Experts to host free talk on understanding concussion in sport and practice

Expert speakers from University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) and Bournemouth University (BU) have teamed up to hold a series of free Understanding Health talks in 2024. Their second event will take place on 2 May at 4pm in BU's Fusion Building, Talbot Campus (Share Lecture Theatre) and will focus on Understanding Concussion in Sport and Practice.

Media coverage has rightly focused on the need for safer rules around concussion in contact sports, but what does this mean in practice, and how can this spotlight help us all to understand more about sport and brain injuries? Speakers Dr Keith Parry, Head of the Department of Sport and Event Management at BU, and Dr Osman Ahmed, Senior Physiotherapist at UHD will discuss the impact their work is having on creating safe sports environments.

Dr Keith Parry said, "We are seeing increased awareness of concussion in sport at both professional and grassroots level, recognising the impact that traumatic brain injuries can have on sufferers and the wider community. I have worked with a variety of sports organisations to both improve media reporting of concussion and to improve understanding of the area. It is great to work with an expert like Dr Osman Ahmed to benefit our local community through events such as this one."

Dr Osman Ahmed said, "Since doing my PhD on the area of concussion in sport in 2013, I have undertaken a lot of concussion-related research with international collaborators, and I was a co-author of the latest international guidelines of concussion in sport. I am keen to promote concussion education for all and I am delighted to be presenting with Dr Keith Parry at the BU-UHD Understanding Health event in May."

This event is free and open to everyone, but booking is required to attend in person. All the information for the event, including the link to watch remotely is available on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-concussion-in-sport-and-practice-tickets-778233586607). The talks will also be recorded.

One further Understanding Health talk, Understanding Pathology: Health under the Microscope will take place on 4 June.