In this episode of the Strong Youth Project Podcast, hosts Bree Campbell and Alex Bingham sit down with Dr. Darren Campbell, BYU’s Head Team Physician, and Dr. Marc Steed, a Clinical Neuropsychologist, to discuss concussions in youth sports. This is Part 1 of a two-part series focusing on concussion identification and prevention.

Key Points Discussed:

- What is a concussion? – Understanding the definition, symptoms, and misconceptions.

- How concussions are diagnosed and managed – Recognizing signs beyond just losing consciousness.

- The evolution of concussion treatment – How the approach has changed over the years.

- The DOD & NCAA CARE Consortium – The largest concussion study and how it informs current research.

- Are concussions preventable? – Discussion on risk factors and the role of proper training.

- Impact of coaching & technique – How proper training can reduce concussion rates.

- Youth sports risks & specialization concerns – Addressing early specialization and its effects on athlete development.

- Long-term risks of concussions on a developing brain – Why youth athletes may take longer to recover.

- Return-to-learn before return-to-play – The importance of prioritizing academics and full recovery before resuming sports.

- Athlete culture & hidden symptoms – How societal pressures influence concussion reporting.

Tune in to learn how athletes, parents, coaches, and medical professionals can work together to create safer and more informed youth sports environments. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into concussion recovery and long-term effects!

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Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro Music

0:02 – Welcome to the Strong Youth Project

0:22 – Purpose of the Podcast

0:58 – Introduction of Guests: Dr. Darren Campbell & Dr. Marc Steed

1:04 – Overview of Concussion Series (Part 1: Identification & Prevention)

1:26 – Guest Introductions: Dr. Campbell (BYU Head Team Physician) & Dr. Steed (Clinical Neuropsychologist)

2:28 – What is a concussion? Definition & Symptoms

5:04 – How Dr. Campbell & Dr. Steed got into studying concussions

8:17 – Evolution of concussion treatment over the years

12:50 – The DOD & NCAA CARE Consortium and its impact on concussion research

13:33 – Are concussions preventable? Discussion on risks and mitigation strategies

17:47 – Role of coaching and training in reducing concussion risks

18:46 – How professional sports are adapting to reduce concussion rates

19:25 – Shifting focus to Youth Sports

21:39 – Risks of concussions in youth sports

23:24 – Specialization in youth sports and its impact on athlete health

26:27 – Long-term risks of concussions on a developing brain

27:20 – Importance of return-to-learn protocols before return-to-play

29:28 – The issue of athletes hiding concussion symptoms

29:41 – Closing remarks & preview of Part 2