#045 Off the Pitch with Active: Interview with Julie M. Stamm, Ph.D Clinical Asst. Prof. Neuroscientist, Anatomist, Athletic Trainer, Researcher, Sports lover & Author.

Off the Pitch with Active

Julie M. Stamm, Ph.D. received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009. As part the research team at the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (BU CSTE). Stamm has been involved in ground-breaking research with Dr. Robert Stern on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma.

She was the first to publish research on the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma in youth sports. This research has been covered in the media worldwide and has influenced youth sports organizations to make rule changes in youth sports to limit head impacts.

Outside of school and research, Julie enjoys running, volleyball, many outdoor activities, and traveling. She is also an avid fan of Wisconsin Badger sports.

Today we will explore her latest book The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future

02:39 Introducing Julie M Stamm PhD. She talks about her background in sport and how she got involved in brain trauma.

08:47 Setting the scene for the conversation

13:55 What is a brain injury and what is the misconception of it? What are some of the symptoms we may not be familiar with?

17:05 Julie talks about the sports which are more prone for head injuries, and she explain critical brain development in the younger years.

26:30 Building a story around learning a new skill, motor learning and the impact of a brain injury. Re-creation of brain structures.

35:39 Unpacking rewiring of neuron in a teen brain.

38:37 Sporting governing bodies-those who are changing are thriving

42:37 Julie provides some suggestion on how to deal with recovery and explain the difference between boys and girls.

50:50 We discuss how she experience the culture around brain injuries in youth sport.

55:30 Does helmets protect brain injuries.

58:39 Playing like adults does not make a young person better.

60:15 Julie’s version of “Sound of music” of youth sport.

64:05 What about food, how can this impact on our brain?

67:40 In closing let’s not give up and think we need to change youth sport to be boring because we need to protect their brains. A paradigm shift is needed just like Asbestos and smoking, we are now more aware about brain trauma and its impact. Sport can remain.

Show notes and links www.yellowforyelling.com