QBI Schools Concussion Study
Do you play rugby? Basketball? Or swim competitively? UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is looking for young athletes to help us learn more about how sports concussion affects the brain.
If you’re a high school student interested in brain health, please join the study.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if:
- You are 14 -19 years old
- You play rugby, basketball, or swim competitively at a South East Queensland school
- You have no history of neurological symptoms
Why?
Playing sport improves your health and wellbeing. Recently, potential downsides to contact sports have come into focus, particularly the risk of concussion. However, more research is required to understand brain health in people playing contact sports.
QBI, in collaboration with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Qscan, Trajan and Sonic Health, is spearheading ground-breaking research to improve the safety of contact sports by understanding more about how concussion affects the brain. The study aims to improve the accuracy of concussion diagnoses and the reliability of return-to-play decisions.
What's required?
- All young athletes involved in the study undergo preliminary (baseline) tests.
- If you chose to be a control participant, you would repeat these tests at set intervals.
- If a rugby player experiences a concussion, a similar series of post-concussion tests are required to track how the brain recovers. Ideally, rugby players should complete the baseline testing before the school season starts. However, athletes can join the study at any time.
What are the benefits?
Everyone who completes baseline testing will receive a $50 Rebel Sport voucher. You can also request a copy of your brain scan. Plus, you get to feel good about helping improve the safety of sport for all.
By participating, you will also learn more about your health and the signs and symptoms of brain injury. If you play rugby and sustain a concussion during the season, you will have access to regular screening and will be carefully monitored by industry experts in brain research.
How will my data be used?
Your data will be fully anonymised and used only for this study.
Interested?
If the athlete is keen to make an impact and progress the world’s understanding of concussion, please complete this short Expression of Interest form and QBI’s study coordinator will be in touch to discuss the next steps. Information provided to QBI will be held in strict confidence.
Any questions?
Please contact our team via email QBIconcussionstudy@uq.edu.au
How does the study work?
