The May 2026 Sideline Report covers concussion research, wearables and fitness, athlete mental health, equestrian safety, faculty presentations, and more from The Sports Institute at UW Medicine....
When a horse rider falls, people nearby usually want to help right away. The problem is many aren’t sure what the right first move actually is. A new equestrian sports safety film that will release in June of 2026 from the UW Medicine Sports Institute is trying to change that....
One minute you’re skiing at Snoqualmie Pass, the next you’re in the ER with a concussion after a wipeout. Accidents can happen to anyone, even if you’re being careful — and anyone can get a traumatic brain injury like a concussion. Your doctor says it’s mild, but injuring your brain...
IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the Director | National Recognition for Dr. Stan Herring | Mental Strength Training | Game Plan Equestrian | ExerciseRx Research | Husky Fellowship | Advancing the Field | Get Involved Message from our Director I'm honored to step into my first year as director of The Sports Institute at UW Medicine. As Clinical Professor in Sports & Spine Medicine and the holder of the Endowed Professorship in Sports & Exercise Medicine, I dedicate my career to making sports and physical activity safer and more accessible for everyone. What excites me most about TSI is how we set ourselves apart...
Click to see the post on UW Med Rehabilitation Medicine's Website A new digital health tool may help encourage people with MS increase their activity levels. Image credit: Africa Studio, stock.adobe.com. Staying physically active is important for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but many face challenges meeting recommended activity levels. A team at the University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is studying a new digital health tool designed to make it easier. The tool, called ExerciseRx™, developed by The Sports Institute and UW Computer Science & Engineering Ubicomp Lab, connects a patient’s activity data to their care team. It tracks daily steps...
HIGHLIGHT REEL Photo Credit: Stock Image Back to School Concussion Awareness: What Every Parent Needs to Know As kids head back to school and sports, it's time to brush up on concussion basics. A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head, or by colliding with another person, an object or the ground. Also, a hard blow to the body can transmit force to the brain and cause a concussion. Most sports-related concussions do not involve being "knocked out." Watch out for warning signs requiring urgent attention: severe headache or neck pain, weakness in arms or legs,...
Click to see the original post on Right as Rain by UW Medicine Autumn has entered the chat, and we PNW-ers know what that means: The early sunsets and dreariness of the Big Dark are here for the foreseeable future. If you live east of the Cascades, snow has probably already made an appearance, and if you live closer to the coast, you know we have months left in our annual rainy season(s). Instead of retreating to your couch and blanket when the weather’s less than desirable, consider braving the elements and finding a park, trail or other outdoor spot to visit. Why?...
Click to see the post on KING 5 News The "Mentally Strong" initiative helps young athletes develop critical coping strategies through sports. "Really thinking about, how do you manage stress, how do you get through a stressful moment, how do you deal with big, emotional challenges?" said Dr. Sara Chrisman, a pediatrician and professor of adolescent medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Chrisman is part of an innovative program based at the UW's Sports Institute that helps young students navigate stress—not only through physical fitness, but through mental stamina. "It's a perfect place to kind of practice some of these skills that...
Click to see the post at UW Medicine Department of Rehabilitation Medicine We are excited to share that The Sports Institute at UW Medicine is entering a new chapter. Effective July 1, 2025, The Sports Institute (TSI) transitioned from the Department of Neurological Surgery to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, both part of the University of Washington School of Medicine. This move represents a strategic alignment rooted in shared purpose and complementary strengths. Since its founding as a hub within Neurological Surgery, TSI has grown into a nationally recognized leader in sports safety, human performance, and community health. The transition to Rehabilitation Medicine is...