Touro PT Students Help Student Athletes Stay in the Game
The School of Physical Therapy at Touro University Nevada brought twenty of its graduate students to Bishop Gorman High School, which held a two-day concussion screening event for roughly 400 student-athletes participating in fall/winter sports.
Physical therapy students were guided by Gina Tulimero, DPT, assistant professor and organizer of the event, along with the high school’s head athletic trainer on how to work with the athletes using the latest technology in concussion screenings. The athletes wear a tablet device with software collecting key metrics, such as balance and visual acuity, that build crucial baseline data or flag any early issues. This system, also used by professional sports teams and physical therapy clinics, can be instrumental in early intervention and the prevention of long-term issues.
“Injuries can be devastating. We know how much these athletes love their sport and want to play. We want them to play too, but our priority is making sure they’re doing it safely. Establishing these baselines allows us to do just that by giving us the information we need to make informed decisions about their readiness to return to sport,” said Dr. Tulimero. “I hope these screenings give these student athletes the confidence in their health that allows them to compete safely and also gives their parents piece of mind knowing their school is dedicated to ensuring their health.”
Touro Nevada students walked the athletes through a three-part process that included a physical check, which measured their balance by holding various positions for 20 seconds. A vestibular/ocular-motor screening that involves moving the head while trying to focus on a specific area to observe how they can tolerate the movement. Lastly, a cognitive test that assesses memory, attention, processing speed, reaction time, and problem solving.
“These screenings are important for these high school students to be able to enjoy their season,” shared Komal Sidhu, a second year DPT student. “We want to make sure they can pursue what they are passionate about but know that they are doing it safely to get the most out of their experience.”
“Working with our community partners is an important experience in our students’ learning journey,” said Dr. Patricia Salkin, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “They are not just learning. They are making a difference and protecting futures.”
