Sport Specific Concussion Analysis Utilizing ImPACT Test Results

Problem Statement: (70 words)

Each year, over 3 million athletes in the United States suffer from concussions, many of which
go unreported because athletes fear loss of play time. This study applies a new approach to
analyzing concussion trends on a sport by sport basis utilizing ImPACT test results. The
purpose of this study is to discover correlations between test scores, symptoms, and sports that
may be implemented to create new safety protocols.
Methods: (68 words)
ImPACT test results will be obtained and compared by module and by sport. Correlations will be
drawn to determine any sort of symptom trends or trends between test modules (Word/Visual
Discrimination, etc). After these associations are defined, these trends will then be compared by
sport that the patient participates in. This will be done alongside a mentor who specializes in
Statistical Analysis in order to assist with findings.
Findings and Results: (69 words)
Due to the fact that every concussion is different, it is difficult to accurately predict results. These
findings should show how athletes of the same sport either tend to experience the same/similar
symptoms and which sections of the ImPACT Test they seem to score lower in. These results
could then be compared to functions/ parts of the brain most commonly affected by concussions
and sport type.
Implications: (70 words)
Implications of these findings include generating new customized approaches to address
concussion prevention and protocol by sport. Knowing which sections of the ImPACT test
athletes (who play the same sports) tend to score lower in can provide the field with more
extensive baseline knowledge. It is important that common symptoms by sport are addressed in
order to create sport-specific recovery and prevention plans to protect these athletes in the
future.