Heather Vincent

Heather Vincent
University of Florida | UF

PhD, FACSM
TEAM USA; sport and exercise research; clinical translation of physical activity to long-term health

About

324
Publications
84,208
Reads
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8,091
Citations
Introduction
Heather K. Vincent. Dr. Vincent is the Director of the UF Health Sports Performance Center (SPC), Vice Chair of Research in the Dept of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She researches health benefits of exercise along the life span, physical activity to prevent sport injury and fight diseases like obesity and osteoarthritis. She is active at the national level with organizations like the ACSM, OARSI and AAPMR. Foundation funds, NIH funding and industry have supported her work.
Additional affiliations
December 2022 - December 2022
University of Florida
Position
  • Professor (Associate)
July 2021 - present
University of Florida
Position
  • Faculty, College of Medicine and Rehabilitation Science Doctoral Program
Description
  • Active lecturer in medical school curriculum; "Exercise is Medicine" lecture series; lifestyle management; musculoskeletal pain and exercise interventions; advanced clinical decision making Doctoral Mentor, Rehabilitation Science Doctorate (RSD) program

Publications

Publications (324)
Article
This review provides a synopsis of current injury patterns, potential mechanisms, and off-ice exercise prevention considerations as the sport of figure skating evolves. The lifetime prevalence of injury for all skaters is estimated to be 79.5%, with the most common sites being spine and lower extremity. Singles skaters more often develop chronic in...
Article
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Background Unlike other sports, the relationship between performance deficits and pain/injury in lacrosse players has not been well-investigated. Purpose The purposes of this study were to: 1) determine whether age and sex differences exist in dynamic physical function tests and drop jump performance among lacrosse players, and 2) determine whethe...
Article
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This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel trial investigated whether generally healthy adult, nonelite runners would have a greater time-to-exhaustion during submaximal treadmill running with probiotic versus placebo supplementation. It was hypothesized that the probiotic would impact training progression by reducing gastrointesti...
Article
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Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is common and associated with disability worldwide. Therapists trained in Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) use gardening activities and proximity to nature for therapy and rehabilitation. Patients seeking care for LBP would benefit physically and psychologically from participating in TH. Primary study objectiv...
Article
We examined the effects of physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) longitudinal patterns (trajectories) on subjective measures of mobility, function, and disability in adults and assessed whether effects of PA trajectories on function varied due to BMI. Group-based trajectory analyses were used to determine patterns of change in PA and BMI...
Article
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Background Patients seeking medical care for back pain often have coexisting painful joints and the effects of different combinations and number of coexisting pain sites (hip, knee, foot/ankle) to back pain on physical function domains and quality of life rating are not yet established. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in...
Article
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Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition that can affect athletes of all ages. The risk factors for LBP onset and worsening associated with the lacrosse shooting motion are not yet known. Purpose To identify training and biomechanical factors associated with preexisting LBP and development of LBP over 6 months in youth, high school, an...
Conference Paper
Background The relationships between time-dependent impact loading patterns and running-related stress fractures remains unclear, but our recent clinical findings suggest that controlling very early impact dampening after foot strike could lessen injury risk. Objectives To determine: 1) Differences in time-dependent impact loading patterns among r...
Conference Paper
Background Epidemiological data show that musculoskeletal injury incidence escalates among high school and collegiate lacrosse players compared to youth players, but mechanisms underlying this increased risk are unclear. Objective To assess static and dynamic musculoskeletal injury risks among lacrosse players across age brackets from 10–21 yrs....
Article
Full-text available
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of mobility disability among middle-aged and older adults, and contributes to significant global disease burden. The impact of knee OA on physical function varies widely across individuals, and the factors contributing to this heterogeneity are poorly understood. Recent compelling research suggests that m...
Article
Purpose To evaluate patient-caregiver beliefs of relative importance across 4 domains while living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods This was a cross-sectional, anonymous survey study conducted in an academic medical center. Participants with JIA and caregivers (N = 151) completed a Likert-style survey to rate items by importance o...
