Why the NBA has partnered with GE Healthcare to promote sports medicine research

In an attempt to find solutions on injury treatment, diagnosis and prevention for elite athletes, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and GE Healthcare have partnered up to promote sports medicine research.

This week, NBA commissioner Adam Silver met with GE Healthcare executives to discuss the progress of the three-year, $1.5 million research fund for treating tendinopathy. It was the collaboration’s first official meeting since being created in July, and consisted of a group of representatives from both organizations.

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Tendinopathy refers to a disease of a tendon that causes pain when exercising or with movement. It’s a common condition in the patellar tendon among athletes, especially basketball players.

“Player health and wellness is our top priority, and the NBA’s research partnership with GE Healthcare is a significant step toward understanding injuries that affect NBA players,” said Silver. “Both every day athletes and elite professionals will benefit from our collaboration.”

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The group’s recent discussions confirmed a collective commitment to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions among NBA players, and to share those finding to the larger population.

This unique collaboration is guided by a strategic advisory board comprised of physicians and clinical researchers who excel in orthopedics, sports medicine, radiology and other related fields. NBA director of sports medicine Dr. John DiFiori is the chair of the board, and is joined by team physicians from five NBA teams.

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The deadline to submit research proposals is Feb. 10, 2016.

“Musculoskeletal injuries extend beyond the basketball court and negatively impact sports enthusiasts and everyday athletes around the world,” said GE Healthcare president and CEO John Flannery. “By combining GE’s know-how in healthcare imaging technology and the NBA’s interest in promoting player health and safety, we are working to help prevent the most common sports injuries and improve treatment.”

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