Sway Medical

Saint John Vianney High School is now utilizing an innovative concussion management tool for our student-athletes. The program utilizes an App called Sway Medical. The Sway System combines objective balance and cognitive measures to support healthcare professionals in performing accurate and informed evaluations with nothing more than the mobile device they already own. This involves each athlete taking the Baseline assessment prior to the athletic season. We will obtain specified data to reference in the case an athlete does sustain a concussion during competition. We can then have them complete a post-injury exam and compare results to their baseline. This information is used as an assessment tool to assist athletic training staff and physicians in determining the extent of injury, monitoring recovery, and making safe return to play decisions. If an injury of this nature occurs, we will be in contact with you. Post-concussion examinations will be taken under our supervision at school.

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The App can be downloaded on any mobile, iOS, or Android device. No dedicated hardware, Wi-Fi, or computer labs are required. The Sway System has been vigorously validated by third-party researchers at leading academic institutions. Sway has been the focus of over 60 peer-reviewed research study publications.

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The Baseline assessment takes about 20-30 minutes and is non-invasive. It goes through a symptom checklist and then a series of "games/tests" that allow us to assess both cognitive and balance measures. For the cognitive aspect, it measures reaction time, impulse control, inspection time, and memory (working and delayed recall). For balance, the App utilizes patented motion detection technology to test balance, including single-leg stance, tandem stance, and feet together.

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One of the reasons concussions are so dangerous is a condition called Second Impact Syndrome. If an athlete sustains a second concussion before completely recovering from the first one, the results can be deadly. At SJV, we understand the competitive nature of sports, but we always hold the athlete's health and safety as our top priority.