Latest news with #PatriaHume
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
New Zealand teenager dies playing ‘run it straight' challenge linked to viral trend
'Teenagers aren't good at assessing risk and consequences, and he was just having fun with his friends. It's just an absolute tragedy.' Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said Satterthwaite suffered a serious head injury when tackled and was taken to hospital by his friends. 'The tackle game played by the group of friends was based on a social media-driven trend, where participants compete in full-contact collisions without protective gear. While this was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event, this tragic outcome does highlight the inherent safety concerns with such an activity.' Grantham said police urged anyone thinking about taking part in a game or event like this to 'consider the significant safety and injury risks'. 'While this is not a criminal matter, police will continue to undertake enquiries on behalf of the coroner,' he said. 'Born to go viral' The run it straight game originated overseas, through the Australian-based RUNIT Championship League competition. 'Born to go viral, built to break limits, it has taken social media by storm with tens of millions of views,' RUNIT's website says. The competition is built around actions seen in rugby union, rugby league, the NFL and AFL. Opposing individuals – a ball runner and a tackler – stand at each end of a 20m x 4m field, and run full speed at each other with the goal of trying to bowl each other over. 'It is very clear from the number of concussions from the small number of running-at-each-other events that have occurred that this is going to result in a death.' Patria Hume, AUT RUNIT Championship League released a statement to Stuff on Tuesday afternoon after news of Satterthwaite's death was made public, saying it did 'not encourage any copying of the sport as it should only be done under the strict conditions'. 'This is tragic news, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ryan. Any contact sport like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support.' The statement went on to say 'all RUNIT events follow established protocols including screening of participants for suitability, strict guidelines around where and how to tackle (between the shoulders and hips only), with qualified medical support and medical assessments conducted both during and after competition'. Two RUNIT trials were held at Trusts Arena in West Auckland last week, which saw one man's body convulse on the ground after being hit, and another knocked out. Loading Patria Hume, professor of Human Performance at AUT, said those organising 'run it straight' events were buying brains and bodies for entertainment with 'no thought for the healthcare of the athletes'. 'It is very clear from the number of concussions from the small number of running-at-each-other events that have occurred that this is going to result in a death.' Two similar events, called Run It Straight, were expected to be held in Mangere and Mt Albert in Auckland, but were cancelled after organisers failed to secure any permits, despite telling social media they were not allowed by 'council' and 'parliament'.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
'RunIt' Contact Event Poses Serious Risk To Brain Health, Says Leading Sports Scientist
Auckland, New Zealand – Professor Patria Hume, internationally recognised sports scientist and injury prevention expert at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has issued a strong warning against the newly launched 'RunIt' Championship League, calling it a 'reckless and dangerous spectacle' that contradicts decades of scientific evidence on head injury risks in contact sports. The 'RunIt' event, which involves participants sprinting directly at each other in high-speed collisions, has been widely criticised by medical professionals and researchers. Despite its viral popularity online, Professor Hume says the format is 'a step backwards' in athlete safety. 'The deliberate design of this event to maximise impact is not only irresponsible—it's scientifically indefensible,' said Professor Hume. 'We've spent years building evidence-based strategies to reduce head and neck injuries in rugby and contact sports. This event ignores all of that.' Scientific Evidence Against High-Impact Collisions Research from leading New Zealand experts has consistently shown that high-speed, head-on collisions significantly increase the risk of concussion and long-term brain injury: Dr Ken Quarrie and Dr Will Hopkins found that tackles involving sprinting players resulted in injury rates 3 to 5 times higher than slower-speed tackles, with head and neck injuries being among the most common [1]. Dr Doug King has documented the cumulative effects of sub-concussive impacts in rugby league, warning of the long-term neurological consequences. Professor Alice Theadom, a psychologist at AUT, has led longitudinal studies showing that even mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to persistent cognitive and emotional symptoms. Professor Mangor Pedersen, a neuroscientist at AUT, has used advanced brain imaging to demonstrate structural brain changes in athletes exposed to repeated head trauma. 'The evidence is clear: repeated high-force impacts to the head—even without immediate symptoms—can lead to serious brain conditions,' said Professor Hume. "The posturing observed in several videos following the impacts in RunIt suggest involvement of the brainstem, and is clear indicator of neurological disruption,' said Professor Pedersen. Call for Action Professor Hume is calling on event organisers, sponsors, and public health authorities to reconsider the promotion of 'RunIt' and similar events. 'This is not innovation—it's exploitation. We should be protecting athletes, not putting them in harm's way for entertainment.' She also urges the public to think critically about the content they consume and support. 'We all have a role to play in shaping the future of sport. Let's choose safety, science, and sustainability over spectacle.'
