Baseline Concussion Testing: Help Protect Your Athletes’ Brains NOW!!!
After a concussive incident, it is vital to measure brain function post-injury. Knowledge of this information can assist in planning an effective rehabilitation program. At Functionised Integrative Therapeutics, we believe that a comprehensive approach to concussion management starts before the injury occurs. As a result, a valid Baseline Concussion Test is the first step to effective concussion management.
We assess balance and posture by administering validated, computerized tests using gold-standard force plate technology. We do a fall risk analysis, conduct balance improvement programs, concussion management, assist in Medicare wellness, utilize functional chiropractic care, physical therapy and partake in balance research.
What can parents and athletes do to prevent the lasting effects of concussion?
Youth are the most vulnerable to concussion and often don’t recognize that they have experienced one. Immediate removal from physical activity and plenty of rest after a concussion is crucial in the acute period. As is now mandatory in the NHL and NFL, we recommend that athletes receive preseason baseline cognitive testing before concussions occur. Then, if an athlete sustains a concussion, his/her progress can be followed by re-testing, comparing post concussion test results to baseline results, to help make the proper decision about when to return to sports.
We assess balance and posture by administering validated, computerized tests using gold-standard force plate technology. We do a fall risk analysis, conduct balance improvement programs, concussion management, assist in Medicare wellness, utilize functional chiropractic care, physical therapy and partake in balance research.
What can parents and athletes do to prevent the lasting effects of concussion?
Youth are the most vulnerable to concussion and often don’t recognize that they have experienced one. Immediate removal from physical activity and plenty of rest after a concussion is crucial in the acute period. As is now mandatory in the NHL and NFL, we recommend that athletes receive preseason baseline cognitive testing before concussions occur. Then, if an athlete sustains a concussion, his/her progress can be followed by re-testing, comparing post concussion test results to baseline results, to help make the proper decision about when to return to sports.
What is a Baseline Concussion Test?
Having a Baseline Concussion Test is like having insurance. As a preventative measure, a baseline test is taken prior to a sport season or accident/ incident when an athlete or non-athlete alike, has not yet had exposure to training, competition or a dangerous event. In the event of a concussion occurs, the same test (a "post-injury") is taken again by the individual, yielding comparative scores from both before and after the injury. These baseline tests and post-injury tests are computerized assessments that measure Reaction Time, Memory Capacity, Speed of Mental Processing, and Executive Functioning of the brain. The tests also record baseline concussion symptoms and provide extensive information about the individuals history with concussions.
Who should have baseline testing?
Computerized baseline testing can be performed for athletes who are age 10 to adult. Age appropriate tests are available for younger athletes who need more individualized attention.
How should I prepare the athlete for testing?
The athlete should be well-rested, fed, not ill, and not have exercised in the past three hours. Be sure the athlete knows to take the test seriously and that he or she cannot “pass or fail” it. This is not like school testing but is a set of computerized game-like tasks.
Having a Baseline Concussion Test is like having insurance. As a preventative measure, a baseline test is taken prior to a sport season or accident/ incident when an athlete or non-athlete alike, has not yet had exposure to training, competition or a dangerous event. In the event of a concussion occurs, the same test (a "post-injury") is taken again by the individual, yielding comparative scores from both before and after the injury. These baseline tests and post-injury tests are computerized assessments that measure Reaction Time, Memory Capacity, Speed of Mental Processing, and Executive Functioning of the brain. The tests also record baseline concussion symptoms and provide extensive information about the individuals history with concussions.
Who should have baseline testing?
Computerized baseline testing can be performed for athletes who are age 10 to adult. Age appropriate tests are available for younger athletes who need more individualized attention.
How should I prepare the athlete for testing?
The athlete should be well-rested, fed, not ill, and not have exercised in the past three hours. Be sure the athlete knows to take the test seriously and that he or she cannot “pass or fail” it. This is not like school testing but is a set of computerized game-like tasks.
Why is it Important to get "Baselined?"
A Baseline Concussion Test is a vital element in concussion management. Each concussion is unique and as a result important to treat individuals on a case-by-case basis. Comparing post-injury test scores of an individual to their own baseline test scores from before the concussion is considered best practice. Without a baseline test to use for comparison, to the post concussive state, an individual's post-injury test scores can only be compared to the general population. We want to be as accurate as possible so your treatment may be as effective as possible. Baseline Concussion Tests allow us to do just that.
A Baseline Concussion Test is a vital element in concussion management. Each concussion is unique and as a result important to treat individuals on a case-by-case basis. Comparing post-injury test scores of an individual to their own baseline test scores from before the concussion is considered best practice. Without a baseline test to use for comparison, to the post concussive state, an individual's post-injury test scores can only be compared to the general population. We want to be as accurate as possible so your treatment may be as effective as possible. Baseline Concussion Tests allow us to do just that.
What is needed for a Baseline Concussion Test?
The baseline tests that Functionised Integrative Therapeutics (F.I.T.) uses are computer-based and can be taken anywhere with an internet connection. A baseline test may take 30-45 minutes to administer and can be done for both individual athletes, non- athletes and groups. FIT provides the most reliable gold standard concussion tests available and our highly trained staff are experts at analyzing and interpreting test scores. Please note that if the athlete’s baseline is deemed possibly invalid, then the athlete will be asked to re-take the test the same day or asked to return, in order to capture his or her best performance.
What is an invalid baseline?
Invalid baselines can occur 4% to 10% of the time and can be due to a variety of factors, such as not understanding instructions, colorblindness, attention or learning or reading disorders, right-left confusion, distractions or noise during testing, illness, fatigue, poor effort, or not taking the test seriously. For these reasons, it is very important for the test to be taken in a supervised, controlled environment and reviewed by a professional who understands brain-behavior relationships, such as a psychophysiologist.
