As discussions surrounding the controversial football maneuver known as the ‘Tush Push’ gain momentum, a team of biomedical engineers at the University of Rochester has initiated a study to investigate the associated injury risks. The play, particularly popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, has sparked debates on its safety and legality in the National Football League (NFL).
Undergraduate research assistant Tina Kyriacou expressed the intrigue surrounding the play, stating, “I think the ‘Tush Push’ has the most controversy around it for football moves, especially with quarterback sneaks.” The researchers aim to provide valuable biomechanical insights into the play during their summer research.
Innovative Research Techniques
Utilizing advanced technology, Kyriacou and her colleagues are examining the potential injuries linked to the ‘Tush Push,’ affectionately known as the ‘Brotherly Shove.’ The team employs tools such as high-speed cameras, pressure-sensing insoles, and sophisticated data analysis to explore safer execution methods for the maneuver.
Postdoctoral associate Aly March shared details about their methodology, highlighting the use of software capable of creating a model of an individual’s skeleton based on video recordings. “We, as a lab, lined up in ‘Tush Push’ formation a couple of times to see if we could record multiple people and see if we could overlay their skeletons,” March explained.
The involvement of the university’s football team provided an opportunity for practical application. Researchers set up high-speed cameras on the field, capturing the team as they executed various plays, with the quarterback donning pressure-sensing insoles in his cleats. The gathered data was then processed in the lab to analyze player movements, focusing on the power and work generated in joints during the execution of the play.
Assessing Safety and Future Implications
The research team is now assessing the injury risks associated with the ‘Tush Push.’ March emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “I think safety is definitely a question.” The ultimate aim is to determine if any aspects of the play pose safety concerns and to explore potential modifications if necessary.
The NFL had previously attempted to ban the ‘Tush Push’ following a proposal from the Green Bay Packers during the offseason. However, the proposal fell short by two votes, allowing the play to remain part of the game.
As the study progresses, the researchers at the University of Rochester hope to contribute significantly to the ongoing debate regarding the safety of the ‘Tush Push’ and potentially influence future decisions within the NFL.
