Brain health study: seeking expressions of interest

The AMA is calling on retired elite non-contact sportsmen and women to take part in a study on the impacts of concussion on the brain.

The AMA is a member of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Concussion and Brain Health Steering Committee, which is investigating long-term impacts of concussions in retired athlete populations.

There has been growing concern in Australia and internationally about the incidence of sports-related concussion and potential health ramifications for athletes.

Concussion affects athletes at all levels of sport from the part-time recreational athlete to the full-time professional.

If managed appropriately most symptoms and signs of concussion resolve spontaneously, however, complications can occur, which include prolonged duration of symptoms and increased susceptibility to further injury.

Under the current phase of research, the AIS is seeking expressions of interest from retired elite, non-contact/collision sport athletes with no history of concussions — such as rowing, canoeing, swimming, athletics, cycling, triathlon, volleyball — for a large brain health study. The study is in partnership with the University of Newcastle and University of Canberra.

The study aims to gather data on retired non-contact/collision sport athletes to compare against the general population and rugby league/union athletes that will help build knowledge of the impacts of concussion in athletes. Testing is completed in Newcastle, but the AIS can cover travel costs, including airfares, accommodation and/or fuel, for athletes based in other regions.

If you are interested in participating, please see the flyer for more information and fill in the survey which will indicate your eligibility to participate in the study.

Contact cbhproject@ausport.gov.au for more information.