Objectives: This program supports the use of a multidisciplinary approach to concussion management for college sports at Texas State University. The program uses clinical assessments of neuropsychological function, vestibulo-ocular function and balance performance to characterize pre-season performance and then uses baseline values to monitor post-concussion symptoms for safe"return-to-play" during the recovery process. The value of this program is that it helps to define the role of the physical therapist and athletic trainer within the medical model for concussion management.

Method: Athletes provide written consent according to university policy and are screened by the team physician for overall health and fitness to play in collegiate sports. The concussion assessment battery includes the NeuroCom EquiTest, NeuroCom InVision, Halstead-Reitan Trail Making Test Parts A & B, and Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) assessment. After injury, athletes receive medical monitoring that includes the concussion battery of tests within 24-48 hours after injury and then on days 5, 7, 10; and week 4. Communication continues between team physician, physical therapist, and athletic trainer in terms of sports participation and "return-to-play."

Results: The program uses common standardized assessment tools. However, the program is unique in that it aids in training students in a multidisciplinary approach to "return-to-play" after head injury. The value of the program is that it fosters collaboration between athletic trainers and physical therapists who both provide separate contributions to the rehabilitation process of injured athletes wanting to return to sports. By incorporating the program into the curriculum, students gain a better concept of how athletic trainers and physical therapists work together to ensure safe "return-to-play" of college athletes. Clinical and professional benefits are discussed.