Concussion Baseline Testing Melbourne
Club, School & Athlete Concussion Testing
Concussion is one of the most challenging injuries facing modern sport.
Every season, coaches, trainers, volunteers and parents are required to make important decisions about athletes who may have suffered a concussion. These decisions are often made on the sidelines, under pressure, and with limited information.
At Melbourne Headache & Concussion Group, we provide concussion baseline testing for sporting clubs, schools and athletes across Melbourne using the FDA-approved Sway Medical platform.
Baseline testing establishes a pre-injury snapshot of an athlete’s neurological function, allowing clinicians to compare post-injury performance against the athlete’s own healthy baseline.
If you’re not testing, you’re guessing.
What Is Concussion Baseline Testing?
Concussion baseline testing is a pre-season assessment performed before an athlete is injured.
The purpose of baseline testing is to measure how an athlete’s brain functions when they are healthy.
If a concussion occurs during the season, clinicians can compare post-injury results against the athlete’s own baseline data to assist with assessment and recovery monitoring.
At Melbourne Headache & Concussion Group, we use Sway Medical to assess:
Why Is Baseline Testing Important?
No two athletes are the same. Without baseline data, clinicians rely on population averages and normative values.
Athlete-Specific Data
Two healthy athletes can perform very differently on cognitive, balance and reaction time testing. Baseline testing provides a reference that reflects that individual’s normal.
Meaningful Comparison
Baseline testing provides an athlete-specific reference point used alongside a comprehensive clinical assessment following a suspected concussion.
Supports Clinical Assessment
While baseline testing does not diagnose concussion, it provides valuable information that assists clinicians managing athletes throughout recovery.
Why Sporting Clubs Are Investing In Baseline Testing
Concussion awareness has never been higher. Parents, athletes, schools, leagues and governing bodies increasingly expect clubs to demonstrate a proactive approach to concussion management.
Support Player Welfare
Demonstrate a commitment to athlete health and safety.
Support Coaches And Trainers
Provide objective information that can assist healthcare professionals managing suspected concussion cases.
Improve Decision Making
Give clinicians access to additional information following injury.
Build Parent Confidence
Show families that player welfare is taken seriously.
Strengthen Concussion Management Systems
Create a more robust approach to recognising, assessing and managing concussion throughout the season.
What Does Sway Medical Measure?
Melbourne Headache & Concussion Group uses the FDA-approved Sway Medical platform. Sway Medical assesses several key areas commonly affected by concussion.
Balance
Concussion can impair postural control. Sway measures stability through validated balance assessments.
Reaction Time
Slowed reaction times are common following concussion. Baseline testing establishes normal reaction speed before injury.
Cognitive Function
Concussion can affect attention, concentration and information processing. Baseline testing establishes what is normal for that athlete.
Memory
Memory performance may be affected following concussion. Baseline data provides a useful comparison point during recovery.
Symptom Tracking
Athletes complete symptom screening that can be used alongside clinical assessment when managing concussion.
Why We Use Sway Medical
- FDA approved
- Evidence based
- Portable
- Efficient
- Easy for athletes to complete
- Suitable for community and elite sport settings
Mobile Technology. No disruption.
Unlike traditional computer-based systems, testing can be completed using mobile technology at your club or sporting venue.
This allows large groups of athletes to be assessed efficiently without disrupting training schedules.
Who Should Consider Baseline Testing?
If your sport involves a risk of head impact, baseline testing may be worth considering.
Baseline testing is generally recommended for:
- Athletes aged 14 years and older
- Contact sports
- Collision sports
- Representative athletes
- Elite junior athletes
- Senior sporting competitions
- School sporting academies
Sports commonly tested include:
- AFL Football
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Netball
- Combat sports
Our Position On Baseline Testing For Athletes Under 14
At Melbourne Headache & Concussion Group, we generally recommend baseline testing for athletes aged 14 years and older.
Children and younger adolescents experience significant neurological development as they grow. As a result, baseline scores can change considerably over relatively short periods of time.
For athletes under 14 years of age, we believe the most important factors are:
Baseline testing is one tool within concussion management, but it does not replace proper clinical assessment and should not be viewed as a substitute for recognising and responding appropriately to suspected concussion.
How Our Club Testing Program Works
We Come To You
Our clinicians attend your sporting club, school or sporting organisation.
Athletes Complete Testing
Athletes complete their baseline assessment using Sway Medical. The process typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes per athlete.
Results Are Securely Stored
Baseline data is securely maintained for future comparison if required.
Ongoing Concussion Support
If an athlete suffers a suspected concussion during the season, our team can provide:
- Concussion assessment
- Clinical management
- Return to school guidance
- Return to work guidance
- Return to play planning
Club Education And Concussion Awareness
Baseline testing is only one component of effective concussion management. We also provide education sessions covering:
Our goal is to help clubs build confidence in recognising and responding appropriately to concussion.
Why Choose Melbourne Headache & Concussion Group?
Concussion Is A Core Focus Of Our Practice
Our clinicians regularly assess and manage concussion patients from sport, workplace incidents, motor vehicle accidents and everyday life.
Evidence-Based Care
We follow current concussion management guidelines and best-practice recommendations.
Extensive Sporting Club Experience
We have worked with sporting clubs, schools and sporting organisations throughout Melbourne and Victoria.
End-To-End Support
From baseline testing through to return to play, we support athletes through every stage of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Baseline Tested
Whether you’re a parent booking for one athlete or a club coordinator managing a full squad, the process is straightforward.
Individual Athletes
Book directly online or by phone — no referral needed. Your 45-minute session is conducted at our Williamstown clinic, and you’ll leave with a documented baseline record ready to share with your coach or treating clinician if a concussion occurs during the season.
Teams & Clubs
We come to you. Our clinicians can conduct baseline assessments for entire squads at your training venue or facility, fitting sessions around your pre-season schedule. Results are stored securely and made available to your club’s medical or coaching staff.
This service is used by AFL, lacrosse, soccer and rugby clubs across Melbourne’s west and can be tailored to junior, senior or mixed-age groups.
Book Concussion Baseline Testing
Protect your players.
Support your volunteers.
Take the guesswork out of concussion management.