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
AUT And Abbott Team Up To Tackle Concussions & Women's Health
New Zealand's leading sports research institute, based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with global healthcare technology company Abbott. This joint effort has potential to transform how sports injuries are treated in the future, especially for female athletes. Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT® ci 4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUT's SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealand's high-performance sports organisations and Olympic athletes. A Legacy of Innovation AUT Professor of Human Performance Patria Hume, who played a key role in establishing the collaboration, describes the initiative as the start of a legacy, not just a research programme. 'The Abbott Core Laboratory platform will enable us to build a comprehensive database of women's health metrics, fostering long-term studies that will benefit future generations,' says Professor Hume. 'This is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle some of the most pressing health issues faced by women today. The technology will push the boundaries of what's possible in sports science and medical research.' The installation of Abbott's diagnostics platform marks a revolutionary step in advancing brain and women's health research. The system allows for precise blood tests that were previously out of reach, enabling researchers to identify critical biomarkers for neurological and hormonal health. 'With this technology, we can uncover insights that will lead to early detection, better treatment options, and personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs of each woman,' says Professor Hume. Addressing Concussion Challenges in Female Athletes Research increasingly shows that female athletes face a higher risk of concussion and respond to brain trauma differently than males. Yet current diagnostic and treatment practices often fail to account for these differences. 'It's time we adopt approaches that address the unique challenges concussions pose to women,' says Beth McQuiston, M.D., Medical Director in Abbott's diagnostics business. 'Having worked in this field for years, I'm truly excited to see how new technologies, like Abbott's Core Laboratory instruments, are helping us make groundbreaking strides in this area. By screening for blood biomarkers released after a brain injury, we can quickly and accurately determine if a CT scan is necessary. This not only improves patient triage but also reduces unnecessary radiation exposure – it's a win for both patients and healthcare providers.' AUT Professor of Psychology and Brain Health Alice Theadom, who also directs the TBI Network (Traumatic Brain Injury Network), highlights the significance of the partnership for advancing brain health research. 'There is exciting emerging evidence on the use of blood and hormone levels to detect physiological changes caused by brain injury,' says Professor Theadom. 'The availability of this instrument will position New Zealand at the forefront of new discoveries, revolutionising how we detect and treat these injuries. This collaborative programme brings together clinicians, community groups, and academics to drive clinically important discoveries in women's brain health.' The AUT-Abbott partnership goes beyond concussion research. The team will also explore how vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12) and neuroendocrine changes impact brain health – a first-of-its-kind initiative that has never been done before. This holistic approach will provide unprecedented insights into the factors influencing brain health and recovery.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
AUT And Abbott Team Up To Tackle Concussions & Women's Health
Press Release – AUT Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT ci4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUTs SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealands high-performance sports organisations and Olympic … New Zealand's leading sports research institute, based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with global healthcare technology company Abbott. This joint effort has potential to transform how sports injuries are treated in the future, especially for female athletes. Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT® ci 4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUT's SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealand's high-performance sports organisations and Olympic athletes. A Legacy of Innovation AUT Professor of Human Performance Patria Hume, who played a key role in establishing the collaboration, describes the initiative as the start of a legacy, not just a research programme. 'The Abbott Core Laboratory platform will enable us to build a comprehensive database of women's health metrics, fostering long-term studies that will benefit future generations,' says Professor Hume. 'This is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle some of the most pressing health issues faced by women today. The technology will push the boundaries of what's possible in sports science and medical research.' The installation of Abbott's diagnostics platform marks a revolutionary step in advancing brain and women's health research. The system allows for precise blood tests that were previously out of reach, enabling researchers to identify critical biomarkers for neurological and hormonal health. 'With this technology, we can uncover insights that will lead to early detection, better treatment options, and personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs of each woman,' says Professor Hume. Addressing Concussion Challenges in Female Athletes Research increasingly shows that female athletes face a higher risk of concussion and respond to brain trauma differently than males. Yet current diagnostic and treatment practices often fail to account for these differences. 