THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA//STRENTH & CONDITIONING AND SPORTS MEDICINE
square feet were the addition of new hot and cold plunge hydrotherapy pools (shown left). The facility also includes a water rehabilitation pool that features an underwater treadmill, allowing athletes the opportunity to exercise after injury much sooner than on land. By taking away the weight bearing forces of gravity, an athlete is able to keep their running motion while waiting for the injury to heal, allowing the athlete to maintain cardiovascular endurance. The treadmill reaches a speed of approximately eight miles per hour and features underwater jets that provide increased resistance if needed. Underwater cameras allow the athletic trainers and physical therapists to view the running mechanics of the athlete, ensuring proper form and a speedy road to recovery.
For this reason, OU has developed excellent training and conditioning programs to lessen the possibility of injuries. However, should injuries occur, the department is committed to a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
OTHER ADDITIONS. - Two examinations rooms (Don H. O’Donoghue, M.D. Orthopedic Examination Room and E. Randy Eichner, M.D. Examination Room) . - Hydroworx 2000 series - Hydroworx Cold Plunge. - Two full body whirlpools. - Monitored Rehab System shuttle - Digital x-ray. . COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION The Oklahoma Athletics Department feels a strong responsibility to help its athletes reach and maintain their optimum health and achieve conditioning goals.
Head athletic trainer Scott Anderson says the addition to the Barry Switzer Center has allowed the university to upgrade to a new edition of rehabilitation equipment that can best benefit the student-athletes. From simple therobands to taping tables, the new facility offers everything a school can have or hope to have. The Sooner training room is equipped to perform isokinetic joint evaluation for preventive medicine and for post-injury rehabilitation. The therapy room is supplied with the latest modalities on the market. A total team effort is the key to OU’s efficiency in preventing, treating and rehabilitating injuries sustained by student-athletes. These measures keep Sooner athletes at their highest level of performance as they compete for championships..
Complete athletically-related medical services are provided to Oklahoma studentathletes by team physicians and OU’s certified athletic trainers. The University of Oklahoma obtains the services of the best medical consultants available. The base of operation for the Sooners’ medical care is the state-of-the-art Henry J. Freede, M.D. Sports Medicine Center in the Barry Switzer Center.
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