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Welcome back to headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today we have the honour and privilege to be hosting Nick Rushworth.

Nick Rushworth is the Executive Officer of Brain Injury Australia, a position he has held since 2008. Before joining Brain Injury Australia, Nick worked for the Northern Territory Government setting up their Office of Disability whilst also formerly a producer with the Nine Television Network’s “Sunday” program and ABC Radio National, where Nick’s journalism has won a number of awards, including a Silver World Medal at the 2003 New York Festival, a National Press Club and TV Week Logie Award.

Nick’s current primary focus is facilitating a national “community of practice” in brain injury for the National Disability Insurance Agency. Furthermore, Nick serves as a consumer representative for numerous organisations some of these include but not limited to: Mission for traumatic brain injury: A medial research future fund-initiative providing $50 million in federal government funding over 10 years), the Australian Trauma Quality Improvement Program Steering Committee; the Victorian Neurotrauma Advisory Council; the Executive of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Directorate of New South Wales Health; the Victorian Transport Accident Commission/ Monash University Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research Behaviours of Concern Project; the Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre Advisory Board; the Disability Advisory Committee of the Australian Electoral Commission;

Nick is also a Director of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, and is an Ambassador for the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the Queensland Brain Institute’s concussion research.

In April 2024 Nick was appointed to the Australia Government Medical Research Traumatic Brain Injury Mission Expert Advisory Panel.

- How Nick Become Involved in the Brain Injury and Concussion Space? (02:30)

- Ways the mTBI/ concussion space has change since late 1990’s to now? (04:10)

- Differences in Mild, Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (06:37)

- Raising Awareness of mild Traumatic Brain Injury outside of Sports-Related Concussion (12:05)

- Indigenous Australian’s and Concussion/mTBI (17:02)

- Incidences Rates of mTBI (20:30)

- Language Around mTBI (22:30)

- Falls in the Elderly (23:51)

- Difficulties When Talking About Policy Changes and Research Grants? (27:34)

- Brain Injury Australia (33:00)

Brain Injury Australia: https://www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we're honoured to be joined by Professor Dominic Malcolm, a leading expert in the Sociology of Sport from Loughborough University. As Director of Doctoral Programmes and former editor of the International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Professor Malcolm's work explores the critical intersections of sport, medicine, and health. His recent research delves into how the media shapes public understanding of concussion and CTE. With over 100 publications and nearly 5,000 citations, his contributions continue to shape both academic thought and real-world practice.

- How Professor Malcom Become Involved in Sociology and Concussion (02:00)

- What is a Concussion (03:45)

- Book The ‘Concussion Crisis” (06:00)

- Sociocultural Aspects of Concussion (10:08)

- Dementia & Mental Health in Society (12:00)

- CTE and the Social Determinants

- Concussion in Sports: It’s Time to Drop the Tobacco Analogy (18:30)

- Why Did We Compare Concussion/ CTE to Smoking? (23:50)

- How to Access Both Sides of the Academic Debate (25:45)

- Repetitive Head Impacts in Soccer/ Football (30:00)

- Dementia in Society (34:30)

- Main Message (36:30)

Domonic Malcom:

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/dominic-malcolm/

Twitter/X = @sportsociologis

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NU4YziMAAAAJ&hl=en

Todays Articles:

Sport-related concussion research agenda beyond medical science: culture, ethics, science, policy: https://jme.bmj.com/content/51/1/68.abstract

Concussion in sport: It's time to drop the tobacco analogy: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S144024402400032X

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we are honoured and privileged to welcome Sophie Curtain. An NRLW Athlete who represented New South Wales in the Under 19 State of Origin and an accomplished Australian and World Junior Muay Thai Champion.

Sophie’s talents extend far beyond the field and ring. She’s a qualified Sports Nutritionist with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, specialising in personalised, evidence-based nutrition programs designed to support high-performance and optimal health.

Join us as we dive into Sophie’s unique journey through elite sport, recovery, and the science of performance nutrition.

- Sophie’s Sporting History (01:03)

- Sophie’s personal experiences with concussion (04:00)

- Head Injury Assessments in Game (10:50)

- What Happens Post Game and Personal Effects of Concussion (15:00)

- Return to Play (20:40)

- Comparing other Injuries to Concussion (25:00)

- Perceptions of Concussion As an Injury Over Time (28:10)

- Playing Through Injury as an Athlete (32:10)

- Sports Nutrition, Sophie’s Nutrition Business and Intersection with Sport (36:00)

- Favourite Sporting Moments (43:45)

@sophiesportsnutrition

https://www.sophiesportsnutrition.com

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We are joined by Dr. Sharief Hendricks from the University of Cape Town — a leading figure in sports science and medicine. Dr. Hendricks is the Senior Associate Editor for the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sportand has served on the editorial boards of the British Journal of Sports & Exercise Medicine and the European Journal of Sport Science as Social Media Editor since 2014.

He is also the Past President of the South African Sports Medicine Association, and currently chairs the Sport Science, Technology, and Research Commission at the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. With over 135 publications focused on injury prevention and athlete welfare, and consultancy roles with organizations like World Rugby and the South African Cricketers’ Association, Dr. Hendricks brings unmatched expertise to the conversation.

