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HeadsUP Pittsburgh | Baseline Concussion Testing Partnership

HeadsUP Pittsburgh: Concussion Baseline Testing Partnership

Stay tuned. Free testing through HeadsUP will return in June 2024. In the meantime, you may register for year-round concussion baseline testing here.

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 over 28,000 young people across 35 sports.
  • Provided concussion awareness training to nearly 60,000 parents, coaches, referees, and teachers.
  • Grown each year to serve more youth and include a wider range of sports.

What Is Concussion Baseline Testing?

Baseline testing is an exam done by trained health care staff to assess an athlete's “normal" brain function at 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 5-9) tests. They're the most effective tools 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.

When and Where to Take Part in HeadsUP

HeadsUP Pittsburgh 2023 will take place Monday, June 5th through Wednesday, August 2nd at the following locations:

  • UPMC Rooney Sports Complex (South Side – Pittsburgh)
    • Adult testing (ages 10+) and pediatric testing (ages 5-9)
  • UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex (Cranberry Township)
    • Adult testing (ages 10+) and pediatric testing (ages 5-9)
  • UPMC Children’s Hospital – South (Bridgeville)
    • Pediatric testing only (ages 5-9)
  • UPMC Outpatient Center (Bethel Park)
    • Adult testing only (ages 10+)
  • Community College of Beaver County (Monaca)
    • Adult testing only (ages 10+)
  • Community College of Allegheny County – North (Perry Highway, Pittsburgh)
    • Adult testing only (ages 10+)
  • Community College of Allegheny County – Boyce (Monroeville)
    • Adult testing only (ages 10+)
  • UPMC Jameson (New Castle)
    • June 21st and July 19th only; adult testing only (ages 10+)
  • UPMC Outpatient Center at Sterling Square (Erie)
    • June 12th through July 26th; adult testing only (ages 10+)

Can’t make it to HeadsUP this summer? View upcoming dates for year-round baseline concussion testing through the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

Thank You to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation

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

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