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Published on: September 25, 2014
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Validity of the Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT)
Bara Alsalaheen1, Kayla Stockdale2, Dana Pechumer2
1Physical Therapy Department, University of Michigan-Flint, 2157 William S. White Building, 303 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI, 48502-1950, USA. alsalahe@umflint.edu.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|April 14, 2016
Summary
The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) has mixed validity. While convergent validity is supported, other aspects like predictive validity and diagnostic accuracy remain inconclusive for concussion assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is a widely utilized tool for concussion assessment.
- Concerns exist regarding the comprehensive validation of ImPACT for research and clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a literature review on the validity and utility of the ImPACT test.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting the use of ImPACT in concussion management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO.
- Evaluation of studies using STROBE and STARD criteria for methodological quality.
Main Results:
- Convergent validity of ImPACT is supported by existing literature.
- Evidence for discriminant validity, predictive validity, diagnostic accuracy, and responsiveness is inconclusive.
- Limited data exists on ImPACT's utility after acute symptom resolution; numerous factors influence its scores.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians should exercise case-by-case judgment when using ImPACT.
- Interpretation of ImPACT results requires careful consideration of its psychometric properties.
