PLAY IT SAFE Concussion Assessment app for iPhone and iPad

The PLAY IT SAFE® app from Concussion Health is a smartphone-based application that provides a best practice concussion guideline to focus on assessment at time of injury by gathering information about:

1. Symptoms - most commonly associated with a concussion
2. Cognition - a series of cognitive questions (orientation-focused questions, anterograde amnesia questions, retrograde amnesia question and concentration tasks)
3. Balance - balance tests (Romberg Sway Analysis and heel-to-toe)
4. Exertion - an exertional test (jog in place)
5. Dynamic Vision - a dynamic vision (eye-head coordination) test of the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR)

The dynamic vision test establishes the eye chart baseline by allowing the subject to read the lowest line possible while the subjects head is stationary. The second half of this test measures the subjects ability to read the eye chart while moving their head. Subject moves head side-to-side in sync with the 1 Hz beep.

The PLAY IT SAFE Concussion Assessment is only one component of our Comprehensive Concussion Program that emphasizes the importance of assessment and documentation at time of injury. A detailed report can be emailed from your smartphone to a qualified healthcare provider or any individual the Athlete designates for more information on the Athlete’s status at time of injury.

Benefits and Features:

Features the Dynamic Vision Test - a test of the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR)
Provides insight to the athlete’s status at time of incident
Identifies “red flags” that may warrant immediate medical attention
Provides information if the athlete’s status is worsening when testing is repeated
Serves as a documentation tool to optimize communication between all parties involved in the athlete’s care.

Each component of the PLAY IT SAFE® app was chosen based on supporting literature as well as reliable and valid clinical tests. The PLAY IT SAFE® app can be performed by healthcare providers, coaches, parents or other individuals involved in the Athlete’s care. It is critical to note the objective of the PLAY IT SAFE® app is not to be used in isolation as a return to play tool nor to make a diagnosis but to identify impairment(s), especially “red flags” that would warrant seeking immediate medical attention. The PLAY IT SAFE® app is not to be used as a substitute for more comprehensive tests or professional medical advice. Always seek the care of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have about a medical condition. Remember: If a concussion is suspected, current guidelines recommend withholding from activity for a minimum of “same day” and not return to previous level of activity until receive written clearance from a qualified healthcare provider. A comprehensive neurological examination and evaluation is always recommended following any severity of head trauma.

More than 10 years ago, Bridgett Wallace, PT, DPT collaborated with Tina Bonci, MS, ATC/LAT and Mark Chassay, MD, FAAFP, FASCM of The University of Texas Athletic Department to develop a comprehensive concussion management program. Initially, The University of Texas had implemented computerized cognitive testing but there was a strong interest to further expand their concussion program by adding computerized balance and vestibular (inner ear) testing. After reviewing the literature, understanding the value of implementing various tests and observing the positive results of vestibular rehabilitation post-concussion, a comprehensive program from baseline to sideline to post-injury to rehabilitation was developed. Today, the integration of these multiple components has evolved into a concussion program now known as Concussion Health.