Graduate Awarded Scholarship to Pursue his PhD in Germany

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Sport Science and Biokinetics Master’s graduate, Mr Cameron Scullard, has been awarded a scholarship to pursue his PhD at the University of Saarland in Germany.

His research study, which was supervised by Professor Johan van Heerden, was titled Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions, Reporting Behaviours and Management of Concussion among High-School Rugby Players in KwaZulu-Natal. One of his examiners was Professor John Patricios, a world authority on the subject.

The study delved into the contentious issue of concussion injuries within schoolboy rugby. ‘Rugby is one of the most popular sports in South African schools, a contact sport that presents a high risk for head injuries, particularly at amateur and low-skill levels. Therefore, it is surprising that the current literature focuses on provincial youth week tournaments with the most skilled players, which only account for a small fraction of the school rugby playing population in the country,’ said Scullard.

The study focused on players of various ages (13-19), skills levels (A-D teams), and cultural backgrounds in private and public schools. The results showed that only half (49.5%) of the players reported having been exposed to education on concussion. They recorded a 65.5% Index of Essential Concussion Knowledge (ECKI), indicating unsatisfactory knowledge and a high safety risk. Players have a false perception that sustaining a concussion is a “badge of honour” and tended to under-report concussions, because of not wanting to sit out of subsequent matches. 

‘Growing up, I always had a strong passion for sport and health, and my decision to pursue a career in this field was confirmed once I became aware of the reputable Sport Science and Biokinetics programmes offered at UKZN,’ said Scullard. 

His three-year PhD scholarship is funded by the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) at Saarland University. Scullard is currently in the process of writing up his research proposal on the topic of Neuroathletic training in football. 

‘My experience in concussion research, and now with neuroathletic training, has motivated me to develop and establish myself within the field of neurosciences in exercise. Neuroathletic training, a very foreign concept in South Africa, is a new and exciting neuroscience approach to optimise injury prevention and performance enhancement practices,’ he said.

Scullard considers himself to be a highly aspirational and motivated person, ‘I completed my Bachelor of Sport Science in 2016, and Honours in Biokinetics the following year. In 2018, I completed my internship and qualification as a Biokineticist. Thereafter, I opened my own biokinetics practice in 2019 and worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Glenwood High School. I attribute much of my success and work ethic to my family. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family who have provided me with the motivation and opportunities to reach my full potential.’

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied