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 .
Predictors of postconcussive symptoms 3 months after mild traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE There is continuing controversy regarding predictors of poor outcome following mild traumatic brain injury ( mTBI ) . This study aim ed to prospect ively examine the influence of preinjury factors , injury-related factors , and postinjury factors on outcome following mTBI . METHOD Participants were 123 patients with mTBI and 100 trauma patient controls recruited and assessed in the emergency department and followed up 1 week and 3 months postinjury . Outcome was measured in terms of reported postconcussional symptoms . Measures included the  ImPACT Post-Concussional Symptom Scale and cognitive concussion battery , including Attention , Verbal and Visual memory , Processing Speed and Reaction Time modules , pre- and postinjury SF-36 and MINI Psychiatric status ratings , VAS Pain Inventory , Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale , PTSD Checklist-Specific , and Revised Social Readjustment Scale . RESULTS Presence of mTBI predicted postconcussional symptoms 1 week postinjury , along with being female and premorbid psychiatric history , with elevated HADS anxiety a concurrent indicator . However , at 3 months , preinjury physical or psychiatric problems but not mTBI most strongly predicted continuing symptoms , with concurrent indicators including HADS anxiety , PTSD symptoms , other life stressors and pain . HADS anxiety and age predicted 3-month PCS in the mTBI group , whereas PTSD symptoms and other life stressors were most significant for the controls . Cognitive measures were not predictive of PCS at 1 week or 3 months . CONCLUSIONS Given the evident influence of both premorbid and concurrent psychiatric problems , especially anxiety , on postinjury symptoms , managing the anxiety response in vulnerable individuals with mTBI may be important to minimize ongoing sequelae
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 .