Frequently Asked Questions about Axon Sports Baseline Concussion Testing
Baseline testing and the CCAT
Q. What is a Baseline test?
A. A Baseline test is a term for any test used before a treatment or activity. It is one tool in an effective concussion management program because it measures what we can’t see – cognitive (brain) function. Baseline testing is a best practice and is recommended by both the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The annual Baseline test establishes a snapshot of an Athlete’s brain speed and accuracy and can be used by medical professionals to help determine when it’s safe to return to the classroom or to competitive play.
Q. What is the Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT)?
A. The Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) is a baseline test available online that measures the speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking: processing speed, attention, learning and working memory. It features two scored tests: Baseline and After Injury. Each test features four tasks that use playing cards.
As with other Baseline tests, Athletes establish pre-season Baselines and repeat the same tasks if an Injury occurs to identify any cognitive changes. This helps indicate whether the brain has fully recovered. Medical Providers can use the test results, along with the Athlete's reported concussion symptoms, in making decisions about when it is safe for Athletes to return to the classroom, practice or competitive play.
Q. What are the differences between the Axon Sports CCAT and a SCAT?
A. The Axon Sports baseline concussion test, the Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) can be taken by anyone online and measures the speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking: processing speed, attention, learning and working memory.
SCAT is an abbreviation for the "Sport Concussion Assessment Tool." The SCAT was introduced as a "scale
of post-concussive symptoms" and has expanded into a more complete tool for Doctors to use to assess concussion symptoms and neurological features. It is commonly used pre-season and after a concussion to track symptoms and neurological recovery but requires a Doctor to administer and interpret. There is also a simpler version called the Pocket SCAT2 for use by non-medical persons such as Referees or Coaches if concussion occurs during a game.
Q. Does the Axon Sports CCAT determine if an Athlete has suffered a concussion?
A. No. The Axon Sports CCAT does not determine if an Athlete has suffered a concussion, nor does it diagnose any disorder. The Axon Sports CCAT measures the speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking: processing speed, attention, learning and working memory. Test results are used to measure and provide an estimate of an Athlete’s thinking at the time of testing. Changes in the Athlete’s cognitive performance can be due to many different reasons, so interpretation requires a qualified Medical Provider, particularly after a suspected concussion where After Injury results are compared with Baseline test results.
Q. Can anyone take a CCAT?
A. The CCAT is available to anyone 10 and older.
Q. When should a Baseline test be taken?
A. It is recommended that an Athlete take a Baseline test at the start of the school year or before the first contact practice of a sport season. It is also recommended that every Athlete take a Baseline test every year.
Q. How are the Baseline tests administered?
A. Baseline tests are taken using a computer and two keys on the keyboard to answer “yes” and “no” questions.
Q. How much time does a Baseline test take?
A. On average, the test takes 8-10 minutes to complete and results are available immediately.
Q. Are test results available to others?
A. Test results are available to others only if the account owner chooses to share them. Results are stored for 15 years and can be printed, downloaded or emailed.
Q. Should the Baseline test be taken under special conditions?
A. It is very important to concentrate and focus on the visual and audible aspects of the test so an environment free from distractions is needed when taking the test. If you are not in a quiet room, we recommend that you wear a pair of headphones that are connected to the computer's audio component to minimize any noise. Also, you need to finish all of the tasks without taking a break. You cannot stop, for example, to answer your phone and then continue to take the test once you've completed your conversation.
Q. Can I take a sample test?
A. Yes. You can take an abbreviated test to become familiar with the four tasks in Axon Sports CCAT. No results will be displayed with the sample test.
Baseline Test Pricing
Q. How much do Baseline tests cost?
A. The price of each Baseline test depends on the quantity purchased. The retail cost of one Baseline test is $7.50. Organizations using SportsSignup services can offer individual Baseline testing at a 15% discount to their members and can choose to take advantage of the even better discounts available when bulk purchasing test credits in excess of 250.
