AUT And Abbott Team Up To Tackle Concussions & Women's Health
New Zealand's leading sports research institute, based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with global healthcare technology company Abbott. This joint effort has potential to transform how sports injuries are treated in the future, especially for female athletes.
Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT® ci 4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUT's SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealand's high-performance sports organisations and Olympic athletes.
A Legacy of Innovation
AUT Professor of Human Performance Patria Hume, who played a key role in establishing the collaboration, describes the initiative as the start of a legacy, not just a research programme.
'The Abbott Core Laboratory platform will enable us to build a comprehensive database of women's health metrics, fostering long-term studies that will benefit future generations,' says Professor Hume. 'This is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle some of the most pressing health issues faced by women today. The technology will push the boundaries of what's possible in sports science and medical research.'
The installation of Abbott's diagnostics platform marks a revolutionary step in advancing brain and women's health research. The system allows for precise blood tests that were previously out of reach, enabling researchers to identify critical biomarkers for neurological and hormonal health.
'With this technology, we can uncover insights that will lead to early detection, better treatment options, and personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs of each woman,' says Professor Hume.
Addressing Concussion Challenges in Female Athletes
Research increasingly shows that female athletes face a higher risk of concussion and respond to brain trauma differently than males. Yet current diagnostic and treatment practices often fail to account for these differences.
'It's time we adopt approaches that address the unique challenges concussions pose to women,' says Beth McQuiston, M.D., Medical Director in Abbott's diagnostics business.
'Having worked in this field for years, I'm truly excited to see how new technologies, like Abbott's Core Laboratory instruments, are helping us make groundbreaking strides in this area. By screening for blood biomarkers released after a brain injury, we can quickly and accurately determine if a CT scan is necessary. This not only improves patient triage but also reduces unnecessary radiation exposure – it's a win for both patients and healthcare providers.'
AUT Professor of Psychology and Brain Health Alice Theadom, who also directs the TBI Network (Traumatic Brain Injury Network), highlights the significance of the partnership for advancing brain health research.
'There is exciting emerging evidence on the use of blood and hormone levels to detect physiological changes caused by brain injury,' says Professor Theadom.
'The availability of this instrument will position New Zealand at the forefront of new discoveries, revolutionising how we detect and treat these injuries. This collaborative programme brings together clinicians, community groups, and academics to drive clinically important discoveries in women's brain health.'
The AUT-Abbott partnership goes beyond concussion research. The team will also explore how vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12) and neuroendocrine changes impact brain health – a first-of-its-kind initiative that has never been done before. This holistic approach will provide unprecedented insights into the factors influencing brain health and recovery.
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