• July 2, 2026 | 12:15 PM - 2:15 PM
• PCC,118AB

Advancing Concussion Care in Para Sports: Validating the Para SCAT6-WC for Athletes Who Use Wheelchairs

Despite evidence showing that Para sport athletes are at similar or higher risk of sport-related concussion (SRC) compared to their non-Para sport peers, no validated assessment tool exists for this population. The SCAT6, widely used in concussion management, lacks relevance and accuracy when applied to athletes who use wheelchairs. This gap creates disparities in clinical care. The purpose of this session is to close that gap by introducing the Para SCAT6-WC, an adapted and validated concussion assessment tool, into clinical practice.

Learning Objectives - Describe the epidemiological need and clinical rationale for adapting concussion assessment tools for athletes who use wheelchairs.
- Summarize the multi-phase process used to develop and validate the Para SCAT6-WC.
- Differentiate between components of the standard SCAT6 and the Para SCAT6-WC, including specific modifications related to functional assessment and balance/coordination.
- Express practical considerations and implications for integrating the Para SCAT6-WC across sport settings, including collegiate, Paralympic, and high school environments.
- Develop a plan for integrating the Para SCAT6-WC into existing clinical workflows in their own practice setting

Lab Objectives
- Show the administration of the Para SCAT6-WC, including modified components for athletes who use wheelchairs.

Keywords: Concussion Assessment; Adaptive Sports Medicine; Neurocognitive Evaluation