MCPS Partners With Local Health Care Providers for Athlete Concussion Program

By Patch Local Editor Greg Cohen

With the help of four local health care providers, a new concussion protocol is coming to high school athletes at Montgomery County Public Schools.

The partnership, which is expected to begin in the fall, will require all high school athletes to undergo a baseline concussion exam prior to their respective sports season, with Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital administering testing at 13 of the 25 Montgomery County high schools.

ATI Physical Therapy (4 schools), MedStar Sports Medicine (6 schools), and Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy (2 schools) fill out the remaining schools.

The exams are expected to reach more than 600 students in each school, an Adventist HealthCare spokesperson said in a news release.

"The exams will assess neurocognitive functions including learning, problem solving and memory skills as well as concentration ability," according to a news release. "Testing will be conducted using a web-based, scientifically validated computerized tool called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment Cognitive Test)."

In the case of an injury, the baseline testing will be used in comparison with post-injury tests to determine if a concussion has occurred.

MCPS principals were excited for the program, highlighting the need for increased safety and injury awareness for student athletes.

At Rockville's Wootton High School, the ImPact system has already been used with help from the school's booster club, principal Michael Doran said. 

"I am glad the system has taken the lead on this...Safety for our student athletes comes first and the more information we have about the athletes, the better the diagnosis so it is a good program as far as I am concerned," Doran said.

While the system will be totally new for Gaithersburg's Watkins Mill High School, principal Scott Murphy said it's an important step for the school system and student athletes alike.

Students at Watkins Mill have been following longtime MCPS procedure for head injuries: Any athlete who is exhibiting concussion-related symptoms must be removed from play or practice immediately and cannot return until cleared by a medical professional.

Those procedures will be strengthened in 2013.

"I am thrilled that this additional step will further strengthen our efforts to prioritize the safety and health of our student-athletes, and take advantage of research-based tools to care for and prevent head injuries," Murphy said. "Plans are already in place to implement the computerized testing for all student athletes at the start of the fall 2013 season."

In addition to the baseline testing program, three of the health care providers have offered to provide varying degrees of athletic trainer services for the coming school year at no extra cost. 

The total cost of the program will be $99,140, which includes $18,750 for the purchase of the computer software needed for implementation, according to an MCPS news release.