PHOENIX, Jan. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) awarded today more than $845,000 in new research to advance the science of sports medicine related to concussion and head injury, and approved second year funding for existing concussion research grants in the amount of $1,000,00 for research grants recommended  by the Scientific Advisory Committee. NOCSAE is an independent and nonprofit standard-setting body with the sole mission to enhance athletic safety through scientific research and the creation of performance standards for protective equipment.

"Investment in research provides the foundation of our mission to protect athletes," said Mike Oliver, NOCSAE executive director. "With these grants and our continued commitment, we are driving the science of sports medicine so athletes of all ages can know their equipment is certified to standards based on the best available information."

NOCSAE is the leading nongovernmental source for research funding in all sports medicine related to concussion. Since 1995, NOCSAE has devoted more than $5 million toward research by the foremost experts in sports medicine and science to develop and advance athlete safety. During the winter board meeting, NOCSAE approved new research grants to study:

• "Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on acute treatment of sport-related traumatic brain injury," led by Jason P. Mihalik, Ph.D., at the Department of Exercise and Sport Science's Matthew A. Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center at the University of North Carolina
• "Head accelerations from various stick checks in girls lacrosse," led by Joseph "Trey" Crisco, Ph.D., professor of orthopedics at Brown University
• "Influence of concussion education on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among youth athletes, coaches and parents," led by Johna K. Register-Mihalik, Ph.D., of the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, and Curriculum in Human Movement Science at the University of North Carolina
• "Concussion assessment in high school athletes – learning disability, history, GPA," led by Tamerah N. Hunt, Ph.D., ATC, Assistant Professor of Clinical Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University
• "Assessment of structural and metabolic brain changes in concussion," led by Daniel Osherson, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Princeton University

More information on the 2012 grant recipients can be found on the NOCSAE website in the coming weeks.

Formed in 1969, NOCSAE is a leading force in the effort to improve athletic equipment and, as a result, reduce injuries. NOCSAE efforts include the development of performance and test standards for football helmets and facemasks, baseball and softball batters and catchers helmets, baseballs and softballs, ice hockey helmets, soccer shinguards, lacrosse helmets and facemasks and polo helmets.

About NOCSAE

NOCSAE, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, is an independent and nonprofit standard-setting body with the sole mission to enhance athletic safety through scientific research and the creation of performance standards for protective equipment. Formed in 1969, NOCSAE is a leading force in the effort to improve athletic equipment and, as a result, reduce injuries. NOCSAE efforts include the development of performance and test standards for football helmets and facemasks, baseball and softball batters and catchers helmets, baseballs and softballs, ice hockey helmets, soccer shin guards, lacrosse helmets and facemasks and polo helmets. NOCSAE is comprised of representatives from a number of groups which have an interest in athletic equipment – including manufacturers, reconditioners, athletic trainers, coaches, equipment managers, sports medicine and consumer organizations. These diverse interests have joined forces in an attempt to arrive at a common goal of reducing sports-related injuries. NOCSAE is a nonprofit, charitable organization supported by individuals and organizations with an interest in athletics.

SOURCE National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)