FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT & CONCUSSION SCREENING
Concussion Protocol
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or
indirect force to the head. It results in a variety of nonspecific symptoms
(like those listed below) and often does not involve loss of consciousness.
Concussion should be suspected in the presence of any one or more of the
following:
- Symptoms (such as headache), or
- Physical signs (such as unsteadiness), or
- Impaired brain function (e.g. confusion) or
- Abnormal behaviour
What is baseline testing?
We will be using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2(SCAT2) to do
baseline testing. It is a series of neurocognitive tests to find individual
athletes baseline level so that we have scores to compare with anytime we
suspect the child of having a concussion or when the athlete is ready to
return to play post concussion. The SCAT 2 test also contains the Maddocks
questionnaire for sideline concussion assessment.
What is a concussion protocol?
A concussion protocol is a procedure to follow when integrating an athlete
back to sport. While concussions are hard to prevent, what we can do is make
sure the athlete does not return to early or unnecessarily sit out for too
long post concussion. The concussion protocol allows us to use standardized
testing that can be completed by any health care professional so that we can
adequately test the athlete for a suspected concussion and take the
appropriate actions.
Functional Movement Screen
The FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns
that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS
readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. The FMS generates
the Functional Movement Screen Score, which is used to target problems and
track progress. This scoring system is directly linked to the most
beneficial corrective exercises to restore mechanically sound movement
patterns.
The screen effortlessly identifies asymmetries and limitations and creates a
functional baseline to mark progress and provides a means to measure
performance. The FMS quickly identifies dangerous movement patterns so that
they can be addressed. Addressing these improper movement patterns with
corrective exercises serves to prevent injuries while increasing performance
of the athlete
Resources
Concussion Management Model
FMS Explanation
Graduated Return to Play Protocal