NORTH ALLEGHENY SPORTS NETWORK Athletic Director

ONLINE DIRECTIONS FOR THE ImPACT CONCUSSION
BASELINE TESTS

Dear Student-Athlete and/or Parent/Guardian:

UPMC Sports Medicine is proud to provide complimentary ImPACT concussion baseline tests to student-athletes from our affiliated schools in a new online program.  The ImPACT concussion baseline test is a test of cognitive function including memory and reaction time.  It is NOT a measure of intelligence!  All test results will be stored in a secure database that can be accessed by UPMC Sports Medicine personnel in the event of a head injury or concussion

Preparing for the Online ImPACT Concussion Baseline Test

You will be able to run the online ImPACT concussion baseline test smoothly from your computer:

• If you have a desktop or laptop computer with internet connection.  If you are using a laptop computer, you must use an external mouse. Also, do not run the laptop from the battery, use the A/C connection.
• Close all other programs before starting the test. If you have a pop-up blocker installed, you will need to turn it off or temporarily allow pop-ups from our site.
• Make sure you are using Internet Explorer 5.0 and above or Firefox. The test is currently ONLY supported by these browsers.
• You must have Macromedia Flash Player installed on your computer to take the test.  You can download Adobe Flash Player for free at www.adobe.com.
• To ensure that results are accurate, a parent/guardian must supervise any student-athlete under the age of 18 during the testing procedure.  The certified athletic trainer at your school may also supervise the test for student-athletes under the age of 18 if a signed copy of the UPMC Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (included with pre-participation exam forms) has been turned into your school. 
• The test will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. To ensure the most accurate result, turn off music, TV, or other background noises while taking the test. These things can potentially interfere with your ability to answer clearly.
• If you do not have access to a computer with internet connection or have other problems in taking the test, please see the athletic trainer at your school.

Accessing the Online ImPACT Concussion Baseline Test

• Go to http://sportsmedicine.upmc.com.
• Click on the ImPACT button on the right side of the screen
• You will be directed to an Authorization form.  To proceed with the test, you must be over 18 years of age or meet the test supervision guidelines listed above.  To agree with the authorization, click on the link at the bottom of the page to UPMC Baseline Concussion Testing for UPMC Affiliated Schools.
• You will be linked directly to the test website.  Click on the Launch Baseline Test button.
• Initially, you will be directed to a series of questions that you will need to answer before taking the test.  Please answer all questions as honestly as possible.
• Follow the test instructions carefully. Missing key instructions or not giving the test your full attention will affect your results.
• Put in your best effort. This is a hard test. No one gets everything right, so don't get frustrated.
• If you become confused about the directions, keep trying to do your best.
• Notify the athletic trainer at your school if you have any problems and/or questions regarding the test or if you were unable to complete the test.

Proper Head Injury or Concussion Follow-Up

• If you think that you have a head injury or concussion, please inform the certified athletic trainer at your school as soon as possible.
• The athletic trainer at your school will coordinate follow-up with the UPMC Sports Concussion Program and with your school/team/personnel physician.

QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BOB BOZZUTO AT 724-934-7238