Concussion Baseline Testing

Why Is Concussion Baseline Testing Important?

Baseline testing plays a crucial role in the effective management and treatment of concussions, particularly in sports-related injuries. It provides a comprehensive overview of an athlete's cognitive and physical state prior to any potential injury. This pre-injury data serves as a valuable reference point for post-injury assessments, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of the concussion's impact. 

By establishing a clear understanding of an athlete's pre-injury functional state, baseline testing enables clinicians to make safer and more informed decisions about an athlete's readiness to return to sport. It helps to ensure that athletes do not return to play prematurely, reducing the risk of further injury and promoting a safer recovery process.

Moreover, baseline testing enhances concussion management by providing detailed insights into the specific areas affected by the concussion. This allows for a more targeted and effective treatment approach, tailored to the individual needs of the athlete. In essence, baseline testing is a vital tool in safeguarding the health and well-being of athletes.

Our Concussion Testing

The Concussion Baseline Testing conducted at Sporting Edge Physiotherapy involves a series of tests designed to assess an athlete's cognitive and physical state prior to any potential injury. These tests, which take approximately 30 minutes to complete, focus on various key areas that could be impacted by a concussion.

Balance is evaluated through tests such as the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), which measures an athlete's ability to maintain postural stability. Reaction time is assessed through computerized tests that require the athlete to respond to visual or auditory stimuli.

Vision tests may involve tracking a moving object with the eyes, while concentration and memory are evaluated through cognitive tests that measure the athlete's ability to remember and recall information. For example, an athlete may be asked to remember a series of words or shapes and then recall them after a certain period.

These comprehensive tests provide a detailed overview of an athlete's pre-injury functional state, serving as a valuable reference point for post-injury assessments and informing return-to-play decisions.