What does the CRI test for, and how does it help with treatment of concussion?

Who may purchase the CRI?

Who is responsible for the administration of the CRI?

How long does the CRI take, and what is the test like?

What if the athlete is not familiar with computers?

What if the athlete's first language is not English?

What if the athlete has ADHD or another learning disability?

Who can take the CRI?

What type of computer do I need? Does the CRI require special software or hardware?

How long does it take to get test results and reports?

Who has access to test records?

Does the CRI provide a diagnosis?

Can an athlete's IQ be determined from CRI test results?

What types of support materials are available?

For general FAQs about HeadMinder protocols, click here.

What does the CRI test for, and how does it help with treatment of concussion?
The CRI tests neurocognitive functions such as memory and reaction time. By comparing athletes' baseline neurocognitive test results to post-injury results, the CRI can assist health professionals with the assessment of sports-related concussion and return-to-play decision-making.

Who may purchase the CRI?
To purchase the CRI, you must provide verification of appropriate licensure or accreditation by your state and/or authorization by an employer, such as a hospital, research laboratory, school, or government agency. Each purchaser must designate a responsible individual with the appropriate credentials to oversee the proper use of the CRI.

Examples of responsible individuals may include: certified athletic trainers; licensed physicians who treat concussion (including, but not limited to, sports medicine specialists, neurologists, psychiatrists, internists, family practitioners, and pediatricians); other sports/health professionals with relevant education and training authorized by their organization to conduct research or to make decisions regarding concussion severity and return to play; licensed psychologists.

Who is responsible for the administration of the CRI?
The athlete's provider is ultimately responsible for the administration and interpretation of the CRI. An athlete's provider is the person responsible for that athlete's care and who requested the athlete take the CRI.

A provider may be the athlete's certified athletic trainer, physician, or other health or sports professional. Providers may administer the test personally or assign another person to supervise the test administration.

How long does the CRI take, and what is the test like?
The test should take approximately 25 minutes. The CRI includes a brief questionnaire, to be filled out by the athlete, which covers topics such as background and demographic data, contact information, and pertinent medical history. Following the questionnaire is a series of computerized subtests that measure attention and working memory, learning capacity, and motor speed.

What if the athlete is not familiar with computers?
The CRI was designed to minimize the need for computer experience/familiarity. Typing skills are not required. None of the neurocognitive subtests uses the mouse, requiring the athlete to respond using only the spacebar or the number keys.

What if the athlete's first language is not English?
Most neurocognitive subtests are nonverbal, and online test instructions can be made available in a number of languages.

What if the athlete has ADHD or another learning disability?
Because each athlete's cognitive test scores are directly compared to his/her own baseline scores, the CRI remains valid. Even if the athlete performs outside of "average" ranges on the baseline due to a learning disability, that performance is normal for the athlete and will become the benchmark by which future performances will be compared.

Who can take the CRI?
The CRI is appropriate for athletes that are high-school age or older.

What type of computer do I need? Does the CRI require special software or hardware?
The CRI can be taken from any PC with an Internet connection and an up-to-date version of Microsoft® Internet Explorer and Adobe® Flash® player. If your computer does not have these, a notice on the login page will alert you and direct you to a site where you can download them for free. There is no special software or hardware to buy or install.

How long does it take to get test results and reports?
Results and reports are available instantly.

Who has access to test records?
HeadMinder does not provide athletes with direct access to test results, because all HeadMinder tests must be interpreted by a provider with appropriate education, training, and experience in the relevant area of assessment.

As a registered provider with a secure password, you will have access to the test results of the athletes under your care. Further access to test results can be customized to match the records management policies of your organization.

For more information, see the Test Taker Privacy Policy.

Does the CRI provide a diagnosis?
The CRI does not provide a diagnosis. CRI test results provide assistance with concussion management and return-to-play decision-making, but they must be interpreted by a qualified health professional.

Can an athlete's IQ be determined from CRI test results?
HeadMinder does not collect IQ scores. No one can make an inference regarding an athlete's IQ based on the results of the CRI.

What types of support materials are available?
Support materials include a step-by-step Administrator's Manual on how to navigate the system and administer tests; a comprehensive Professional Manual with test specifications, reliability and validity evidence, normative data, scoring procedures, and guidelines for interpretation of test scores; a Return-to-Playbook with practical guidelines for return-to-play decision-making; and parental permission forms.

Using your secure password, you may access the support documents at any time from your online administration pages. Documents may also be printed out for your records.