MONROE — Concussions are a growing significant concern in youth and high school sports. To ensure athletes are at the top of their game after an injury, Monroe Clinic has three systems to help manage concussions — the Cobalt, Bertec Dynamic system, and Vision Trainer. Cobalt for balance and sway, Bertec Dynamic system for sensory input and motor output, and the vision trainer for reaction time peripheral vision training. These tools can be used individually or collectively depending on the severity and complexity of the concussion symptoms. 

The Cobalt system (Concussion Balance Test) is used explicitly to measure balance and sway for concussions. At the beginning of each season, Monroe Clinic athletic trainers travel with this portable system to schools to administer brief screenings that captures athletes’ baseline sway and balance scores. If a player does sustain a concussion later that season, the sports medicine team uses that baseline as the benchmark that needs to be reached before the athlete can return to competition. 

An athlete who experiences, dizziness, balance problems or motion sensitivity would use the Bertec Dynamic system. Through various trials, the Bertec Dynamic system both isolates and quantifies how an athlete uses their sensory and motor skills to balance. 

Utilizing new digital technology, the vision trainer creates a safe environment to test an athlete’s reaction time. Athletes stand in front of a touchscreen monitor to test and improve their reactions while also monitoring their peripheral vision and direct eye movement. 

These three systems provide Monroe Clinic with enhancements for a more accurate and safe return to play policy. Having gold standards for the measurement and treatment of sports related injuries gives peace of mind to players, parents and coaches that the athlete is ready to compete.

For more information on Monroe Clinic Sports Medicine, call 608-325-PLAY or visit www.

monroeclinic.org/sportsmedicine.