USA Fencing

To help bring the latest education around head injuries for our sports community, USA Fencing has forged a special partnership with TeachAids, a nonprofit leader in global education innovation. Spun out of Stanford University, TeachAids developed the CrashCourse concussion education product suite. In collaboration with leading medical, sports and education experts, we are working with TeachAids to produce and distribute free, video-based interactive learning experiences that 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

The CrashCourse Brain Fly-Through uses cutting edge technology from Stanford University’s Neurosurgical Simulation and Virtual Reality Center. It conceptualizes 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 the link above to the Stanford Neurosurgical Simulation and VR Center, or on YouTube as a standard video and in virtual reality (Google Cardboard | Oculus Rift/Rift S | Oculus Go). It 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.

This fundamental CrashCourse Concussion Education product was created with user-centered formative design research studies. It synthesizes first-person and third-person experiential perspectives to inform and motivate learning about concussion signs and symptoms, correcting myths and misconceptions, recognizing the seriousness of reporting and understanding the importance of working with a physician to determine the best strategies for improvement. It integrates these topics into a narrative, story-driven format with the learner at the center 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 the link above as a standard video and in virtual reality.

At the end of this 12-minute video course, the learner will have the opportunity to answer questions to test their knowledge and receive a Certificate of Completion.

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.
 

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.

Have you reviewed the content above? Take the Concussion CrashCourse Quiz to earn your certification HERE. The twelve-minute video can be accessed above. Feel free to email any questions or comments to concussioned@usafencing.org