Our Football team had the unique opportunity to participate in a research study at Southern Connecticut State University’s CHAMP (Connecticut Health, Athletic, and Mental Performance) Center to observe how the season will affect their performance, knee health, and body composition. This was all possible thanks to a research fellowship granted to NDP strength and conditioning coach Tyler Tortora.
“Football is a very physically demanding sport and injuries are bound to happen, but if we can be smart about our approach to workouts, practice, nutrition, and physical preparation, we can potentially mitigate some injuries from occurring,” Coach Tortorra said. “We want all our athletes to be playing at their best throughout the entirety of the season. The findings of this study could inform changes to the football program, helping ensure athletes remain healthy and perform at their highest level.”
The team was tested before the season began and they will be tested again after the season concludes. The tests that were conducted include a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan that uses x-rays to determine lean mass, fat mass, bones, and bone density as well as a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer to assess knee joint flexion and extension strength. Finally, a countermovement jump was performed on a forceplate which tracks jump height, peak power, and reactive strength index (RSI).
“These tests align with the high level athletic experience that we aim to provide for our students here at NDP,” Athletic Director John Johnson commented. “The data being gathered will help with suggestions to better increase our athletic performance and prevent breakdown throughout the season. We’re starting with the Football program, but these tests are something we can provide all our athletes with.”