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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today we have the honour to be joined by Sam Peters. Sam has over 20 years of experience in sports journalism, having become a recognized figure in the field, particularly in the realm of rugby and concussion awareness. Sam led a powerful media campaign on concussion in rugby that earned notable acclaim, including a nomination for the Cudlipp Prize in 2014.

That same year, Sam was a finalist for Sports Journalist of the Year at the Press Gazette Awards and was honoured as one of Rugby World’s five most influential figures in media.

From 2014 to 2017, Sam held the position of rugby correspondent at The Mail on Sunday, where his investigative reporting earned him two nominations for Rugby Journalist of the Year and Investigative Reporter of the Year at the Sports Journalists Awards.

Lastly Sam authored the booked Concussed: Sports Uncomfortable Truth which was Winner of the Pinsent Masons Sports Writing Award, and shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year which is the topic of todays episode. Sam massive welcome and thank you for joining.

- Sam’s background (1:30)

- Beginnings of Reporting on Concussion (2:43)

- Media, Players and Risk Profile (7:20)

- Unification or Lack of & Stand Down Times Post-Concussion (12:48)

- Culture in Contact Sport (16:00)

- Challenges Faced and Push Back Reporting on Concussion (22:34)

- Personal Told and Strength to Keep Reporting (26:00)

- Ahead of the Game: Tackling the Future of Sport - 12th February, 2025, London at St Paul’s School (30:22)




Twitter/x: @plantedSam

https://www.concussed.media

Book: Available through Concussed media, amazon and all online book stores

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/concussedmedia/1468566

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we have the privilege of hosting Dr Jason Tabor, an expert in the field of concussion research. Dr Tabor has completed his PhD on biomarkers in concussion and has recently published one of the largest studies to date on plasma biomarkers in adolescents with sports-related concussions. His ground-breaking work has made significant contributions to understanding how biomarkers can possibly aid in the diagnosis and management of concussions in young athletes, laying the foundations of future research.

In addition to his extensive journal publications on mild traumatic brain injury and concussions, Dr Tabor was also awarded the prestigious 2024 NIH Outstanding Scholar in Neuroscience Program award for his innovative research. In this episode, Dr. Tabor shares insights into his research, the role of biomarkers in concussion detection, and his work as part of the panel to synthesize blood biomarkers for the Concussion in Sports Group.

- Introduction About Dr Jason Tabor (1:00)

- Rodent Models, Concussion and Anabolic Steroids (4:45)

- What is a Concussion? (8:10)

- What are Biomarkers? (12:13)

- Possibilities of Using Biomarkers (18:10)

- Prognosis of Biomarkers (20:17)

- Monitoring Recovery (22:28)

- Dr Tabor’s Biomarkers Study (25:00)

- What Are We Looking For and How Long Do We Have To Assess (33:41)

- Consensus Group (39:47)

- Future Research With Biomarker (45:45)

Twitter/x: @JasonBTabor

Dr Tabor’s Biomarker Study

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/article-abstract/2823249

BJSM biomarker specific systematic review informing the 6th CISG Consensus Statement:

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/12/789.abstract

Dr Tabor’s labs involved:

Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre:

https://ucalgary.ca/sport-injury-prevention-research-centre/sport-injury-prevention-research-centre

Brain NeuroRehabilitation Lab

https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/lab/bnr/home

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Kristen Quigley. Kristen is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Reno, where she also serves as the Assistant Director of Operations at the Neuromechanics Lab. Her research focuses on mild traumatic brain injury, concussion, and baseline testing. Kristen earned her Neuroscience degree from the University of South Dakota, where she worked as a research assistant in the Peterson Labs.

In addition to her academic work, Kristen is passionate about sports and coaching—she was the head swimming coach for Team Ontario at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, an event she herself competed in back in 2017. Kristen also served as the assistant swim coach at the University of Nevada.

- Introduction to Kristen (1:02)

- Implementation of base line testing over time (3:00)

- (6:25)

- What is Concussion (6:45)

- What is Baseline Testing & What are we looking at? (9:36)

- “Sandbagging” (14:30)

- What is The Impact test (17:00)

- Baseline Testing Take Home Message (23:22)

- Paediatric vs Adult Population (25:38)

- Guardian Caps (28:25)

Kristen’s Research and Publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristen-Quigley-2

Kristen’s Website: https://kristenquigley.wixsite.com/kristenquigley

X/Twitter: quigley_kristen

Instagram: kquigley07

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/kristen-quigley-178336202

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! This Episode, we have the extreme honour and privilege to be joined by ESPN journalist Mark Fainaru-Wada.

Mark is an esteemed investigative journalist whose ground-breaking work has shaped the conversation around sports integrity and athlete health. He is the co-author of two New York Times bestsellers: Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal That Rocked Professional Sports, written with Lance Williams, and League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth, co-authored with his brother Steve. The latter even became a documentary featured on PBS’s Frontlie, further amplifying its impact.

Mark’s impressive accolades include the prestigious George Polk Award and the Peabody Award, recognizing his excellence in journalism. He also received the 2014 PEN Award for Literary Sports Writing, highlighting his exceptional skills.

We’re excited to delve into his insights on concussion and the importance of truth in journalism

- What lead to “The League of Denial” (1:18)

- Start of CTE and Concussion Investigations (3:39)

- Investigation and The Push Back (5:31)

- Reporting on Concussion Crisis (8:40)

- Cultural Shift Since Writing the Book (9:40)

- Effects on Players and Family (12:12)

- State of the Research (15:00)

- Take Home Message (19:10)

Frontline League of Denial Documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW8nmS_RBT8]

League of Denial Book: Available on Amazon and in Spotify Audiobooks Free if you have Premium Subscription.

