Principal Investigators: Adam Kiefer

Co-Investigators: Kelly Cohen, University of Cincinnati, and Paula Silva, University of Cincinnati

Funding Source: NIH National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIBIB

Description:
This two year study is innovating on the biological concept of phenotypic plasticity to quantify an athlete’s functional adaptability across different performance environments. The objective is to develop a generalizable phenotypic plasticity-based precision sports medicine approach for second injury prevention through the development of a systematic bioinformatics-driven approach for phenotypic plasticity profile construction and the training of genetic fuzzy artificial intelligence to establish treatment type and magnitude for precise enhancement of phenotypic plasticity following athletic injury.

Principal Investigators: Jason P. Mihalik, PhD, CAT(C), ATC; and Kevin M. Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC

Funding Source: Department of Defense & National Collegiate Athletic Association

Description:
Phase 1, completed, of this study focused on the acute effects of concussions by evaluating concussed participants with a sequence of clinical and advanced research tests in the immediate hours, days and weeks after the injury, and comparing the results with baseline tests administered at the start of the study. Phase 2 (ongoing) of this study will include comprehensive testing of the participants when they leave college and up to four years after their collegiate sports or service academy career has ended. This expanded approach will enable researchers to study the intermediate and cumulative effects of concussion and repetitive head impact exposure. Primary outcomes include multi-dimensional assessment of standardized clinical measures of pre-concussive and post-concussive symptomatology, performance-based testing, for example, cognitive function, postural stability, and psychological health.

Principal Investigators: Jason P. Mihalik, PhD, CAT(C), ATC; and Kevin M. Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC

Funding Source: Department of Defense & National Collegiate Athletic Association

Description:
Phase 1 of this study has been completed, and focused on the acute effects of concussions by evaluating concussed participants with a sequence of clinical and advanced research tests in the immediate hours, days and weeks after the injury, and comparing the results with baseline tests administered at the start of the study. Phase 2 of this study is ongoing, and will include comprehensive testing of the participants when they leave college and up to four years after their collegiate sports or service academy career has ended. This expanded approach will enable researchers to study the intermediate and cumulative effects of concussion and repetitive head impact exposure. Primary outcomes include the CARE measures listed above, in addition to head impact biomechanics, advanced neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers.

Principal Investigators: Johna K. Register-Mihalik, Ph.D, LAT, ATC, FACSM, Michael McCrea, Ph.D, Kevin M. Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC

Co-Investigators: Stephen W. Marshall, Ph.D, Karen McCulloch, PT, PhD, NCS Jason P. Mihalik Ph.D., CAT(C), ATC, FACSM, FNATA, Shabbar Ranurpawala, PhD, Paula Gildner, MPH and The Active Rehab Study Consortium

Funding Source: National Football League

Description:
The primary objective of this pragmatic trial are to evaluate the efficiacy and feasiability of an acute multidimensional rehabilitation program on short and intermediate outcomes following concussion among high school, college, and professional athletes. The study involved three countries and professional, collegiate, and high school participating sites.

Principal Investigators: J.D. DeFreese, PhD and Jeni Shannon, PhD, CMPC

Funding Source: Association for Applied Sport Psychology, AASP

Description:
This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the [Identify, Connect, And REfer, ICARE, program on participant knowledge, self-efficacy, and targeted mental health bystander behaviors in a sample of coaches from an NCAA Division I institution.

Principal Investigators: Johna K. Register-Mihalik, Ph.D, LAT, ATC, FACSM

Co-Investigators: Stephen W. Marshall, Ph.D, Kenneth L. Cameron, Ph.D, ATC, MPH, Meghan C. Houston, Ph.D, ATC, Karen Y. Peck, MEd, ATC, CCRP, Heidi Hennik-Kaminski, Ph.D, Laura A. Linnan, Sc.D, Zachary Y. Kerr, Ph.D, MPH, Melissa C. Kay, Ph.D, ATC, Brittany Ingram, MA, ATC, Christine Callahan, MS, Paula Gildner, MPH

Funding Source: NCAA-DOD Mind Matters Research Challenge Award

Description:
The primary objectives of this project are to build an evidence base of concussion-related normative expecations and attitues in incoming military cadets and NCAA Division I student athletes and to use this evidence base to develop and test an interactive, electronic concussion education instruction platform.

Principal Investigators: Christine E. Callahan, MS, RYT-200

Co-Investigators: Johna K. Register-Mihalik, PhD, LAT, ATC, also Faculty Advisor

Description:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Behaviors, Attitudes, Norms, and Knowledge, BANK, Concussion Education Course using eye tracking technology. The BANK course is a widely available, online concussion education course which aims to improve concussion disclosure by improving concussion education. This study aims to use eye tracking to determine the level of focus and engagement individuals have throughout the BANK platform.

Principal Investigators: Christine E. Callahan, MS, RYT-200

Co-Investigators: Johna K. Register-Mihalik, PhD, LAT, ATC; JD DeFreese, PhD; Pete Duquette, PhD, ABPP-CN

Description:
The purpose of this study is to: 1) investigate group differences in those with and without concussion history on mental health history, mental health stigma, and readiness for psychotherapy; 2) investigate demographic differences for concussion disclosure, mental health history, mental health perceptions, and readiness for psychotherapy; and 3) investigate the association between seeking mental health after concussion and mental health perceptions and readiness for psychotherapy.

Principal Investigators: Lindsay J. DiStefano, Ph.D, ATC (University of Connecticut, Lead PI); Johna K. Register-Mhalik, Ph.D, LAT, ATC, FACSM - UNC Site PI

Co-Investigators: Samantha Scarneo, Ph.D, ATC; Melissa C. Kay, Ph.D, ATC, Christina B. Vander Vegt, Ph.D, ATC

Funding Source: National Athletic Trainers' Association Research and Education Foundation / University of Connecticut

Description:
This project aims to develop a pragmatic and systematic approach to providing injury prevention and best practice information and strategies to high schools based on local adaptions and needs.