Pricing Schedule:
Making a Purchase- test credits & vouchers
Q. What is a test credit? What is a voucher?
A. A test credit is created when an Axon Sports purchase is made by an individual. One test, whether requires one test credit to access, take, review, and store results in an Athlete's account.
A voucher is used to distribute test credits to others. For example, an organization may bulk purchase Baseline test credits for their Athletes. In turn, they will email, transfer, or give voucher codes to Athletes. Athletes may then apply the vouchers to their Axon Sports account. After a voucher has been applied,
Q. Who is eligible for the 15% discount on Axon Sports’ Baseline tests?
A. Organizations using any of SportsSignup services (Online Registration, KidSafePlus, MySportsStore) are eligible to offer discounted Baseline testing to their members and are entitled to further discounts if they decide to bulk purchase more than 250 test vouchers.
Q. Does my organization have to purchase anything to make Baseline testing available to our registrants?
A. No. Your organization does not have to sign any contracts or buy anything to offer individual Baseline testing to registrants.
Q. How do we offer Individual Baseline testing to registrants?
A. A new Concussion Management page has been added to your admin system; you will be able to “turn on” an Axon Sports banner on registrant home pages and post-purchase pages. We’ve also added a new pre-populated e-mail template to help you get the word out.
Registrants will use the banner or the unique links in the e-mails to learn about Baseline testing, create family accounts with Axon Sports, buy test credits at 15% off, take tests and review and share test results.
Q. Should our organization consider purchasing test credits in bulk?
A. There are a number of reasons an organization might buy test credits in bulk:
- Cost savings – organizations with >250 Athletes 10 and older to test can receive significant savings
- Mandatory testing – Organizations can purchase all the test credits needed for a season/year and add a surcharge to registrations to cover the cost
- Tracking capabilities – Axon Sports offers different test tracking options for organizations
- Fundraising – The price differential between Tier 1 and bulk pricing allows for organizations to easily up-charge for testing
If your organization decides to bulk purchase test credits, don’t “turn on” the Axon Sports banner (from the Concussion Management page in your admin system) or send the email template to members. Both are meant specifically for organizations that are not bulk purchasing test credits.
Account Management
Q. Why does a Parent/Guardian need an account?
A. A Parent or Guardian will need to register with Axon Sports it they wish to purchase test credits, provide vouchers, or view their children’s test results online.
Q. Should my younger Athlete have their own account or should they be a dependent Athlete on my account? What's the difference?
A. There are two account types for Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT); both with different accesses and privileges:
- A Family account - allows the adult to manage children's account access, share test credits, and view test results. Consider this option for younger children who do not have an email address and will likely test from home.
- An Athlete account – allows the athlete to manage his/her own account and to share test results at their own discretion. Separate athlete accounts facilitate testing at schools and clinics.
Administrator Functions & Tools
Q. I like the idea of Baseline testing, but is this just something else I have to manage?
A. No. We have made it easy for you to offer the option of Baseline testing to registrants without having to monitor or manage anything.
A new Concussion Management page has been added to your admin system; you will be able to “turn on” an Axon Sports banner on registrant home pages and post-purchase pages. We’ve also added a new pre-populated e-mail template to help you get the word out.
Registrants will use the banner or the unique links in the e-mails to learn about Baseline testing, create family accounts with Axon Sports, buy test credits at 15% off, take tests and review and share test results.
E-mail & Communications
Q. Is there a way to communicate with specific teams, groups, adults, etc. using e-mail directly from the system?
A. Yes. SportsSignup features a very robust e-mailing system. With a few clicks of a button, your administrators can contact the entire organization or just specific groups.
Q. Can we create customized e-mail lists?
A. Yes. Having the SportsSignup reporting aspect tied to the e-mailing feature is invaluable. You can e-mail registrants on any report that you run.
About Axon Sports
Axon Sports provides an online test used in the evaluation and management of sports-related concussions as well as educational resources on a wide range of topics surrounding its proper use within an overall concussion management program. Together with Athletes, Parents, Coaches, Athletic Trainers and Doctors, Axon Sports is on a mission to protect and train the athletic brain.