Sport and Real Knowledge P/L (Spark) is dedicated to helping solve the concussion in sport problem.
In 2021/22 Spark collaborated with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to test the effectiveness of a novel non invasive medical device designed to objectively detect and measure concussion.
The specially designed headset used cranial accelerometers to measure alterations to the head pulse following all forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The results of this study were published in 2023, and the device continues to work its way through the US regulatory process.
In 2023, Spark conducted a trial to establish and test enhanced concussion care protocols.
With US based bio tech company Brainscope providing world first EEG based technology, 120 local football players provided baseline, game day and ongoing testing of concussed players through their recovery period.
The AI assisted technology is sophisticated and does provide an objective measure of concussion suggesting future opportunities exist in the management of concussion.
Brainscope are currently focussed on establishing their presence in the US market.
Spark is collaborating with US based Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals who have developed a breakthrough concussion drug designed to preserve and protect brain function at the cellular level, limiting the short and long term damage that can occur after head impact.
During the 2025 season we successfully launched the STARFAST clinical study with the participation of 13 clubs. The trial enabled us to provide access to a novel neuroprotectant for players who experienced a concussion, supporting enhanced concussion management and player welfare.
The groundbreaking new study focusses on harnessing the Astrocyte cells unique natural function to protect and repair the brain after injury and will measure expected outcomes of the treatment in impacting players brain biomarkers, symptom recovery and the ability to preserve brain cells during injury.
Port Districts
Rostrevor OC
Athelsone
Goodwood Saints
Lobethal
Tea Tree Gully
Adelaide Uni
Old Ignatians
Brighton Bombers
Hope Valley
Old Ignations
Kilburn
Pulteney
All players are monitored each week with all suspected concussed players medically diagnosed by an independent concussion specialist.
If concussed, the player enters a research facility overnight where the treatment is administered within 6 hours of the injury occurring.
The player is then assessed on days 3, 7, 14 and 21 to assess the players brain biomarkers for symptom recovery and brain cell preservation.
Outcome pending
Week trial period
Participating Clubs
Teams
Players
The dangers associated with concussion, such as repetitive hits and the likely link to CTE and other long term brain impairment, are becoming more widely recognised and understood.
