Bioengineering Laboratory - Research: Sports
| Field Performance of Wood and Metal Baseball Bats |
|
|
The performance difference between wood and metal baseball bats continues to be one the most debated issues in sports. Despite the controversy, few studies have measured actual field performance. Using novel mathematical algorithms, the motion of the bat, ball, and their impact were tracked in 3-D to calculate the actual field performance of various wood and metal baseball bats. As bat technology changes, our work continues in this area.
Funding: National Collegiate Athletic Association, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA)
Publications
|
| Biomechanics of Concussion Injuries in Contact Sports |
 |
|
Concussion injuries are a growing health concern in sports. Our efforts have focused on determining the biomechanics of concussion injury and began with the design of a system for measuring head acceleration that fits within a football. In collaboration with Simbex LLC, this system was developed into a commercial product. It is being widely used in the study of concussion and head injuries. In 2007, we began a five-year, multi-institutional study with Simbex, Dartmouth, and Virginia Tech.
Funding: NIH, Simbex LLC
Publications |
| The Mechanics of the Lacrosse Shot |
 |
|
Lacrosse stick construction has evolved from wood and leather to titanium shafts and complex 3-D plastic heads. Our shooting studies have found that these new stick designs increased ball speed in men’s sticks but not in women’s sticks. Ongoing studies are focused at furthering our understanding of relationship between stick design and performance.
Funding: US Lacrosse
Publications
|
Snowboarding and in-line skating are two of the fastest growing recreational sports in the United States today, and both are associated with an relatively high risk of injury to the upper extremity. While epidemiological studies suggest that wrist guards may be of some use in preventing injury, there are no published biomechanical studies demonstrating their efficacy. The goals of this investigation are to determine (1) whether wrist guards reduce bone strain in the distal radius, (2) if wrist guards shift the load to the radial midshaft, and (3) if there is a functional difference between different wrist guard designs.
Funding: American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Publications
|