What if you could predict and prevent injuries?  A couple of grants awarded to the University of Evansville Physical Therapy Program and researchers at Army Baylor University are poised to do just that.  Today’s PT Talker podcast features three faculty members  working on the grants from the University of Evansville Physical Therapy Program, Assistant Professors  Phil Plisky and Rob Butler and Associate Professor Kyle Kiesel.  

The grants utilize technology and movement deficit studies that were successful in athletic populations and use it to help identify U.S. Army soldiers who may susceptible to injury. To prevent injury and keep soldiers in the field, recommended exercises will be provided to soldiers identified as having an injury risk.  As part of the grant, every soldier will complete a movement and battery of tests each year as part of their annual physical exam to measure factors that are most predictive to injury.

Physical therapists can use aspects of the research to predict injury as well as evaluate individuals returning to a sport or work testing to make sure a patient has fully recovered from an injury.  Findings from the grants may help physical therapists move into a more preventive role by helping patients find ways to prevent injuries before they happen. Listen now to find out more.