Article
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Body weight significantly impacts health and quality of life, and is a leading risk factor for the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Weight cycling may have more negative health consequences compared to steady high or low weight. Using the Osteoarthritis Initiative dataset, we investigated the effects of weight cycling on physical function,...
Article
Background: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe basic characteristics of archery athletes and examine injuries reported among archers of a variety of demographic and experience levels. Methods: Participants at various archery competitions were asked to complete a 27-item survey that included demographics, bow type, archery expe...
Article
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Purpose Muscle contraction type in resistance exercise training may confer benefits besides strength in individuals with osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The purpose of the study was to explore whether Eccentric-resistance training (RT) improved hemodynamic responses to acute walking exercise stress compared to Concentric-RT a...
Article
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While there is some research investigating whole foods or diets that are easily understood and accessible to patients with osteoarthritis, specific nutrients or nutraceuticals are more commonly identified. Unfortunately, guidelines and evidence surrounding individual nutrients, extracts, and nutraceuticals are conflicting and are more difficult to...
Article
Gymnastics is a popular sport with a high injury rate, particularly at the collegiate level. Achilles tendon rupture is a catastrophic injury with career-changing impact. Over the last decade, there has been a growing incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures, especially in female gymnasts. Currently, neither the effects of contributing risk factors on...
Article
Purpose: The purposes of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to: 1) appraise the available evidence of telerehabilitation program effects on functional outcomes, adherence and patient satisfaction compared to face-to-face programs after stroke, and 2) provide direction for future outcome measure selection and development for clinical res...
Article
This 2-phase pilot initiative determined whether (1) fitness testing could feasibly be implemented in pediatric practice, and (2) short-term changes in fitness and body mass index occur with Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based (SMART) goals. Phase 1 (N = 580), clinic feasibility: evidence-based prognostic tests were successfu...
Article
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Context: The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance formed a secondary prevention task group to develop a consensus on secondary prevention recommendations to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis after a knee injury. Objective: Our goal was to provide clinicians with secondary prevention recommendations that are intended to reduce the risk of osteoarthriti...
Article
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After an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, people need secondary prevention strategies to identify osteoarthritis at its earliest stages so that interventions can be implemented to halt or slow the progression toward its long-term burden. The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance formed an interdisciplinary Secondary Prevention Task Group to develo...
Article
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This prospective cohort study examined the impact of high anxiety levels on psychological state and gait performance during recovery in runners with lower body injuries. Recreational runners diagnosed with lower body injuries who had reduced running volume (N = 41) were stratified into groups using State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores: high...
Article
Healthy running form is characterized by motion that minimizes mechanical musculoskeletal injury risks and improves coactivation of muscles that can buffer impact loading and reduce stresses related to chronic musculoskeletal pain. The American College of Sports Medicine Consumer Outreach Committee recently launched an infographic that describes se...
Article
Objectives Headgear use is a controversial issue in girls’ lacrosse. We compared concussion rates among high school lacrosse players in an American state with a headgear mandate (HM) to states without an HM. Methods Participants included high schools with girls’ lacrosse programmes in the USA. Certified athletic trainers reported athlete exposure...
Article
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Background Kinesiophobia may hinder physical performance measures and functional quality of life in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This study aims to quantify differences in physical function in patients with JIA compared to healthy controls, and determine the effects of kinesiophobia on physical function and physical activity....
Article
Background Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) may adopt different movement patterns and participate in physical activity during different states of disease. Research Question Which specific features of gait and physical function performance differ among children with active or inactive JIA compared to healthy children? Methods Fort...
Article
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Background Some probiotics appear to improve athletic performance, endurance, and recovery after intense exercise. Other formulations may provide performance-related benefits via immune and gastrointestinal functions in athletic individuals. However, few formulations have been studied for both types of effects among non-elite athletes. The primary...
Article
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Background Outcomes data of intramedullary nail fixation (IMN) constructs for complex Schatzker VI tibial plateau fractures are scant in the literature. This study compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of IMN, dual plate, and single plate constructs for Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures. Methods Retrospective cohort study of sixty-tw...
