RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Research Uncovers Deeper Understanding of Concussion Recovery
As a lead center for concussion research, studies led by this team of experts investigated how to improve young athletes’ recovery from concussions. This covered many topics from reaction time to return-to-school timelines, to the role of physical activity and mental health in recovery. Together, their work is shaping how more personalized, athlete-centered concussion care and follow-up care helps athletes safely return to learning, sports and life.
Barnes A, Smulligan K, Wingerson MJ, Little C, Lugade V, Wilson JC, Howell DR. A Multifaceted Approach to Interpreting Reaction Time Deficits After Adolescent Concussion. J Athl Train. 2024 Feb 1; 59( 2): 145-152. doi: 10.4085 / 1062-6050-0566.22. PMID: 36701688; PMCID: PMC10895397.
Wingerson MJ, Schmitz B, Smulligan KL, Walker GA, Magliato S, Wilson JC, Howell DR. Concussion symptom presentation and clinical recovery among pediatric athletes: comparing concussions sustained during school and summer months. Brain Inj. 2024 Jun 6; 38( 7): 574-582. doi: 10.1080 / 02699052.2024.2332770. Epub 2024 Mar 21. PMID: 38511887.
Smulligan KL, Wingerson MJ, Magliato SN, Rademacher JG, Wilson JC, Howell DR. Postconcussion Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Predicts Anxiety Severity among Adolescent Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2024 May 1; 56( 5): 790-795. doi: 10.1249 / MSS. 0000000000003368. Epub 2023 Dec 27. PMID: 38181208; PMCID: PMC11018471.
Roberts, J., Wilson, J. C., Halstead, M. E., Miller, S. M., Santana, J. A., Valovich McLeod, T. C., … Howell, D. R.( 2024). Variables associated with days of school missed following concussion: results from the Sport Concussion Outcomes in PEdiatrics( SCOPE) study. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 52( 6), 592 – 600. https:// doi. org / 10.1080 / 00913847.2024.2344435
The Colorado Concussion Research Laboratory was awarded a new 2-year NIH award( R21) for a randomized controlled trial that seeks to better understand if adolescents with a concussion who are provided an individualized sleep prescription recover faster and feel better than those provided the typical care. In addition, Joshua Kniss, PT, DPT and PhD candidate was awarded the 2025 President’ s Cup Award by the American College of Sports Medicine for his presentation,“ Smartphone-Assessed, Overground Gait Speed Is Associated with Tandem Gait Completion Time Among Adolescents Postconcussion”.
The Sports Medicine Center continued its research efforts with the Denver Broncos Foundation to execute a first of its kind study to examine the physical, mental and emotional health benefits of girl’ s participation in flag football. This study highlighted the growing importance of understanding the health and wellbeing of female athletes and showcased our leadership in advancing research at the intersection of sport, physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Meyers R, Brna ML, Donahue C, Sweeney E, Howell D, Armento A. Adolescent female athletes with menstrual dysfunction report worse sleep and stress than those without menstrual dysfunction. J Athl Train. 2025 Feb 7. doi: 10.4085 / 1062-6050-0583.24. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39917785.
“ Greater Than 5-Year Return-to-Sport and Patient-Reported Outcomes Post-ACL Reconstruction”
This academic year, Jay Albright, MD, gave a podium presentation at the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine( PRiSM) Society annual meeting on five-year postoperative anterior cruciate ligament( ACL) reconstruction returnto-sport( RTS) data, highlighting important long-term outcomes in pediatric athletes. This prospective cohort study offers valuable long-term insights into RTS outcomes and patient-reported metrics following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction( ACLR) in adolescent athletes. With follow-up extending beyond five years post-op, the data reveal significant associations between RTS and key recovery indicators, including IKDC scores, PROMIS Pain, Neuro-QOL and overall recovery satisfaction. Patients who returned to their prior level of sport reported better functional mobility and lower pain scores, underscoring the importance of targeted post-op interventions. These findings highlight the need for individualized recovery strategies and open the door for future research into optimizing long-term outcomes in pediatric ACLR.
“ Tibial Physeal-Respecting, All Epiphyseal ACL Reconstruction Technique in Skeletally Immature Athletes”
In response to the rising incidence of ACL injuries among pediatric athletes, this study introduces a novel tibial physeal-respecting, all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction technique designed to preserve growth potential while restoring knee stability. Over a 7-year period, the technique demonstrated promising outcomes with no clinically significant growth disturbances or angular deformities. By combining a centrally placed tibial transphyseal suture fixation with all-epiphyseal graft tunnels, the approach offers an anatomic, biomechanically sound solution for skeletally immature patients. This technique may represent a safer alternative to traditional methods, with early evidence supporting its long-term viability and minimal risk of physeal injury.
Pearce, S. S., Rossing, H., Noonan, S., Brewer, M., Giachino, C., & Albright, J. C.( 2025). Tibial physeal-respecting, all epiphyseal ACL reconstruction technique in skeletally immature athletes. Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, 33( 1), 151157. https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. otsm. 2025.151157
Brna ML, Sweeney EA, Walker GA, Armento AM, Howell DR. Pulling the Flag: The Physical and Mental Health Effects of High School Flag Football Among Female Adolescents. Clin J Sport Med. 2025 Apr 11. doi: 10.1097 / JSM. 0000000000001362. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40214269.
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