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Welcome to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! We're excited to reintroduce Dr. Eric Windholz, a prominent expert in regulatory theory and sports law. With numerous publications in esteemed journals and significant contributions to various books and chapters, Dr. Windholz has made a remarkable impact in the field. He currently serves as a senior lecturer at Monash University's Faculty of Law and holds/ held key positions on the Editorial Board for the Australia New Zealand Sports Law Journal and the Law Institute of Victoria Sports Law Committee.

In today’s episode, Dr. Windholz will delve into complex issues such as athlete coverage and workers' compensation in sports. He previously joined us in Episode 26 in April 2024, where he shared valuable insights on sports insurance, athletes' rights to workers' compensation and the perception of professional sports as leisure rather than a vocation. Since then, significant updates have emerged, and Dr. Windholz is here to clarify what these changes mean for both individuals and the broader public.

- Introduction

- Updates in Australian Sports Commission – Position Statement (2:52)

- Zurich Health Cover Removes Concussion Policies, what does this mean? (10:00)

- Who is Liable for A Player Not Leaving the Field After Suspected Concussion? (17:32)

- Can a Player Take Retrospective Action Against Another Player for Foul Play? (22:48)

- Everyday Individuals; Intersection of Contact Sport Injury vs Normal Day Job (27:41)

Dr Eric Windholz:

First Conversation Episode 26: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171297/episodes/14805754-sports-law-and-concussion-with-dr-eric-windholz.mp3?download=true

- https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/eric-windholz

- Twitter/X: @ELWindholz

-

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! Today, we’re honoured to be joined by Alix Popham, a former professional Welsh Rugby Union player with an impressive career of over 350 club appearances and 33 caps for his country. Alix is a 2008 Grand Slam Winner and played in both the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups, also claiming the Anglo-Welsh Cup. In April 2020, Alix was diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE, stemming from multiple mild traumatic brain injuries sustained during his career. Now, Alix leads the Head for Change foundation, advocating for athletes and former players impacted by neurodegenerative diseases.

- Introduction

- Ruby Turning Professional, Increasing Demands and The Impact on Alix (3:05)

- Post Retirement and Symptoms of Early on Set Dementia & Probable CTE (7:32)

- Head For Change (12:40)

- The Numbers, Amount of Contact and Culture (13:02)

- Alix’s Concussions and Sub-Concussive Impacts in His Career (19:35)

- What Was the Process & How the Change of Culture (21:57)

- Alix’s Diagnosis and Day to Day Life (25:46)

- Possible Changes/ Solutions for the Kids Game (30:36)

- Criticism for Seeking Change (32:05)

- What is Head for Change (34:02)

Alix Popham:

- https://headforchange.org.uk

- Twitter/X: @AlixPopham and @Head4Change

- Skysports “Rugby Concussions: Turning The Tide” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH9SbsTfuTM

Previous Episodes Discussing Probable/ CTE and Dementia

Episode 25 With Dr Rowena Mobbs
Episode 48 With Dr Helen Murray


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In Todays episode, we are privileged to host Dr. Helen Murray, a research fellow at the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. Dr. Murray is a distinguished neuroanatomist whose research delves into Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and other neuropathologies.

With a remarkable publication record of over 30 peer-reviewed articles and more than 1,000 citations, Dr. Murray has been recognized with numerous academic awards and grants. Additionally, she brings a unique perspective as a high-level professional athlete, having played for the New Zealand Ice Fernz, making her international debut at the 2013 IIHF World Women’s Championship and later serving as team captain in 2016.

In today’s episode, we will explore her significant contributions to the field and the ultimate implications of her work on concussion and brain health.

- Introduction How Dr Murray Become Involved In The Field of Neuropathology and mTBI/concussion/CTE

- What Is a Concussion & Sub Concussive Impacts? (5:30)

- What is CTE? (8:00)

- Conveying the Message (14:00)

- Signs, Symptoms, Stages and Probable CTE (18:45)

- Post-Concussion Symptoms vs Cognitive Impairment (21:10)

- Disease’s That Cause Cognitive Decline (25:32)

- Diagnosis of CTE (29:08)

- Future Research (31:50)

Applying the Bradford hill criteria for causation to repetitive head impacts and chronic traumatic encephalopathy

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35937061/

Neuropathology in chronic traumatic encephalopathy: a systematic review of comparative post-mortem histology literature: https://actaneurocomms.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40478-022-01413-9\

X/Twitter: @hcmurray6

https://www.brainbank.ac.nz

https://concussionfoundation.org

https://dementia.nz/dementia-in-contact-sport-athletes/

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In today's episode of Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast, we are honoured to welcome Clinical Associate Professor Rebecca Bliss. Dr. Bliss is affiliated with the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training at the University of Kansas Medical Centre. She is board certified in neurological physical therapy and has achieved advanced competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation through the American Physical Therapy Association. Additionally, Dr. Bliss has authored numerous journal articles and has received multiple awards and grants for her research, presentations, and initiatives related to physical therapy and concussions.

- Introduction

- How Dr Bliss Studies in the world of Concussion (5:45)

- Changes in Concussion Education Over Time (8:39)

- Challenges in Treating Different Demographics (11:35)

- Rehabilitation of Concussion in Paediatric Population (15:53)

- What is vestibular-ocular reflex (20:25)

- Uncoupling the Main Symptoms and Aspects of Concussion (28:06)

- Dr Bliss mTBI Courses (36:00)

- Cognitive Rehabilitation in Blast Injury (38:50)

- ACL Rehab, Concussion Cross-Over and Reaction Times (45:10)

Twitter/X: @BBlissDPT

Experienced Clinical Decision-Making in Physical Therapist Management of Concussion: A Qualitative Study: https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/104/5/pzae027/7612759

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