Sports Medicine Research

Our staff of doctors, athletic trainers and physical therapists is trained to provide age-appropriate care for our patients. We emphasize the importance of early injury recognition and treatment in order to prevent recurring injuries. In addition to treatment, we partner with parents and coaches to focus on injury prevention, conditioning and age-appropriate activities.

Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have conducted studies on sports injuries, functional body control, injury prevention and more. In addition to the information on this page, browse our articles or find an answer to a frequently asked question.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital is home to the only team in the country collecting sports injury surveillance data in a national sample of high school athletes. Through the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, certified athletic trainers from U.S. high schools use an internet-based data collection tool, RIO™ (Reporting Information Online), to prospectively report athletic exposure and injury data for athletes participating in 18 sports.

Learn more about The National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study.

The Long Term Effects of Concussions

A study conducted by Dr. Keith Yeates of Nationwide Children's Hospital showed that one out of every four children who had suffered a concussion had significant post-concussive symptoms. Sometimes these symptoms can persist for as much as a year after the initial incident making it difficult for doctors to know when a patient is truly recovered.

Videos

Gymnastics Sports Medicine Research Video

Gymnastics Leads to 27,000 Hospital Visits each Year

Gymnastics has often been thought of as a fun activity, but a new study shows that gymnastics can lead to just as many injuries as ice hockey.

Youtube Video Thumbnail

Sports Injuries Make up 40% of all ER Visits

Nationwide Children's Hospital has opened a new sports medicine center in Westerville that is especially equipped to help treat and prevent these sports-related injuries.

Youtube Video Thumbnail

Nationwide Children's Teaches Functional Body Control

Nationwide Children's Hospital offers valuable classes for young athletes on how to improve their sports performance. These classes involve developing a strong, healthy core and sound basic body mechanics.

Youtube Video Thumbnail

Sudden Cardiac Death

Sports Medicine Dr. Anastasia Fischer outlines why it is important for every parent, teacher and coach to understand the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.

Additional Research

Center for Injury Research and Policy Sports and Recreation Safety

Bicycle Safety

Every year in the US, thousands of children are treated for bicycle-related injuries. Many of these injuries can be prevented if children follow bicycle safety rules and wear helmets. 

Center for Injury Research and Policy Sports and Recreation Safety

Cheerleading Safety

Many cheerleaders are injured while practicing and performing each year in the US. With proper training, rules and spotting, however, many of these injuries can be prevented.

Center for Injury Research and Policy Sports and Recreation Safety

Diving Safety

More than 6,500 children and adolescents are treated for diving-related injuries annually. The leading cause of youth diving injuries is collision with the diving board or platform.

Center for Injury Research and Policy Sports and Recreation Safety

Skateboarding

Skateboarding can be a fun and competitive activity. However, an estimated 64,500 kids age 5-19 are treated in U.S. emergency departments for skateboard-related injuries each year. 

Center for Injury Research and Policy Sports and Recreation Safety

Waterskiing & Wakeboarding

Thousands of water skiers and wake boarders are treated in emergency departments across the US every year. It is important to learn how be safe before you head out onto the water.