Introducing the CrashCourse Concussion Education programme.

You will no doubt have seen a great deal of recent media coverage on the subject of Concussion in Sport and its long-term effect on players from Rugby Union, Rugby League and Football. This is a subject that affects many other sports including contact sports such as Taekwondo.

As part of our overall duty of care and our commitment to all British Taekwondo members we have launched our free-to-use Concussion Education programme.

The programme consists of three online videos that include a 12-minute video on Concussion Education, an 8-minute video on a Brain Fly-Through and a Concussion Story Wall covering the effects of concussion on athletes from many sports.

These products have been produced by experts in their field from TeachAids in the USA and whilst the focus is on American Football and Cycling the message applies equally to Taekwondo players and athletes.

As TeachAids and British Taekwondo make strong efforts to use current and applicable research; please note the following relative to the time frame for recovery from a diagnosed concussion:

Current research indicates that recovery time for youth after a diagnosed concussion may be longer than 7-10 days as noted in the course. Recovery time after a diagnosed concussion is based on certain characteristics of the individual, as well as the injury itself, and can be days, weeks or even longer. TeachAids and British Taekwondo strongly advise that any athlete who has been diagnosed with a concussion receive an appropriate medical evaluation followed by medical clearance from a qualified medical professional before beginning the Return to Play progression.

About TeachAids and CrashCourse

To help bring the latest education around brain injuries to our membership, British Taekwondo has joined TeachAids, a nonprofit leader in global education innovation. Spun out of research from Stanford University, TeachAids developed the CrashCourse concussion education product suite in collaboration with world-class medical, sports and education experts. We are distributing TeachAids’ award-winning, free, video-based interactive learning experiences.

These products aim to raise awareness of the latest science around concussions to shift the conversation away from fear and silence toward one of knowledge and empowerment. CrashCourse was designed to educate those interested in promoting brain health including the entire sports community of players, parents, coaches and officials.

CrashCourse Concussion Education

This core CrashCourse Concussion Education product was created with user-centered formative design research studies. It synthesises first-person and third-person experiential perspectives to inform and motivate learning about concussion signs and symptoms, correcting myths and misconceptions, recognising the seriousness of reporting and understanding the importance of working with a medical professional to determine the best strategies for improvement. It integrates these topics into a narrative, story-driven format with the learner at the centre of the education experience.

Upon receiving a concussion, the learner is faced with a moral dilemma: to “Take a Knee” or “Stay in the Game.” This 12-minute production can be accessed through this link, or in the video below.

At the end of this 12-minute video course, you will have the opportunity to answer questions to test your knowledge. Take the Concussion CrashCourse Quiz by clicking here.

CrashCourse Brain Fly-Through

The CrashCourse Brain Fly-Through uses cutting edge technology from Stanford University’s Neurosurgical Simulation and Virtual Reality Center. It conceptualises an otherwise “invisible injury”. Using dramatic race footage from world mountain biking champion Kate Courtney, coupled with her own personal concussion experience, this product takes the viewer on a journey through the human brain. The fly-through showcases the brain’s blood vessels, nervous system and cerebrospinal fluid cavities while emphasizing the complexity and fragility of the brain – as well as the importance of caring for it.

This 8-minute production can be accessed through this link, or in the video below.

The CrashCourse Brain Fly-Through was launched in collaboration with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s national sports governing bodies including USA Archery, USA Artistic Swimming, USA Baseball, USA Bobsled & Skeleton, USA Cycling, USA Diving, USA Fencing, USA Field Hockey, USA Football, USA Gymnastics, USA Hockey, US Lacrosse, US Ski & Snowboard, US Speedskating, USA Taekwondo, USA Triathlon, and USA Wrestling.

An additional resource is a Discussion Guide to complement the Brain-Fly Through product.

Download the Discussion Guide

CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall

This Concussion Story Wall product is an interactive database of more than 4,000 video stories relating to how an injury occurred, the symptoms experienced, and personal insights from those who have sustained a concussion. It includes a panel of the world’s leading medical experts addressing specific aspects of concussions. This product is intended as a comprehensive mental health resource for the many who are impacted – including athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers and military veterans. A key goal is combating stigma and communicating best health practices. The Concussion Story Wall serves as a referral source for athletic trainers, rehab specialists, physicians and concussion clinics.

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This product is presented in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of America, the National Council of Youth Sports, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education and 19 of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s National Governing Bodies, which include: USA Archery, USA Artistic Swimming, USA Baseball, USA Bobsled & Skeleton, USA Cycling, USA Diving, USA Fencing, USA Field Hockey, USA Football, USA Gymnastics, USA Hockey, USA Karate, US Lacrosse, US Ski & Snowboard, US Soccer, US Speedskating, USA Taekwondo, USA Triathlon and USA Wrestling. The CDC has integrated the Concussion Story Wall as a resource for individuals with brain injuries.

CrashCourse Quiz

Have you reviewed the content above? If so, please take the Concussion CrashCourse Quiz by clicking here. The 12-minute video can be accessed above and at this link.

If you have any questions or comments please contact Tom Stammer, British Taekwondo – Member Health and Safety Advisor at tom.stammer@britishtaekwondo.org