Sports Injuries Research Projects

Clinical and neuropsychological features of concussion in Australian Football

Paediatric concussion study

Clinical and neuropsychological features of concussion in sport

Development and Validation of a proposed return to play (RTP) post-concussion exercise protocol

The use of PBL style teaching methods in postgraduate sports medicine training

Is there a difference in muscle stiffness between embalmed vs unembalmed cadavers using pendulum testing

Biomechanics and motor control of locomotor impairments following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury

Acute and Chronic Brain Injury in Professional Boxing

The epidemiology of acute brain injury in professional boxing

Footwear Interventions for Altering Gait

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Clinical and neuropsychological features of concussion in Australian Football

Investigators: Dr Michael Makdissi, Ass Prof Paul McCrory,

Summary: Concussion is a common injury sustained by Australian Rules footballers. This large scale 3 year prospective study involves 899 players recruited from various levels including elite, under 18s and community. The study aims to investigate the pattern of symptoms, neuropsychological deficits and recovery after concussive injury and the safety of recommended clinical return to play strategies. The neuropsychological tests include the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Trail Making Test and a computerized testing system CogSportTM.

Funding Source: CogSport, Australian Football League Research Foundation

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Paediatric concussion study

Investigators: Prof Vicki Andersen, Ass Prof Paul McCrory, Mr Gavin Davis, Dr Alex Collie

Summary: A long term monitoring study will be performed on children aged 5 to 15 years with baseline testing performed in 3000 and then repeat testing performed annually in a cohort (to assess cognitive maturation) and following brain injury.

Funding source: NHMRC

Clinical and neuropsychological features of concussion in sport

Investigators: Dr Michael Makdissi, Ass Prof Paul McCrory, Prof John Sullivan, Dr Simon Kemp, Dr Lisa Hodgson, Dr Dave Darby

Summary: Concussion is a common injury sustained in sport. This study analyses 49,000+ Cogsport baseline tests in approximately 6000 athletes in order to generate normative data for the test domains. In addition approximately 600 athletes who had been previously baselines suffered a concussion and their post concussion cognitive testing and symptom questionnaires will be analyzed.

Funding Source: CogSport

Development and Validation of a proposed return to play (RTP) post-concussion exercise protocol

Investigators: Mr Alla Sridur, Ass Prof Paul McCrory, Prof John Sullivan, Dr Leigh Hale

Summary: To develop and validate an exercise-protocol based on SCAT return-to-play (RTP) guidelines using a quanitified exercise challenge designed to mimic a rugby football match workload.

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The use of PBL style teaching methods in postgraduate sports medicine training

Investigators: Dr Andy Franklyn-Miller, Dr Eanna Falvey, Ass Prof Paul McCrory

Summary: The limitations of PBL learning at postgraduate level are investigated and alternative models (patient based learning, Oslerian teaching) are studies. A modular approach to the teaching of functional sports anatomy will be used as the study model.

Is there a difference in muscle stiffness between embalmed vs unembalmed cadavers using pendulum testing

Investigators: Dr Eanna Falvey, Dr Andy Franklyn-Miller, Ass Prof Paul McCrory, Dr Chris Briggs, Dr Priscilla Barker, Dr Adam Bryant, Dr Ross Clark, Dr Simon Barthold

Summary:  Using dissection of embalmed and fresh cadavers at the School of Anatomy study will be made measurements of muscle stiffness. These an be compared against normal (live) patient measurements. 

Biomechanics and motor control of locomotor impairments following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury

Investigators: Dr Gavin Williams, Prof Meg Morris, Assoc Prof Paul McCrory

Summary: The primary aim of this project is to conduct one of the first international comprehensive studies into the biomechanics and motor control of locomotor impairments following TBI. The secondary aims are to (a) Identify the key biomechanical abnormalities that exist in TBI locomotion; (b) Identify the key physical impairments that are associated with locomotor outcomes in rehabilitation; (c) Investigate the contribution of physical impairments to locomotor limitations; (d) Determine whether motor sub-groups (ataxia, spasticity, dyskinesia, hypokinesia) exist in people with TBI, and if they are associated with locomotor outcomes and (e) Investigate the relationships between physical impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions and quality of life in people with TBI over a period of locomotor rehabilitation.

Funding source: VNI, NHMRC

Acute and Chronic Brain Injury in Professional Boxing

Investigators: Ms Helen Clausen, Prof Vicki Andersen, Assoc Prof Paul McCrory

Summary: Professional boxing is known to cause acute (concussion) and chronic traumatic brain injury (CTBI). The literature regarding the nature and prevalence of brain injury in professional boxing is however, sparse and out-dated.  Unlike  high-risk sports such as  football, there are no studies determining the incidence of concussion in boxing nor how long it takes a boxer to recover from concussion. With no  means of predicting who will develop CTBI and limited traetment options, prevention is important. This is a two part study designed to  investigate the cognitive impact of repetitive subconcussive blows and concussion in boxers from both short and long-term viewpoints.

Funding sources: NHMRC, WBC, PBCSB

The epidemiology of acute brain injury in professional boxing

Investigators: Ms Tsharni Zazryn, Prof Peter Cameron, Assoc Prof Paul McCrory

Summary: Professional boxing is known to cause acute traumatic brain injury. Using the injury records of the Victorian Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board an analysis will be performed of the epidemiology, and risk factors for injury.

Funding sources: NHMRC

Footwear Interventions for Altering Gait

Investigators: Dr Adam Bryant

In conjunction with the ASICS research centre, this study will use a variety of kinematic and kinetic methods to assess the effects of footwear interventions on gait and proprioception. The protocol includes modalities ranging from time frequency assessment of electromyography to imaging of the internal structures of the lower limb.   

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