Research profile
Concussion injuries are characterised by a broad range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, neck pain, cognitive and emotional disturbance.
A particular challenge is that concussion injuries can injure the brain, vestibular and visual systems, the neck, and more – all of which are capable of contributing to symptoms.
To help individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms effectively, our research team think it is important to understand the underlying sources of symptoms and tailor treatment appropriately.
Our research has highlighted that the neck can contribute to persistent post-concussion symptoms, and frequently does so. The neck is known to cause headaches, dizziness and neck pain, which can be effectively treated with physiotherapy.
As our understanding of concussion injuries improves, we are working to translate this understanding into effective health services
This project area is led by Dr Ewan Kennedy
Projects
Developing standardised data collection in an acute concussion recovery clinic
This project is exploring what data is important to collect, and embedding data collection processes in clinical practice.
Research team:
- Dr Ewan Kennedy
- Dr Bret Dougherty (Student Health, University of Otago)
- Mrs Lisa Brits (School of Physiotherapy Clinic)
- Dr Carrie Falling
- Dr Parimala Kanagasabai
Survey of New Zealand physiotherapist involvement in concussion care
We conducted research to improve our understanding of how New Zealand Physiotherapists are involved in the recognition, assessment and management of concussion.
Research team
- Dr Ewan Kennedy
- Sophie Maxtone (Honours student)
- Dusty Quinn
- Megan Bishop
Characteristics of neck problems in people with persistent post-concussion symptoms
In collaboration with local Physiotherapists and ACC concussion service providers we have been working on studies to describe the contribution of the neck to persistent post-concussion symptoms, with particular attention to headaches, dizziness and/or neck pain.
Research team
- Dr Ewan Kennedy (University of Otago)
- Mr Dusty Quinn (Back in Motion Ltd.)
- Dr Cathy Chapple (University of Otago)
- Dr Steve Tumilty (University of Otago)
- Amy Tyson
MRI study: Concussion and whiplash
Comparing the neck features of people with concussion and whiplash using advanced imaging techniques.
Research team
- Dr Ewan Kennedy (University of Otago)
- Dr Steve Tumilty (University of Otago)
- Dr Cathy Chapple (University of Otago)
- Dr Grant Meikle (Pacific Radiology Group)
National and international collaborators
- Dr Jon Cornwall (Victoria University – Wellington, New Zealand)
- Dr Scott Farrell (Griffith University – Queensland, Australia)
- Dr James Elliott (Northwestern University – Chicago, USA)
Publications
Maxtone, S., Bishop, M., Chapple, C., Tumilty, S., Quinn, D., & Kennedy, E. (2020). Physiotherapist involvement in concussion services in New Zealand: A national survey. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 48(2), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.15619/NZJP/48.2.03
Kennedy,E., Quinn, D. Chapple, C., Tumilty, S,. (2019) Can the neck contribute to persistent post-concussion symptoms? A prospective descriptive case series, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 845-854. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8547
van der Walt, K., Tyson, A., & Kennedy, E. (2018). How often is neck and vestibulo-ocular physiotherapy treatment recommended in people with persistent post-concussion symptoms? A retrospective analysis. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice. 39: 130-135. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2018.12.004
Elliott, J. M., Cornwall, J., Kennedy, E., Abbott, R., & Crawford, R. J. (2018). Towards defining muscular regions of interest from axial magnetic resonance imaging with anatomical cross-reference: Part II: Cervical spine musculature. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 19, 171. doi: 10.1186/s12891-018-2074-y
Kennedy,E., Quinn, D. Chapple, C., Tumilty, S,. (2018) Cervical Spine Dysfunction in People With Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms: A Prospective Case Series, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2017 Volume:48 Issue:1 Pages:A1–A29
Kennedy, E., Quinn, D., Tumilty, S., & Chapple, C. (2017). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of treatment of the cervical spine in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms: A retrospective analysis. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 29, 91-98. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.03.002
Kennedy, E., Albert, M., & Nicholson, H. (2017). Do longus capitis and colli really stabilise the cervical spine? A study of their fascicular anatomy and peak force capabilities. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 32, 104-113
Presentations
Kennedy, E. Invited contribution to registrar training tutorial, Australasian College of Sports Medicine Physicians: Cervicogenic issues in concussion. Held via zoom, participants in Australia and New Zealand, May 2020.
Kennedy, E. Horton, S. Invited workshop at McKenzie Institute New Zealand Seminar day: Saturday 24th August 2019, Wellington, New Zealand'
Kennedy, E. Quinn, D. Invited workshop at New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association 50th Anniversary Symposium: Saturday 15th June, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
Kennedy, E. Invited speaker invitation: “Concussion – a changing culture 2018” www.braininjuryhb.org.nz/event/concussion-conference/a-changing-culture
Kennedy, E., Quinn, D., Chapple, C., Tumilty, S,. (2018, February) Cervical Spine Dysfunction in People With Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms: A Prospective Case Series. Oral presentation at the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), New Orleans, USA. [Proceedings: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2017 Volume:48 Issue:1 Pages:A1–A29]
Kennedy, E. (2018, September). Towards integrating neck and concussion rehabilitation in New Zealand. Korero/facilitated discussion forum at the Physiotherapy New Zealand conference, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Kennedy, E. (2017, November). It's not all in your head: Persistent post-concussion symptoms can be neck-related. Invited oral presentation at the Southern Physiotherapy Symposium 8, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kennedy, E. (2017, August). How does the neck contribute to persistent post-concussion symptoms? A prospective case series. Oral presentation at the New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association (NZMPA) Biennial Scientific Conference, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Kennedy, E. (2017, February). How does the neck contribute to persistent post-concussion symptoms? School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Department Seminar].
Research students
Alex Mohai (PHTY650 project): Is the cervical spine considered when evaluating concussions? A scoping review of standardised concussion evaluation tools
Sophie Maxtone (Honours 2019). How are physiotherapists involved in the recognition, assessment and management of concussion in New Zealand? A national survey.
Karla van der Walt (Honours, 2018) How often does the neck contribute to persistent post-concussion symptoms?
Jack Gifford, Rebecca Herkt, Alexia Parker, Aiden Toder (459 project, 2018) Screening people with concussion for neck injuries: What is current practice? A scoping review
Research funding
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, funded by the Alumni of the University of Otago in America, Inc.
University of Otago Research grant