Bio


Dr. Tuakli-Wosornu is a board-certified, fellowship-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (physiatrist) with Stanford Health Care and an associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Tuakli-Wosornu specializes in interventional spine and sports medicine treatments. She diagnoses and treats a wide range of sports medicine conditions, while helping individuals achieve high performance through holistic mind-body techniques and therapies. Her passion lies in advancing equity in sports, improving the lives of marginalized populations—including those with disabilities—and demonstrating the transformative power of sport.

Dr. Tuakli-Wosornu's multifaceted approach combines clinical expertise, cutting-edge research, and advocacy to advance sports medicine and promote inclusivity in athletics. Her research interests include evidence-based approaches to prevent injury, relieve pain, and optimize health and performance. Her research has received support from organizations such as the International Olympic Committee and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

Dr. Tuakli-Wosornu has published extensively on parasports medicine, athlete safeguarding, and sports equity in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals, such as the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the British Journal of Sports Medicine, where she serves as an associate editor. Her work includes book chapters on paralympic sports and sports nutrition for paralympic athletes.

Dr. Tuakli-Wosornu is actively involved in several professional societies, including the International Blind Sports Federation, the International Olympic Committee, and Safe Sport International. She chairs numerous committees focused on athlete welfare and physical activity for people with disabilities. Through these roles, Dr. Tuakli-Wosornu promotes fair play, education, and the global benefits of sport.

Clinical Focus


  • Physical Medicine and Rehab

Academic Appointments


Honors & Awards


  • Best Overall Research Award, American Medical Society of Sports Medicine
  • Best Sports Doctor, Sports Writer’s Association of Ghana
  • Emerging Scholars Awards, National Medical Association
  • Framework Programs for Global Health, Fogarty International Center
  • Minority Faculty Career Development Award, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
  • Outstanding Intern of the Year, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
  • Stanley J. Sarnoff Research Fellowship, Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation
  • UHI's Baltimore Health Equity Impact Grant Program (formerly, Small Grants), Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations


  • Member, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2025 - Present)
  • Member, Association of Academic Physiatrists (2025 - Present)
  • Chair, International Olympic Committee (2022 - Present)
  • Chair, International Society for PM&R (2018 - Present)
  • Chair, World Obstacle Course Racing Federation (2018 - Present)
  • Co-Chair, Safe Sport International (2022 - Present)
  • Member, Ghana Physical Education and Sport Thinktank and Active Living and Wellness Alliance Group in Ghana (2025 - Present)
  • Member, Ghana Athletics Association and National Sports Authority (2025 - Present)
  • Member, International Blind Sports Federation (2025 - Present)
  • Member, International Paralympic Committee (2025 - Present)
  • Member, International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (2025 - Present)
  • Member, Moremi Initiative Women’s Leadership in Africa (2025 - Present)
  • Member, Movement is Life Caucus (2025 - Present)
  • Member, National Medical Association (2025 - Present)
  • Member, U.S. Center for SafeSport (2025 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Board Certification: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehab (2014)
  • Fellowship: Hospital for Special Surgery Physiatry and Sports Medicine Fellowship (2014) NY
  • Residency: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery (2013) MD
  • Internship: Medstar Union Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Residency (2010) MD
  • Medical Education: Harvard Medical School (2007) MA

Stanford Advisees


All Publications


  • Associations of abusive supervision among collegiate athletes from equity-deserving groups. British journal of sports medicine Runquist, E. B., Adenaiye, O. O., Sarzaeim, M., Milroy, J., Wyrick, D., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2025

    Abstract

    To examine differences in abusive/supportive coach supervision experienced by collegiate athletes across race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and disability; determine the impact of coach characteristics on abusive supervision prevalence; and explore outcomes related to team culture, athlete autonomy, perceived coach leadership skills and perceived concern for athletes' well-being.Cross-sectional analysis of the 2021-2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) myPlaybook survey on 3317 athletes (aged ≥18 years). The survey captured self-reported demographics, sport type (team vs individual, lean vs non-lean) and multiple validated measures reflecting abusive/supportive coaching styles. Structural equation modelling identified associations while controlling for confounders.Overall, 18.6% (n=618) of athletes reported some form of abusive supervision. After adjusting for covariates, participating in team sport (OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.17) and having a disability (OR=1.17, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.31) were associated with higher odds of reporting abusive supervision. No significant differences were found based on athlete race/ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Coaches demonstrating attentiveness to athletes' needs (OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.92) and respect for their input (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.00) had lower odds of reported abusive supervision.Nearly one-fifth of this NCAA cohort experienced abusive coach supervision. Disability and team sport participation were significantly associated with increased reports, whereas race/ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation showed no significant differences. In disabled and team sport athletes, sustained verbal/non-verbal abuse had a negative impact on athletes' perception of team culture, autonomy, coaches' leadership skills and coaches' concern for their well-being. Coaching and leadership styles remain critical educational targets for providing safe sport environments for all athletes.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108282

    View details for PubMedID 40032295

  • IOC consensus statement: interpersonal violence and safeguarding in sport. British journal of sports medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Burrows, K., Fasting, K., Hartill, M., Hodge, K., Kaufman, K., Kavanagh, E., Kirby, S. L., MacLeod, J. G., Mountjoy, M., Parent, S., Tak, M., Vertommen, T., Rhind, D. J. 2024

