Hockey Baseline Testing Program: HEADS UP Pittsburgh
HEADS UP Pittsburgh is a partnership between UPMC Sports Medicine and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation to offer free baseline concussion testing, as well as educational programs, to youth hockey players in the Pennsylvania Interscholatic Hockey League (PIHL) and Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League (PAHL).
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) also are playing key roles in HEADS UP Pittsburgh, which is funded by the Penguins Foundation.
Testing Details
Limited testing for PIHL and PAHL youth players is currently being conducted at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. Additional testing dates at CCAC locations will be added after May 20.
Players- USA Hockey will be sending the registration testing link via e-mail directly to you in the near future.
Prior to your test, the following forms will need to be completed and brought with you to your appointment.
Learn More about Baseline Testing
What is baseline testing?
HEADS UP Pittsburgh will use a computer based online test called ImPACT to establish a baseline of normal cognitive function. The baseline test will then be used as part of a comprehensive clinical evaluation to determine recovery following concussion.
How does the baseline test (Impact®) work?
The test takes approximately 45-minutes and is designed to evaluate and document multiple aspects of an athlete's neurocognitive state--brain processing speed, memory, and visual motor skills. All NHL players undergo such a test.
The BASELINE Impact® test is used to establish a benchmark score when a player is in his or her non concussed or “normal” state. It should be noted that THIS BASELINE TEST DOES NOT EVALUATE THE SUBJECT FOR A CONCUSSION, IDENTIFY PAST CONCUSSION(S), PREVENT FUTURE CONCUSSIONS OR DETERMINE IF YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER IS PREDISPOSED TO A CONCUSSION. The result of the Baseline test is used as benchmark (comparison) tool to determine if your son or daughter can safely return to play following a subsequently incurred concussion.
If for any reason you think your son or daughter may have had a hit to the head or any other potential for a concussion prior to taking this BASELINE test, it is strongly recommended that he or she seek medical care from the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion experts. Additional information regarding the concussion program is available on the Sports Medicine website at the address below.
Learn More About Concussions
What is a concussion?
A concussion is an impact to the head from a fall, collision, or blow that can result in physical, emotional, cognitive, or sleep impairments.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Although the classic symptoms of loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss, and/or balance problems may be present in some athletes with mild concussion, there may or may not be obvious signs that a concussion has occurred. Symptoms may not be present immediately after the hit or play. It is important to take time to perform a full evaluation of the player to determine whether a concussion occurred prior to allowing them to return to the game or practice.
A majority of young athletes who experience a concussion will be symptom free in one to two weeks. However, some young athletes may have persistent symptoms that require further evaluation and frequent follow-ups with a physician or concussion specialist. Persistent symptoms may interfere with the young athlete’s ability to complete tasks in school or daily life.
Due to signs, symptoms, and impairments associated with a concussion the Center for Disease Control is now classifying concussion as a traumatic brain injury.
What can I allow my athlete to do after a suspected concussion?
- Take pain medication as prescribed by your health care provider
- Use an ice pack on the head and/or neck for comfort
- Sleep/Rest
What are myths about treatment after concussion?
Although athletes are not advised to participate in strenuous activity after a suspected concussion, they no longer have to remain in bed. If the athlete falls asleep it is not necessary to wake them up every hour.
What activities should the athlete avoid after a concussion?
- Do not text or play computer games.
- Driving while symptoms are present.
- Exercising or lifting weights. This will increase heart rate and blood pressure which could increase symptoms.
- Drink alcohol
- Participate in any physical activity until cleared by your health care professional or the UPMC Sports Concussion Program.
Should my athlete stay home from school after a concussion?
Students who experience symptoms of concussion often need extra help to perform school-related activities and may not perform at their best on classroom or standardized tests. If the athlete exhibits severe symptoms where they cannot concentrate for more than 30 to 45 minutes, staying home may be indicated until symptoms improve. If symptoms are less severe, rest breaks during school can help with the recovery process.
When can my athlete return to play after a concussion?
An athlete should not participate in physical education class, physical activity at recess or sports practices or games when symptoms are present. The injured person should never return to sports or active recreation with any symptoms unless directed by a healthcare professional.