The first concussion consensus statement was published after the International Concussion in Sport group met in Vienna in 2001, and one of their findings was that neuropsychological testing was the cornerstone of concussion management.

(The Concussion in Sport group is an international panel of the leading researchers in the field of concussions. They have released 5 statements since 2001 that amalgamate the latest research and best practice recommendations.)

Since 2001 there has been a proliferation of baseline concussion testing methods, from the different versions of the SCAT put forward by the Concussion in Sport group, various pen and paper tests, and computerized tests. They were put into place to create objective data to be utilized for post-concussion comparisons to help in management and recovery. 

So, a little disclaimer, I'm a physiotherapist involved in concussion management, which includes Baseline concussion testing (BCT) as part of our management.  I direct the Concussion Solutions Program at Honsberger Physio+, and have been involved in concussion management for over 20 years.

In July 2017, Parachute Canada's expert advisory concussion subcommittee released the Canadian Guidelines on Concussion in Sport. One of their key recommendations was that BCT of youth and adult recreation athletes using any tools or combination tools was not required to provide post-injury care of those who sustained suspected or diagnosed concussion. Baseline testing was not recommended in youth athletes regardless of sport or level of play.

This has created some confusion in the world of baseline testing, as more athletes were becoming familiar and proactive in concussion management. 

These recommendations did not totally align with the most recent concussion consensus statement from the Concussion in Sport group from Berlin in 2016.  In the Berlin statement, they indicated that "baseline or pre-season neuropsychological testing was considered by the panel and was not felt to be required as a mandatory aspect of every assessment; however it may be helpful or add useful information to the overall interpretation of these tests. It also provides additional educational opportunities for the healthcare provider to discuss the significance of this injury with the athlete.”

As a physiotherapist, baseline concussion testing serves three key functions in my practice:

1. Educates before a concussion injury happens to ensure the proper process is followed immediately from the moment that a possible concussion is suspected. Concussion education is also a key recommendation from Ontario's Rowan's Law that was passed in 2017 regarding concussion injuries.
2. Provides a point of comparison in terms of neurocognitive status to assist in post concussion management.
3. Adds another layer of information regarding the recovering athlete with respect to their ability to return to learn and return to play. This information, in addition to a change in symptoms, family feedback and successful completion of progressive activities in the return to play stages provides a detailed awareness of an individual's status. 

If we take the educational process out of the baseline concussion testing equation, why should an individual still have a baseline concussion test done?  The majority of healthcare providers that treat individuals after concussion injury do find that having a baseline concussion score does allow for better management- safer, structured to meet the individual's neurocognitive needs, and provides an objective comparison throughout the overall recovery process. But, according to the Parachute Canada guidelines a baseline test is not needed for proper management, so why still do it?

Several studies over the past three to four years have shown that even with proper medical clearance, within the first year of return to play after concussion injury, athletes have a 2-4 times increased risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries.

Studies evaluating professional soccer and Australian football players, as well as collegiate football, basketball, soccer and lacrosse players all noted this evidence with peak musculoskeletal injury levels within the first 3 months after return to play.  This trend has been seen up to one year after return-to-play and was also seen up to 2 years post injury in a military specific study.

Various researchers have postulated theories for this increased musculoskeletal injury risk such as:

• decreased cardiovascular fitness
• decreased neural cognitive ability
• unresolved neuromuscular impairments
• delayed reaction times
• short-term brain changes
• decreased psychological "readiness"
• altered trunk movement patterns
• lower extremity stiffness
• gait changes 

Studies have shown that even after symptom resolution, there remains lingering effects in postural control, gait sequencing and dynamic balance. These effects can impact neuromuscular control most notabley during physically and cognitively challenging athletic activities. 

It has been found that deficits from concussion injury may last longer than reported and may be present even after the return to unrestricted activity suggesting that current clinical assessment tools may lack sufficient sensitivity to accurately track functional recovery.

One of the main areas that has been evaluated is that of neurocognitive abilities.  Neurocognitive performance encompasses the domains of visual attention, self-monitoring, agility, fine motor performance, processing speed, reaction time, and dual tasking ability. Neurocognitive performance is often a key measure in baseline concussion testing.

After concussion injury there are short-term changes in reaction time, visuospatial awareness, attention, executive decision making, and movement coordination. Any deficits in these areas can result in a decrease in overall neurocognitive performance.

The presence of an increased risk of a subsequent musculoskeletal injury after concussion, as well as lingering effects in postural control, gait sequencing, and dynamic balance, leads to the speculation that current return-to-play protocol are not effective for ensuring a safe return to play for the athlete as a whole dispite the readiness being labeled 'brain-safe'!!

Although some current concussion guidelines call into question the use of concussion baseline testing, the ability to create baseline neurocognitive scores in the pre-injury state is valuable. This allows for a neurocognitive comparison post-injury, to ensure an athlete has returned to normal neurocognitive levels that minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal injuries or other lingering post-concussion neuromuscular issues. Based on the scores post-injury, a health care provider can better determine whether an athlete is ready to return to play for all health states.

As the data continues to show, recovery from a concussion can be more prolonged than the standard post concussion symptoms demonstrate. Ensuring that an individual has returned to their pre-concussion neurocognitive levels via training and post-injury testing allows for a safer return while minimizing the risk of prolonged issues. Ensuring a full neurocognitive recovery via an extra step of neurocognitive training is key.

Although the rationale for baseline concussion testing is contradictory based on the current concussion guidelines, the BCT process can be used for athlete education, planning of post injury recovery, and also for ensuring a full return to pre injury neurocognitive levels to minimize musculoskeletal injury risk. 

To learn more about our solutions, click here. 

To educate yourself further, take a peak at this.

EFAN GONSALVES, B.H.SC. (PT)