Buffalo Concussion Test in Burlington
Guided Exercise Testing at Cogent Rehab
The Buffalo Concussion Test is a graded exercise test used in physiotherapy to help assess exercise tolerance after concussion. At Cogent Rehab in Burlington, we use this method to identify how your symptoms respond to exertion and to help guide a safe, individualized recovery plan.
How Is the Buffalo Concussion Test?
The Buffalo Concussion Test is a structured, symptom-limited exercise assessment performed on a treadmill or stationary bike. It helps determine the level of physical activity your body can tolerate without significantly worsening concussion symptoms.
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This test is often used as part of a broader concussion assessment and rehabilitation program.
Why Is the Buffalo Concussion Test Important?
After a concussion, some people can tolerate activity well, while others notice that symptoms such as headache, pressure, dizziness, or fogginess increase with exercise. The Buffalo Concussion Test helps identify that threshold in a safe and controlled way.
This gives your physiotherapist useful information to:
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understand your exercise tolerance
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guide sub-symptom aerobic exercise
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support return to school, work, and sport
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build a more individualized concussion rehab plan
How Does the Buffalo Concussion Test Work?
At Cogent Rehab, the test is completed under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Your heart rate, symptoms, and perceived exertion are monitored while the intensity of walking or cycling gradually increases.
The process typically includes:
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Baseline Check – We record your resting symptoms and heart rate.
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Graded Exercise Test – The treadmill incline or bike resistance is increased gradually while your response is monitored.
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Symptom Monitoring – We track when symptoms begin to increase and by how much.
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Recovery Planning – We use the results to guide safe exercise intensity and concussion rehab progression.
The goal is not to push through symptoms, but to identify a safe activity threshold.
Who May Benefit From the Buffalo Concussion Test?
Buffalo Concussion Testing may be helpful for people with:
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recent concussion
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persistent post-concussion symptoms
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exertion-related headache or dizziness
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difficulty returning to sport or physical activity
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uncertainty about safe exercise after concussion
Benefits of the Buffalo Concussion Test
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Helps identify exercise intolerance after concussion
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Supports individualized aerobic exercise prescription
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Guides safer return to activity
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Helps monitor recovery progress
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Improves confidence with exercise during concussion rehabilitation
Discover Guided Concussion Testing
in Burlington Today
At Cogent Rehab, we use the Buffalo Concussion Test as part of a comprehensive concussion physiotherapy approach. Whether you are recovering from a recent concussion or dealing with lingering symptoms, we can help assess your response to exercise and create a plan that supports safe, progressive recovery.
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Book an appointment today to find out if the Buffalo Concussion Test is right for you.
FAQs About the Buffalo Concussion Test
Q1. Is the Buffalo Concussion Test used to diagnose concussion?
No. It is used to assess exercise tolerance and help guide rehabilitation after concussion.
Q2. Is the test always done on a treadmill?
No. It can be performed on a treadmill or a stationary bike, depending on your symptoms, balance, mobility, and overall presentation.
Q3. Will the test make my symptoms worse?
The test is designed to be symptom-limited and closely monitored. It is stopped when symptoms increase beyond a safe level or when the physiotherapist determines it is appropriate to stop.
Q4. What symptoms are monitored during the test?
We monitor symptoms such as headache, dizziness, pressure in the head, fogginess, and general symptom response to exertion.
Q5. Can this test help with return to sport?
Yes. It can help guide the aerobic exercise portion of concussion recovery and support return-to-sport decision-making as part of a full rehab plan.
Q6. Is the Buffalo Concussion Test safe?
When performed by a trained clinician and with proper screening, it is generally considered a safe and useful clinical tool in concussion rehabilitation.