Central PT Screening Athletes to Help Detect Injury Risks

By Mia Freneaux
Pictured: Erik with CPT & Coach Hudson
    Erik Strahan of Central Physical Therapy was on hand last week at Central High School to screen football players with a Biodex Concussion Balance Test.  This, along with the conditioning of “Boot Camp”, is part of the Athletic Department’s program to get players ready for the football season.  This test provides baseline measurements on athletes to serve as a comparison should they suffer an injury during a game.  The test measures a student’s visual ability, sense of touch, and vestibular system, all of which are directly related to balance.  Using the test results, medical professionals can determine if a player has suffered concussion.  This athlete testing is “at or above collegiate level,” stated Erik. “It makes sure your son or daughter is safe to return to play in a game.”   Richard O’Quinn, also from CPT, said, “While just about anyone can run the machine to do the test, it takes training to know how to interpret the results.  Erik and I received special training in the use of this diagnostic tool.  We are the only Concussion Health Certified Clinic in the Southeast.  The nearest such facility is in Austin, Texas.”  Both PT’s maintain the Biodex is not definitive used by itself.  This is why they use multiple measurements and tests to evaluate what injury a student has sustained.  Both Central High School and Central Private School have tested their athletes using the Impact Test, which measures cognitive function, short and long-term memory, recall, and reaction time.  This gives Erik and Richard, who are on the sidelines at every CHS and CPS game, a “finger print” for evaluation.  “It’s important that the schools are taking time to do this,” Richard said, “This is not a money maker for Central Physical Therapy, we do it strictly to help the community and as a service to the kids.”  Coach Brian Hudson added, “It’s great that we have had this made available for our athletes.”