Boston University CTE Center researchers to study brains of stunt performers

Researchers at the Boston University CTE Center, who have been focusing on the impact of collision sports on brain health, will soon examine stunt performers’ brains.

The BU scientists are teaming up with the Laboratory for Science and Health in Artistic Performance at Ohio University to study the brains of stunt performers from North America, BU announced on Wednesday.

About 9,000 stunt performers work in motion picture, television and other entertainment productions, and researchers believe that stunt performers are at a high risk for CTE because they’re exposed to repeated trauma throughout their stunt performing careers.

Scientists suspect that about 80% of stunt performers have experienced one or more serious head impacts.

“Our research team is firmly committed to optimizing the brain health and well-being of stunt performers,” said Ann McKee, chief of neuropathology at VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the BU CTE Center.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease associated with a history of repetitive head impacts, including those sustained in contact and collision sports such as American football and ice hockey, as well as through military service and domestic violence.

CTE can only be diagnosed after death by neuropathological examination of brain tissue. More than 300 former NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE by the BU CTE Center research team.

In this new study, stunt performer donor brains will be analyzed at the Understanding Neurologic Injury and Traumatic Encephalopathy (UNITE) Brain Bank at the BU CTE Center.

“We are honored to join forces with BU to study the long-term health and wellness of stunt performers who are crucial to the success of motion picture and television productions,” said Jeffrey Russell, associate professor of athletic training and director of Science and Health in Artistic Performance at Ohio University.

“They should receive the same type of attention, healthcare and research that sports athletes receive,” he added.

Despite the popularity of stunt sequences and action films, scientific research dedicated to understanding the effects of stunt-related concussions and sub-concussive impacts is nonexistent.

“Participating in this research provides an opportunity for current performers to play an important role in the reduction of risk and treatment of head injuries for future stunt performing generations,” said Lori Stewart, stuntwoman and Health and Safety Performer Advocate for the Union of British Columbia Performers.

The scientists through this study are hoping to gather essential information to improve safety in stunt performance, and preserve the long-term brain health of stunt performers.

CTE researchers want to be able to diagnose CTE in living people, along with treat the brain condition while the person is alive.