We are also working on an artificial cadaver model to facilitate these studies. The wrist guards will be evaluated for their ability to modify the strain patterns in the distal radius and ulna. We have also tried to develop a method for consistently measuring performance. Several Brown undergraduate students are currently working on a device to help clarify issues related to testing bat performance. This device consists of a large actuator to swing the bat at a rate consistent with game play.
Female athletes have a much higher rate of knee ligament injury.
This study is an attempt to shed some light on one of the many possible contributing factors. Injury Surveillance - One of the unintended consequences of creating new safety equipment a shift in injury rates and patterns. For instance, allowing hard plastic helmets in football increased the number of neck and back injuries. Also, stiffening ski boots reduced the number of broken ankles, but resulted in more knee injuries. We have tried to take the NCAA injury surveillance reports and evaluate some of these trends.