The Importance of Baseline Screenings for Concussion in Schools and Clubs

Baseline screenings play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students and athletes. Here are three key reasons why they are essential:
  1. Enhanced Assessment and Care: Baseline screenings provide specific, individualized information that health professionals can use for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up care in the event of a concussion. This tailored approach ensures that any concussion-related issues are managed effectively from the outset.

  2. Optimized Recovery Strategies: By identifying factors that may influence recovery following a concussion, baseline screenings help prioritize critical areas. This enables health professionals to develop targeted support plans that enhance the current health, well-being, and performance of the affected individuals.
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  3. Community Education: Baseline screenings also serve as an educational tool, raising awareness within the community about the importance of recognizing and managing concussions early. This proactive approach fosters a safer environment for everyone involved.

Implementing baseline screenings in schools and sporting groups is a proactive step towards safeguarding the health of young athletes and students, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support when it matters most.
Apart from the clinical value of baseline testing, there are other advantages that baseline testing offers, such as enhancing community awareness and knowledge, and helping to develop a positive culture around concussion.

It has also been demonstrated that having a team physiotherapist AND completing pre-season baseline testing improves player welfare and management.
Until now access to this level of testing and assessment has not been available to club, school or community groups.
Baseline testing includes the following;

  • ​Computerised Assessment of Vestibular & Occular Motor Function
  • Computerised Neurocognitive Testing
  • Specific Neck Strength Assessment
  • Specific Balance Assessment
Baseline testing improves concussion care by;
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  • Improving the precision of assessments before a concussion
  • Improving the precision of assessments post-injury following concussion
  • Improving clinical care post-concussion
What Does a Baseline Screening Involve?

Effective baseline screenings evaluate a range of critical brain functions, providing valuable data that qualified health professionals can interpret. These screenings assess key brain functions and systems that might be impacted by a concussion.

Our screening includes evaluations of:
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  • Eye Movements: Utilizing Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen and NeuroFlex® testing.
  • Neurocognitive: Online neurocognitive test
  • Balance: Conducting balance and postural sway tests.
  • Coordination: Measuring reaction time.
  • Sleep: Completing brief questionnaires.
  • Emotional Well-being: Using brief questionnaires.
  • Relevant Medical History: Gathering information on previous concussions, migraines, neck injuries, or any learning difficulties.

​We offer on-site testing at your school or club, requiring a space equipped with power, tables, and chairs for 6-8 individuals at a time. A sports and exercise physiotherapist will supervise all testing procedures. Additionally, we can conduct individual screenings at our clinics if needed. Each screening session takes approximately 10-12 minutes per student.

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