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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing battery and traditional neuropsychological measures: a
Brittany J Allen1, Jeffrey D Gfeller
1CoxHealth, Department of Psychological Services, Springfield, MO, USA. brittany.allen1@coxhealth.com
Primary Objective:
This study examined the construct and concurrent validity of ImPACT, a computerized neuropsychological test battery used for evaluating sports-related concussion.
Research Design:
Approximately 100 neurologically intact undergraduates completed ImPACT and a battery of traditional neuropsychological tests utilized by the National Football League (NFL).
Methods And Procedures:
Participants completed the two batteries in a counterbalanced order. Factor analyses examined the component structure of ImPACT and the NFL battery's factor structure. Correlational analyses assessed relationships among variables within and across the two batteries.
Main Results:
A four-factor solution explaining 70% of variance was found with the NFL battery, including general memory, mental processing speed, verbal memory and processing speed and auditory and verbal working memory. A five-factor solution explaining 69% of variance was found with the ImPACT battery, with components assessing forced choice efficiency, verbal and visual memory, inhibitory cognitive abilities, visual processing abilities with a memory component and a factor with a single loading from Colour Match Total Commissions. Correlations revealed a range of significant and non-significant correlations between the two batteries.
Conclusions:
While both batteries overlap regarding their assessed constructs (e.g. memory, inhibitory cognitive abilities) notable differences in their factor structures were present as well.
