In the interest of becoming leaders in Concussion Prevention and Management in Minor Hockey, Woolwich Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) has recently decided to partner with Woolwich Physiotherapy (WPT) to enhance the Concussion Management Program.
Over the next several weeks, several aspects of this program will be phased in, including baseline concussion testing and education sessions for parents, players, coaches and trainers. Collaboration from all parties is key in developing a research based, comprehensive plan for efficient and safe concussion management.
Many of you are familiar with the computer based baseline testing protocol(IMPACT), which has been a foundation of the Concussion Management program for WMH for the past few seasons. Based on feedback from parents, coaches and a variety of local concussion experts, WMHA in collaboration with WPT, has made the decision to replace IMPACT baseline testing with a different form of baseline testing known as SCAT testing. SCAT is an acronym for the most current concussion assessment tool (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool), which is currently used by health professionals to assess concussions. Within the SCAT tool there are physical tests for balance and cognitive question based tests for which baseline scores can be easily attained through pre-season testing
A baseline concussion test is used to establish an athlete’s physical and cognitive performance capabilities at the beginning of a season before the athlete has sustained any injuries, after a concussion injury occurs and after significant symptoms have subsided the athlete may be tested again to help determine readiness for return to activity. Although return to play is primarily symptom driven, baseline testing provides another tool for effective concussion management.
As we begin this process, all players/parents will be receiving a call from your team manager asking you to attend a baseline testing session at Woolwich Physiotherapy (Elmira).The process will be team based and will require approximately one hour of your time. A thorough explanation of the purpose of this testing, and how it may be used in concussion management should your child incur a concussion, as well as an outline of the pathway for concussion management within this new framework will be provided at this session.
For more information about WMHA's concussion management program (including forms and return to play guidelines), refer to the Concussion Management page.