What is Baseline Testing?
Baseline Concussion Testing at the Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center is a series of performance tests used to gather information about how a person functions in a “normal” or “baseline” state. Since normal brain function differs from person to person, Baseline Concussion Testing gives clinicians a point of reference when later evaluating the neurological impact of an injury. The information from a Baseline Concussion Test could then be used to compare performance of the same activities to that person should they ever sustain a concussion. So, by Baseline Concussion Testing today, you can help your doctors in the treatment of future concussions. It is important to note that Baseline Concussion Testing is not intended to be a diagnostic tool.
Baseline Concussion Testing is not to be confused with “Brainbook.” “Brainbook” is a concussion awareness program that is mandated by the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) to be viewed / completed by all High School student-athletes, typically only once before a student’s very first athletic participation season in any sport. “Brainbook” is not a Baseline Concussion Test, it is intended to educate athletes about concussions. There are different types of neurocognitive baseline tests available today; the Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center utilizes the ImPACT Neurocognitive Test which is widely regarded as the most comprehensive test available and has normative data.
ImPACT Basic Baseline Concussion Testing (U11 – U19)*
The Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center administers the ImPACT (Immediate Post concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) test. The ImPACT test is a widely used neurocognitive test that measures multiple aspects of cognitive function including attention span, working memory, sustained and selective attention time, response variability, non-verbal problem solving and reaction time. This is a test that is used widely by the NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, and most NCAA Division I institutions. ImPACT Concussion Testing is used to measure one’s ability to recognize, remember and react to words and pictures. It is an objective measure of memory and reaction time. The results provide a fingerprint of sorts to illustrate how the brain functions in a non-concussed state. ImPACT Concussion Testing is accomplished through a thirty (30) minute interactive and individual computerized test. Testing is monitored by a professional who has undergone training in the administration of the test.
The ImPACT test only has normative data appropriate for ages 11 and up, so therefore it is not advisable that this test is administered to children below the age of 11. Children below the age of 11 can schedule an in-clinic Pediatric ImPACT Baseline Concussion Test which is appropriate for their age group.
Advanced Baseline Concussion Testing (U7 – U19)*
This test package supplements the ImPACT test (listed above) with the following additions:
- Balance testing using force plate technology. This technology is able to determine sway and loss of balance under multiple conditions.
- Visual Motor Enhancement Test (VMET) is used to test both vision and fine motor skills. This test looks at how quickly and accurately you can scan (using your eyes to find the object) and how quickly and accurately you are coordinating your upper extremities to move and touch the object.
* U7 – U10 players can utilize the Advanced Baseline Concussion Testing which does apply to their age group and is performed by appointment in the clinic only. These players can also take a Pediatric ImPACT Baseline Concussion Test which is appropriate for their age group. Please email the Banner Athletic Training team at banneratctask@bannerhealth.com. In the email, please mention that you are with PRFC and include your athlete’s name, date of birth, and the preferred location to have the testing completed (Banner Sports Medicine – Scottsdale or the downtown Phoenix location at 1320 N 10th Street Suite B). Because this test needs to be administered 1 on 1 with an athletic trainer, the cost for the pediatric version is $25.00 per test.
Scheduling a Baseline Concussion Test
As part of the Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer Concussion Program, the Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center is pleased to offer Baseline Concussion Testing opportunities to our membership (players, siblings, parents, and coaches) at a greatly reduced cost. It is important to note that Baseline Concussion Testing is not only beneficial for soccer related activities, but also for school sports and even regular day-to-day activities where a fall, bump or blow to the head or body can occur. Baseline Concussion Testing can be scheduled as a team or on an individual / family basis.
To schedule a Baseline Concussion Test as a team, please contact Brad Clement, Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer VP of Competitive, at bradc@prfcyouthsoccer.com for more information.
To schedule a Baseline Concussion Test as an individual / family, please email the Banner Athletic Training team at banneratctask@bannerhealth.com. In the email, please mention that you are with PRFC and include your athlete’s name, date of birth, and the preferred location to have the testing completed (Banner Sports Medicine – Scottsdale or the downtown Phoenix location at 1320 N 10th Street Suite B).
The Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center
Brad Meacham, MS, ATC – Community Outreach
(602) 839-7383 – Office
Bradley.Meacham@bannerhealth.com
Address
1320 North 10th Street
Suite B
Phoenix, Arizona 85006
On the campus of Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix (10th Street & McDowell Road)
