Concussion baseline testing is an effective way to compare pre and post-injury brain function. This article aims to cover your questions about concussion baseline testing. Read on to learn why this exam is an essential step before your child participates in sports.
If you would like to know more about concussion baseline tests, contact SportSafe. Our concussion experts have your child’s best interests in mind, helping them return to sports safely.
A baseline concussion test is an exam used to evaluate an athlete’s baseline brain function in the areas of cognition and balance. The test is done pre-season to establish the child’s typical performance. If your child has a traumatic brain injury, the test can help determine the extent and when it is safe for them to return to sports.
The exam will test cognitive abilities such as memory skills, attention, concentration, and problem-solving. Some baseline tests also include balance testing. The exam can also determine if the athlete is already displaying concussion symptoms.
There are various concussion baseline tests and most are done electronically, either on a computer or smartphone. Commonly used baseline concussion tests include ImPACT, Axon/CogSport, SWAY, BioSway, and SportGait.
Most high schools provide baseline testing before your child participates in contact sports, but this is not commonly offered in elementary or middle school. Speak with your child’s athletic trainer to see what they offer. If your child’s school does not offer baseline testing, it may be a good idea to get it done through an outside source.
Baseline concussion testing is very helpful in determining whether an athlete has a suspected concussion. The test helps a healthcare professional compare your brain function before and after a head injury.
Typically, a concussion will result in a drop in cognitive function and/or balance. When this is seen, we continue to monitor test results until becoming symptom free, when testing typically returns to baseline, and we can determine it’s safe to return to full academic and athletic participation.
A concussion baseline test allows a pre-injury comparison after an injury has occurred. When comparing a baseline to post-injury results, we can determine the extent of a head injury and monitor improvement. It gives us a benchmark that should be returned to, assuring full healing has occurred, and allowing safe return to academic and athletic participation.
Children who participate in contact sports or who are at risk of a head injury should undergo baseline concussion testing. Your child should get a baseline concussion test before the beginning of each sports season.
It is generally recommended that most aspects of baseline testing be repeated every year (in elementary and middle school) and every other year (in high school) to get an accurate idea of normal brain function.
A trained healthcare professional who understands concussions should interpret the results of a baseline exam. All components of the baseline exam should be considered before a child returns to sports or activity.
SportsSafe offers 2 cognitive tests. These tests are available as both baseline and post-injury tests. The tests available are ImPACT and SportGait.
ImPACT primarily evaluates cognitive function, specifically visual and verbal memory and reaction time. We’ve been using ImPACT since 2010. It was one of the very first cognitive tests in the market.
As of 2023, SportsSafe is adding SportGait. SportGait was developed in 2020 and includes not only cognitive testing components but also balance testing.
Both baselines can be taken from home and both post-injury tests are available for post-concussion. The post-injury test preference will be discussed with each patient and parent. A comparison of both tests is listed below.
ImPACT is one of the oldest platforms for cognitive testing, while newer tests like SportGait have emerged in recent years. Regardless of the specific test used, what matters most is that each child has a baseline and can be compared to it after an injury.
To get an ImPACT baseline test, you can purchase it online and complete it at home using a personal computer. Instructions will be provided, and if you need assistance, you can reach out via email.
For SportGait baseline testing at home, you’ll need a smartphone to download the SportGait app. The test takes about 10 minutes, and the results will be emailed to you. These results will also be stored for comparison by SportsSafe in case of a future concussion. Again, if you need help, you can contact the provider via email.
Whether you choose ImPACT or SportGait, the goal remains the same: ensuring your child’s safety and well-being by establishing a baseline and monitoring their recovery if a concussion occurs.
Click the learn more button below each test to gather additional information, and to purchase and complete your desired test at home.
Age: 12 and older (4-11 yr testing iPad testing is available in our office)
Test components: cognitive function (Balance assessment available in our office)
Requirements: Personal computer
Length: 25-30 minutes
Cost: $25 (paid via PayPal)
Results: Email after completion for results (provider@sportssafecbb.com)
Age: 8 and older
Test components: cognitive function and balance assessment
Requirements: Smart phone app
Length: 10 minutes
Cost: $30 (paid via PayPal)
Results: Results will be emailed by SportGait after test completed. With questions about test interpretation, email provider@sportssafecbb.com
There are many options for concussion baseline testing. Baseline tests allows post-injury comparison to pre-injury norms, providing confidence in allowing full return to academic and athletic participation. Areas evaluated in concussion baseline tests include cognitive function (ImPACT, Axon/CogSport, SWAY, SportGait), balance (BioSway, BESS, SWAY, SportGait) and oculomotor function (VOMS). Because all areas can be affected after a concussion, it is important to ensure athletes have returned to their personal expected performance in all areas before concussion clearance.
ImPACT was one of the very first concussion cognitive test baseline and post-injury test platforms. SportsSafe has been using ImPACT since 2010. In recent years, new tests have developed. Like ImPACT, each test has pros and cons. What’s most important is not the specific baseline test(s), but that each child/teen has a baseline and that a post-injury comparison can prove return to baseline before being cleared from a concussion.
To obtain a baseline using the ImPACT cognitive test, purchase the test below via PayPal. The test is done at home with a personal computer and takes 25-30 minutes. After purchase, PayPal should redirect you to a webpage where you click the link “ImPACT baseline testing instructions.” This page will detail computer requirements and instructions for test-takers to read prior to testing. If PayPal does not redirect you, please click here to be redirected to test instructions. If additional assistance is needed, please email provider@sportssafecbb.com.
Historically, concussion baseline testing has involved using multiple tests, one assessing cognitive function (ImPACT, Axon/CogSport, SWAY), another evaluating balance (BioSway, BESS, SWAY) and a third evaluation of oculomotor function (VOMS). Because all areas can be affected after a concussion, it is important to ensure athletes have returned to their personal expected performance after a concussion before clearance. SportGait has now created one test to evaluate the most important 2/3 areas.
If your child/teen has previously tested with another modality (ImPACT, Axon/CogSport, SWAY), these are still very useful assessments and post-injury testing can be done using those same tests to serve as a comparison. When due for an updated baseline, it’s your choice to either continue with previous testing modality (ImPACT, Axon/CogSport, SWAY) or begin testing with SportGait. What’s most important is not the specific test taken, but that each child/teen has a baseline and that a post-injury comparison can prove return to baseline before being cleared from a concussion.
SportGait testing at home requires a smart phone for which the SportGait app can be downloaded. Testing takes approximately 10 minutes and, once complete, results will be emailed by SportGait. These results will also be kept on file with SportsSafe, to serve as a comparison, were a concussion to occur. After purchasing the test via PayPal, PayPal should redirect you to a webpage where you click the link “SportGait Home Baseline Testing,” launching specific test instructions.
If PayPal does not redirect you, please click here to be redirected to test instructions. If additional assistance is needed, please email provider@sportssafecbb.com.
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