Sports Health T. David Sisk Award

About the Award

The T. David Sisk Research Awards were established in 2010 to honor the best papers submitted to Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach in clinical, laboratory, and international research. The winners receive a $2,500 cash prize and a plaque.

Dr. Sisk was a strong proponent of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach and served as the Chairman of the AOSSM Medical Publishing Board of Trustees at the time when the creation of the new journal was proposed. He enthusiastically fostered Sports Health throughout its initial development and set the journal's course for its current success. Dr. Sisk was a former AOSSM President, Hall of Fame inductee and active member in the sports medicine community throughout his esteemed career. He died of cancer in July 2009 but his legacy of teaching and collaboration continues to live on.

Past Award Recipients

Zimin Wang PhD

2026

Best Original Research Paper

Effects of High-Velocity Versus Low-Velocity Resistance Training on Muscle Echo Intensity in Healthy Young Women: A Randomized Control Trial Volume 17 Issue 3

Masashi Taniguchi PhD, Junya Saeki PhD, Noriaki Ichihashi PhD

Victoria Nedder, MD

2026

Best Review Paper

Impact of Psychological Factors on Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review Volume 17 Issue 2

Akash G. Ragu; Andrew J. Moyal, MD; Jacob G. Calcei, MD; James E. Voos, MD

Naoto Nakaichi MS, JSPO-AT

2026

Best International Paper

Association of Sport Participation and Training Volume With Overuse Injuries in Japanese Male Youth Soccer Players: Implications for Early Sport Specialization Volume 17 Issue 4

Dai Sugimoto PhD, ATC, Daisuke Numa MS, Ryosuke Kotani MS, JSPO-AT, Hayato Nakamura MS, JSPO-AT, Kei Akiyama PhD, Norikazu Hirose PhD, JSPO-AT

Halime Ezgi Türksan, PT, MSc

2025

Best International Paper

Novel Posterior Shoulder Stretching With Rapid Eccentric Contraction and Static Stretching in Patients With Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial

Sevgi Sevi Yeşilyaprak, PT, PhD, Mehmet Erduran, MD, Cem Özcan, MD

Javier Courel-Ibáñez, PhD

2025

Best Original Research Paper

Reduced Match Exposure in the Previous 2 Matches Accounts for Hamstring Muscle Injury Incidence in Professional Football Players

Víctor Moreno-Pérez, PhD, Juan Del Coso, PhD, Roberto López-Del Campo, PhD, Ricardo Resta, PhD, José Romero-Sangüesa, MSc, Alberto Méndez-Villanueva, PhD

Nuno Couto, PhD

2025

Best Review Paper

Analysis of the Effect of Different Physical Exercise Protocols on Depression in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Érica M. Correia, MSc, Diogo Monteiro, PhD, Teresa Bento, PhD, Filipe Rodrigues, PhD, Luís Cid, PhD, Anabela Vitorino, PhD, Nuno Figueiredo, MSc, Diogo S. Teixeira, PhD

Moin Khan, MD, MSc, FRCSC

2024

Best Review Paper

The Role of Hyaluronic Acid for Soft Tissue Indications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ajaykumar Shanmugaraj BHSc, Carlos Prada MD, MHSc, Ashaka Patel BHSc, Eric Babins MD, MSc, FCFP (SEM), and Mohit Bhandari MD, PhD, FRCSC

Wesam Saleh A. Al Attar PT, MSc, PhD

2024

Best Original Research Paper

The FIFA 11+ Kids Injury Prevention Program Reduces Injury Rates Among Male Children Soccer Players: A Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial

Mario Bizzini PT, MSc, PhD, Hosam Alzahrani PT, MPT, PhD, Saud Alarifi PT, MSc, PhD, Hussain Ghulam PT, MSc, PhD , Mashaer Alyami MSc, Msaad Alzhrani PT, MSc, PhD, Ross H. Sanders PhD

Carlos Dellavechia de Carvalho MD

2024

Effects of Moderate-Intensity Training Under Cyclic Hypoxia on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Hematological Parameters in People Recovered From COVID-19: The AEROBICOVID Study