Preprint
Full-text available
Background: Kinesiophobia may hinder physical performance measures and functional quality of life in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This study aims to quantify differences in physical function in patients with JIA compared to healthy controls, and determine the effects of kinesiophobia on physical function and physical activity....
Article
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This review describes the available evidence of the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, referred to COVID-19) pandemic on musculoskeletal injury patterns and prevalence in athletes. A brief overview of the epidemiology of COVID-19 and prevalence in active populations from youth through professional are provided. Responses to COVID...
Article
Chronic pain contributes to allostatic load (AL). Individuals with protective psychosocial and biobehavioral factors report lower levels of clinical pain. We have previously shown a relationship between a resilience index, telomere length, and brain structure. This study aims to assess the relationships between AL, a resilience index, and clinical...
Article
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Background For persons with osteoarthritis (OA), nutrition education may facilitate weight and OA symptom management. Objective The primary aim of this study was to determine preferred OA-related nutritional and weight management topics and their preferred delivery modality. The secondary aim was to determine if there is a disconnect between what...
Article
Headgear adoption is a controversial issue in girls' lacrosse due to concerns that headgear use will facilitate greater risk-taking by players and contribute to more aggressive game play behaviours. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate high school girls' lacrosse players' attitudes towards headgear before and after a season of use. Twent...
Article
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Anti-gravity treadmill training is a therapeutic option to help recovering runners return to activity after injury. This current concept paper provides a synopsis of the latest evidence of the biomechanical and metabolic changes that occur with body weight support (BWS) treadmill training, effects of antigravity treadmill training on clinical outco...
Article
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This current concept, narrative review provides the latest integrated evidence of the musculoskeletal injuries involved with trail running and therapeutic strategies to prevent injury and promote safe participation. Running activities that comprise any form of off-road running (trail running, orienteering, short-long distance, different terrain, an...
Article
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Background Bat swing and grip type may contribute to hook of hamate fractures in baseball players. Purpose To compare the effects of swing type and batting grip on the pressure and rate of pressure development over the hook of hamate in collegiate baseball players. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Level of evidence, 3. Methods This was...
Article
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Physiatry is a medical specialty focused on improving functional outcomes in patients with a variety of medical conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Social determinants of health (SDH) play a key role in determining therapeutic process and patient functional outcomes. Big...
Preprint
Objectives: The use of headgear is a controversial issue in girls' lacrosse. We compared concussion rates among high school lacrosse players wearing versus not wearing lacrosse headgear. Methods: Study participants included a sample of convenience of high schools with girls' lacrosse from across the United States. Certified athletic trainers report...
Article
Children with obesity experience musculoskeletal pain and reduced physical function and well-being, which collectively impact their fitness, strength, motor skills, and even their ability to undertake simple tasks, like walking and climbing stairs. Disrupting obesity-related disability may be critical to increasing children's physical activity. Thu...
Article
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Background Girls’ lacrosse headgear that met the ASTM International performance standard (ASTM F3137) became available in 2017. However, the effects of headgear use on impact forces during game play are unknown. Purpose To evaluate potential differences in rates, magnitudes, and game-play characteristics associated with verified impacts among play...
Article
This study determined the prevalence of joint pain among lacrosse officials and described the impact of pain thereof on current officiating duties on the field. Members of the US Lacrosse Officials Development Programme were provided with an electronic survey (a 15.7% response rate resulted in N = 1,441 of completed surveys). Pain sites and severit...
Article
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Background Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that impacts biomechanical features of gait. This systematic review describes the effects of JIA on gait motion parameters and walking performance. Methods Six databases were searched (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, the EBSCOHost database SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and...
Article
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Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries sustained in female adolescent volleyball players. Methods: Volleyball players (n=276; 13-18 years), with any level of volleyball experience, were recruited. Participants completed a study-specific survey about their overall sport(s) involvement, tra...
