The Benefits of Pre-Season Baseline Concussion Testing at PROmotion Health
If you or a loved one plays a sport with a risk of concussion, this is essential information. Pre-season baseline concussion testing could be the key to safeguarding long-term brain health and ensuring a safe return to play.
Concussions are a significant concern in sports, especially in contact-heavy activities like football, rugby, and hockey. With growing awareness of the long-term effects of concussions, sports organisations are focusing more on prevention and proper injury management.
One proactive measure is pre-season baseline concussion testing, which can help guide safe return-to-play decisions and enhance recovery after a concussion.
At PROmotion Health, we offer comprehensive baseline testing using the updated SCOAT6 assessment protocol.
Here’s why baseline concussion testing is crucial and how it benefits athletes.
What is Baseline Concussion Testing?
Baseline concussion testing is a multisystem assessment that evaluates various aspects of brain function, including memory, attention, processing speed, balance (static and dynamic), dual-tasking abilities, and self-reported symptoms. Conducted when an athlete is healthy, the test establishes a baseline of their brain function. This data is crucial for comparison if the athlete later sustains a concussion.
Baseline testing is typically conducted before the start of a sports season and should be repeated annually, especially for younger athletes. As they grow, their cognitive functions change and their baseline must be updated to remain accurate.
Why is Baseline Testing Important?
Baseline testing offers multiple benefits in concussion management:
Personalized Benchmark for Accurate Comparison
Each athlete’s brain functions differently. Baseline testing provides a personalized benchmark that allows medical professionals to compare post-injury assessments to the athlete’s healthy state. This individualized approach ensures that any cognitive or physical changes following a concussion are detected and addressed.
Objective Data for Precise Diagnosis
Concussion symptoms can be subtle or hard to self-report, and athletes may downplay their symptoms to get back into the game. Baseline testing eliminates the subjectivity of self-reporting by providing objective data, helping clinicians make accurate diagnoses and detect concussions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Safe Return-to-Play Decisions
Returning to play too soon after a concussion can increase the risk of severe brain injury. Baseline testing supports evidence-based return-to-play decisions, allowing healthcare providers to compare post-injury results with baseline data and determine when it’s safe for the athlete to return to action. This process significantly reduces the risk of re-injury or long-term complications.
Baseline Testing at PROmotion Health: SCOAT6 Protocol
At PROmotion Health, we follow the latest guidelines for baseline testing, using the SCOAT6 assessment (Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool 6th Edition). This advanced protocol covers all necessary aspects to ensure comprehensive concussion management.
Our baseline testing includes:
- Medical History: We take a detailed look at each athlete’s medical history, including any prior headaches, mental health conditions, or learning disorders, which can impact concussion management.
- Symptom Score: Athletes report common symptoms they might experience, like headaches, dizziness, or trouble focusing. This helps us establish a baseline to compare with post-concussion symptoms.
- Memory and Concentration: Cognitive tests assess the athlete’s memory and focus. Any decline from their baseline results post-injury may signal a concussion.
- Coordination and Balance: Both static and dynamic balance assessments are conducted, along with tests for coordination and dual-tasking abilities, which are commonly affected by concussions.
- Vestibular and Oculomotor Function: We assess how well the athlete’s vestibular (balance) and oculomotor (eye movement) systems are functioning, both of which are often impacted by concussions.
Why Choose PROmotion Health for Baseline Testing?
At PROmotion Health, we offer a holistic approach to athlete care. Our team is trained in the latest SCOAT6 protocols, ensuring athletes receive tailored, top-tier assessments. We aim to provide the most accurate baseline data, so if an injury occurs, we can guide the recovery process with confidence and precision.
By choosing PROmotion Health, athletes, parents, and coaches gain peace of mind, knowing they are well-prepared for potential concussions. Our comprehensive testing allows for informed decision-making, ensuring that athletes return to play only when it’s safe to do so.
Protecting Athletes’ Futures
Concussions are serious injuries, and baseline testing plays a vital role in protecting athletes from the risks associated with them. By having an objective, personalised baseline, decisions regarding return-to-play are safer and more accurate, reducing the chance of further injury.
Take the first step in protecting your brain health—schedule your pre-season baseline concussion testing at PROmotion Health today. Safeguard your future athletic performance with the most up-to-date concussion management practices.
Our Concussion team of Amanda, Anna, Emily and Elly are here to help!
