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South Florida High School Football Players' Cognitive Skills Tested

The test gives doctors a baseline assessment of an athlete's mental abilities

Sunday, Aug 5, 2012 | Updated 11:37 AM EDT

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South Florida public high school football players are having their cognitive skills assessed.

The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing is a 20-minute, computerized evaluation. It gives doctors a baseline assessment of an athlete's mental abilities so that after an injury, the test can be retaken for a true measure of recovery.

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The Cleveland Clinic agreed last month to underwrite a pilot program testing Palm Beach County football players before their season starts Monday. Miami-Dade County has been using baseline testing for two years, and Broward County began mandatory testing this year.

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Doctors say the testing helps them determine the toll concussions take on the brain. Coaches tell The Palm Beach Post that measures to limit contact in football practice are being considered to reduce the risk of concussions.

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