Connecting the best brains in science and research
We work with the brightest minds in neurodegenerative disease to understand more about the issues and use the data to advance our calls for a player-centred approach to safety.
Dr Sally Tucker established the Repercussion Group, made up of researchers working on sports-related neurodegenerative disease, to establish the scientific basis for taking an independent and precautionary approach to research on brain injury in sport.
The group, which comprised scientists, clinicians and other stakeholders from the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand was in regular dialogue and round table discussions.
Dr Sally Tucker established Medical Board to further these discussions.
Key Experts
Professor Willie Stewart
Professor Damian Bailey
Karen Hind
PhD
Doug King, BN, PhD
Professor Michael Buckland
IMPACT-R
Head for Change is partnering with Professor Damian Bailey at the University of South Wales on two major research projects, helping to promote the studies and recruit participants.
One of these projects, IMPACT-R, is investigating the long-term effects of repeated head impacts in retired rugby union players. While most concussions resolve quickly, repeated head injuries may contribute to lasting changes in brain health, including problems with thinking, memory and blood flow to the brain.
Previous research has already found that both current and retired rugby players with a history of concussion show measurable differences in brain function compared with people of the same age and fitness. IMPACT-R builds on these findings by studying a group of middle-aged retired players that has not previously been researched.
The aim is to better understand how repeated concussions affect the brain over time and provide the evidence needed to improve player safety, inform clinical care and shape the future of concussion management.
IMPACT-F
The second project, IMPACT-F, is exploring the long-term effects of repetitive heading in football, with a particular focus on women’s brain health.
While football provides significant physical, mental and social benefits, there is growing concern that repeated heading may contribute to changes in brain function over time, even without causing a diagnosed concussion. Emerging research suggests these effects may be linked to changes in blood flow to the brain, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood.
Most studies have focused on male players, despite evidence that women may be more vulnerable to head injuries and at greater risk of developing dementia later in life. IMPACT-F aims to address this gap by investigating how a history of heading affects cognition in female footballers.
By improving our understanding of the long-term effects of heading, the study will help shape future guidance, improve player safety and protect brain health across the women’s game.
TBI-REPORTER
Prof Stewart is the leading UK based researcher into sports related dementia. His ground-breaking FIELD research has illustrated the strong association between being a professional footballer and neurodegenerative disease.
Parliamentary Inquiry – March 2021
The submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry can be found here:
