10/01/2024
💥 “baseline testing is of limited use in younger athletes because of neurocognitive development.” 💥
This is quoted from the ‘6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport Consensus Statement’. This was published in 2023 and represents the most up-to-date information guiding sport concussion management internationally.
🔷 The younger athletes referenced are children defined as aged 5 – 12 years, and adolescents 13 - 18 years.
🔷 Due to ongoing neurodevelopmental changes throughout childhood and adolescence, one cannot establish a firm baseline of individual performance. These metrics continue to change and grow with the athlete. They are moving targets, not static ones.
🔷 Please note, regulated health professionals in Alberta are required to obtain INFORMED CONSENT before proceeding with assessments.
🔷 Informed consent means you should probably be informed specifically that baseline testing for your child is of limited use according to the most up-to-date international recommendations.
🔷 If someone adds a ‘BUT’ after that statement, be aware that whatever phrase is uttered next could be an attempt to emotionally convince or manipulate you into the decision. Please be observant of this.
🔷 Interestingly, Athletic Trainers are not currently a provincially regulated health care practitioner in Alberta, so the provincial laws around informed consent may not even apply.
🔷 So is it a scam? That will depend on your definition. How much money are you willing to spend on something of limited value? Were you properly informed about the testing?
🔷 If you were not informed that the baseline testing was of limited use, you may feel you did not provide informed consent. In this situation, you can discuss it further with the healthcare practitioner. You may also report this to the regulatory body of the health care practitioner responsible for the exam.
😀This information is brought to you by Level Up Physical Therapy. Click the link to learn more about the clinic.
https://www.levelup-physicaltherapy.com/concussion
Vertigo, Dizziness, Balance, and Concussion Care. Level Up Physical Therapy is dedicated specifically to these conditions. 100% built for people like you. We will guide you through the process of gaining more control over your condition.