Article
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A progressive, treadmill-based VO2max is the gold standard of cardiorespiratory fitness determination but is rarely used in pediatric clinics due to time requirements and cost. Simpler and shorter fitness tests such as the Squat Test or Step Test may be feasible and clinically useful alternatives. However, performance comparisons of these tests to...
Article
Objectives This study evaluates the associations between post injury depressive symptomology and opioid use from the initial time of injury in orthopedic trauma patients without pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Design and setting This is a prospective study following the development of symptoms after orthopedic trauma injury conducted at a Lev...
Article
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of concentrically-focused resistance training (CNCRT) to eccentrically-focused resistance training (ECCRT) on physical function and functional pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Randomized, single-blinded controlled four-month trial. Older adults with knee OA (N=88; 68.3±6.4 yr, 30.4±6.9 kg/m and 67...
Article
Background: Orthopaedic trauma patients frequently experience mobility impairment, fear-related issues, self-care difficulties, and work-related disability [12, 13]. Recovery from trauma-related injuries is dependent upon injury severity as well as psychosocial factors [2, 5]. However, traditional treatments do not integrate psychosocial and early...
Article
Objective: Some recreational runners with obesity successfully train or compete without musculoskeletal injury. Insight into the key kinetic strategies of injury-free heavier runners is necessary to appropriately guide development of safe training programs for this population. This study determined key biomechanical strategies of running in indivi...
Article
Exertional heat stroke is one of the top three causes of death in young athletes, particularly high school football players. Despite evidence that these deaths are completely avoidable with appropriate prevention and treatment, deaths still occur at an alarming rate. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is the preferred method of both the National Ath...
Article
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Background: The aim of this systematic review was to identify principles of exercise interventions associated with improved physical function, weight management or musculoskeletal pain relief among young and middle-aged adults with obesity and propose an evidence-based exercise prescription that could assist in secondary prevention of osteoarthrit...
Article
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Context Early sports sampling is associated with superior biomechanics in youth athletes; however, the effect of multisport participation on adult biomechanics is unknown. Objective To compare jump-landing biomechanics between adult recreational athletes who previously participated in 0, 1, or 2 or more select high school varsity sports (VSs; bask...
Article
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The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow has been a subject of extensive research and discussion in recent years not only in the medical community but also in the media and by coaches, players, and parents. This is in part due to the rising incidence of UCL injuries and subsequent surgical reconstruction, specifically in overhead throwing a...
Article
Full-text available
Lacrosse imposes multiple simultaneous physical demands during play including throwing and catching a ball while holding a crosse, running, cutting, and jumping. Often, these skills are completed while experiencing contact from another player leading to both on-and-off platform movements. Other motions include defensive blocking and pushing past de...
Article
Purpose In an effort to reduce head and facial injuries in girls’ lacrosse, ASTM F3137-approved headgear for girls’ lacrosse was developed. However, the effect of wearing headgear on impacts during girls’ lacrosse game play is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate differences in impact rates and magnitudes across two conditions (No Headgear, and He...
Article
Full-text available
Lacrosse imposes multiple simultaneous physical demands during play including throwing and catching a ball while holding a crosse, running, cutting, and jumping. Often, these skills are completed while experiencing contact from another player leading to both on-and-off platform movements. Other motions include defensive blocking and pushing past de...
Article
Background: The study purpose was to determine whether 2-stage revision procedures result in superior outcomes and whether reverse shoulder arthroplasty produced superior outcomes to hemiarthroplasty or anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty at the time of reimplantation. Methods: Our prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed f...
Article
Full-text available
The hemiparetic walking pattern is a common feature of an upper motor neuron impairment caused by stroke. Previous studies have recorded deviations in hemiparetic walking patterns. We aimed to quantify gait alterations poststroke relative to healthy gait across a range of walking speeds by a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched database...
Article
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Purpose: Approximately 185 000 individuals undergo limb amputations every year. Of this population, 40% experience lower extremity amputations. A common musculoskeletal condition that develops after amputation is chronic low back pain (LBP). LBP may be a consequence of one or combined mechanical factors including muscle atrophy, strength loss, leve...