Conference Background and Mission

The Pac-12 Conference, with support from the Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being Board, hosts the annual Student-Athlete Health Conference (SAHC).  The conference is a comprehensive educational and business meeting aimed at collaboration amongst the sports medicine teams and promoting professional growth with the Pac 12 conference. The meeting functions as a forum for physicians, athletic trainers, dietitians, and mental health professionals to share best practices, evaluate Pac-12 and institutional policies, and discuss various aspects of student-athlete health and wellness. The conference provides a unique opportunity for a multi-disciplinary exchange with the leaders in both research and the clinical care of competitive athletes.

The goals of the conference are to:

  • Create an environment of collaboration and networking that preserves the standing of the Pac 12 Conference as the leader of student-athlete care
  • Provide a space for representatives from each discipline to meet and discuss conference-wide trends and topics that impact each group
  • Present an educational program that exhibits current trends and research in collegiate sports medicine
  • Highlight Pac 12 funded research projects from across the conference
  • Provide designated time for Pac 12 committees to conduct business meetings

The two-day program will bring together top sports medicine clinicians and researchers from across the nation to explore important issues surrounding the health and well-being of student-athletes, present new research findings, and discuss policies and procedures that can help better treat student-athletes.

Institutional sports medicine professionals as well as athletic directors, faculty athletic representatives, research teams and Pac 12 administrators are encouraged to attend.

For more information on the Pac 12 Health and Well Being Initiative, click here

Grant Awarded Research Projects

PI: Dr. Andrew Lovering – University of Oregon
Co-PI: Dr. Hans Haverkamp – Washington State University
University of Oregon
PI: The Student Athlete Health and Well-Being Initiative Board and the Pac-12 Mental Health Task Force
Project Director: Dr. Daniel Taylor, Project Team: Dr. Alex Auerbach, Dr. Michael Grandner & Dr. John Ruiz
University of Arizona
Co PIs: Dr. Mark D’Esposito (CAL) and Dr. Cathra Halabi (UCSF)
Co-PIs: Dr. Ben Inglis (UCSF) and Dr. Wade Smith (UCSF)
University of California, Berkeley collaborating with University of California, San Francisco
PI: Dr. Cathleen Crowell
Co-PI: Dr. Viktor Bovbjerg
Oregon State University
PI: Dr. Daniel Cushman
Co-PIs: Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Amy Powell (Utah), Dr. Sarah Eby (Utah), Dr. Justin Rigby (Utah), Dr. Michael Fredericson (Stanford), Dr. Blake Corcoran (WSU) and Dr. Leyen Vu (WSU)
University of Utah collaborating with Stanford University and Washington State University
PI: Dr. Theresa Hernandez
Co-PI: Dr. Adam Bohr
University of Colorado, Boulder
PI: Dr. Christopher Yakacki
Co-PIs: Dr. Peter Jenkins, Dr. R. Dana Carpenter, Dr. Kai Yu, Dr. Sourav Poddar
University of Colorado, Boulder & Denver
PIs: Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown
Co-PIs: Dr. Jamshid Ghajar (Stanford), Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. Matthew McQueen (Colorado), Dr. Douglas Aukerman (OSU), Dr. Kimberly Harmon (UW), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Sourav Poddar (Colorado) and Russ Romano (USC)
Stanford University collaborating with the University of Colorado, Oregon State University, University of Southern California, University of Utah and University of Washington
PI: Dr. Lori Michener
Co-PIs: Dr. Andrew Karduna (UO) and Dr. Roksana Karim (USC)
University of Southern California collaborating with the University of Oregon and University of California, Los Angeles
PI: Dr. Peter Fino and Dr. Lee Dibble
Co-PIs: Dr. Daniel Cushman, Dr. Nicholas Monson, Dr. Angela Presson
University of Utah
PIs: Dr. James Martin
University of Utah
PIs: Dr. Christopher Barry
Co-PIs: Dr. Kelli Moran-Miller (Stanford)
Washington State University collaborating with Arizona State University, University of California, Berkeley, Oregon State University, Stanford University, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, University of Utah, University of Washington
PI: Dr. Kenneth Hunt
University of Colorado, Boulder
PI: Dr. David Camarillo
Co-PIs: Dr. Gerald Grant (Stanford), Dr. Michael Zeineh (Stanford), Dr. Charles Liu (USC)
Stanford University collaborating with University of Southern California
PIs: Dr. Kim Harmon, Dr. Emily Kroshus and Dr. Sara Chrisman
Co-PI: Dr. Ann Glang (UO)
University of Washington collaborating with Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Oregon and University of Colorado, Boulder
PI: Dr. Marc Norcross
Co-PIs: Dr. Samuel Johnson (OSU) and Dr. Christopher Scaffidi (OSU)
Oregon State University collaborating with Stanford University, University of California, Los Angeles and University of Washington
PI: Dr. Andrew Anderson
Co-PIs: Dr. Ken “Bo” Foreman, Dr. Stepehen Aoki and Dr. Travis Maak
University of Utah
PIs: Taylor Ricci and Nathan Braaten
Oregon State University
PI: Dr. George Brooks
Co-PI: Dr. Daniela Kaufer
University of California, Berkeley
PI: Dr. Michael Hahn
Co-PIs: Dr. Scott Delp, Dr. Rodger Kram, Dr. Alena Grabowski, Dr. Jill McNitt-Gray, Dr. Lorraine Turcotte, Dr. Brent Liu, Dr. Kormelia Kulig
University of Oregon collaborating with University of Colorado, University of Southern California & Stanford University
PI: Dr. Christopher Kweon
Co-PIs: Dr. Albert Gee & Dr. Scott Telfer
University of Washington
PI: Dr. Doug Aukerman and the Pac-12 Brain Trauma Task Force
The Pac-12 Concussion Coordinating Unit – Project Director: Dr. Matthew McQueen, Co-PI: Dr. Theresa Hernandez & Dr. Adam Bohr
PI: Dr. William Byrnes
Co-PIs: Dr. Theresa Hernandez & Dr. Ken Wright
University of Colorado
PIs: Dr. Kim Harmon & Dr. Emily Kroshus
Co-PIs: Dr. Sara Chrisman (UW) & Dr. Ann Glang (UO)
University of Washington collaborating with University of Oregon
PI: Dr. Michael Fredericson
Co-PI: Dr. Aurelia Nattiv (UCLA)
Stanford University collaborating with University of California, Los Angeles
PI: Dr. Kim Harmon
Co-PIs: Dr. Jonathan Drezner, Dr. David Owens & Dr. Jordan Prutkin
University of Washington collaborating with all Pac-12 schools
PI: Dr. Craig Heller
Co-PI: Dr. Dennis Grahn
Stanford University
PI: Dr. Deborah Yurgelun-Tood
Co-PIs: Dr. Charlie Hicks-Little, Dr. Perry Renshaw, Dr. Erin McGlade & Dr. Andrew Prescot
University of Utah
PI: Dr. Marc Norcross
Co-PIs: Dr. Samuel Johnson & Dr. Viktor Bovbjerg
Oregon State University

SPEAKERS

DAYS

MEMBER SCHOOLS

GRANT AWARD DOLLARS

Invited Speakers for 2022

(Click on Speaker Name to View the Complete Bio)

Doug Aukerman, MD

Senior Associate Athletic Director, Sports Medicine; Oregon State University

Dr. Doug Aukerman joined the Oregon State University athletic staff in January of 2012 as Senior Associate Athletic Director

