Fisher-Titus offering free jump assessments

NORWALK — Fisher-Titus is holding free jump screenings as part of the Sportsmetrics program. The screenings identify deficiencies in an athletes jump technique that can increase their risk for injury. Sportmetrics is a training program tailored to correct deficiencies that can lead to injury, in particular ACL and other knee injuries. Created under the direction of internationally-renowned orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon, Frank R. Noyes, M.D., Sportsmetrics is the first and only training program scientifically proven to decrease knee injuries in female athletes and to increase muscular power and jump height. Screenings will take place: • Friday, April 21 at Norwalk High School, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Thursday, April 27 at South Central High School, 7:30 q.m. to 3 p.m.• Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at Fisher-Titus Medical Center Physical Therapy Gym. Open to students from any school.• Thursday, May 4 at St. Paul High School, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, May 11 at Western Reserve High School, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Thursday, May 18 at Monroeville High School, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.During the screening, an athletic trainer or physical therapist certified in Sportsmetrics will use the Cincinnati Sportmedicine's Exclusive Video Analysis Software to provide athletes with objective measurements of knee mechanics during landing and jumping. Athletes who exhibit excessive inward motion may be a greater risk to sustain serious knee injuries. Testing takes 15 to 20 minutes and only requires a signed consent from the athlete or his/her parent if under 18. Consent forms can be found at fishertitus.org/sportsmetrics. Screenings are open to anyone age 10 or older that is concerned about their risk for knee injury. However, there are some groups of athletes that may especially benefit from a jump assessment and the Sportsmetrics program. These include: • High School athletes• Female athletes• Volleyball players• Basketball players• Soccer players• Cheerleaders• Other athletes who jump frequentlyAfter screening, results are sent directly to the athlete's home. If deficiencies are detected, the athlete can participate in the Sportsmetrics program in June to help correct these and reduce injury risk. For more information on the Sportsmetrics program and jump assessments, visit fishertitus.org/sportsmetrics.