The Sports Institute’s Research

We collaborate with researchers to improve clinical care, execute studies that advance sports medicine and identify best practices in sports safety.
Christine Mac Donald, PhD June 1, 2025 The Lancet Neurology Research

A new characterisation of acute traumatic brain injury: the NIH-NINDS TBI Classification and Nomenclature Initiative

The clinical severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is commonly classified according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) sum score as mild (13–15), moderate (9–12), or severe (3–8). A new approach is needed for characterising TBI more accurately. In 2022, the US National Institutes of Health–National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke launched an international initiative to address this need, with a focus on the acute phase of injury. The CBI-M framework provides a multidimensional characterisation of TBI to inform individualised clinical management and to improve scientific rigor. Research priorities include validation of the CBI-M framework, evaluation of its applicability beyond the acute phase of TBI, and strategies for clinical implementation.

THE LANCET NEUROLOGY
Cindy Y. Lin, M.D. May 28, 2025 Urologic Oncology Research

What motivates bladder cancer patients to be active? A qualitative study assessing attitudes towards physical activity and digital health technologie

Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy (RC) are often older, frail and deconditioned, leaving them with limited reserve to endure the demands of treatment. As a result, improving physical fitness in this population remains a critical need. Two emerging means to do so include the implementation of exercise programs pre- and postsurgery (i.e. (p)rehabilitation), and the use of digital health technologies (i.e. Fitbit®, Apple Watch™, exercise apps) to incentivize physical activity. However, little is known about the motivations of NAC/RC patients to be active or their perceptions towards digital health technologies.

UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY
Christine Mac Donald, PhD May 20, 2025 Journal of Neurotrauma Research

Neuroimaging Characterization of Acute Traumatic Brain Injury with Focus on Frontline Clinicians: Recommendations from the 2024 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Traumatic Brain Injury Classification and Nomenclature Initiative Imaging Working Group.

In 2023, the NIH-National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke convened six working groups of international experts in TBI to develop a new framework for nomenclature and classification. The goal of this effort was to propose a more granular system of injury classification. Motivated by prior efforts to standardize the nomenclature for pathoanatomic imaging findings of TBI for research and clinical trials, along with more recent studies supporting the refinement of the originally proposed definitions, the Imaging Working Group sought to update and expand this application specifically for consideration of use in clinical practice. Here we report the recommendations of this working group to enable the translation of structured imaging common data elements to the standard of care.

JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
Christine Mac Donald, PhD April 22, 2025 Neurology Journals Research

Association of Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms With Long-Term Persistent Symptoms, Functional Limitations, and Quality of Life

The objective of this publication was to evaluate the association of subacute postconcussion symptoms (with the total Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire [RPQ] score) with persistent symptoms, functional limitations, and quality of life at 6 months in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

NEUROLOGY JOURNALS
Christine Mac Donald, PhD April 22, 2025 Journal of Neurotrauma Research

Contribution of Extracranial Injuries to GOSE Scores after Traumatic Brain Injury TBI: A TRACK-Traumatic Brain Injury Study

The Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) is the most widely used outcome measure for hospital-based studies of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The GOSE may be administered several ways, the choice depending on the purpose of the research. In this investigation, we evaluated the effect of administering the GOSE to collect functional disability attributed to all injuries sustained (GOSE-All) or excluding the impact of extracranial injuries (GOSE-TBI).

JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
Sara Chrisman, M.D., MPH March 21, 2025 Brain Injury Research

Understanding factors influencing exercise program adherence for youth with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS)

A significant portion of youth sustain a concussion every year, with around 30% experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Research has shown exercising just below the exertion level that provokes symptoms can lead to more rapid recovery. However, youth often struggle to adhere to exercise recommendations following concussion. Researchers conducted structured qualitative interviews (n = 32) with concussed youth and their parents to examine factors influencing motivation to engage in exercise post-concussion. Questions were framed through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Thematic Analysis was used to code and analyze transcripts.

BRAIN INJURY
Christine Mac Donald, PhD March 18, 2025 Brain Imaging and Behavior Research

Investigating the neural network correlates of apathy, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction in active-duty United States Special Operations Forces

United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) experience neurobehavioral symptoms that can adversely affect training and combat operations. Understanding the neurobiological basis for these symptoms may guide prevention and treatment. In 29 male active-duty SOF with mean (SD) 17(4) years of service, researchers tested whether self-reported symptoms of apathy, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction measured by the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale, were related to functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography biomarkers (translocator protein and tau) of the limbic, salience, and executive control networks.

BRAIN IMAGING AND BEHAVIOR
Cindy Y. Lin, M.D. January 3, 2025 Current Sports Medicine Reports Research

An Update on Safety Equipment and Event Medical Coverage

Equestrian sports are associated with high rates of major injury compared to collision and powered two-wheel sports. Advancements in rider and horse safety equipment and the implementation of comprehensive emergency action planning standards may help mitigate injuries, particularly in regard to the Olympic disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing covered in this review.

Current Sports Medicine Reports
Sara Chrisman, M.D., MPH April 1, 2024 The Journal Of Pain Research

Psychometrics of a Fear-Avoidance Measure Adapted for Youth With Concussion: Fear of Concussive Symptoms Questionnaire (FOCSQ)

Fear-avoidance is a risk factor for chronic pain, and recent research suggests fear-avoidance might play a role in prolonged concussion recovery, but standardized measures of fear-avoidance focus on pain rather than broader concussive symptoms. In this review researchers adapted the Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FOPQ), changing “pain” to “concussive symptoms” and generating parent-proxy and youth-report versions, calling the new scale the Fear of Concussive Symptoms Questionnaire (FOCSQ).

THE JOURNAL OF PAIN
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