    LaTisha Bader, PhD

    Licensed Psychologist & Licensed Addiction Counselor

    Dr. Bader has worked in the field of mental health and addiction for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of

      Edmond Baker, MD

      Medical Director for Equality Care Centers; Arizona State University

      Edmond L. Baker Jr., M.D., is the current medical director for the Equality Care Center. His experience of working in rural a

        Lisa Barkley, MD

        Chair, Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science

        Dr. Lisa Barkley is founding Program Director for the newly re-established Family Medicine Residency Program at (CDU). She l

          Alex Bechard, MS, RD, CSSD

          Director of Performance Nutrition, University of California - Berkeley

          Alexandra Bechard is the Director of Performance Nutrition at the University of California, Berkeley. In her role, she is res

            Adam Brady, MD

            Infectious Disease Physician, Oregon State University

            Dr. Brady graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland School of Medicine in 2011. He works in Corvallis, OR and 2

              Shamaree Brown

              Director/Student-Athlete Programs & Compliance; Atlantic Coast Conference

              Shamaree Brown joined the ACC Office in 2010 and serves as the Director of Student-Athlete Programs & Compliance. In this rol

                Anne Browning, PhD, MA

                Assistant Dean for Well-Being, University of Washington - School of Medicine

                Anne Browning studied Social Anthropology as an undergraduate at Harvard University. Browning went on to earn a Master’s in

                  Bryan Burnstein, MS, ATC, CSCS

                  Performance Science for Kitman Labs

                  Bryan Burnstein is the Director of Performance Science for Kitman Labs, a performance intelligence team that works with top s

                    Stephanie Chu, DO

                    Chair, NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspect of Sport;Team Physician, University of Colorado

                    Dr. Stephanie Chu has served as team physician within CU Athletics since 2008. Working with women’s basketball, soccer and

                      Mike Clark, PhD, CMPC

                      University of Arizona Sport Psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant

                      Mike Clark, Ph.D., CMPC is a Sport Psychologist at the University of Arizona and is credentialed as a Certified Mental Perfor

                        Ben Cort

                        CEO, The Foundry Steamboat Springs, Author Weed Inc., Advocate for Marijuana Policy, Addiction, Prevention, and Recovery

                        Ben's passion for recovery, prevention and harm reduction comes from his own struggle with substance abuse. Sober since 6/15/

                          Patrick Dixon, MA, MBA, PES, CES

                          Director of Applied Science, Momentous

                          Dixon began his career in exercise science at the University of Connecticut while pursuing a Master’s Degree and also worki

                            Steve Engleheart, MS, CSCS

                            University of Colorado Director of Strength and Conditioning Olympic Sports & Men’s Basketball

                            Stephen Englehart is in his third season as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for men's basketball and eighth overall at Colo

                              Rachel Frank, MD

                              Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine

                              Dr. Rachel Frank is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist who focuses on the surgical and non-

                                Ally Gallop, MS, RD, CSSD

                                Associate Director of Performance Nutrition, University of Washington

                                Ally Gallop joined the UW staff as Associate Director of Performance Nutrition in Oct., 2021. She works primarily with the Hu

                                  Marci Goolsby, MD

                                  Hospital of Special Surgery: Medical Director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Clinic

                                  Marci A. Goolsby, MD, is a Sports Medicine physician at HSS and the Medical Director of the Women's Sports Medicine Center. S

                                    Brian Hainline, MD

                                    NCAA Chief Medical Officer & Sport Science Institute Senior Vice President

                                    Brian Hainline, M.D., is Chief Medical Officer of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. As the NCAA’s first Chief M

                                      Travis Halseth, MS, ATC

                                      Associate Athletic Trainer, University of Oregon

                                      Travis Halseth joined the University of Oregon Athletic Medicine staff in the fall 2006 and is currently the associate athlet

                                        John Heil, PhD

                                        Clinical Psychologist

                                        John Heil, D.A., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, is both a clinical psychologist and sport psychologist- with a clinical prac

                                          Lauren Link, RD

                                          Director of Sports Nutrition, Purdue University

                                          Lauren Link is a registered dietitian and board certified specialist in sports dietetics. She earned a bachelor's degree in d

                                            Mitchell Lunn, MD, MAS, FACP, FASN

                                            Assistant Professor of Nephrology, Stanford University

                                            Mitchell (Mitch) R. Lunn, MD, MAS, FACP, FASN (he/him/his) is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology of the Dep

                                              Eric McCarty, MD

                                              Director of Sports Medicine, University of Colorado Athletics

                                              Dr. Eric McCarty is in his 19th year working with the CU athletic program, joining the sports medicine team in July 2003. Bu

                                                Ben McKay, MS

                                                University of Oregon Sport Science Coordinator

                                                Ben McKay joined the University of Oregon Athletic Department in 2018 to fulfill the role of Sports Science Coordinator. In t

                                                  Chris Merino

                                                  Pac 12 Assistant Commissioner

                                                    Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, MD

                                                    Director - Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services, Division of Student Life, University of Michigan

                                                    Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami is the Director of Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services at the University of Michigan,

                                                      Glenn Pfeffer, MD

                                                      Past President American Orthopaedic Foot and Anke Society; Director Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center and Co- Director Dance Medicine Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

                                                      Dr. Glenn Pfeffer, MD is a Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery Specialist in Los Angeles, CA and has over 42 years of experience

                                                        Meredith Price, MS, RD

                                                        Executive Director of Sports Nutrition

                                                        Meredith Price came to Utah Athletics in June of 2021 as the Executive Director of Sports Nutrition, where she oversees the n

                                                          Robin Queen, PhD

                                                          Professor – Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics; Virginia Tech

                                                          Dr. Robin Queen served for 11 years as the director of the Michael W. Krzyzewski Human Performance Laboratory at Duke Univers

                                                            Steve Shin, MD

                                                            Cedars Sinai Executive Vice Chair, Department of Orthopaedics Director, Clinical Operations

                                                            Dr. Steven Shin is a nationally-recognized surgeon specializing in the treatment of elite athletes' hand and wrist injuries.

                                                              Max Sutro

                                                              Client Marketing Manager, Athletes First

                                                              Max leads the marketing division for Athletes First New York where he handles branding and off-field partnerships for Athlete

                                                                Sankar Swaminathan, MD

                                                                Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Utah

                                                                Sankar Swaminathan, MD has specialized expertise in the treatment of infectious diseases. He is board certified in Internal M

                                                                  Kim Terrell

                                                                  Senior Associate Director of Athletic Medicine

                                                                  Kim Terrell returned to University of Oregon in 2003 and serves as the Senior Associate Director of Athletic Medicine; managi

                                                                    Floyd Vitocruz, MSPT, SCS, CSCS

                                                                    Physical Therapist, Stanford University

                                                                    Floyd arrived on The Farm as a staff physical therapist in the fall of 2009. Working primarily with the football program, Flo

                                                                      Rachel Webb, EdD

                                                                      University of Arizona Assistant Athletic Director, Sport Psychology and Wellness

                                                                      Rachel Webb is responsible for providing mental health services and performance consultations to student-athletes at the Univ

                                                                        Maggy Carlyle

                                                                        Pac-12 General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs

                                                                        Maggy Carlyle is the General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for the Pac-12 Conference. Ms. Carlyle

                                                                          Schedule

                                                                          Our 3-Day Agenda of Conference Events

                                                                          See Details in Description
                                                                          Pre-Conference Meetings

                                                                          8:00am-3:00pm: Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being Board – Joshua 1
                                                                          3:30pm-5:00pm: Brain Trauma Task Force – Joshua 1
                                                                          3:30pm-5:30pm Mental Health Task Force – Joshua 2

