Research 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. Shoulder and Elbow Research At Connecticut Children’s Center for Motion Analysis, research seeks to determine the causes of increased stresses on the shoulder and elbow so that pre-season and in-season stretching and strengthening programs can be established, along with biomechanical suggestions for pitchers and coaches. A prospective study looking at the ability of a specific overhead pitcher program has begun. In addition, Sports Medicine collaborates with the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and Major League Baseball to better understand pitching behaviors that may be contributing to the heightened number of pitching-related injuries among young baseball players. 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.
