Dr Stephanie Bonin is invited to present on the biomechanics of head injury, helmet protection, and equestrian protective equipment at the 2023 Sports Medicine Symposium. The Symposium, offered by the Kentucky chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, is designed to provide physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and other healthcare clinicians with the latest scientific and clinical information about sports medicine. It is held in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 24- 25, 2023.
The theme of the Friday program is From the Starting Gate to the Finish Line: Treating the Youth Athlete to the Weekend Warrior. Stephanie will present on the Biomechanics of Brain Injuries and Helmet Protection as part of the Emergency and Concussion Management section of the program. The following day, she will participate in the Treating the Equestrian Rider track and present on the Biomechanics of Equestrian Protective Equipment.
Stephanie Bonin conducted research on how human heads and metal headforms respond during helmet impact tests, and investigated how damage to a helmet can be used to estimate the potential for head injury. Her findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals. An experienced equestrian, she is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Kentucky, where she supports students in research projects aimed at improving equestrian safety. She also chairs the ASTM committee on equestrian helmets.
The Sports Medicine Symposium is targeted toward physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in primary care and the specialties of emergency medicine, internal medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics, surgery and rehabilitation, as well as athletic trainers, physical therapists, emergency department and urgent care center personnel, and other clinical caregivers. This year’s focus will address the latest scientific and clinical information related to hot topics for the prevention of and care for common injuries in athletes. Clinicians will gain knowledge allowing them to provide patients with the most advanced evidence-based treatment options available.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a member-driven organization that promotes the profession of physical therapy. The first physical therapist arrived in Kentucky in 1935. Within the next few years Mary McDonnell was joined by 15 of her colleagues who came to fight the crippling effects of polio. In 1947, feeling the need to unite and expand their knowledge, they founded the Kentucky Chapter of the APTA. The association, which started with 16 members, grew to serve over 2,000 statewide today. Its mission is to lead, educate, mentor and respond to the dynamic needs and interests of its membership.