose of this report is to review literature surrounding the validity and the utility of the ImPACT test .