Improving surgical performance by applying strategies from professional sports
Official title: Surgeons as High-Performance Athletes: Applying Player Development Strategies from Professional Sport to Enhance Surgical Performance
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11131222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using training methods from professional sports can help surgeons perform better during heart surgeries, with the goal of making surgeries safer and improving recovery for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $596,004 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175879-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients aged 21 and older who are scheduled for cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cardiothoracic surgery or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how techniques used in professional sports can enhance the performance of surgeons during high-risk cardiothoracic surgeries. By analyzing both technical and non-technical skills, the study aims to develop a structured approach to monitor and improve surgical performance over time. The methodology includes data-driven analytics and performance parameters similar to those used by athletes, focusing on real-world surgical challenges. This approach seeks to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes in surgical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer surgical procedures and better recovery outcomes for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches in other fields, such as professional sports, have shown success in enhancing performance, suggesting potential for this novel application in surgery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Likosky, Donald S — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Likosky, Donald S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.