Blog
Epigenetics and Repeated Head Impacts
Epigenetics is a foundational aspect of life – reflecting both how genes are expressed and their interaction with the environment. Epigenetic studies offer insight into cell function at the most fundamental level. One study by Breen et al., 2025, investigated the relationship between duration of repeated head impacts and abnormal epigenetics in the frontal cortex… Continue reading Epigenetics and Repeated Head Impacts
Power, Stabilization, Plane, Volume
I look at four main components of a capability when evaluating the vestibular demands for training gaze stabilization. Peripheral and central vestibular processing are vulnerable to repeated low level blasts. And while the importance of training vestibular performance is self-evident, the urgency of incorporating proactive vestibular training is magnified by the significant subconcussive exposures in… Continue reading Power, Stabilization, Plane, Volume
Training Intent
My approach to vestibular training has evolved to include “developmental pathways”. I wanted to create a way to systematically approach vestibular training, with a clear route to progressive overload, as well as built-in deload strategies. To achieve a holistic approach, I included pathways specific for the three vestibular angular planes I also built out a… Continue reading Training Intent
The Integral Relationship of Cognitive, Emotional, and Sensorimotor Processing
The brain has many processing responsibilities, including emotional, sensorimotor, and cognitive functions. While we often see each domain as separate, they are highly integrative, with most scenarios that tactical professionals face having components of all three. I look at it in a simplified manner with this equation Input -> Processing -> Output Δ sensory input… Continue reading The Integral Relationship of Cognitive, Emotional, and Sensorimotor Processing
Practice and Plasticity
The brain is inherently flexible; it is highly adaptable to functional demands. ‘Plasticity’ is a term used to describe this capability. The brain learns from what we repeatedly do, with changes to both the pattern and effectiveness of neural connections reflecting that. Think of it like building roadways in your brain. A specific skill, such… Continue reading Practice and Plasticity
Improving Brain Functional Connectivity After Repeated Head Impacts
Measuring functional connectivity of the brain is a method used to identify changes to how the brain communicates. This is often used to quantify injury to the brain, but also effectiveness of treatments. For example, US Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with close-range blast exposures had changes to the resting state functional connectivity even with no… Continue reading Improving Brain Functional Connectivity After Repeated Head Impacts
Subconcussive Impacts and Visuo-Vestibular Performance at US Army Basic Airborne Training
Soldiers attending the US Army Basic Airborne Training were equipped with sensors that detect head motion from impact or inertia, offering metrics on number of impacts, peak linear acceleration, peak rotational acceleration, and peak rotational velocity. These soldiers also underwent a visual-vestibular balance/sensory integration assessment that included assessment of the ability to process and integrate… Continue reading Subconcussive Impacts and Visuo-Vestibular Performance at US Army Basic Airborne Training
Musculoskeletal Injury and The Vestibular System
The vestibular system contains some of the fastest reflexes in the body. The fastest vestibular response is nearly 5x faster than the fastest visual response. The vestibular system works closely with the somatosensory and visual systems for sensorimotor control. Sensorimotor Control = Ownership of Movement and Position Musculoskeletal injury prevention is therefore highly dependent on… Continue reading Musculoskeletal Injury and The Vestibular System
CTE in SWCC – A Case Study
Researchers with the Department of Defense/Uniformed Services University Brain Tissue Repository (DoD-USU BTR) have reported that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) specific brain changes in military personnel are uncommon, particularly with those who are exposed to blasts. [1] This does not diminish the significant brain trauma of military personnel but highlights the importance of recognizing the… Continue reading CTE in SWCC – A Case Study