Test Type Overview
Time to dive into exactly what makes up the Sports+ protocol, our most widely utilized and validated protocol.
Resources
Course Lessons
Lesson Notes
Health Screen + Demographics
After putting in the group or profile code, athletes/patients will be prompted to enter their first name, last name, DOB and a quick health survey. Some of the questions are to quickly identify risk factors for delayed recovery post concussion.
- Includes race, ethnicity, gender identity, graduation year, primary and secondary languages, history of concussions, history of ADHD
Symptom Inventory
After inputting their demographic information, athletes will be prompted to complete the SCAT5 symptom inventory, with each symptom being measured on a 0-6 scale based on how the athlete feels at that moment. If the athlete does not have any symptoms, they can press the “Next” button at the top right of the screen, and select “No Symptoms”.
mBESS
The modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS) test is a widely used balance assessment that is derived from the original BESS test. The mBESS became part of the SCAT sideline assessment tool in 2008. The mBESS protocol measures postural sway of the center mass of the body in the X, Y, Z plane. There are 5 different foot positions, all tests are performed with your eyes closed:
- Feet together
- Tandem with right foot forward
- Tandem left foot forward
- Single leg right
- Single leg left
Tips for taking the test:
- Phone must be against the athlete's chest with two hands over it.
- Each portion of the balance test is 10 seconds, with athletes eyes CLOSED
Inspection Time (T test)
The inspection time measures a patient’s visual processing speed. It measures how fast you detect differences in length between the two T’s.
Tips for taking the test
- 1-2 minutes to complete
- Hold the phone in landscape
- Minimize distractions
- Max brightness
Reaction Time
The reaction time test measures an athlete’s visual processing and neuromotor function. It must be ONE quick intentional movement. The test takes 5 trials to get an accurate measurement.
Tips for taking the test
- Make sure the phone is set to rotate and that you have maximum brightness set
- Takes ~ 1 minute to complete
- Athlete must hold phone completely still in between rounds
Impulse Control
The impulse control test measures a patient’s inhibitory control and basic executive function when compared to simple reaction time. It measures how fast the athlete reacts to changes.
Tips for taking the test
- 1 min to take test
- Need max brightness and landscape mode
- Minimize distractions
Memory
This test measures two things:
- Working memory which is an evaluation of information processing and short term storage and recall (The orange squares)
- Delayed recall - measures storage and retrieval of information after a distraction period (The 3 letters)
Tips for taking the test
- Takes about 3 minutes to complete