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Population-specific baselines

Baseline Testing for Aging Weekend Warriors

Baseline testing isn't just for youth athletes — recreational athletes of any age benefit.

3 min read

If you’re over 40 and still playing recreational sports — softball, cycling, skiing, basketball, soccer — your concussion risk profile is different from a teenager’s. According to the BESS normative data compiled in the Rehabilitation Research and Practice database (Iverson & Koehle, 2013), balance performance degrades significantly after age 50. Reaction time slows with age. Recovery from concussion takes longer in older adults. Yet baseline testing is marketed almost exclusively to youth athletes.

At Headquarters, we offer adult baseline testing for recreational athletes of all ages. See also our piece on older adults and concussion baselines.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Does concussion risk change with age?
Yes. Research summarized in the Rehabilitation Research and Practice database (Iverson & Koehle, 2013) shows balance performance degrades significantly after 50. Reaction time slows with age. Recovery from concussion takes longer in older adults.
Is baseline testing only for youth?
It's marketed that way, but no — recreational athletes of all ages benefit from baselines.
What sports produce concussions in older adults?
Softball, cycling, skiing, basketball, soccer, and combat sports all produce concussions in adult recreational athletes.
Does Headquarters baseline adults?
Yes. We offer adult baseline testing for recreational athletes of all ages.

Baselines for adults too.

Recreational athletes of all ages benefit from baseline testing — we offer it for weekend warriors, masters athletes, and everyone in between.

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