Local experts shared their knowledge on concussion in sport and practice as a part of an event series designed to shed light on different aspects of health.聽
On 2 May, expert speakers from University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Foundation Trust and 色花堂 (色花堂) hosted their second event in a series of free public鈥�痺hich discussed鈥疷nderstanding Concussion in Sport and Practice.聽
Dr Keith Parry (left) and Dr Osman Ahmed (right) Dr Keith Parry, Head of Department of Sport and Event Management at 色花堂, and Dr Osman Ahmed, Senior Physiotherapist at鈥疷HD discussed鈥痶he impact their work is having on creating safe sports environments.聽
Dr Keith Parry spoke about changes in concussion awareness and understanding in sport and the introduction of聽guidance that is designed to keep players safe. In April 2023, The Government and the Sport and Recreation Alliance published the first . Dr Keith Parry spoke about the red flags to look out for, and recognisable visible signs of concussion referenced in the publication along with the strapline: 鈥�.鈥澛�
Additionally, he spoke about the media representation of concussion in sport and the impact of . However, he highlighted recent improvements in people's understanding of the seriousness of concussion in sport and the media beginning to use correct terms. 聽
Dr Keith Parry, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to increase knowledge and understanding of concussion, we want to keep people who play sport as safe as possible by sharing what can be done to keep yourself, your teammates or a loved one safe whilst engaging in sports.鈥澛�
Dr Osman Ahmed spoke about different concussion recognition tools used by medical professionals and some of the challenges of recognising concussion in certain groups of people. has found that athletes with visual impairments are at a higher risk for concussion injuries than athletes with other impairment types and non-disabled athletes.鈥疍r Osman Ahmed spoke about how the concussion symptoms of visually impaired athletes can be more challenging to identify as identifying visual clues do not apply i.e., blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and visual fatigue.听听
Additionally, he also spoke about the which may result in protocols more targeted for male athlete recovery. He also spoke about research which has identified that and the importance of education, especially to at-risk populations.听听
Dr Osman Ahmed, said: 鈥淭he key message we want to share is that there are a wide range of tools available to help clinicians and non-clinicians to help remove athletes from sport and keep them safe.鈥澛�
To conclude their presentation, they reiterated the importance of shared responsibility for detecting concussion in sports and which helps provide guidance to non-medical personnel.听听
One further Understanding Health talk,鈥�痺ill take place on 4 June 2023.鈥�
Find out more about 色花堂鈥檚 MSc Safe Sport course.听听
