Sports Medicine specialists pursue research in the incidence, prevention and recovery of athletic injuries. Preventive sports medicine is a relatively new area of health care and we are committed to expanding the field through laboratory, clinical and epidemiological studies. In addition, recovery is a critical aspect of the injury experience, so we examine factors that can improve the recovery process for several types of sport-related injuries.
 

Knee Research

Knee joint injuries, specifically to the ACL, have become more common among young athletes. Incidence is statistically greater among women than men and recent studies have shown an increasing risk of ACL injuries in younger children. Sports Medicine leads research to help prevent these injuries by developing treatment strategies for younger patients, as well as to help athletes recover and return to sports more safely.

Sports Medicine also participates in a national research initiative with the OCD Group of North America for Research in Osteochondritis of the Knee (ROCK). ROCK research will pave the way for improved care of OCD of the knee utilizing evidence-based medicine.
 

Concussion Research

Sports Medicine is active in concussion research, including vestibular and movement deficits with concussion, symptom clusters with impact location on the head and overlapping concussion syndrome. Our research focuses on better understanding incidence, symptoms and psychological factors influencing recovery of concussion injuries among adolescent athletes.