Unlocking the Brain: Neuroscience Meets Sports – ICA ChiroCast: Sports & Fitness with Dr. Kristen

Welcome to another edition of the ICA ChiroCast: Sports & Fitness podcast. In our quest to bring you the best insights from the world of sports, fitness, and science, we have an exciting interview today. Dr. Brant Hulsebus is joined by his friend, Dr. Kristen Willeumier, a renowned neuroscientist. Let’s dive into their fascinating conversation about brain health, sports, and chiropractic care.

Getting to Know Dr. Willeumier: A Journey into Neuroscience
Dr. Brant Hulsebus begins by introducing Dr. Willeumier. She is a celebrated neuroscientist who shares her journey into this field. Dr. Willeumier thanks Dr. Kevin Jackson for connecting them.

Kristen Willeumier begins by talking about her education. She studied psychology at Boston College, then moved to UCLA for a master’s in physiological science. At that point, she thought she would go to medical school. However, dating a team doctor for the New England Patriots made her consider sports instead. She went on to get a second master’s degree and a Ph.D. in neurobiology at UCLA, where she studied Parkinson’s disease. After that, she conducted a postdoctoral fellowship in neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

From that point, her career took a twist. She became the Director of Neuroimaging Research at the Amen Clinics, a well-known outpatient psychiatric center. There, she began studying 100 NFL players to see if football causes long-term brain damage. They used psychiatric assessments and advanced brain imaging techniques to check the damage.

Groundbreaking Research on Brain Health and Athletics
Dr. Willeumier explains how her team discovered significant brain damage in the players. The damage was both electrical and functional, especially in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. They decided to do clinical trials using lifestyle changes, supplements, cognitive training, and other methods to restore brain function. Astonishingly, the results showed clear improvement that lasted over time.

Dr. Hulsebus shares about his work in chiropractic care for hockey players and how interested they are in brain health research. They discuss collaborating further to help more athletes.

Modern Tools to Improve Brain Health
Dr. Willeumier talks about her foundation, which focuses on the impact of contact sports on the brain. She uses a technology called quantitative EEG to map the brain and retrain brain regions. She can even work on deeper areas of the brain like the amygdala and thalamus. This technology helps not just in repairing brain damage but also in improving athletic performance.

Dr. Hulsebus emphasizes how once a veteran athlete uses chiropractic care, others follow. This “monkey see, monkey do” effect is powerful. They plan to share links mentioned in the podcast for further resources.

The Importance of Chiropractic Care in Brain Health
Dr. Willeumier expresses her long-standing appreciation for chiropractic care. As a former competitive equestrian, she’s sustained numerous injuries and has relied on chiropractors for three decades. She highlights the importance of chiropractic care for athletes, as impacts in sports affect both the brain and spinal cord. Proper care is vital for restoring and maintaining brain function.

She also mentions ongoing research with Dr. Jackson and the potential for further collaboration with hockey players. Dr. Hulsebus adds that understanding the connection between head and neck injuries is crucial.

Final Words and Resources
Dr. Hulsebus asks for Dr. Willeumier’s final thoughts for the chiropractic sports community. She encourages collaboration between neuroscientists and chiropractors for the benefit of athletes. She’s always open to answering questions and collaborating on projects focused on brain health.

Dr. Willeumier has written a book titled “Biohack Your Brain,” published by Harper Collins. This book offers insights into brain health and practical tips for taking care of it. Each chapter includes stories from NFL players and patients, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in brain health.

Finally, Dr. Hulsebus thanks Dr. Willeumier for her time and expertise. They remind the audience to check out the links provided for additional information and resources.

Thank you for joining us for this enlightening conversation on brain health and sports. Be sure to like and subscribe for more content from our amazing guests. And as always, take care of your brain—it’s the most important part of your game!

https://www.willeumierneurosciencecenter.org/