                                                                          6:45pm
                                                                          Athletic Trainer Vendor Presentations - Joshua 1
                                                                          7:30 PM
                                                                          Welcome Reception - Lift Bar at the Aria Resort & Casino
                                                                          6:45 AM
                                                                          BREAKFAST in Sponsor Lounge - Orovada 3/5/8

                                                                          7:45am Welcome Address & Announcements: Tandi Hawkey, Pac-12 Event Coordinator
                                                                          7:50am Pac 12 State of the Union Address: Maggy Carlyle, Pac-12 General Counsel & Senior Vice President

                                                                          Tandi Hawkey & Maggy Carlyle
                                                                          Brian Hainline, MD; NCAA Chief Medical Officer

                                                                          “The Utilization of Wearables in Football” Travis Halseth, MS, ATC; University of Oregon Associate Athletic Trainer & Ben McKay, MS; University of Oregon Sport Science Coordinator

                                                                          “The Utilization of Wearables in Basketball” Steve Englehart, University of Colorado Director of Strength and Conditioning Olympic Sports & Men’s Basketball

                                                                          “Data Strategies: Putting It Into Play” Bryan Burnstein, Director of Performance Strategy/Performance Scientist – Kitman Labs

                                                                          PI: Dr. David Camarillo
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Gerald Grant (Stanford), Dr. Michael Zeineh (Stanford), Dr. Charles Liu (USC)
                                                                          Stanford University collaborating with University of Southern California

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma and Mental Health: From Head Impacts to Brain Injury, Determining the Mechanism Underlying Concussions in Pac-12 Football

                                                                          Project Summary: In an effort to determine the causes of concussive injury, this study plans to implement the use of the Stanford Instrumented Mouthguard 2.0 (MiG2) in combination with MR imaging with the football teams at two Pac-12 institutions to collect data on concussions. This will expand upon recent research and data collected with an instrumented mouthguard in combination with MRI with the Stanford football program. In that study, researchers discovered that concussions could be predicted by peak head angular acceleration, correlating with signal changes on MRI. At its completion, this will be the first study to identify mechanisms of concussion by tracing the head angular acceleration input, to brain tissue damage, to advanced imaging detection of injury.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Theresa Hernandez
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Adam Bohr
                                                                          University of Colorado, Boulder

                                                                          Title: Student Athlete Health and Well-Being: Looking at the Past to Inform the Future

                                                                          Project Summary: In collecting and utilizing data from former student-athletes to inform current best practices, this study will assess longitudinal patterns of physical and psychological health while paying attention to the presence of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.) and mental health diagnoses in student-athlete alumni compared to cohort matched student non-athlete alumni. The research will also aim to build upon previous related research by assessing socioeconomic and first-generation status as group profiles, as well as modifying factors of student-athlete health following their collegiate careers. The goal of this research is not only to characterize life-course trajectories, but also to utilize this information to identify best practices, thereby creating opportunities to improve and optimize the overall health and well-being of current and future student-athletes.

                                                                          PIs: Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Jamshid Ghajar (Stanford), Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. Matthew McQueen (Colorado), Dr. Douglas Aukerman (OSU), Dr. Kimberly Harmon (UW), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Sourav Poddar (Colorado) and Russ Romano (USC)
                                                                          Stanford University collaborating with the University of Colorado, Oregon State University, University of Southern California, University of Utah and University of Washington

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: The Subtypes of Concussion – Classification and Recovery Trajectories in Pac-12 Student Athletes

                                                                          Project Summary: The goal for this study is to advance the science of concussion care and change how concussions are diagnosed and managed, allowing for earlier and more focused rehabilitation and treatments. By performing clinical research, this study will look to characterize and compare concussion subtypes over time and by gender, sport, school and medical history, including cardiovascular health, while also assessing recovery trajectories by concussion subtypes over a six-month span to allow for anticipated outcomes and targeted-treatment options.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Lori Michener
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Andrew Karduna (UO) and Dr. Roksana Karim (USC)
                                                                          University of Southern California collaborating with the University of Oregon and University of California, Los Angeles

                                                                          Title: Overuse Injuries/Injury Protection: Biomechanical metrics to improve performance and reduce elbow injuries in baseball

                                                                          Project Summary: A common problem among baseball players is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the elbow. The UCL provides ~50% counter to elbow force (varus torque) during pitching, putting the UCL at risk for injury. Elbow varus torque increases as ball velocity increases, but not for all pitchers. Elbow varus torque may be mediated by player physical factors, such as muscle performance, joint motion, and stability. The knowledge gap is understanding the ball velocity – elbow varus torque relationship, and how physical factors can mediate the relationship to reduce elbow varus torque. This study will aim to characterize player risk of UCL injuries by developing player profiles that can be used to: 1) target the identified physical factors to reduce injuries and inform rehabilitation after injury, 2) specify return to sport criteria and 3) guide performance enhancement.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Peter Fino and Dr. Lee Dibble
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Daniel Cushman, Dr. Nicholas Monson, Dr. Angela Presson
                                                                          University of Utah

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: Reactive Postural Responses after Concussion: Objective Measurement of Balance Recovery and Prospective Injury Risk

                                                                          Project Summary: Reactive postural responses are used to recover balance, but they have received relatively little attention after concussion despite being common in athletics and critical to athlete safety and performance. Prior research has shown previously concussed athletes experience a greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries, but the cause of this increased risk is not known. This study will focus on a critical barrier of current balance assessments for concussion by objectively quantifying reactive postural responses to determine the connection between post-concussion postural control and musculoskeletal injuries. This project seeks to have immediate impact on concussion management by establishing a protocol to assess postural responses that is tailored for concussions and clinical use and can be rapidly implemented through the Pac-12. Long-term, this study seeks to provide the framework for future studies to examine rehabilitative approaches that train balance recovery to accelerate the recovery and/or decrease the risk of musculoskeletal injury following concussions.

                                                                          PIs: Dr. James Martin
                                                                          University of Utah

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Improving Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair with Real-Time Feedback during Low Intensity Cycling

                                                                          Project Summary: With an astounding 25% of athletes with previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery developing additional ACL injury following surgery, this study aims to reduce compensatory patterns during movement exercises while evaluating the relationship between cycling symmetry and return-to-play outcomes. Of concern, current data indicates that these patterns progress, rather than diminish, during the course of rehabilitation and can go undetected due to maximal tests typically taking place several months following surgery. Low-intensity cycling is commonly prescribed and known to be safe soon after surgery. This project seeks to improve symmetry by providing biomechanical feedback during low-intensity cycling. It also aims to determine if cycling symmetry leads to improved symmetry during weight bearing tasks and reduces subsequent injuries. If successful, we believe this technique may improve rehabilitation of a variety of other leg injuries as well.

