The two-year study will be led by Dr. Anthony P. Kontos, an associate professor in the Kinesiology program at HSU. Dr. Kontos and his graduate students will oversee the research at local area high schools, HSU, College of the Redwoods, and Southern Oregon University.
The research involves the use of the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) which measures the neurocognitive effects of concussion, along with established depression and balance measures. The goal of the project is to determine if concussion results in changes in depression, memory, processing speed, and balance/coordination following injury. The researchers also hope to learn if age and gender play a role in the development of depression and other effects of concussion.