Danilo Rodrigues Bertucci PhD, Felipe Alves Ribeiro MD, Gabriel Peinado Costa MD, Diana Mota Toro PhD, Marta Camacho-Cardenosa PhD, Javier Brazo-Sayavera PhD, Carlos Arterio Sorgi PhD, Marcelo Papoti PhD, Átila Alexandre Trapé PhD

Stefanos Karanasios, MSc, PT

2023

Best Original Paper

The Effect of Body Position and the Reliability of Upper Limb Arterial Occlusion Pressure Using a Handheld Doppler Ultrasound for Blood Flow Restriction Training

Authors: Stefanos Karanasios, MSc, PT, Stefanos Karanasios, MSc, PT, Charikleia Koutri, PT, Maria Moutzouri, PhD, PT, Sofia A. Xergia, PhD, PT, Vasiliki Sakellari, PhD, PT, George Gioftsos, PhD, PT

Patrick Shu-Hang Yung, FRCS Ed (Orth)

2023

Best Review Article

Effects of Whole‐Body Vibration Therapy on Quadriceps Function in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Authors: Jihong Qiu, MSc, Michael Tim-Yun Ong, FRCS Ed (Orth), Hio Teng Leong, PT, PhD, Xin He, MSc, Sai-Chuen Fu, PhD

Eva Skillgate, PhD

2023

Best International Paper

Association Between Spikes in External Training Load and Shoulder Injuries in Competitive Adolescent Tennis Players: The SMASH Cohort Study

Authors: Fredrik Johansson, PhD, Ann Cools, PhD, Tim Gabbett, PhD, Jaime Fernandez-Fernandez, PhD, Eva Skillgate, PhD

Brett G. Toresdahl, MD

2021

Best Original Research

A Randomized Study of a Strength Training Program to Prevent Injuries in Runners of the New York City Marathon

Additional Authors: Kathryn McElheny, MD, Jordan Metzl, MD, Brittany Ammerman, MBS, Brenda Chang, MPH, James Kinderknecht, MD

Meredith N. Turner, MD

2021

Best Review Paper

The Role of Resistance Training Dosing on Pain and Physical Function in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Additional Authors: Daniel O. Hernandez, MD, William Cade, MPH, Christopher P. Emerson, MS, John M. Reynolds, MLIS, Thomas M. Best, MD, PhD

Özge Tahran, PT, MSc

2021

Best International Paper

Effects of Modified Posterior Shoulder Stretching Exercises on Shoulder Mobility, Pain, and Dysfunction in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Additional Authors: Sevgi Sevi Yesilyaprak, PT, PhD

A. Grethe Geldenhuys, MSc, BSc

2020

Best International Paper

Investigation of the Impact of Below-Knee Compression Garments on Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Performance in Endurance Runners: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Additional Authors: Jeroen Swart, PhD, MPhil, MBChB, Andrew Bosch, PhD, MSc, BA, BSc

Eric N. Bowman, MD, MPH

2020

Best Original Research

Proximal, Distal, and Contralateral Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on the Lower Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Additional Authors: Rami Elshaar, MD, Heather Milligan, PT, Gregory Jue, PT, Karen Mohr, PT, Patty Brown, PT, Drew M. Watanabe, BS, Orr Limpisvasti, MD

Jennifer Cheng, PhD

2020

Best Review Paper

Sex-Based Differences in the Incidence of Sports-Related Concussion: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Additional Authors: Brittany Ammerman, BA, Kristen Santiago, BA, Bridget Jivanelli, MLIS, Emerald Lin, MD, Ellen Casey, MD, Daphne Ling, PhD

Michael M. Reinold, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS

2019

Best Original Research

Effect of a 6-Week Weighted Baseball Throwing Program on Pitch Velocity, Pitching Arm Biomechanics, Passive Range of Motion, and Injury Rates

Additional Authors: Leonard C. Macrina, MSPT, SCS, CSCS, Glenn S. Fleisig, PhD, Kyle Aune, MPH, James R. Andrews, MD

