All Articles by Lindsey Barton Straus, JD

Knowledge of USA Baseball Pitching Guidelines Is Poor, Says New Study

Knowledge of and compliance with USA Baseball pitch count recommendations by youth baseball coaches is poor, putting youth pitchers at increased risk for upper extremity pain and injuries, finds a disturbing new study.

Concussion Recovery Starts With Both Physical and Cognitive Rest

The most important thing for a student-athlete to do after a concussion is get physical and cognitive rest in order reduce the work the injured brain has to do in order to give it time to heal.

Cognitive Rest After Concussion Critical To Recovery

Because a concussion impacts the brain's cognitive function (those that involve thinking, concentrating, learning and reasoning), not its structure, experts recommend that concussed students limit scholastic and other cognitive activities to allow the brain time to heal.

Concussion Reduces Blood Flow To Brain Which Often Lasts More Than 30 Days

The absence of concussion symptoms doesn't mean the brain has fully recovered, suggests two new studies, one finding that blood flow and carbon dioxide levels in the brains of athletes are reduced under the stress of exercise for three to seven days after a concussion, the second finding significant reductions in cerebral blood flow in young athletes which persisted more than 30 days after injury.

Shockbox Helmet Sensor Warns Of Possible Concussion

A revolutionary new product called ShockboxTM triggers an alarm on a smart-phone whenever an athlete suffered a blow to the head hard enough to cause possible concussion so the player can be immediately removed from the game or practice for a sideline assessment.

Youth Sports Concussion Safety Laws: California

In 2011, California enacted a strong youth sports concussion safety law, which was strengthened in 2012 to add training on concussions to the first aid certification required of high school coaches.

Youth Sports Concussion Safety Laws: New York

On September 17, 2011, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the state's Concussion Management and Awareness Act, adding the Empire State to the growing list that have enacted strong youth sports concussion safety laws since May 2009.  The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2012, is more specific and comprehensive than other such laws in a number of respects.

Youth Sports Concussion Safety Laws: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed the "Safety in Youth Sports Act" into law on November 9, 2011. The law becomes effective on July  1, 2012.  The Keystone State became the 31st state to pass a strong youth sports concussion safety law.

Neuromuscular Warm-Up Reduces Leg Injuries in Female Athletes At Inner-City High Schools

Implementing a coach-led neuro-muscular warm-up for female high school soccer and basketball players at predominantly low-income, inner city schools is an extremely cost-effective way to reduce the number of non-contact leg injuries, including ACL injuries, among an under-served, at-risk population, a new study finds.

Dizziness At Time of Concussion Linked To Increased Risk of Longer Recovery

Athletes who experience dizziness at the time of concussion injury are six times more likely to experience a protracted recovery than those who don't become dizzy, says a new study, which suggests specific testing for the symptom at the time of injury to inform prognosis and potential therapies to speed recovery.