World Rugby has welcomed the launch of a new Massive Open Online Course on Sport, Exercise and Brain Health devised by Brain Health Scotland in partnership with Alzheimer’s Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, the Global Brain Health Institute and Trinity College Dublin.
The course is aimed at anyone who plays sport at any level, from elite to grassroots, and seeks to educate people on the importance of brain health and what they can do to help improve it. The two-week is free to take and people can register online by visiting https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/sport-and-exercise-for-brain-health
World Rugby part-funded the creation of the course in line with the commitment to continued investment in education as set out in the six-point player welfare plan launched last year.
Continued investment in education is one of the six points in World Rugby’s plan to become the most progressive sport in the world on player welfare. The other key elements are:
- A focus on former players
- Innovation led by science and research
- Reviewing the laws of the game to safeguard players
- A dedicated focus on the women’s game
- Open engagement with the rugby family
Welcoming the launch of the course, World Rugby Chief Medical Officer Éanna Falvey said “This new course is a fantastic independent resource which is available to everyone. Improving education and understanding of brain health reflects World Rugby’s commitment to become the most progressive sport in the world on player welfare and we are delighted to support this excellent initiative.
“I would encourage anyone playing rugby, or any sport for that matter, at whatever level, wherever you are in the world, to consider taking the Brain Health Scotland course. A healthy brain is key element of a healthy life, and this new Brain Health Scotland resource is an excellent way to improve understanding of this important topic.
“We will not stand still when it comes to welfare advancement, especially the priority area of concussion prevention. We will continue to prioritise evidence-backed factors that protect players, including law review, tackle technique education and research that help us better understand and reduce the rugby activities that typically lead to head contact and concussions.”