The baseline tests that Functionised Integrative Therapeutics (F.I.T.) uses are computer-based and can be taken anywhere with an internet connection. A baseline test may take 30-45 minutes to administer and can be done for both individual athletes, non- athletes and groups. FIT provides the most reliable gold standard concussion tests available and our highly trained staff are experts at analyzing and interpreting test scores. Please note that if the athlete’s baseline is deemed possibly invalid, then the athlete will be asked to re-take the test the same day or asked to return, in order to capture his or her best performance.
What is an invalid baseline?
Invalid baselines can occur 4% to 10% of the time and can be due to a variety of factors, such as not understanding instructions, colorblindness, attention or learning or reading disorders, right-left confusion, distractions or noise during testing, illness, fatigue, poor effort, or not taking the test seriously. For these reasons, it is very important for the test to be taken in a supervised, controlled environment and reviewed by a professional who understands brain-behavior relationships, such as a psychophysiologist.
The staff at Functionised Integrative Therapeutics (F.I.T.) is more than happy to talk with you about setting up a Concussion Baseline Testing program for you and your organization. Fill out the form below and we will contact you back within 24 hours.
Our Technologies, Testing and Treatment have been featured in media outlets such as:
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Biofeedback for Concussion Treatment
Concussion can result in a variety of symptoms that may persist and hinder recovery. One reason for the persistent symptoms is that concussion produces dysfunction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems due to cerebrovascular reactivity. Biofeedback is one way to correct the dysfunction, reduce the symptoms, and speed recovery.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a treatment that can help you control your physical body states, such as your skin temperature, muscle tension, pulse rate, and heart rate. These states are usually not conscious and you are usually unaware of them. During biofeedback, you receive continuous information about these states (feedback about your body) while you work with the therapist to relax, control, and ultimately learn how to change these states.
Biofeedback has been shown to provide symptom relief of general stress as well as of the following disorders: tension headache, migraine, hypertension, insomnia, spastic colon, muscle spasms, anxiety, phobia, asthma, chronic pain, Raynaud's syndrome, panic, GI disorders, TMJ, and CONCUSSION.
What are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are part of your overall autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in when you need to "rev" up for physical activity and is known for the "fight or flight" response. The parasympathetic nervous system works differently to bring your body back to a state of rest, slowing it down. These two systems can be impaired by concussion, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty with focus, attention, and concentration, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, and lack of physical stamina.
How does Biofeedback help?
The biofeedback practitioner helps the patient learn to regulate heart rate (as well as other body functions) to enhance the parasympathetic response. By normalizing the heart rate, parasympathetic activity is increased, leading to a greater sense of well-being and reduced symptoms.
How long does Biofeedback take?
The length of treatment will vary depending on the individual. Each session is approximately 45 minutes long. The first session is the Consultation Session in which the practitioner will conduct a thorough interview to better understand your injury and difficulties and to formulate a treatment plan. The second session is the Baseline Session in which the practitioner will record your body state measures, begin to set target goals, and you will become familiar with the procedures. The third session is the Practice Session, in which you will begin to learn and apply techniques to normalize your heart rate, and/or other body states. Most individuals plan to attend biofeedback session once or twice per week for a minimum of 12 sessions in order to experience improvement. Importantly, once you learn the techniques, you will apply them in your everyday life and they will become life-long skills.
Biofeedback is a powerful treatment tool that requires the cooperation of the patient to engage in, and practice, certain techniques demonstrated by the practitioner. As with any concussion treatments, biofeedback is but one tool to assist in recovery.
Concussion can result in a variety of symptoms that may persist and hinder recovery. One reason for the persistent symptoms is that concussion produces dysfunction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems due to cerebrovascular reactivity. Biofeedback is one way to correct the dysfunction, reduce the symptoms, and speed recovery.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a treatment that can help you control your physical body states, such as your skin temperature, muscle tension, pulse rate, and heart rate. These states are usually not conscious and you are usually unaware of them. During biofeedback, you receive continuous information about these states (feedback about your body) while you work with the therapist to relax, control, and ultimately learn how to change these states.
Biofeedback has been shown to provide symptom relief of general stress as well as of the following disorders: tension headache, migraine, hypertension, insomnia, spastic colon, muscle spasms, anxiety, phobia, asthma, chronic pain, Raynaud's syndrome, panic, GI disorders, TMJ, and CONCUSSION.
What are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are part of your overall autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in when you need to "rev" up for physical activity and is known for the "fight or flight" response. The parasympathetic nervous system works differently to bring your body back to a state of rest, slowing it down. These two systems can be impaired by concussion, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty with focus, attention, and concentration, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, and lack of physical stamina.
How does Biofeedback help?
The biofeedback practitioner helps the patient learn to regulate heart rate (as well as other body functions) to enhance the parasympathetic response. By normalizing the heart rate, parasympathetic activity is increased, leading to a greater sense of well-being and reduced symptoms.
How long does Biofeedback take?
The length of treatment will vary depending on the individual. Each session is approximately 45 minutes long. The first session is the Consultation Session in which the practitioner will conduct a thorough interview to better understand your injury and difficulties and to formulate a treatment plan. The second session is the Baseline Session in which the practitioner will record your body state measures, begin to set target goals, and you will become familiar with the procedures. The third session is the Practice Session, in which you will begin to learn and apply techniques to normalize your heart rate, and/or other body states. Most individuals plan to attend biofeedback session once or twice per week for a minimum of 12 sessions in order to experience improvement. Importantly, once you learn the techniques, you will apply them in your everyday life and they will become life-long skills.
Biofeedback is a powerful treatment tool that requires the cooperation of the patient to engage in, and practice, certain techniques demonstrated by the practitioner. As with any concussion treatments, biofeedback is but one tool to assist in recovery.