Journal of Clinical Engineering

October/December 2015, 40(4): pp 210-219

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Objective Screening Parameters for Training - Rehabilitation of Sports Teams

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Karasch, Rick A. MS, CSCS, USAW-SPC, PES, Rice University, Dept. of Athletics, Houston, Texas

Brown, Frances A. Rice University, Dept. of Kinesiology, Houston, TX

Smith, Elizabeth A. PhD, Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety, Bellaire, TX

Paske, William C. PhD, Red Oak Instruments, LLC, Katy, TX

 

Abstract:

Athletes tend to be reverse malingerers; they won’t report injuries that they feel will remove them from active play, and playing the “best athlete” while they are injured can be shown to be counterproductive.  Untreated and unreported injuries will persist in degrading capabilities and result in poor team results.  By monitoring the fine motor control capabilities of sports team members, trainers, coaches and the medical staff can improve the capabilities of the team while screening for and treating unreported injuries. By monitoring reaction times and hand coordination, small injuries may be detected prior to becoming serious injuries. Both minor and serious injuries may be monitored by the medical staff for recovery and efficacy of the rehab programs.