HeadsUP Pittsburgh: Concussion Baseline Testing Partnership

HeadsUP Pittsburgh is a partnership between UPMC Sports Medicine and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. Together, we offer athletes discounted or free concussion baseline testing and educational programs each summer.

Since 2010, HeadsUP has:

• Baseline tested more than 33,000 young people across 39 sports.
• Provided concussion awareness training to nearly 65,000 parents, coaches, referees, and teachers.
• Grown each year to serve more youth and include a wider range of sports.

HeadsUP will return in June 2026. View upcoming dates for year-round baseline concussion testing through the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

What Is Concussion Baseline Testing?

Baseline testing is an exam done by trained health care staff to assess an athlete's “normal" brain function in a healthy state.

The test measures such things as:

• Concentration and attention span.
• Learning and memory.
• Reaction time.
• Any concussion-like symptoms, such as headaches or trouble falling asleep.

HeadsUP Pittsburgh uses a computer-based test called ImPACT® (immediate post-concussion assessment and cognitive testing) to get the athlete's baseline score.

We give the test before a head injury occurs and use the data:

• To compare in the instance of a future sustained concussion.
• As part of a complete post-concussion assessment to plan the best course for recovery.

Concussion experts designed the ImPACT (ages 10+) and Pediatric ImPACT (ages 5 to 9) tests. They're the most effective tools available for measuring a person's neurocognitive state before a concussion occurs.

The tests alone do not diagnose, detect, or prevent concussions. Experts use the data as a benchmark to decide if it's safe for an athlete to return to play after a concussion.

Thank You to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation

UPMC Sports Medicine is extremely grateful for the continued support from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation in funding the HeadsUP program.

In addition to supporting several community programs like HeadsUP, the Pens Foundation provides increased exposure and education about how vital proper concussion testing and treatment is, especially in youth sports.

Concussion Resources

• Visit the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program to see our services.
• Find out about ImPACT® Baseline Concussion Testing.

Download:

• Pre-Testing Form. (PDF)
• About HeadsUP Pittsburgh. (PDF)
• Concussion Education Booklet. (PDF)