Latest news with #WillieStewart
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Domestic abuse survivors face long-term consequences
A new study from the University of Glasgow explored the mental health consequences associated with domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, and suggested that the impact can last for 27 years after the abuse ends. The study, Intimate partner violence, traumatic brain injury and long-term mental health outcomes in mid-life: The Drake IPV study, is published in the BMJ Mental Health journal, and researchers said the issue had been 'neglected'. Using data from the multi-centre PREVENT Dementia Study, the researchers found that 14% of 632 study participants, women aged 40 to 59 at recruitment, reported a history of domestic violence with physical abuse. Compared with unexposed participants, domestic violence was associated with higher traumatic brain injury exposure, alongside higher lifetime and ongoing diagnoses of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and PTSD. The risk of ongoing mid-life mental health disorders remained, despite exposure to domestic violence having ceased on average 27 years before assessment, according to the research. A history of traumatic brain injury in those exposed to domestic violence was also associated with increased risk of ongoing PTSD symptoms and concurrent mental health disorders, the study found. The work was funded by the Drake Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Medical Research Council, NHS Research Scotland, the Alzheimer's Society, and the Alzheimer's Association. Professor Willie Stewart said: 'Given its prevalence, these findings highlight domestic violence as a public health issue with potential for long-lasting impacts on brain health. 'Our work also reinforces the need for more research in this previously neglected area.' Dr Graciela Muniz-Terrera, a co-author on the study, said: 'This study highlights the importance of including questions about domestic violence in population research to advance our knowledge about its long-term effects.'
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scotland's first 'slap fight' event cancelled
The first-ever slap fighting competition to take place in Scotland has been cancelled following a health warning. BritSlap/SlapFight UK was due to hold the event at Glasgow University Union on Saturday evening as part of a wider weightlifting meet. However, a leading expert on brain injury said it was "inconceivable" the bouts should go ahead due to the elevated risk of concussion. A spokesperson for the student union said the event had been cancelled "in discussion with organisers". Slap fighting began in Russia and expanded into Eastern Europe and the United States after going viral on social media. Unlike in boxing, MMA and Muay Thai where there is a defensive element, here competitors exchange forceful bare-handed blows to the side of the head without defending themselves. The winner is decided either by knock out, a points win or a stoppage by a medic or referee. Slap fighting: Controversial event makes Scottish debut SlapFight UK, which has no independent regulation or governance, is the first independent league to be set up in this country and was due to host its first Scottish meet after several events in England. But Dr Willie Stewart, a leading researcher at the university's school of neuroscience, urged competitors not to "risk their brain health in the name of sport". Dr Stewart said the university had led research into traumatic brain injuries for over 50 years, including the "catastrophic outcomes" to brain health suffered by former footballers and rugby players. He told BBC Scotland News: "There is no question that the University of Glasgow's research has provided the clearest evidence that brain injuries should never be considered trivial or encouraged as 'sport'. "In this context, it seems inconceivable, if not ill-considered, that a students' union of this university would be hosting such an event. "I'd suggest that rather than encouraging people to risk their brain health in the name of 'sport', the event organisers spend a few hours in my laboratory and educate themselves on the consequences of brain injuries." An American study on slap fighting last year warned of a high risk of concussion for participants. The University of Pittsburgh research analysed footage of 78 fights and found more than half of participants displayed visual signs of concussion. Its lead author, Dr Raj Swaroop Lavadi said the lack of defensive element meant each blow was "amplified". He also said promoters should be "more transparent about its risks". The student union previously said it was "satisfied" with safety measures in place. A statement released late on Friday said: "In discussion with the event organisers, the slap fighting element of this weekend's weightlifting competition is no longer going ahead." BBC Scotland has contacted the union for further comment. SlapFightUK and Glasgow University have also been contacted for comment. Health warning over face-slap fighting Slap fighter looking to open his own gym
BBC News
22-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Scotland's first 'slap fight' event in Glasgow cancelled
The first-ever slap fighting competition to take place in Scotland has been cancelled following a health UK was due to hold the event at Glasgow University Union on Saturday evening as part of a wider weightlifting a leading expert on brain injury said it was "inconceivable" the bouts should go ahead due to the elevated risk of concussion.A spokesperson for the student union said the event had been cancelled "in discussion with organisers". Slap fighting began in Russia and expanded into Eastern Europe and the United States after going viral on social in boxing, MMA and Muay Thai where there is a defensive element, here competitors exchange forceful bare-handed blows to the side of the head without defending winner is decided either by knock out, a points win or a stoppage by a medic or referee. SlapFight UK, which has no independent regulation or governance, is the first independent league to be set up in this country and was due to host its first Scottish meet after several events in Dr Willie Stewart, a leading researcher at the university's school of neuroscience, urged competitors not to "risk their brain health in the name of sport".Dr Stewart said the university had led research into traumatic brain injuries for over 50 years, including the "catastrophic outcomes" to brain health suffered by former footballers and rugby told BBC Scotland News: "There is no question that the University of Glasgow's research has provided the clearest evidence that brain injuries should never be considered trivial or encouraged as 'sport'."In this context, it seems inconceivable, if not ill-considered, that a students' union of this university would be hosting such an event."I'd suggest that rather than encouraging people to risk their brain health in the name of 'sport', the event organisers spend a few hours in my laboratory and educate themselves on the consequences of brain injuries." Force of strikes 'amplified' An American study on slap fighting last year warned of a high risk of concussion for University of Pittsburgh research analysed footage of 78 fights and found more than half of participants displayed visual signs of lead author, Dr Raj Swaroop Lavadi said the lack of defensive element meant each blow was "amplified".He also said promoters should be "more transparent about its risks". The student union previously said it was "satisfied" with safety measures in place.A statement released late on Friday said: "In discussion with the event organisers, the slap fighting element of this weekend's weightlifting competition is no longer going ahead."BBC Scotland has contacted the union for further and Glasgow University have also been contacted for comment.
