Department of Orthopedics is currently collaborating with the Department of Kinesiology and have several research clinical projects that are underway in the Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation Lab. Both knee injury and concussion research opportunities can lead to improved health outcomes, quality, and safety. This will help us provide a needed service to our athletes in the community.
The concussion research group focuses on investigating the neurocognitive and psychological effects of concussion with specific focus in youth populations. In addition, we assess optimal methods for the development and implementation of coach, parent and athlete education on the topic of sport-related concussion.
The knee injury research group focuses on investigating the effect of knee joint injury on physical activity characteristics, neuromuscular function, and knee joint cartilage health among individuals with a history of knee injury. We identify individuals at elevated risk for poor knee-related and health-related outcomes following knee injury utilizing innovative assessment techniques while facilitating a timely and safe return to physical activity.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is typically a slowly progressive disorder, but at least 1 in 5 people develop advanced-stage knee OA with dramatic rapidity (i.e., normal to advance-stage disease within 4 years; often within 12 months). Therefore, we urgently need to be able to detect which individuals are at greatest risk of accelerated knee OA prior to the development of this debilitating disease.