                                                                          Co PIs: Dr. Mark D’Esposito (CAL) and Dr. Cathra Halabi (UCSF)
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Ben Inglis (UCSF) and Dr. Wade Smith (UCSF)
                                                                          University of California, Berkeley collaborating with University of California, San Francisco

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: Advancing New Biomarker Tests for Concussion Diagnosis and Recovery

                                                                          Project Summary: The human brain is impacted by blood flow with each heartbeat with 25 percent of cardiac output directed toward the head. This flow generates a measurable pulse through the brain described by this study as the “headpulse.” This pulse can be measured noninvasively via a portable device. Developing the practice for measuring this biomarker will alleviate current challenges in predicting concussion resolution due to the lack of objective indicators. This study will also aim to characterize the brain’s recovery from sports-related concussions using an approach comprised of intermittent headpulse measurements in addition to current common practices. This study hypothesizes that the restoration of headpulse patterns to normal values will parallel improvements in key metrics. Ultimately, it is of this research team’s belief that tracking the headpulse may support safer release of student-athletes to normal activities following concussions in addition to other added benefits in healthcare.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Cathleen Crowell
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Viktor Bovbjerg
                                                                          Oregon State University

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Documenting Overuse and Non-Time-Loss Injuries

                                                                          Project Summary: Sports injury epidemiology has historically excluded overuse and non-time-loss injuries. Instead, research has focused on acute and time-loss injuries, despite the potential for overuse and non-time-loss injuries to hinder performance and influence long-term health. This study seeks to report the epidemiology of overuse and non-time-loss injuries across multiple Pac-12 sports while also identifying potential factors that may influence the occurrence of such injuries. The study will also look to report on the workload burden for healthcare utilization associated with treatment of such injuries. Conducting the research will help identify risk factors for overuse and non-time-loss injuries as well as provide details on the number and types of treatments and encounters. Results of this study will help inform decisions regarding injury prevention, holistic health and appropriate medical coverage, as the study’s findings will be of use for all sports medicine clinicians across the Pac-12.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Daniel Cushman
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Amy Powell (Utah), Dr. Sarah Eby (Utah), Dr. Justin Rigby (Utah), Dr. Michael Fredericson (Stanford), Dr. Blake Corcoran (WSU) and Dr. Leyen Vu (WSU)
                                                                          University of Utah collaborating with Stanford University and Washington State University

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Utilizing Ultrasound Imaging to Detect Precursors of Achilles Tendon, Patellar Tendon and Plantar Fascia Injuries

                                                                          Project Summary: The patellar tendon, and Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia are common athletic injuries. These often result in prolonged recovery times, decreased performance and can also derail promising athletic careers. This study seeks to develop a method of using brief preseason ultrasound examinations of the bilateral patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to identify precursors to injury of each. With the collaboration of select Pac-12 universities, the examinations will be performed prior to each academic season for a total of three years, first identifying subgroups of student-athletes with tendon and/or fascia abnormalities and those without before looking closer at those who develop such injuries as seasons progress. This research will provide impacts in the short-term by creating an easily-implemented procedure to help identify such injury risks as well as long-term by helping develop strategies to prevent future tendon and/or fascia injuries.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Michael Fredericson (Stanford) and Dr. Aurelia Nattiv (University of California, Los Angeles)
                                                                          Stanford University & University of California, Los Angeles

                                                                          Title: Improving Bone Health and Reducing the Incidence of Bone Stress Injuries in Pac-12 Distance Runners: An Implementation Plan Focusing on Health Promotion, Optimal Fueling and Changing Culture.

                                                                          Project Summary: The primary objective this project is to improve bone health and reduce the incidence of bone stress injuries in female and male distance runners (the highest risk groups) across all Pac-12 schools.
                                                                          • This will be based on the successful results of their recently completed 3-year prospective study funded by the Pac-12.
                                                                          • Pac-12 institutions will apply a universal risk stratification system based on evidence-based risk factor assessment to measure energy availability, disordered eating, menstrual irregularities, low bone mass, and prior bone stress injuries.
                                                                          • They will also utilize an active nutrition education program emphasizing achievement of a positive energy balance. This intervention will optimize the health status of athletes by addressing low energy availability and disordered eating, restoring normal menstrual function, and increasing bone mineral density.
                                                                          • Anticipated outcomes include changing team “culture” from a focus on injury treatment to injury prevention and health promotion.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Andrew Lovering – University of Oregon
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Hans Haverkamp – Washington State University
                                                                          University of Oregon

                                                                          Title: Impact of COVID-19 on student athlete lung function and diffusing capacity

                                                                          Project Summary: The healthy lung can limit exercise performance in the well-trained athletic population so lung health is critical for optimal well-being and athletic performance.
                                                                          • This study aims to measure lung function and diffusing capacity in a large cohort of young health Pac-12 athletes pre-COVID19 infections and then will repeat these measures in the same cohort near the end of the grant period.
                                                                          • These non-invasive, objective lung tests have very clear performance criteria, are standard clinical measures that are internationally validated and are considered gold standards for measuring lung health and function.
                                                                          • They will determine the association of disease severity with the measures of lung function.

                                                                          PAC 12 AWARDED GRANT POSTER PRESENTATIONS

                                                                          PI: Melany Smart
                                                                          University of Washington
                                                                          Title: What are the types and incidence rates of stress fractures by sport, sex, race/ethnicty and what is the variability between Pac-12 institutions?

                                                                          PI: Chloe Castaneda
                                                                          University of California, Los Angeles
                                                                          Title: The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on the Incidence of Stress Reactions and Fractures Among Pac-12 Intercollegiate Athletes

                                                                          PI: Samantha Boyle
                                                                          Washington State Univesrity
                                                                          Title: How does time loss due to bone overuse injuries compare to time loss due to tendon overuse injuries in both male and female distance runners?

                                                                          PI: Libby Geraghty
                                                                          University of Colorado
                                                                          Title: Comparison of concussion severity between sport and non-sport related concussions

                                                                          Miguel Rueda, MS, ATC; University of Colorado Senior Associate Athletic Director – Health & Performance; Chair, Pac 12 SAHWBI

                                                                          Miguel Rueda, MS, ATC

                                                                          Kim Harmon, MD; University of Washington Team Physician, Pac-12 Research Development Director

                                                                          Kim Harmon, MD

                                                                          • Mitchell Lunn, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine; Stanford University School of Medicine
                                                                          • Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, MD, Director – Student Accessibility & Accommodation Services; University of Michigan
                                                                          • Lisa Barkley, MD, Chair, Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science
                                                                          • Edmond Baker, MD; Medical Director for Equality Care Centers; Arizona State University

                                                                          “Pac-12 Student-Athlete Utilization of Care” Marc Norcross, PhD, ATC; Oregon State University & Cathleen Crowell, PhD, ATC; Oregon State University

                                                                          Marc Norcross, PhD, ATC

                                                                          Chris Merino – Assistant Commissioner, Pac 12
                                                                          Doug Aukerman, MD – Senior Assoc Athletic Director, Sports Medicine; OSU
                                                                          Max Sutro – Agent, Athletes First
                                                                          Lauren Link, RD – Director of Nutrition, Purdue University
                                                                          Shamaree Brown – Director, Student Programs & Compliance; ACC Conference

                                                                          12:15 PM
                                                                          LUNCH in Sponsor Lounge - Orovada 3/5/8

                                                                          (a) Orthopedic Physicians
                                                                          (b) Primary Care/Sports Medicine Physicians
                                                                          (c) Athletic Trainers
                                                                          (d) Mental Health Professionals
                                                                          (e) Dietitians

                                                                          Dan Nordquist; Washington State University

                                                                          2:10pm “Injury and Prevention: Developing a Comprehensive, Quantitative Understanding of Hip Morphometrics and Biomechanics in Collegiate Athletes at Risk for Developing Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome” Andrew Anderson, PhD; University of Utah

                                                                          Moderator: Dan Nordquist, WSU

                                                                          PI: Dr. David Camarillo
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Gerald Grant (Stanford), Dr. Michael Zeineh (Stanford), Dr. Charles Liu (USC)
                                                                          Stanford University collaborating with University of Southern California

