Concussion in Stunt Performers and other Film & Theater Workers
I enjoyed connecting with Ohio University Professor Jeffrey Russell, PhD, about issues covered in my book, Shaken Brain, as he prepared this recently published paper about head trauma and concussions in film and television stunt performers.
His new research provides evidence that concussion is a serious occupational health issue in stunt performers. Similar risks also seem to be prevalent for other film and theater workers, including stagehands and electrical and lighting contractors. In previous research, Russell and co-author Brooke Daniell found that 67% of theater workers surveyed had experienced head impacts and 39% had more than five. All these populations could benefit from concussion management, risk reduction, and education.
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