Join Dr. Jeff Russell to learn about his recently published epidemiology review of concussions in artists at Cirque du Soleil and what this new research can teach us about concussion safety, evaluation, and management in circus arts today.
Concussions get far less attention than they should in performing arts, including circus. Conducting research and using the conclusions as a framework for advocacy is one method of improving this deficit. Not all circus artists have access to the level of healthcare provided in Cirque du Soleil, but the Cirque experience can offer much to help support circus artists in general. Our 10-year epidemiology review of concussions in Cirque du Soleil showed that these artists have a concussion incidence comparable to baseball and softball. As we discuss this, we will uncover what we can apply to the wider circus environment to improve head safety, concussion evaluation, and concussion management.
Can’t make it live? ** RECORDING AVAILABLE ** for one week afterwards
This talk will address the following:
- What is the incidence of concussion in Cirque du Soleil?
- How does what we now know about concussions in Cirque du Soleil artists apply to circus arts in general?
- What are some concrete steps that can be taken in circus arts to ensure that the artists get appropriate care when they have a head impact or whiplash injury that affects their brain?
More about Dr. Russell:
Dr. Jeff Russell is associate professor of Athletic Training and Director of Science and Health in Artistic Performance (SHAPe) at Ohio University. Dr. Russell leads a community-engaged research team that studies injuries and healthcare access of performing artists, including in dance, music, theatre, film and television, and marching band. His primary research emphasis is concussions with a special focus on stunt performers working in film, television, and live events, as well as dancers. He earned his Ph.D. in dance medicine and science from the University of Wolverhampton in England. He is the editor of “Dance Injuries: Reducing Risk and Maximizing Performance,” a 2025 textbook published by Human Kinetics Publishers. In 2024, Dr. Russell founded the International Task Force on Head Impacts and Trauma in Stunts (HITS Task Force) to help improve the identification and care of concussions in stunt performers. He also leads the Department of Athletic Training’s graduate certificate in Performing Arts Medicine and undergraduate certificate in Performing Arts Health and Wellness.
–Associate Professor of Athletic Training at Ohio University
–Performing arts concussion researcher
–Founder and Executive Director of the International Task Force on Head Impacts and Trauma in Stunts
–Founder of Ohio University’s performing arts medicine clinic, the Clinic for Science and Health in Artistic Performance (SHAPe Clinic)
Access him online!
WEB: https://www.ohio.edu/experts/expert/jeffrey-jeff-russell
LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-russell-50a13437/