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma and Mental Health: From Head Impacts to Brain Injury, Determining the Mechanism Underlying Concussions in Pac-12 Football

                                                                          Project Summary: In an effort to determine the causes of concussive injury, this study plans to implement the use of the Stanford Instrumented Mouthguard 2.0 (MiG2) in combination with MR imaging with the football teams at two Pac-12 institutions to collect data on concussions. This will expand upon recent research and data collected with an instrumented mouthguard in combination with MRI with the Stanford football program. In that study, researchers discovered that concussions could be predicted by peak head angular acceleration, correlating with signal changes on MRI. At its completion, this will be the first study to identify mechanisms of concussion by tracing the head angular acceleration input, to brain tissue damage, to advanced imaging detection of injury.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Theresa Hernandez
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Adam Bohr
                                                                          University of Colorado, Boulder

                                                                          Title: Student Athlete Health and Well-Being: Looking at the Past to Inform the Future

                                                                          Project Summary: In collecting and utilizing data from former student-athletes to inform current best practices, this study will assess longitudinal patterns of physical and psychological health while paying attention to the presence of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.) and mental health diagnoses in student-athlete alumni compared to cohort matched student non-athlete alumni. The research will also aim to build upon previous related research by assessing socioeconomic and first-generation status as group profiles, as well as modifying factors of student-athlete health following their collegiate careers. The goal of this research is not only to characterize life-course trajectories, but also to utilize this information to identify best practices, thereby creating opportunities to improve and optimize the overall health and well-being of current and future student-athletes.

                                                                          PIs: Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Jamshid Ghajar (Stanford), Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. Matthew McQueen (Colorado), Dr. Douglas Aukerman (OSU), Dr. Kimberly Harmon (UW), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Sourav Poddar (Colorado) and Russ Romano (USC)
                                                                          Stanford University collaborating with the University of Colorado, Oregon State University, University of Southern California, University of Utah and University of Washington

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: The Subtypes of Concussion – Classification and Recovery Trajectories in Pac-12 Student Athletes

                                                                          Project Summary: The goal for this study is to advance the science of concussion care and change how concussions are diagnosed and managed, allowing for earlier and more focused rehabilitation and treatments. By performing clinical research, this study will look to characterize and compare concussion subtypes over time and by gender, sport, school and medical history, including cardiovascular health, while also assessing recovery trajectories by concussion subtypes over a six-month span to allow for anticipated outcomes and targeted-treatment options.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Lori Michener
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Andrew Karduna (UO) and Dr. Roksana Karim (USC)
                                                                          University of Southern California collaborating with the University of Oregon and University of California, Los Angeles

                                                                          Title: Overuse Injuries/Injury Protection: Biomechanical metrics to improve performance and reduce elbow injuries in baseball

                                                                          Project Summary: A common problem among baseball players is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the elbow. The UCL provides ~50% counter to elbow force (varus torque) during pitching, putting the UCL at risk for injury. Elbow varus torque increases as ball velocity increases, but not for all pitchers. Elbow varus torque may be mediated by player physical factors, such as muscle performance, joint motion, and stability. The knowledge gap is understanding the ball velocity – elbow varus torque relationship, and how physical factors can mediate the relationship to reduce elbow varus torque. This study will aim to characterize player risk of UCL injuries by developing player profiles that can be used to: 1) target the identified physical factors to reduce injuries and inform rehabilitation after injury, 2) specify return to sport criteria and 3) guide performance enhancement.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Peter Fino and Dr. Lee Dibble
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Daniel Cushman, Dr. Nicholas Monson, Dr. Angela Presson
                                                                          University of Utah

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: Reactive Postural Responses after Concussion: Objective Measurement of Balance Recovery and Prospective Injury Risk

                                                                          Project Summary: Reactive postural responses are used to recover balance, but they have received relatively little attention after concussion despite being common in athletics and critical to athlete safety and performance. Prior research has shown previously concussed athletes experience a greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries, but the cause of this increased risk is not known. This study will focus on a critical barrier of current balance assessments for concussion by objectively quantifying reactive postural responses to determine the connection between post-concussion postural control and musculoskeletal injuries. This project seeks to have immediate impact on concussion management by establishing a protocol to assess postural responses that is tailored for concussions and clinical use and can be rapidly implemented through the Pac-12. Long-term, this study seeks to provide the framework for future studies to examine rehabilitative approaches that train balance recovery to accelerate the recovery and/or decrease the risk of musculoskeletal injury following concussions.

                                                                          PIs: Dr. James Martin
                                                                          University of Utah

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Improving Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair with Real-Time Feedback during Low Intensity Cycling

                                                                          Project Summary: With an astounding 25% of athletes with previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery developing additional ACL injury following surgery, this study aims to reduce compensatory patterns during movement exercises while evaluating the relationship between cycling symmetry and return-to-play outcomes. Of concern, current data indicates that these patterns progress, rather than diminish, during the course of rehabilitation and can go undetected due to maximal tests typically taking place several months following surgery. Low-intensity cycling is commonly prescribed and known to be safe soon after surgery. This project seeks to improve symmetry by providing biomechanical feedback during low-intensity cycling. It also aims to determine if cycling symmetry leads to improved symmetry during weight bearing tasks and reduces subsequent injuries. If successful, we believe this technique may improve rehabilitation of a variety of other leg injuries as well.

                                                                          Co PIs: Dr. Mark D’Esposito (CAL) and Dr. Cathra Halabi (UCSF)
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Ben Inglis (UCSF) and Dr. Wade Smith (UCSF)
                                                                          University of California, Berkeley collaborating with University of California, San Francisco

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: Advancing New Biomarker Tests for Concussion Diagnosis and Recovery

                                                                          Project Summary: The human brain is impacted by blood flow with each heartbeat with 25 percent of cardiac output directed toward the head. This flow generates a measurable pulse through the brain described by this study as the “headpulse.” This pulse can be measured noninvasively via a portable device. Developing the practice for measuring this biomarker will alleviate current challenges in predicting concussion resolution due to the lack of objective indicators. This study will also aim to characterize the brain’s recovery from sports-related concussions using an approach comprised of intermittent headpulse measurements in addition to current common practices. This study hypothesizes that the restoration of headpulse patterns to normal values will parallel improvements in key metrics. Ultimately, it is of this research team’s belief that tracking the headpulse may support safer release of student-athletes to normal activities following concussions in addition to other added benefits in healthcare.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Cathleen Crowell
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Viktor Bovbjerg
                                                                          Oregon State University

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Documenting Overuse and Non-Time-Loss Injuries

                                                                          Project Summary: Sports injury epidemiology has historically excluded overuse and non-time-loss injuries. Instead, research has focused on acute and time-loss injuries, despite the potential for overuse and non-time-loss injuries to hinder performance and influence long-term health. This study seeks to report the epidemiology of overuse and non-time-loss injuries across multiple Pac-12 sports while also identifying potential factors that may influence the occurrence of such injuries. The study will also look to report on the workload burden for healthcare utilization associated with treatment of such injuries. Conducting the research will help identify risk factors for overuse and non-time-loss injuries as well as provide details on the number and types of treatments and encounters. Results of this study will help inform decisions regarding injury prevention, holistic health and appropriate medical coverage, as the study’s findings will be of use for all sports medicine clinicians across the Pac-12.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Daniel Cushman
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Amy Powell (Utah), Dr. Sarah Eby (Utah), Dr. Justin Rigby (Utah), Dr. Michael Fredericson (Stanford), Dr. Blake Corcoran (WSU) and Dr. Leyen Vu (WSU)
                                                                          University of Utah collaborating with Stanford University and Washington State University

