Research
NHMI contributes to the field of musculoskeletal research, working independently and in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire Biomechanics Lab and others. Our athletic training residents take an active part in NHMI’s research. Research topics and projects are described in the links above.
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Emergency Management of Sports Equipment
Football equipment generally protects the athlete. However, after injury, the facemask is a barrier to treatment of the injured athlete's airway and shoulder pads block access to the chest. Researchers from NHMI, the University of New Hampshire and other institutions have collaboratively performed several studies investigating the best tools and methods for facemask removal and research in this area is ongoing. In 2011, a manuscript in this line won 1st Runner Up for the Journal of Athletic Training’s Kenneth L. Knight Award for Outstanding Manuscript. Click here to read the full text of this paper. Click here to watch a video about this research.
Football Helmet, Facemask, and Shoulder Pad Designs: Implications for Acute Airway and Cardiovascular Care in Medical Emergencies. NFL Charities Grant Received.
A Comparison of Head Acceleration, Time and Difficulty during Helmet Removal With and Without Facemask Removal.
An Investigation of the Time Required to Completely Remove Football Equipment and Clothing and Insert Rectal Thermometer Probe.
Velocity and Acceleration of the Head during Emergency Shoulder Pad Removal
Facemask Removal is Safer than Helmet Removal in American Football
Deflation of Air Bladders Slows Emergency Football Helmet Removal
A Study of Emergency American Football Helmet Removal Techniques
Prehospital Emergency Removal of Football Helmets Using Two Techniques
Emergency Medical Service Activations by Certified Athletic Trainers
Facemask Removal: Traditional vs. Quick Release
In-Season Success Rate and Time Required for Football Facemask Removal
Combined Tool Approach is 100% Successful for Emergency Football Facemask Removal
The Influence of Various Factors on Football Helmet Facemask Removal
Football facemask removal using a cordless screwdriver
Football equipment design affects face mask removal efficiency
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Hamstring Stretching
This research consists of comparisons of various hamstring stretching methods.
The Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Range of Motion: A Systematic Literature Review Updated
The Effect of Gastrocnemius Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility
The Impact of Ankle Position on a Common Measure of Hamstring Flexibility
The Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Range of Motion: A Systematic Literature Review
Standing and Supine Hamstring Stretches are Equally Effective
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Monitored Rehab
Monitored Rehab Functional Squat
The Monitored Rehab System (MRS) Functional Squat Machine System (Functional Squat System, Monitor Rehab Systems, Haarlem, The Netherlands) replicates a standing squat (in a reclining position) while providing visual feedback to the user. The associated software offers the clinician/researcher the opportunity to train and test coordination and proprioception. Very little research has been done with the device; before embarking on a line of research with it, NHMI researchers are performing reliability and validity assessments.
The Influence of Leg Dominance on Coordination during a Tracking Task
The Monitored Rehabilitation Functional Squat System (MRFSS) provides objective feedback on closed-chain activities and has been found to be accurate, valid, and reliable. Clinicians often compare an injured limb to a non-injured limb... Learn More.
Reliability and Validity of the Monitored Rehabilitation Functional Squat Proprioception Test Component
Assessing and restoring proprioception are important aspects of rehabilitation programs. The Monitored Rehabilitation Functional Squat System (MRFSS, Haarlem , The Netherlands) may be a simple and time-efficient means for... Learn More.
Monitored Rehab Functional Squat Coordination Test: Reliability, Learning Curve and Eccentric-Concentric Performance Comparisons
Many clinical testing devices operate in open-chain fashion that may not be comparable to real-life activities. The Monitored Rehabilitation Functional Squat System (MRFSS) allows for objective assessment of closed-chain activities, yet to date this system has not been used to answer clinical research questions. It is first necessary... Learn More.
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Joint Hypermobility
Rheumatology research has shown an increased rate of joint pain and pathology among very flexible (hypermobile) patients. Some have extrapolated from research in rheumatology clinic populations and made the recommendation that people who are hypermobile avoid sports. However little research has been performed that confirms whether hypermobile athletes do participate in sports and if they do, whether they suffer from more frequent or more severe injuries.
Generalized joint hypermobility and its relationship to injury patterns among NCAA lacrosse players
Prevalence and features of joint hypermobility in adolescent athletes
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Gender & Development in Landing Biomechanics
This research investigates the impact of sex and developmental differences on biomechanics during landing from a vertical jump and is important in light of significantly higher ACL injury rates among women. This research was supported by grants from the NATA Research Foundation and the New Balance Athletic Shoe Company.
A Gender Comparison of Lower Extremity Landing Biomechanics Utilizing Different Tasks
Jump landings are routinely used to study gender differences in landing. Standardizing the jump height to a fixed vertical distance may bias results as women are forced to land from heights that are a greater percentage of their own maximum vertical jump (MVJ). PURPOSE: To compare lower extremity mechanics between genders from a fixed... Learn More.
Knee-Muscle Activation during Landings: Developmental and Gender Comparisons
Knee Muscular Response Strategies Differ by Developmental Level but Not Gender During Jump Landing
Gender Comparison of Vertical Jump Landing Knee Angles Normalized by Kinetic Energy
Loading Rate in Self-Initiated Vertical Jump Landings: Developmental and Gender Comparisons
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ACL Bracing Surveys
No objective scientific research supports claims that ACL braces can prevent injuries. However, bracing continues to be big business. In the absence of scientific direction, practitioners must rely on a combination of their own and others' anecdotal evidence. These surveys, spaced years apart, provide information about the changing bracing practices of members of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Functional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Bracing: A Survey of Current Brace Prescription Patterns
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Current Projects
NHMI research efforts are currently focused in the area of emergency management of protective sports equipment.
