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Concussion Baseline Testing

Your First Step to Safe Recovery

  • What Is Concussion Baseline Testing

    Annual Baseline Testing is endorsed, recommended and considered to be helpful for appropriate concussion care by most leading global health groups including the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Concussion Guidelines, the International Ice Hockey Summit and the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine. 


    Sporting Edge Physiotherapy is on board with that idea and provides a Baseline Testing Program. It involves athletes getting tested properly at the start of their sport season to assess numerous physical and cognitive systems that could potentially become affected by a concussion. 


    When properly assessed and interpreted, these testing results add useful information to the management of sport-related concussions by giving clinical insight into an athlete’s pre-injury physical and cognitive functional states. With the use of the baseline results, post-injury and return to play scores, together this data allows clinicians to make informed decisions about a safe return to sport.

  • What It Entails

    Our Concussion Baseline Testing is a detailed process that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. It comprises 10 tests designed to assess an athlete's balance, reaction time, vision, concentration, memory, and recall. These tests provide a comprehensive overview of an athlete's cognitive and physical abilities before any potential injury. 


    This information is crucial in managing and treating concussions as it provides a reference point for post-injury evaluations. The ability to compare pre and post-injury states allows for a more accurate assessment of the impact of the concussion and informs the return-to-play decisions.

  • The Approach

    At Sporting Edge Physiotherapy, our approach to Concussion Baseline Testing is grounded in the most recent and evidence-based research. We conduct our testing through the Certified Concussion Management Institute (CCMI), ensuring our methods are up-to-date and adhere to the highest standards. Our commitment to using the latest research and best practices ensures that our athletes receive the most effective care possible when dealing with concussions.

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    Informed Return-to-Play Decisions


    Baseline testing provides pre-injury data, enabling clinicians to make safer and more informed decisions about an athlete's return to sport.

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    Enhanced Concussion Management


    By establishing an athlete's pre-injury cognitive and physical state, baseline testing significantly improves the management and treatment of sport-related concussions.

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    Accurate Post-Injury Assessment


    Baseline testing allows for a more precise evaluation of a concussion's impact by offering a reference point for post-injury comparisons.

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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.

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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.

Why Choose Concussion Baseline Testing

Sporting Edge Physiotherapy's Concussion Baseline Testing service is a critical investment in your health and safety. Our comprehensive testing program, conducted by professional therapists, provides a detailed overview of your pre-injury cognitive and physical state. This invaluable data serves as a reference point for post-injury assessments, enabling safer return-to-play decisions. Our commitment to using the latest research and best practices ensures you receive the most effective care possible. With Sporting Edge, you're not just getting a service; you're gaining a dedicated partner in your wellness journey.

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