Robert A. Keller, MD

2019

Best Review Paper

Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit and Risk of Upper Extremity Injury in Overhead Athletes: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Additional Authors: Anthony F. De Giacomo, MD, Julie A. Neumann, MD, Orr Limpisvasti, MD, James E. Tibone, MD

William G. Blakeney, MBBS, MSc, MS, FRACS

2019

Best International Paper

Validation of a Composite Test for Assessment of Readiness for Return to Sports After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The K-STARTS Test

Additional Authors: Hervé Ouanezar, MD, Isabelle Rogowski, PhD, Gregory Vigne, PhD, Meven Le Guen, Jean-Marie Fayard, MD, Mathieu Thaunat, MD, Pierre Chambat, MD, Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, MD

Pierre L. Viviers, MBChB, MMedSc, MSc (Sports Med), FACSM

2018

Best International Paper

The Diagnostic Utility of Computer-Assisted Auscultation for the Early Detection of Cardiac Murmurs of Structural Origin in the Periodic Health Evaluation

Additional Authors: Jo-Anne H. Kirby, MBChB, MSc (Sports Med), Jeandré T. Viljoen, BSc (Physio), MPhil (Exercise Sc), Wayne Derman, MBChB, BSc (Med) (Hon), PhD, FFIMS

Eric G. Post, MS, ATC

2018

Best Original Research

Association of Competition Volume, Club Sports, and Sport Specialization With Sex and Lower Extremity Injury History in High School Athletes

Additional Authors: David R. Bell, PhD, ATC, Stephanie M. Trigsted, MS, ATC, Adam Y. Pfaller, Scott J. Hetzel, MS, M. Alison Brooks, MD, MPH, Timothy A. McGuine, PhD

Mark F. Reinking, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC

2018

Best Review Paper

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Active Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Risk Factors

Additional Authors: Tricia M. Austin, PT, PhD, ATC, Randy R. Richter, PT, PhD, Mary M. Krieger, MLIS, RN

Dustin A. Greenhill, MD,

2017

Best Original Research

Inadequate Helmet Fit Increases Concussion Severity in American High School Football Players

Additional Authors: Paul Navo, MPH, Huaqing Zhao, PhD, Joseph Torg, MD, R. Dawn Comstock, PhD, Barry P. Boden, MD

Gregory D. Myer, PhD

2017

Best Review Paper

Sports Specialization, Part II: Alternative Solutions to Early Sport Specialization in Youth Athletes

Additional Authors: Neeru Jayanthi, MD, John P. DiFiori, MD, Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD, Adam W. Kiefer, PhD, David Logerstedt, PhD, Lyle J. Micheli, MD

Takumi Kobayashi, PhD, PT

2017

Best International Paper

Intrinsic Risk Factors of Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Additional Authors: Masashi Tanaka, MSc, PT, Masahiro Shida, MSc, PT

Alisha Hak, MSc (cand)

2016

Best Original Research

A Double-Blinded Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Short-term Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Reducing Postoperative Pain After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Pilot Study

Additional Authors: Krishan Rajaratnam, BSc, MD, FRCSC, Olufemi R. Ayeni, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Jaydeep Moro, MD, FRCSC, Devin Peterson, MD, FRCSC, Sheila Sprague, PhD, Mohit Bhandari, MD, PhD, FRCSC

David Wasserstein, MD, MSc, FRCSC

2016

Best Review Paper

A Systematic Review of Failed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Autograft Compared With Allograft in Young Patients

Additional Authors: Ujash Sheth, MD, MSc, Alison Cabrera, MD, Kurt P. Spindler, MD

Gabriele Cioni, MD, PhD

2016

Best International Paper

Impaired Femoral Vascular Compliance and Endothelial Dysfunction in 30 Healthy Male Soccer Players: Competitive Sports and Local Detrimental Effects

Additional Authors: Andrea Berni, MD, PhD, Gian Franco Gensini, MD, Rosanna Abbate, MD, Maria Boddi, MD, PhD

Ashwin L. Rao, MD

2015

Best Review Paper

Evaluation and Management of Wolff-Parkinson-White in Athletes

Additional Authors: Jack C. Salerno, MD, Irfan M. Asif, MD, Jonathan A. Drezner, MD