'It's time we adopt approaches that address the unique challenges concussions pose to women,' says Beth McQuiston, M.D., Medical Director in Abbott's diagnostics business. 'Having worked in this field for years, I'm truly excited to see how new technologies, like Abbott's Core Laboratory instruments, are helping us make groundbreaking strides in this area. By screening for blood biomarkers released after a brain injury, we can quickly and accurately determine if a CT scan is necessary. This not only improves patient triage but also reduces unnecessary radiation exposure – it's a win for both patients and healthcare providers.' AUT Professor of Psychology and Brain Health Alice Theadom, who also directs the TBI Network (Traumatic Brain Injury Network), highlights the significance of the partnership for advancing brain health research. 'There is exciting emerging evidence on the use of blood and hormone levels to detect physiological changes caused by brain injury,' says Professor Theadom. 'The availability of this instrument will position New Zealand at the forefront of new discoveries, revolutionising how we detect and treat these injuries. This collaborative programme brings together clinicians, community groups, and academics to drive clinically important discoveries in women's brain health.' The AUT-Abbott partnership goes beyond concussion research. The team will also explore how vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12) and neuroendocrine changes impact brain health – a first-of-its-kind initiative that has never been done before. This holistic approach will provide unprecedented insights into the factors influencing brain health and recovery. Recruitment for study participants has begun. For information about the studies and to learn how to get involved, visit Women's health and neuroscience research programme – SPRINZ – AUT or contact brain@
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
AUT And Abbott Team Up To Tackle Concussions & Women's Health
Press Release – AUT Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT ci4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUTs SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealands high-performance sports organisations and Olympic … New Zealand's leading sports research institute, based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with global healthcare technology company Abbott. This joint effort has potential to transform how sports injuries are treated in the future, especially for female athletes. Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT® ci 4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUT's SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealand's high-performance sports organisations and Olympic athletes. A Legacy of Innovation AUT Professor of Human Performance Patria Hume, who played a key role in establishing the collaboration, describes the initiative as the start of a legacy, not just a research programme. 'The Abbott Core Laboratory platform will enable us to build a comprehensive database of women's health metrics, fostering long-term studies that will benefit future generations,' says Professor Hume. 'This is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle some of the most pressing health issues faced by women today. The technology will push the boundaries of what's possible in sports science and medical research.' The installation of Abbott's diagnostics platform marks a revolutionary step in advancing brain and women's health research. The system allows for precise blood tests that were previously out of reach, enabling researchers to identify critical biomarkers for neurological and hormonal health. 'With this technology, we can uncover insights that will lead to early detection, better treatment options, and personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs of each woman,' says Professor Hume. Addressing Concussion Challenges in Female Athletes Research increasingly shows that female athletes face a higher risk of concussion and respond to brain trauma differently than males. Yet current diagnostic and treatment practices often fail to account for these differences. 'It's time we adopt approaches that address the unique challenges concussions pose to women,' says Beth McQuiston, M.D., Medical Director in Abbott's diagnostics business. 'Having worked in this field for years, I'm truly excited to see how new technologies, like Abbott's Core Laboratory instruments, are helping us make groundbreaking strides in this area. By screening for blood biomarkers released after a brain injury, we can quickly and accurately determine if a CT scan is necessary. This not only improves patient triage but also reduces unnecessary radiation exposure – it's a win for both patients and healthcare providers.' AUT Professor of Psychology and Brain Health Alice Theadom, who also directs the TBI Network (Traumatic Brain Injury Network), highlights the significance of the partnership for advancing brain health research. 'There is exciting emerging evidence on the use of blood and hormone levels to detect physiological changes caused by brain injury,' says Professor Theadom. 'The availability of this instrument will position New Zealand at the forefront of new discoveries, revolutionising how we detect and treat these injuries. This collaborative programme brings together clinicians, community groups, and academics to drive clinically important discoveries in women's brain health.' The AUT-Abbott partnership goes beyond concussion research. The team will also explore how vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12) and neuroendocrine changes impact brain health – a first-of-its-kind initiative that has never been done before. This holistic approach will provide unprecedented insights into the factors influencing brain health and recovery.
