MoveWell Clinic: UoB's on Campus Concussion Support
The University of Birmingham is committed to the health and wellbeing of its student-athletes, offering a dedicated concussion clinic through the Centre of Movement and Wellbeing (MoveWell).
Established in March 2024, MoveWell is funded by university investment and the Wolfson Foundation Award, providing top-tier care for those affected by concussions.
The clinic, conveniently located on campus, provides quick access to professional care, follow-up support, and specialised equipment to ensure optimal recovery for students.
To ensure player safety, UoB Sport has a strict concussion policy: any athlete with a suspected concussion must be assessed and medically cleared before resuming training or competition.
MoveWell is led by experienced clinicians Daniel Walton and Judith Coe, Assistant Professors in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, who bring extensive professional sports experience. They provide baseline testing for several of the University’s first teams, as well as assessment, ongoing monitoring, and management for players with suspected concussions.
In addition, UoB Sport offers an exercise tolerance testing service led by Exercise Physiologist Alex Taylor. This service includes supervised training sessions to facilitate a graduated return to education and sport. SportExR second and third-year students on the Applied Professional Practice placement also support this initiative, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Alex Taylor highlights the collaborative effort, stating:
‘It’s been a real team effort in supporting our student-athletes return to training and competition safely. With Dan and Jude at MoveWell leading assessment and management, UoB Sport has been able to provide exercise tolerance tests and monitored training sessions to aid recovery.
Research shows that exercising at an intensity that does not worsen symptoms can accelerate recovery. The key message is clear: if a concussion is suspected, the player must be removed from play and not return until properly assessed.
‘If in doubt, sit them out.’’
Pitch-Side Support for Athletes
The Importance of Concussion Awareness
UoB’s sports teams benefit from on-the-ground first aid provided by third-year SportExR Physiotherapy students.
Led by Assistant Professor Matt Goodman and supported by Alex Taylor, this program assigns eight placement students to top rugby and hockey teams, alongside over 20 volunteer physiotherapy students.
These students work closely with the concussion clinic, overseeing players’ supervised return to play during training sessions.
Concussions are common across various sports, particularly high-contact activities such as American football, hockey, rugby, and football. Last term alone, 33 players were assessed for suspected concussions at the MoveWell clinic, with 13 requiring supervised exercise sessions or exercise tolerance tests as part of their recovery.
Seeking professional help is essential if you suspect a concussion, as proper recovery protocols help prevent long-term complications. Following the ‘Gradual Return to Activity and Sport’ protocol ensures a safe return to play.
How to access the clinic if you have experienced a suspected concussion
Concussion triage takes place on Mondays and Thursdays from 11.00am to 3.00pm during term time.
To book an appointment, call 0121 414 3224 (08.00am – 4.00pm) or email [email protected].