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Utilizing Ultrasound Imaging to Detect Precursors of Achilles Tendon, Patellar Tendon and Plantar Fascia Injuries

                                                                          Project Summary: The patellar tendon, and Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia are common athletic injuries. These often result in prolonged recovery times, decreased performance and can also derail promising athletic careers. This study seeks to develop a method of using brief preseason ultrasound examinations of the bilateral patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to identify precursors to injury of each. With the collaboration of select Pac-12 universities, the examinations will be performed prior to each academic season for a total of three years, first identifying subgroups of student-athletes with tendon and/or fascia abnormalities and those without before looking closer at those who develop such injuries as seasons progress. This research will provide impacts in the short-term by creating an easily-implemented procedure to help identify such injury risks as well as long-term by helping develop strategies to prevent future tendon and/or fascia injuries.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Michael Fredericson (Stanford) and Dr. Aurelia Nattiv (University of California, Los Angeles)
                                                                          Stanford University & University of California, Los Angeles

                                                                          Title: Improving Bone Health and Reducing the Incidence of Bone Stress Injuries in Pac-12 Distance Runners: An Implementation Plan Focusing on Health Promotion, Optimal Fueling and Changing Culture.

                                                                          Project Summary: The primary objective this project is to improve bone health and reduce the incidence of bone stress injuries in female and male distance runners (the highest risk groups) across all Pac-12 schools.
                                                                          • This will be based on the successful results of their recently completed 3-year prospective study funded by the Pac-12.
                                                                          • Pac-12 institutions will apply a universal risk stratification system based on evidence-based risk factor assessment to measure energy availability, disordered eating, menstrual irregularities, low bone mass, and prior bone stress injuries.
                                                                          • They will also utilize an active nutrition education program emphasizing achievement of a positive energy balance. This intervention will optimize the health status of athletes by addressing low energy availability and disordered eating, restoring normal menstrual function, and increasing bone mineral density.
                                                                          • Anticipated outcomes include changing team “culture” from a focus on injury treatment to injury prevention and health promotion.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Andrew Lovering – University of Oregon
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Hans Haverkamp – Washington State University
                                                                          University of Oregon

                                                                          Title: Impact of COVID-19 on student athlete lung function and diffusing capacity

                                                                          Project Summary: The healthy lung can limit exercise performance in the well-trained athletic population so lung health is critical for optimal well-being and athletic performance.
                                                                          • This study aims to measure lung function and diffusing capacity in a large cohort of young health Pac-12 athletes pre-COVID19 infections and then will repeat these measures in the same cohort near the end of the grant period.
                                                                          • These non-invasive, objective lung tests have very clear performance criteria, are standard clinical measures that are internationally validated and are considered gold standards for measuring lung health and function.
                                                                          • They will determine the association of disease severity with the measures of lung function.

                                                                          PAC 12 AWARDED GRANT POSTER PRESENTATIONS

                                                                          PI: Melany Smart
                                                                          University of Washington
                                                                          Title: What are the types and incidence rates of stress fractures by sport, sex, race/ethnicty and what is the variability between Pac-12 institutions?

                                                                          PI: Chloe Castaneda
                                                                          University of California, Los Angeles
                                                                          Title: The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on the Incidence of Stress Reactions and Fractures Among Pac-12 Intercollegiate Athletes

                                                                          PI: Samantha Boyle
                                                                          Washington State Univesrity
                                                                          Title: How does time loss due to bone overuse injuries compare to time loss due to tendon overuse injuries in both male and female distance runners?

                                                                          PI: Libby Geraghty
                                                                          University of Colorado
                                                                          Title: Comparison of concussion severity between sport and non-sport related concussions

                                                                          2:55pm “Incidence of Foot Injuries Related to Shoe Wear” Dr. Robin Queen, Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech University

                                                                          3:20pm Non-Operative Care – Marci Goolsby, MD, Medical Director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Clinic at Hospital of Special Surgery

                                                                          3:45pm Operative Care – Dr. Glenn Pfeffer, MD, Director, Foot & Ankle Program: Cedars-Sinai Orthopedic Program

                                                                          4:10pm Rehabilitation Considerations – Floyd Vitocruz MSPT, SCS, CSCS, Physical Therapist, Stanford University

                                                                          4:35pm Nutritional Considerations – Meredith Price, MS, RD, University of Utah

                                                                          4:55pm Mental Health Considerations – John Heil, PhD, Clinical Psychologist

                                                                          PI: Dr. David Camarillo
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Gerald Grant (Stanford), Dr. Michael Zeineh (Stanford), Dr. Charles Liu (USC)
                                                                          Stanford University collaborating with University of Southern California

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma and Mental Health: From Head Impacts to Brain Injury, Determining the Mechanism Underlying Concussions in Pac-12 Football

                                                                          Project Summary: In an effort to determine the causes of concussive injury, this study plans to implement the use of the Stanford Instrumented Mouthguard 2.0 (MiG2) in combination with MR imaging with the football teams at two Pac-12 institutions to collect data on concussions. This will expand upon recent research and data collected with an instrumented mouthguard in combination with MRI with the Stanford football program. In that study, researchers discovered that concussions could be predicted by peak head angular acceleration, correlating with signal changes on MRI. At its completion, this will be the first study to identify mechanisms of concussion by tracing the head angular acceleration input, to brain tissue damage, to advanced imaging detection of injury.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Theresa Hernandez
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Adam Bohr
                                                                          University of Colorado, Boulder

                                                                          Title: Student Athlete Health and Well-Being: Looking at the Past to Inform the Future

                                                                          Project Summary: In collecting and utilizing data from former student-athletes to inform current best practices, this study will assess longitudinal patterns of physical and psychological health while paying attention to the presence of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.) and mental health diagnoses in student-athlete alumni compared to cohort matched student non-athlete alumni. The research will also aim to build upon previous related research by assessing socioeconomic and first-generation status as group profiles, as well as modifying factors of student-athlete health following their collegiate careers. The goal of this research is not only to characterize life-course trajectories, but also to utilize this information to identify best practices, thereby creating opportunities to improve and optimize the overall health and well-being of current and future student-athletes.

                                                                          PIs: Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Jamshid Ghajar (Stanford), Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. Matthew McQueen (Colorado), Dr. Douglas Aukerman (OSU), Dr. Kimberly Harmon (UW), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Sourav Poddar (Colorado) and Russ Romano (USC)
                                                                          Stanford University collaborating with the University of Colorado, Oregon State University, University of Southern California, University of Utah and University of Washington

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: The Subtypes of Concussion – Classification and Recovery Trajectories in Pac-12 Student Athletes

                                                                          Project Summary: The goal for this study is to advance the science of concussion care and change how concussions are diagnosed and managed, allowing for earlier and more focused rehabilitation and treatments. By performing clinical research, this study will look to characterize and compare concussion subtypes over time and by gender, sport, school and medical history, including cardiovascular health, while also assessing recovery trajectories by concussion subtypes over a six-month span to allow for anticipated outcomes and targeted-treatment options.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Lori Michener
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Andrew Karduna (UO) and Dr. Roksana Karim (USC)
                                                                          University of Southern California collaborating with the University of Oregon and University of California, Los Angeles

                                                                          Title: Overuse Injuries/Injury Protection: Biomechanical metrics to improve performance and reduce elbow injuries in baseball

