assessment of injuries (TOTAPS)

Question 1

What is TOTAPS used for?

Answer 1

TOTAPS is used to assess the extent of an injury for an athlete and determine whether they should return to play or not.

Question 2

What would indicate whether an athlete can return to play?

Answer 2

If an athlete can complete all requirements of TOTAPS to the assessors level of satisfaction.

Question 3

What happens if an athlete fails one task?

Answer 3

If an athlete fails a single task they CANNOT return to play and should seek further medical attention.

Question 4

What are the steps in TOTAPS?

Answer 4

Talk
Observe
Touch
Active movement
Passive movement
Skill test

Question 5

What does TALK consist of in the assessment procedure?

Answer 5

Assessor needs to talk to the player in order to find out exactly what happened. This can provide valuable information about the nature of the injury.
e.g. ask, “What happened?” or “Where does it hurt?”

Question 6

What does OBSERVE consist of in the assessment procedure?

Answer 6

1. Observe the injured area for signs of;
   
   • Swelling
   • Deformity
   • Change of colour
2. Then compare the injured area to the corresponding body part of the other side (e.g. look at both thumbs)

Question 7

What does TOUCH consist of in the assessment procedure?

Answer 7

Gently feel the area for any;
- Deformity
- Swelling
- Heat
- Tenderness

This is done by palpating the area from outside to the inside in order to accurately identify the source of pain, whilst watching the athletes body language and facial expressions for signs of discomfort.

Question 8

What does ACTIVE MOVEMENT consist of in the assessment procedure?

Answer 8

Determine the athlete’s function and mobility of the injured joint by asking the player to perform a range of movements INDIVIDUALLY
(e.g. flexion or extension)
If the athlete demonstrates a full ROM the procedure continues.

Question 9

What does PASSIVE MOVEMENT consist of in the assessment procedure?

Answer 9

The ASSESSOR physically moves the joint using a range of movements to identify any painful areas or instability in joints

Question 10

What does SKILLS TEST consist of in the assessment procedure?

Answer 10

Perform a skills test related to the sport of the athlete to determine their ability to play
(e.g. jogging, changing direction, side stepping, kicking)
Assessor should analyse whether the athlete is favouring one side of the body.
*If this final step is passed the athlete may return to play.