Sportsmetrics at TOSPT

The high frequency of knee injuries in high school athletics, especially in sports such as track and field, basketball, soccer, gymnastics and volleyball, is well known. For women, the numbers are even higher. How can those injuries be prevented and still increase the athlete's performance?

Cincinnati Sports medicine (www.cincinnatisportsmedicine) has developed a scientifically-proven, research-based injury prevention and performance enhancement program for these athletes. Sportsmetrics™ is the foundation upon which sports-specific skills are built and is proven to increase the individual's jump height, decrease harmful landing forces at the knee and increase muscular power. Training proceeds from technique development and builds to performance enhancement.

The program begins with a Sports Injury Test to assess needs prior to commencing training. The test is repeated upon completion to evaluate improvement and make recommendations for further training and maintenance. The training consists of four components: dynamic warm-up, plyometrics/jump training, strength training and flexibility. With this progressive four phase program, athletes will improve their vertical jump and landing techniques and also make a positive step toward decreasing the risk for physical injury. Sportsmetrics is most beneficial to those jumping sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball.

Tallahassee Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy is now providing Sportsmetrics™ training at our facility in the Leach Recreation Center at Florida State University, directed by Tyressa Judge, P.T., Certified Sportsmetrics™ Trainer. Each session begins and ends with a test that requires one hour to complete and is conducted the week prior to and immediately after the 6 week training session. Sessions last for 1 to 2 hours per day, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. It is recommended that Sportsmetrics™ training begin at least 2 months prior to the start of the sport's season.

For more information about the program, or to schedule a session, please call our office at Thagard Student Health Center on the FSU campus, 644-0570.