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 ImPACT® (Immediate Post- Concussion Assessment and Cognitive
Testing) provides clinicians with invaluable information that can
help take the guesswork out of concussion management and promote
safe return-to-play decisions for athletes and return-to-school
decisions for students. The ImPACT test is computer-based and is
performed prior to a concussion in order to provide baseline data
for comparison with later results if a student sustains a
concussion.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital employs two ImPACT trained
athletic trainers and one ImPACT trained physical therapist. Two
additional physical therapists are currently completing training.
“ALMH SportsCare has worked with local schools to implement a
concussion management policy as required by the State of Illinois.
ALMH SportsCare offers free ImPACT baseline and follow-up testing
for athletes ages 10-adult, said Missy Anderson, ATC, ITAT, athletic
trainer. Anderson provides athletic training services to Lincoln
Community High School.
 In the past, testing has been scheduled during the summer months by
appointment. In 2016, ALMH SportsCare is offering the testing to the
Lincoln schools.
“Our goal is to test all athletes in grades five through eight
during the Spring of 2016, using the schools computer labs,” said
Anderson.
When a student suffers a concussion, returning to school and sport
are not the only considerations. Follow-up rehabilitation treatments
in conjunction with physician visits and guidance, may be required
for more severe concussions.
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ALMH Physical Therapist Amy Knox, DPT, Sports Certified Specialist
and ImPACT's Trained Physical Therapist, has been trained in newer
techniques to help people with lingering concussion symptoms.
Knox said, “Treatment protocols in this area are changing and
evolving rapidly. ALMH SportsCare is committed to bringing the
latest evidence-based treatment techniques to help individuals
recover.”
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