Laura Schmitt
Professor
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Academic contact
Academic information
- Department: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research interests
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction in Children
- Adolescents and Young Adults
- Knee Joint Degeneration
- Lower Extremity Neuromuscular Control and Biomechanics of Children
- Adolescents and Young Adults Who Are Obese
About
Biography
My first research area focuses on the neuromuscular, biomechanical, imaging and functional outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children, adolescents and young adults. One objective of this longitudinal and prospective work is to provide evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for return to sport following ACL reconstruction. The second objective of this study is to identify factors, early after ACL reconstruction, which may predispose individuals to articular cartilage degeneration and the early development of knee osteoarthritis. This work is collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
My second research area focuses on the neuromuscular, biomechanical and functional outcomes of individuals with varying degrees of knee joint degeneration, from those with focal articular cartilage defects to end-stage knee osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty. The primary objectives of these studies are to inform medical decision-making and rehabilitation interventions that may optimize outcomes and promote long-term joint integrity in this patient population. This study is in collaboration among many departments and divisions at Ohio State including Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Mechanical Engineering and the Wright Center of Imaging and Biomedical Informatics.
My third research area focuses on the lower extremity neuromuscular control and biomechanics of children, adolescents and young adults who are obese. The findings from this study will provide insight into the musculoskeletal co-morbidities associated with childhood obesity, as well as into appropriate physical activity and exercise recommendations that promote weight management and maintain long-term joint integrity. This study is collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I have received funding for my work from the National Institutes of Health, National Football League Charities Medical Research Program, and the DJ Orthopedics, LLC.
Credentials
Education
- Postdoctoral training
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- PhD - Biomechanics and Movement Science
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- MPT
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- BA - Psychology and Biology
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
Research
Research interests
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction in Children
- Adolescents and Young Adults
- Knee Joint Degeneration
- Lower Extremity Neuromuscular Control and Biomechanics of Children
- Adolescents and Young Adults Who Are Obese
Recent Presentations
Ithurburn MP, Paterno MV, Ford KR, Hewett TE, Schmitt LC. Young Athletes after ACL Reconstruction with Asymmetric Single-Leg Drop-Landing Mechanics at the Time of Return-to-Sport Demonstrate Worse Knee Function Two Years Later. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. Anaheim, CA. February 2016. Platform presentation. *Excellence in Research Award, Sports Section*
Altenburger A, Ithurburn M, Paterno M, Hewett T, Schmitt LC. The impact of quadriceps strength asymmetry at time of return to sport on longitudinal function in young athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. Anaheim, CA. February 2016. Platform presentation.
Toole A, Ithurburn M, Rauh M, Hewett T, Paterno M, Schmitt LC. Young Athletes after ACL Reconstruction Cleared for Sports Participation: How Many Actually Meet Recommended Return to Sport Criteria? American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. Anaheim, CA. February 2016. Platform presentation.