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The university said that the grant from US Lacrosse, the sport's national governing body, was used to purchase special helmets that will allow it to collect data about on-the-field head impacts experienced by members of its lacrosse team.
Team members will wear helmet-mounted impact sensors during games and practices this season. Professors and staff will then collect the data.
The study will be managed by Theresa Miyashita, director of the school’s athletic training education program. She will be assisted by Eleni Diakogeorgiou, a clinical assistant professor, and Kaitlyn Marrie, the school’s athletic trainer.
“Little research has been focused on lacrosse, and it is the fastest-growing team sport in the U.S.,” Miyashita said. “It is a high-contact, equipment-intensive sport that needs more research.”
Miyashita said she has particular insight and affinity for the health and safety of lacrosse players because her husband is a former professional player who is now assistant coach of the university’s men’s team.
The movie “Concussion” has recently put the topic of head injury risks in sports back in the national spotlight. The film, now in theaters, tells the story of how a degenerative brain disease, similar to Alzheimer’s, was first discovered in deceased football players.
“We have a great group here doing some really interesting research on a very important and hot topic,” Miyashita said. “Our primary goal is to investigate the potential cumulative effects of sub-concussive impacts on collegiate lacrosse players, ultimately to improve player safety.”
For more information about Sacred Heart, click here.
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