Keeping their heads up: SAIT participates in U of C concussion research

"Before the start of the season, every SAIT hockey player will have taken a concussion baseline test at the U of C.The testing uses an innovative robotic device to assess athletes for reaction time, divided attention, working memory, visio-spatial planning, and movement co-ordination.

“We’re excited about the integration of robotics as a novel concussion assessment tool,” said Dr. Brian Benson, who conducted the study, in a press release. “Even subtle impairments may increase their risk of repeat or additional injury.”

Kim Sweeney, SAIT’s head athletic therapist, has dealt with student athletes who have experienced concussions for seven years and said the school is going in the right direction.

Every athlete at SAIT who suffers a concussion has to go through Sweeney before being cleared to play. The athlete has to be symptom free for 24 hours, then undergo a series of increased physical activity. If there are any setbacks, it’s back to square one."

Read More...