                                                                          Project Summary: A common problem among baseball players is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the elbow. The UCL provides ~50% counter to elbow force (varus torque) during pitching, putting the UCL at risk for injury. Elbow varus torque increases as ball velocity increases, but not for all pitchers. Elbow varus torque may be mediated by player physical factors, such as muscle performance, joint motion, and stability. The knowledge gap is understanding the ball velocity – elbow varus torque relationship, and how physical factors can mediate the relationship to reduce elbow varus torque. This study will aim to characterize player risk of UCL injuries by developing player profiles that can be used to: 1) target the identified physical factors to reduce injuries and inform rehabilitation after injury, 2) specify return to sport criteria and 3) guide performance enhancement.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Peter Fino and Dr. Lee Dibble
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Daniel Cushman, Dr. Nicholas Monson, Dr. Angela Presson
                                                                          University of Utah

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: Reactive Postural Responses after Concussion: Objective Measurement of Balance Recovery and Prospective Injury Risk

                                                                          Project Summary: Reactive postural responses are used to recover balance, but they have received relatively little attention after concussion despite being common in athletics and critical to athlete safety and performance. Prior research has shown previously concussed athletes experience a greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries, but the cause of this increased risk is not known. This study will focus on a critical barrier of current balance assessments for concussion by objectively quantifying reactive postural responses to determine the connection between post-concussion postural control and musculoskeletal injuries. This project seeks to have immediate impact on concussion management by establishing a protocol to assess postural responses that is tailored for concussions and clinical use and can be rapidly implemented through the Pac-12. Long-term, this study seeks to provide the framework for future studies to examine rehabilitative approaches that train balance recovery to accelerate the recovery and/or decrease the risk of musculoskeletal injury following concussions.

                                                                          PIs: Dr. James Martin
                                                                          University of Utah

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Improving Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair with Real-Time Feedback during Low Intensity Cycling

                                                                          Project Summary: With an astounding 25% of athletes with previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery developing additional ACL injury following surgery, this study aims to reduce compensatory patterns during movement exercises while evaluating the relationship between cycling symmetry and return-to-play outcomes. Of concern, current data indicates that these patterns progress, rather than diminish, during the course of rehabilitation and can go undetected due to maximal tests typically taking place several months following surgery. Low-intensity cycling is commonly prescribed and known to be safe soon after surgery. This project seeks to improve symmetry by providing biomechanical feedback during low-intensity cycling. It also aims to determine if cycling symmetry leads to improved symmetry during weight bearing tasks and reduces subsequent injuries. If successful, we believe this technique may improve rehabilitation of a variety of other leg injuries as well.

                                                                          Co PIs: Dr. Mark D’Esposito (CAL) and Dr. Cathra Halabi (UCSF)
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Ben Inglis (UCSF) and Dr. Wade Smith (UCSF)
                                                                          University of California, Berkeley collaborating with University of California, San Francisco

                                                                          Title: Head Trauma: Advancing New Biomarker Tests for Concussion Diagnosis and Recovery

                                                                          Project Summary: The human brain is impacted by blood flow with each heartbeat with 25 percent of cardiac output directed toward the head. This flow generates a measurable pulse through the brain described by this study as the “headpulse.” This pulse can be measured noninvasively via a portable device. Developing the practice for measuring this biomarker will alleviate current challenges in predicting concussion resolution due to the lack of objective indicators. This study will also aim to characterize the brain’s recovery from sports-related concussions using an approach comprised of intermittent headpulse measurements in addition to current common practices. This study hypothesizes that the restoration of headpulse patterns to normal values will parallel improvements in key metrics. Ultimately, it is of this research team’s belief that tracking the headpulse may support safer release of student-athletes to normal activities following concussions in addition to other added benefits in healthcare.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Cathleen Crowell
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Viktor Bovbjerg
                                                                          Oregon State University

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Documenting Overuse and Non-Time-Loss Injuries

                                                                          Project Summary: Sports injury epidemiology has historically excluded overuse and non-time-loss injuries. Instead, research has focused on acute and time-loss injuries, despite the potential for overuse and non-time-loss injuries to hinder performance and influence long-term health. This study seeks to report the epidemiology of overuse and non-time-loss injuries across multiple Pac-12 sports while also identifying potential factors that may influence the occurrence of such injuries. The study will also look to report on the workload burden for healthcare utilization associated with treatment of such injuries. Conducting the research will help identify risk factors for overuse and non-time-loss injuries as well as provide details on the number and types of treatments and encounters. Results of this study will help inform decisions regarding injury prevention, holistic health and appropriate medical coverage, as the study’s findings will be of use for all sports medicine clinicians across the Pac-12.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Daniel Cushman
                                                                          Co-PIs: Dr. Masa Teramoto (Utah), Dr. David Petron (Utah), Dr. Amy Powell (Utah), Dr. Sarah Eby (Utah), Dr. Justin Rigby (Utah), Dr. Michael Fredericson (Stanford), Dr. Blake Corcoran (WSU) and Dr. Leyen Vu (WSU)
                                                                          University of Utah collaborating with Stanford University and Washington State University

                                                                          Title: Injury Prevention: Utilizing Ultrasound Imaging to Detect Precursors of Achilles Tendon, Patellar Tendon and Plantar Fascia Injuries

                                                                          Project Summary: The patellar tendon, and Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia are common athletic injuries. These often result in prolonged recovery times, decreased performance and can also derail promising athletic careers. This study seeks to develop a method of using brief preseason ultrasound examinations of the bilateral patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to identify precursors to injury of each. With the collaboration of select Pac-12 universities, the examinations will be performed prior to each academic season for a total of three years, first identifying subgroups of student-athletes with tendon and/or fascia abnormalities and those without before looking closer at those who develop such injuries as seasons progress. This research will provide impacts in the short-term by creating an easily-implemented procedure to help identify such injury risks as well as long-term by helping develop strategies to prevent future tendon and/or fascia injuries.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Michael Fredericson (Stanford) and Dr. Aurelia Nattiv (University of California, Los Angeles)
                                                                          Stanford University & University of California, Los Angeles

                                                                          Title: Improving Bone Health and Reducing the Incidence of Bone Stress Injuries in Pac-12 Distance Runners: An Implementation Plan Focusing on Health Promotion, Optimal Fueling and Changing Culture.

                                                                          Project Summary: The primary objective this project is to improve bone health and reduce the incidence of bone stress injuries in female and male distance runners (the highest risk groups) across all Pac-12 schools.
                                                                          • This will be based on the successful results of their recently completed 3-year prospective study funded by the Pac-12.
                                                                          • Pac-12 institutions will apply a universal risk stratification system based on evidence-based risk factor assessment to measure energy availability, disordered eating, menstrual irregularities, low bone mass, and prior bone stress injuries.
                                                                          • They will also utilize an active nutrition education program emphasizing achievement of a positive energy balance. This intervention will optimize the health status of athletes by addressing low energy availability and disordered eating, restoring normal menstrual function, and increasing bone mineral density.
                                                                          • Anticipated outcomes include changing team “culture” from a focus on injury treatment to injury prevention and health promotion.

                                                                          PI: Dr. Andrew Lovering – University of Oregon
                                                                          Co-PI: Dr. Hans Haverkamp – Washington State University
                                                                          University of Oregon

                                                                          Title: Impact of COVID-19 on student athlete lung function and diffusing capacity

                                                                          Project Summary: The healthy lung can limit exercise performance in the well-trained athletic population so lung health is critical for optimal well-being and athletic performance.
                                                                          • This study aims to measure lung function and diffusing capacity in a large cohort of young health Pac-12 athletes pre-COVID19 infections and then will repeat these measures in the same cohort near the end of the grant period.
                                                                          • These non-invasive, objective lung tests have very clear performance criteria, are standard clinical measures that are internationally validated and are considered gold standards for measuring lung health and function.
                                                                          • They will determine the association of disease severity with the measures of lung function.

