New Publication: A Longitudinal Investigation of ImPACT Scores Among Rugby Union Players

Blog Author: Laura Power (co-author)

New research published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport examines changes in computerised neurocognitive testing scores among elite rugby union players over time. The study is the result of a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), and researchers from the University of Limerick’s Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance (IRIS) research group.

The research team includes Professor Ian Kenny, Professor Tom Comyns, Dr John Mulvihill, Dr Helen Purtill and PhD researcher Laura Power, alongside collaborators from UPMC and the IRFU.

Examining cognitive performance over time

The study investigated changes in Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) composite scores and the factors associated with cognitive performance in elite rugby union players.

Data were collected from 394 players (384 male and 10 female) who completed baseline ImPACT assessments at three separate time points over a period of at least three years.

ImPACT is a computerised neurocognitive assessment used to measure areas of cognitive performance, including memory, processing speed and reaction time. Understanding how these scores change over time is important when interpreting assessments in rugby players, particularly in the context of concussion management.

What did the research find?

The findings showed that memory, processing speed and reaction time scores remained stable or improved over time.

Among male players, a longer follow-up period, post-injury ImPACT assessments and a history of previous concussions were associated with improvements in cognitive scores. However, these improvements had small effect sizes and may not represent clinically meaningful changes. Potential explanations include variability between tests and practice effects, whereby familiarity with the assessment can influence performance.

These findings highlight the importance of interpreting changes in ImPACT scores carefully, taking account of factors such as previous concussion history and repeated exposure to testing.

Implications for rugby and player welfare

The research provides evidence that can inform player education about concerns associated with rugby participation. It also highlights considerations for the accurate interpretation of both acute and longer-term changes in neurocognitive test scores.

By examining cognitive assessments across multiple seasons, the study contributes to the wider evidence base supporting concussion assessment and player welfare in rugby union.

The research also demonstrates the value of collaboration between the UPMC, IRFU and University of Limerick’s IRIS research group in advancing understanding of concussion and neurocognitive assessment in sport.

Read the full publication

The full article is available in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport:

Read the full publication on ScienceDirect

Reference

Zynda, A. J., Purtill, H., Mulvihill, J., Power, L., Bitzer, H., Kenny, I., Comyns, T., van Dyk, N., Liston, M., Yeomans, C., McLoughlin, R., Collins, M. W., & Kontos, A. P. (2026). A longitudinal investigation of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) composite scores and associated factors among rugby union players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Published online 4 October 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2026.09.022

Contributions:

Laura Power https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracpower1/

Professor Tom Comyns https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-comyns-phd-oly-25104638/

Professor Ian Kenny https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-kenny-589749358/

Dr Aaron Zynda https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronzynda/

Dr Helen Purtill https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenpurtill/

Professor John Mulvihill https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjmulvihill/

Hannah Bitzer https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-bitzer-a77940113/

Dr Nicol van Dyk https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolvandyk/

Mairead Liston https://www.linkedin.com/in/mairead-liston-irfu/

Dr Caithriona Yeomans https://www.linkedin.com/in/caithr%C3%ADona-y-03483190/

Dr Rod McLoughlin https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-mc-loughlin-11212592/