Concussion
Head knocks in junior rugby
What are the risks of head injury for players of contact sports such as rugby? Research is increasingly linking head knocks with neurodegenerative diseases later in life. Claire Concannon meets a… Audio
Our Changing World – Junior rugby research
Research has linked head knocks to neurodegenerative diseases later in life. How often are junior rugby players exposed to head injury? Scientists are following an entire season from start to finish… Audio
Concussed 30 times: former rugby international wants rules changed
Michael Lipman was concussed 30 times, during his career as a professional rugby player, and has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early onset dementia. He talks to… Audio
The rugby clash that didn’t make headlines
The men in green won in a classic decider this weekend - after a win last weekend in which two men in black were carded after clashes of heads. Rugby writers and fans here complained the rules spoiled… Audio
A top ice-hockey player is deeply involved in research into brain disease triggered by contact sports like hers
Dr Helen Murray explores the relationship between repetitive head injuries, contact sport and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - a progressive brain disease that causes dementia. Audio
How to be concussed with Timothy Giles
A new podcast series called How To Be Concussed explores the issue of concussion with host Timothy Giles who has first-hand experience with brain injury. Timothy joins Jesse for an honest conversation… Audio
New research into football headers and memory decline - are Kiwi kids protected?
As more research continues to emerge into the effects of heading a football and cognitive decline, there's no move in New Zealand yet to introduce heading regulations for younger players. Children… Audio
The bump on the head that will kill your sporting career
Head injuries in sport are being taken more seriously, especially as more women become professional. Audio
The life-shortening rugby legacy being dealt to the tough
No player signs up to play the game they love knowing that brain damage could be the long term result. Audio
ACC injuries in rugby
A study of ACC claims from rugby players aged from just five years old, to 40 years old, has tallied up the number of injury claims in what's historically been the nation's favourite game. It's found… Audio
'Suction and swallow tool' labelled instance cure for hiccups
A new drinking device is being heralded as an instant cure for hiccups, with 92% of 249 volunteers who tested the device experiencing instant results. Dr Rajshri Roy is a lecturer in Nutrition and… Audio
World first concussion study underway in Dunedin
Around 700 rugby players in Dunedin are getting hi-tech mouthguards as part of a world-first study into concussion, funded by World Rugby with assistance from NZ Rugby. Audio
Concussion costs $100m over 5 years
The Panel speaks to Doug King, an ED nurse who holds two PHD's in rugby league injuries and head impacts. Audio
New study: kids' recovery from concussion
Thirty percent of concussions are suffered by children, but the only international guidelines for recovery currently in existence are for adults. Professor Nicola Starkey from the School of Psychology… Audio
Law firms considering class action against NRL
A class action against the NRL on behalf of players suffering concussion is being considered by two law firms.
Should under 12s be playing contact sport?
From 2022 Canadian children aged 12 and younger will no longer be able to play the fullest version of American football to protect them from long-term cognitive problems resulting from repetitive head… Audio
Pulu's World Cup hopes suffer a blow
Former Chiefs winger Toni Pulu's hopes of playing for Australia at the Rugby World Cup have suffered a major blow with the winger expected to have surgery on Monday to repair a fractured cheekbone he…
Your brain is “rubbish” at distinguishing between reality and dreams
Myths, misunderstandings and current research into the brain are discussed by Associate Professor Cathy Stinear from the University of Auckland during the 2018 Raising the Bar night. Audio
Fijian league icon calls it quits after head injuries
Fijian rugby league international Eloni Vunakece has been forced to retire after suffering multiple concussions. Audio
Concussion on her mind
Melanie Bussey studies concussion in sport, and how the human body reacts to impacts that might cause damage to the brain. Audio