Ira R. Casson, MD

2015

Best Original Research

Is There Chronic Brain Damage in Retired NFL Players? Neuroradiology, Neuropsychology, and Neurology Examinations of 45 Retired Players

Additional Authors: David C. Viano, Dr Med, PhD, E. Mark Haacke, PhD, Zhifeng Kou, PhD, Danielle G. LeStrange, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC

Jaime Hinzpeter, MD

2015

Best International Paper

Effect of Active Versus Passive Recovery on Performance During Intrameet Swimming Competition

Additional Authors: Álvaro Zamorano, MD, Diego Cuzmar, MD, Miguel Lopez, MD, Jair Burboa

Diego Villacis, MD

2015

Best Original Research

Prevalence of Abnormal Vitamin D Levels Among Division I NCAA Athletes

Additional Authors: Anthony Yi, BS, Ryan Jahn, BS, Curtis J. Kephart, MD, Timothy Charlton, MD, Seth C. Gamradt, MD, Russ Romano, MA, ATC, James E. Tibone, MD, George F. Rick Hatch, MD

Taiki Yukutake, PT

2014

Best International Paper

A Survey Examining the Correlations Between Japanese Little League Baseball Coaches’ Knowledge of and Compliance With Pitch Count Recommendations and Player Elbow Pain

Additional Authors: Minoru Yamada, PT, PhD, Tomoki Aoyama, MD, PhD

Demetris Delos, MD

2014

Best Review Paper

Muscle Injuries in Athletes: Enhancing Recovery Through Scientific Understanding and Novel Therapies

Additional Authors: Travis G. Maak, MD, Scott A. Rodeo, MD

Zachary D.W. Dezman, MD

2014

Best Original Research

Neck Strength Imbalance Correlates With Increased Head Acceleration in Soccer Heading

Additional Authors: Eric H. Ledet, PhD, Hamish A. Kerr, MD, MSc, FAAP

Evangelos Pappas PT, PhD, OCS

2013

Best Review Paper

Prospective Predictors of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

Additional Authors: Wing M. Wong-Tom, PT, MS, OCS

Stefano Della Villa, MD

2013

Best International Paper

Clinical Outcomes and Return-to-Sports Participation of 50 Soccer Players After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Through a Sport-Specific Rehabilitation Protocol

Additional Authors: Lorenzo Boldrini, MD, Margherita Ricci, MD, Furio Danelon, MD, Lynn Snyder-Mackler, PT, ScD, FAPTA, Gianni Nanni, MD, Giulio Sergio Roi, MD

Christian H. Coyle, PhD

2013

Best Original Research

Serum CTXii Correlates With Articular Cartilage Degeneration After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection or Arthrotomy Followed by Standardized Exercise

Additional Authors: Sarah E. Henry, MD, Amgad M. Haleem, MD, Michael J. O’Malley, MD, Constance R. Chu, MD

Michael Lavagnino

2012

Best Original Research

Infrapatellar Straps Decrease Patellar Tendon Strain at the Site of the Jumper’s Knee Lesion: A Computational Analysis Based on Radiographic Measurements

Additional Authors: Steven P. Arnoczky, Julie Dodds, Niell Elvin

K. Donald Shelbourne, MD

2012

Best Review Paper

Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Importance of Regaining and Maintaining Full Range of Motion

Additional Authors: Heather Freeman, PT, DHS, Tinker Gray, MA, ELS

Alberto Gobbi, MD

2012

Best International Paper

Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment in Symptomatic Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Preliminary Results in a Group of Active Patients

Additional Authors: Georgios Karnatzikos, MD, Vivek Mahajan, MD, Somanna Malchira, MD

Alice J. Sophia Fox, MSc

2011

Best Original Research

The Basic Science of Articular Cartilage: Structure, Composition, and Function

Additional Authors: Asheesh Bedi, MD, Scott A. Rodeo, MD

Jeffrey S. Kutcher, MD

2011

Best Review Paper

Management of the Complicated Sports Concussion Patient