However, to the contrary, players seem
to forget the device is on their body. “I actually hopped in the shower with it
after one of our games because I forgot it was there,” deButts said. “You don’t even notice them sometimes. It doesn’t bother me at all.” The accelerometers and software
used in this study were developed by X2 Biosystems, a Seattle-based company co-founded by Rich Able, now its chief marketing officer. Able’s son, Kyle, suffered a concussion playing football in 2007 and had associated symptoms for three months — despite being cleared to resume playing two weeks after the incident. “It’s a personal mission for me,” Able said. “I would like every kid playing contact sports to have access to our software and hardware platform — and an ATC (certified athletic trainer) at every high school in the country.” US Lacrosse and X2 Biosystems found willing partners at Princeton. “It’s pretty easy to do and a way to
give back to help research,” said Colleen Smith, a senior defender for the women. “We’re kind of nerds here, so we’re intrigued by the science.” LM
IN THE WORKS RESEARCH
With a 2014 research budget of $175,000, US Lacrosse is supporting several safety- related studies this year. ACCELEROMETER STUDIES
As a complement to the concussion safety study at Princeton, US Lacrosse is funding a second accelerometer study at George Mason measuring impact forces received by high school boys’ and girls’ players in practices and games. Data collected will be compared to video to identify scenarios associated with high-impact forces.
EDUCATIONAL EFFECT A study at UNC Greensboro will seek to develop an assessment tool
to measure outcomes, including safety-related elements, associated with US Lacrosse’s coaching certification for women’s coaches. The university will include relevant statistical analysis in a Phase 1 assessment of the effectiveness of US Lacrosse’s Coaching Education Program training on player safety. Phase 2 will evaluate CEP training effectiveness on player safety for men’s coaches.
Want to know more about head or ACL injuries in lacrosse? The US Lacrosse Sports Science and Safety Committee, in conjunction with MedStar Sports Medicine, will present two 30-minute webinars May 21 with a panel of medical experts to discuss these topics. Watch live
or see the replay at
USLacrosse.org/Safety.
ACL PREVENTION
MedStar Sports Medicine is testing a lacrosse-specific ACL injury prevention program for high school players. Research has shown some effectiveness in reducing these injuries through neuromuscular training. Phase 1, conducted last year, introduced players to biomechanics training through certified athletic trainers. Phase 2 research now includes a coach-directed program.
BURNOUT FACTOR Three different organizations have joined forces to scientifically
assess the amount of time youth players spend in lacrosse activity and its corresponding measure to health outcomes. The data could help formalize future recommendations regarding
the levels of appropriate involvement to ensure proper development and to minimize the risk of athletic burnout and overuse injuries.
In addition to these four initiatives, US Lacrosse has at least two
other research studies in the queue that could potentially launch later this year. “One of our highest organizational priorities is the advancement
of player safety,” said Bruce Griffin, US Lacrosse director of health and sport safety. “We anticipate these studies will provide insightful scientific data that will help us better understand how rule changes affect player safety as well as the safety impact of our current skill- teaching processes.”
— P.O.
A Publication of US Lacrosse
May 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 61
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