WHAT IS A CONCUSSION BASELINE TEST ?

A concussion baseline test is a method of establishing a healthy baseline of the Athlete’s normal brain function.  The baseline allows for a normal or pre-injury test comparison if an athlete receives an injury or concussion. This is a vital component of concussion testing for Athletes as it is what we compare the post injury test to.

With no baseline score it is extremely difficult for a concussion to be diagnosed.

when to do the test?

The best time to have the baseline test done is pre-season. It is very important that we establish a Healthy/ injury free score for the most accurate diagnoses after possible concussions have accrued.

After injury the concussion test should be done ASAP to establish the severity of the injury. Once we have established the severity of the injury we can design the most appropriate recovery plan. We recommend have 1-2 tests per week to monitor progress of recovery and ultimately a return to play date. 

Why kinetisense?

Kinetisense 3D Concussion is an objective balance assessment tool for concussion management. The system allows users to quantify the biomechanics of balance, before and after a suspected concussion or TBI (traumatic brain injury) occurs. The baseline screen is a modified version of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) test, a postural stability protocol commonly used for concussion monitoring. Kinetisense objectifies the BESS scoring system by applying 3D motion capture and computer learning to produce a balance score.

concussion by numbers

• CDC estimates reveal that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year

• 5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sport season

• Fewer than 10% of sport related concussions involve a Loss of Consciousness (e.g., blacking out, seeing stars, etc.)

• Football is the most common sport with concussion risk for males (75% chance for concussion)

• Soccer is the most common sport with concussion risk for females (50% chance for concussion)

• 78% of concussions occur during games (as opposed to practices)

• Some studies suggest that females are twice as likely to sustain a concussion as males

• Headache (85%) and Dizziness (70-80%) are most commonly reported symptoms immediately following concussions for injured athletes

• Estimated 47% of athletes do not report feeling any symptoms after a concussive blow

• A professional football player will receive an estimated 900 to 1500 blows to the head during a season

• Impact speed of a professional boxers punch: 20mph

• Impact speed of a football player tackling a stationary player: 25mph

• Impact speed of a soccer ball being headed by a player: 70mph