                                                                          PAC 12 AWARDED GRANT POSTER PRESENTATIONS

                                                                          PI: Melany Smart
                                                                          University of Washington
                                                                          Title: What are the types and incidence rates of stress fractures by sport, sex, race/ethnicty and what is the variability between Pac-12 institutions?

                                                                          PI: Chloe Castaneda
                                                                          University of California, Los Angeles
                                                                          Title: The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on the Incidence of Stress Reactions and Fractures Among Pac-12 Intercollegiate Athletes

                                                                          PI: Samantha Boyle
                                                                          Washington State Univesrity
                                                                          Title: How does time loss due to bone overuse injuries compare to time loss due to tendon overuse injuries in both male and female distance runners?

                                                                          PI: Libby Geraghty
                                                                          University of Colorado
                                                                          Title: Comparison of concussion severity between sport and non-sport related concussions

                                                                          7:30pm Blue Ribbon @ Cosmopolitan Hotel, Presented by Donjoy
                                                                          7:00pm Catch
                                                                          7:00pm Julian Serrano
                                                                          7:00pm Din Tai Fung

                                                                          7:00 AM
                                                                          BREAKFAST in Sponsor Lounge - Orovada 3/5/8

                                                                          7:45am Pac 12 Concussion Coordinating Unit – Bridget Whelan, MPH; University of Colorado
                                                                          8:00am Pac 12 Brain Trauma Task Force – Sourav Poddar, MD; University of Colorado
                                                                          8:10am Pac 12 Mental Health Task Force – Robin Scholefield, PhD; University of Southern California
                                                                          8:20am Pac 12 Mental Health Coordinating Unit – Daniel Taylor, PhD; University of Arizona

                                                                          8:35am “Overall Health: The STEALTH Project Pilot Study: Student Athlete Health Assessment Using PROMIS Tools” Kenneth Hunt, MD; University of Colorado

                                                                          8:50am “Overuse Injuries/Injury Prevention: Integration of Biomechanics-based Informatics for Prevention of Stress Fractures” Michael Hahn, PhD; University of Oregon

                                                                          9:05am “Designing Safer Helmets Using Advanced Materials and Modeling” Christopher Yakacki, PhD; University of Colorado

                                                                          9:50 AM
                                                                          BREAK - Refreshments Served in Break Out Rooms

                                                                          ROOM ONE – ATHLETE HEALTH & WELLNESS – Joshua 2
                                                                          Moderator: Kelly Schloredt, PhD; University of Washington

                                                                          10:10AM Panel: The Future of Drug Testing
                                                                          -Stephanie Chu, MD (CU) Safeguards Committee
                                                                          -Letitia Bader, PhD
                                                                          -Ben Cort
                                                                          -Kim Terrell, ATC

                                                                          10:35 AM Who Is In the Loop: Interdisciplinary considerations for best practice in the treatment of sexual assault – Michael Clark, PhD, CMPC; Sport Psychologist & Certified Mental Performance Consultant, University of Arizona & Rachel Webb, EdD, Assistant Athletic Director, Sport Psychology and Wellness, University of Arizona

                                                                          ROOM TWO – ORTHOPEDIC CONSIDERATIONS – Orovada 1/2/4
                                                                          Moderator: Tad Kremen, MD; UCLA

                                                                          10:10 AM Hand Injuries in Sport- Steve Shin, MD; University of Southern California

                                                                          10:35 AM Shoulder Dislocation in Athletes – Eric McCarty, MD; University of Colorado

                                                                          11:00 AM Biologics Update – Rachel Frank, MD; University of Colorado

                                                                          ROOM THREE – NUTRITION CONSIDERATIONS – Joshua 1
                                                                          MODERATOR: Meredith Price, RD; University of Utah

                                                                          10:10 AM – Overtraining Syndrome – Alex Bechard, RD, Director of Performance Nutrition, University of California – Berkeley

                                                                          10:35 AM – Gut Health Nutrition 101 – Ally Gallop, RD, Associate Director of Sports Nutrition, University of Washington

                                                                          11:00 AM – Dietary Supplements and the High-Performance Athlete – Patrick Dixon, MA, MBA, PES, CES, Director of Applied Science, Momentous

                                                                          11:25 AM
                                                                          RETURN TO Orovada 1/2/4
                                                                          Anne Browning, PhD; Founding Director, University of Washington Resilience Lab

                                                                          Adam Brady, MD – Oregon State University Infectious Disease Physician
                                                                          Sankar Swaminathan, MD – University of Utah Chief of Infectious Diseases
                                                                          Anne Rimoin, PhD, MPH – UCLA Professor of Epidemiology

                                                                          12:45 PM
                                                                          Closing Remarks & Adjourn - Orovada 1/2/4

                                                                          Register for Student-Athlete Health Conf Today!

                                                                          We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas this year.  Please make sure to register soon to secure your spot and help us with our planning.

                                                                          GOLD Sponsors

                                                                          these awesome companies support us

                                                                          SILVER SPONSORS
                                                                          BRONZE SPONSORS

                                                                          Committee Members

                                                                          Pac 12 Student Athlete Health Conference Planning Committee

                                                                          Tandi Hawkey, MA, ATC, CSCS

                                                                          Chair, Pac 12 Student Athlete Health Conference

                                                                          Tandi Hawkey has been practicing as a Certified Athletic Trainer since 2002. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from

                                                                          Maggy Carlyle

                                                                          Pac-12 General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs

                                                                          Maggy Carlyle is the General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for the Pac-12 Conference. Ms. Carlyle

                                                                            Michael Dillon MS, ATC

                                                                            Associate Athletic Director / Director of Medical Services - Health & Wellness, University of Washington

                                                                            Michael received his Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from University of the Pacific in 1999 and Master of Science in Ki

                                                                              Lynn Fister, CPA

                                                                              Executive Director, Pac-12 Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being Grant Program

                                                                                Joshua Goldman, MD

                                                                                Assistant Team Physician, UCLA Athletics; Assistant Professor, Departments of Family Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine

                                                                                  Calvin Hwang, MD

                                                                                  Team Physician, Stanford University; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

                                                                                  Dr. Hwang is a board-certified, fellowship-trained emergency medicine physician who specializes in primary care sports medici

                                                                                    Miguel Rueda, MS, ATC

                                                                                    Chair, Pac 12 Health & Well Being Board; Senior Associate AD/Health & Performance, University of Colorado

                                                                                    Miguel Rueda is in 16th year in the CU athletic department, his fourth as the senior associate athletic director for health a

                                                                                      Kelly Schloredt, PhD

                                                                                      Clinical Sport Psychologist, University of Washington

                                                                                      Kelly A. Schloredt, PhD, ABPP, is Attending Clinical Psychologist in Child Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Di

                                                                                        Tad Kremen, MD

                                                                                        Assistant Team Physician, UCLA Athletics; Visiting Assistant Professor, UCLA Department of Orthopedic Surgery

                                                                                        As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Thomas J. Kremen, MD has devoted his career to helpin

                                                                                          ARIA Resort & Casino

                                                                                          • 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd
                                                                                            Las Vegas, NV 89158
                                                                                          • tandihawkey@gmail.com
                                                                                          • (702) 590-7111
                                                                                          • 7:30 - 22:00