U of A to Host Researchers on Concussion in Youth Sport

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R.J. Elbin, director, Office of Sport Concussion Research

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas will host researchers from several universities at a Concussion in Youth Sport Research Summit. A panel of researchers will present the latest developments and emerging research on the subject.

The summit will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 14, at the Reynolds Center Auditorium on the U of A campus, and is free and open to the public. No RSVP is needed. People who are not able to attend in person can watch the summit online, also for free.

R.J. Elbin, assistant professor of kinesiology, directs the Office of Sport Concussion Research established earlier this year in the College of Education and Health Professions. He will lead the summit and is bringing in researchers who study various aspects of concussion in youth sports, including football, basketball, soccer and cheerleading.

Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, said the summit will offer information vital to both the parents of young athletes and the athletes themselves.

“Dr. Elbin is doing important research in this area to help protect youth from a brain injury that can affect not only their athletic performance but also their academic achievement and enjoyment of other activities with family and friends,” Smith said.

The summit will provide data from scientific research, Elbin said.

“The goal of this summit is to provide accurate and empirically supported information,” Elbin said. “This program will have a little bit of everything from educating parents and athletes to informing clinicians and researchers on the best way to manage and study this injury.”

Elbin will lead off the summit with a presentation at 8:30 a.m. on “Concussions and Kids: Where are we now and where do we need to go?”

The other researchers and their topics include:

• Anthony P. Kontos, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and assistant director of research at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program, 9 a.m., “Concussion in Youth Sport: Countering the ‘Hype' with Evidence.”
• Tracey Covassin, associate professor of kinesiology at Michigan State University and director of the MSU Sport-Related Concussion Laboratory, 9:30 a.m., “Current and Future Educational Approaches for Concussion in Youth Sport.”
• Phil Schatz, professor of psychology at Saint Joseph’s University, 10 a.m., “Emerging Neurocognitive Assessments for Youth.”
• Justus Ortega, associate professor of kinesiology at Humboldt State University and director of the Northeast Concussion Program in Arcata, California, 10:30 a.m., “Youth Applications of Biomechanics and Balance Assessments.”

A panel discussion is scheduled from 11 to 11:45 a.m. followed by closing remarks.