05/07/2026
Why baselines matters more than most people think 👀🧠
Baseline concussion testing helps Athletic Therapists understand what is normal for each athlete. This provides a reference point if a head injury occurs, allowing us to guide assessment and support a recovery that is specific to the individual.
This is especially important for athletes who may already experience symptoms in daily life due to ADHD, learning disabilities, migraines, psychiatric conditions, or sleep issues. Without a baseline, it can be harder to determine what “recovered” actually looks like for that athlete.
Results from baseline testing help identify what areas may be affected after a concussion and guide individualized rehab and recovery planning. They also provide a consistent way to track recovery over time and support safer return-to-sport decisions, helping athletes return to school, sport and daily life more confidently and safely.
Mild errors on concussion testing (such as balance challenges or difficulty with dual-task activities) may be seen in younger athletes as part of normal development. Without a baseline for comparison over time, it becomes harder to confidently interpret what is truly “normal” for that individual, which may influence return-to-sport decisions.
In the absence of a baseline and proper return-to-play progression, athletes may be cleared based on general norms rather than their own true function, which can increase the risk of returning to sport too early.
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