- Dr Hendricks introduction to Sports Science (02:11)

- Tackling Heights in Rugby Union and Contact Sports (03:50)

- Action Vs Outcome and Preventative (07:30)

- Lead author of paper Consensus on “A video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the Rugby Union Video Analysis Consensus group” (08:30)

- Key Definitions and Outcomes of “What is A Tackle” (10:46)

- Broad Over View of Video Analysis in Concussion (15:32)

- Understanding Injury Prevention (17:12)

- Study Design (21:10)

- Smart Mouth Guards and Video Analysis (22:05)

- Over Arching Goal of Video Analysis (26:10)

- HIA numbers and Implications of Rule Changes (28:35)

- Your future/ current research, how can we help and find your work?

https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=Ot2SLnwAAAAJ&hl=en

Consensus on a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the Rugby Union Video Analysis Consensus group: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/10/566.abstract

Twitter/X: @Sharief_H

Instagram: Sharief_H

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Welcome back to Headfirst. Today’s guest is a true legend — Wally Lewis. A rugby league immortal, State of Origin icon, and one of the greatest to ever play the game. With over 250 club appearances, 38 Origin games, and 34 Tests for Australia, his legacy is undeniable.

Wally shares a deeply personal message about brain health, concussion and probable CTE. He does not blame the game or anyone involved, his mission is to provide education and raise awareness so we can continue to play game we love whilst making it safer for future generations to come. The episode is an insightful and honest conversation for players, parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about sport and wellbeing.

- Earliest Memories and Love of League (02:22)

- Understanding of Concussion and How This Has Evolved (07:50)

- Signs and Symptoms of Probable CTE Diagnosis (10:45)

- Understanding Athletes Perceptions (15:00)

- Awareness and Education Whilst Participating in The Game We Love (16:22)

- What can Individual Do Regarding Concerns Post Career (18:25)

- Message to Past Players (23:35)

-Fondest Moments in Playing Career (26:34)

Wally Lewis Instagram: Wallylewis_official

Resources (I have no affiliation with any of the individuals or organisations)

Dementia Australia: https://www.dementia.org.au

Dr Rowena Mobbs: https://www.harbourneurology.com.au/pifold

Dr Rowena Mobbs – Podcast Episode 25

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**Re-Release Episode 23 - Original Date: 05/03/2024**

Welcome to "Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast," . In this instalment, we're thrilled to have retired NRL and English Super League player, Lachlan Coote, join us.

Lachlan stands as one of the greats of the game, boasting an impressive record of over 250 professional games. His achievements include clinching the 2015 NRL Premiership with the North Queensland Cowboys and conquering the 2016 World Club Challenge. Transitioning to the English Super League, Lachlan played a pivotal role in securing a historic 3-Peat during the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Grand Finals at St Helens, also adding the 2021 Challenge Cup to his accolades.

On a personal level, Lachlan has garnered numerous awards, including club rookie and player of the year at respective clubs, while earning a spot in the Super League's 2019 dream team.

Join us as Lachlan candidly shares his experiences, offering insights from an athlete's perspective on concussions—a journey that eventually led to his medical retirement.

This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the challenges of a professional sporting career.

- Introduction to Episode

- Lachlan’s Journey into Sport (1:00)

- Concussion History (4:10)

- Comparing Rehabilitation of Concussion to Other Injuries (7:10)

- Changes on Concussion Management Through the Years (11:00)

- Cultural Changes (13:30)

- Education at Club Level (17:30)

- Adaptation to Rule Changes (19:00)

- Medical Retirement Process (25:20)

- Retirement Process (29:00)

- Post playing life (37:10)

Follow Lachlan Coote on Instagram @cootie_01

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Welcome back to HeadFirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we are the privileged and honour to be joined by Dr Lopez Frías. Dr Lopez Frias is an Associate Professor in the Kinesiology Department at Penn State University, whilst also a Senior Research Associate at the Rock Ethics Institute at Penn State's Dr Lopez Frías' areas of expertise are in the ethics of sports, including topics such as doping and the use of human enhancement technologies in sports. With more than 100 academic publications to his name, Dr Lopez Frías is widely recognized in his field, with over 1000 citations from fellow researchers and scholars.

· How Dr Lopez Frias become involved in the world of ethics and philosophy?

· Dr Lopez Frias Journey into Ethics and Concussion (03:50)

· What is ethics and how do we apply it to sports (07:05)

· Issue of Concussion in Ethical Space (14:20)

· Autonomy, relationality, and brain-injured athletes: a critical examination of the Concussion in Sport Group’s Consensus Statements between 2001 and 2023 (22:30)

· Sociocultural Aspect of Concussion (32:10)

· Conflicts of Interest in Funding (39:51)

· Concussion and brain injuries in sport: conceptual, ethical and legal perspective (52:48)

· Future research and where can people find and support your work? (59:20)

Dr Lopez Frias:

https://hhd.psu.edu/contact/francisco-javier-lopez-frias-phd

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.is/citations?user=z3_i9-AAAAAJ&hl=en

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to be joined again by popular demand, renowned historian and Emeritus Professor Tony Collins. Professor Collins joined us on episode 61 discussion history of football origin. For those who are new or yet to listen Professor Collins work is a leading expert in sports history, having authored over 13 books and won the prestigious Aberdare Prize four times. His expertise has been sought after by major TV programs like BBC Radio 4’s Sports and Football: A Brief History on the British and History Channels.

- First documented cases of concussion (01:30)

- World Wars, Shell Shock and Boxing Cross Over (07:54)

- Rugby Union’s Concussion Crisis (15:45)

- Paul McCrory and Concussion in Sports Group Foundations (23:50)

- Second Impact Syndrome and Law Making (32:50)

- Each Sports Self-Perception (40:00)

- Rugby’s Adoption and Evolution of Policies (43:15)

- Responsibility of Individuals (48:00)

- Tony Collins New Book Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader (50:33)

Episode 61: History of Football’s Origins: Rugby, Soccer, and the NFL with Tony Collins

Tony Collins:

x/twitter: @collinstony

http://www.tonycollins.org

Rugby Reload Podcast: http://www.rugbyreloaded.com