    Abstract

    Interpersonal violence (IV) in sport is challenging to define, prevent and remedy due to its subjectivity and complexity. The 2024 International Olympic Committee Consensus on Interpersonal Violence and Safeguarding aimed to synthesise evidence on IV and safeguarding in sport, introduce a new conceptual model of IV in sport and offer more accessible safeguarding guidance to all within the sports ecosystem by merging evidence with insights from Olympic athletes.A 15-member expert panel performed a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodologies. A seminal works-driven approach was used to identify relevant grey literature. Four writing groups were established focusing on: definitions/epidemiology, individual/interpersonal determinants, contextual determinants and solutions. Writing groups developed referenced scientific summaries related to their respective topics, which were discussed by all members at the consensus meeting. Recommendations were then developed by each group, presented as voting statements and circulated for confidential voting following a Delphi protocol with ≥80% agreement defined a priori as reaching consensus.Of 48 voting statements, 21 reached consensus during first-round voting. Second-round and third-round voting saw 22 statements reach consensus, 5 statements get discontinued and 2 statements receive minority dissension after failing to reach agreement. A total of 43 statements reached consensus, presented as overarching (n=5) and topical (n=33) consensus recommendations, and actionable consensus guidelines (n=5).This evidence review and consensus process elucidated the characterisation and complexity of IV and safeguarding in sport and demonstrates that a whole-of-system approach is needed to fully comprehend and prevent IV. Sport settings that emphasise mutual care, are athlete centred, promote healthy relationships, embed trauma and violence-informed care principles, integrate diverse perspectives and measure IV prevention and response effectiveness will exemplify safe sport. A shared responsibility between all within the sports ecosystem is required to advance effective safeguarding through future research, policy and practice.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108766

    View details for PubMedID 39586634

  • Safeguarding strategies in athletes with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation Raum, G., Chowdhary, K., Glotfelty-Scheuering, O. A., Stratton, C. S., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2024; 16 (4): 374-383

    Abstract

    Compared to their non-disabled peers, athletes with disabilities are at an increased risk of interpersonal violence in sport. Athletes with intellectual disabilities specifically may face compounded risk due to impaired communication and social challenges. Despite the inherent risk of interpersonal violence in athletes with intellectual disabilities, there is a paucity of literature focused on safeguarding strategies in this population, and no global consensus prevention guidelines exist. The goal of this review was to synthesize the literature on interpersonal violence in athletes with intellectual disabilities and propose an evidence-informed safeguarding framework. Future research and practice should emphasize tailored training on appropriate athlete-protection strategies and ways to recognize and respond to suspicions of abuse in this population. Given the benefits of sports participation for persons with intellectual disabilities, implementation of fit-for-purpose safeguarding strategies would help address any elevated risk of interpersonal violence. Formal monitoring and evaluation of these initiatives can help minimize interpersonal violence.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/pmrj.13110

    View details for PubMedID 38009695

  • Navigation in immersive virtual reality: a comparison of 1:1 walking to 1:1 wheeling VIRTUAL REALITY Weser, V. U., Sieberer, J., Berry, J., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. 2024; 28 (1)
  • Focus areas and methodological characteristics of North American-based health disparity research in sports medicine: a scoping review. British journal of sports medicine Kliethermes, S. A., Asif, I. M., Blauwet, C., Christensen, L., Coleman, N., Lavallee, M. E., Moeller, J. L., Phillips, S. F., Rao, A., Rizzone, K. H., Sund, S., Tanji, J. L., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Stafford, C. D. 2024; 58 (3): 164-171

    Abstract

    Health disparities are widely prevalent; however, little has been done to examine and address their causes and effects in sports and exercise medicine (SEM). We aimed to summarise the focus areas and methodology used for existing North American health disparity research in SEM and to identify gaps in the evidence base.Scoping review.Systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.Full-text, peer-reviewed manuscripts of primary research, conducted in North America; published in the year 2000 or after, in English; and focusing on organised sports were included.103 articles met inclusion criteria. Articles were classified into five focus areas: access to and participation in sports (n=45), access to SEM care (n=28), health-related outcomes in SEM (n=24), provider representation in SEM (n=5) and methodology (n=1). Race/ethnicity (n=39), socioeconomic status (n=28) and sex (n=27) were the most studied potential causes of health disparities, whereas sexual orientation (n=5), location (rural/urban/suburban, n=5), education level (n=5), body composition (n=5), gender identity (n=4) and language (n=2) were the least studied. Most articles (n=74) were cross-sectional, conducted on youth (n=55) and originated in the USA (n=90).Health disparity research relevant to SEM in North America is limited. The overall volume and breadth of research required to identify patterns in a heterogeneous sports landscape, which can then be used to inform positive change, need expansion. Intentional research focused on assessing the intersectionality, causes and consequences of health disparities in SEM is necessary.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107607

    View details for PubMedID 38216322

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10961938

  • Experiences of Interpersonal Violence in Sport and Perceived Coaching Style Among College Athletes. JAMA network open Zogg, C. K., Runquist, E. B., Amick, M., Gilmer, G., Milroy, J. J., Wyrick, D. L., Grimm, K., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2024; 7 (1): e2350248

    Abstract

    Concern about interpersonal violence (IV) in sport is increasing, yet its implications remain poorly understood, particularly among currently competing college athletes.To document the self-reported prevalence of IV in college sports; identify associated risk factors; examine potential consequences associated with athletes' psychosocial well-being, emotional connection to their sport, and willingness to seek help; and explore the associations between IV reporting and perceived variations in coaching styles.This survey study analyzes results of the 2021 to 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) myPlaybook survey, which was administered from July to December 2021 to 123 colleges and universities across the US. Participants were NCAA athletes aged 18 to 25 years who were current players on an NCAA-sanctioned team.Self-reported demographic characteristics (eg, athlete gender identity and sexual orientation) and perceived differences in supportive vs abusive coaching styles (eg, athlete autonomy, team culture, and extent of abusive supervision).The primary outcome was self-reported experiences of IV in sport during the college sports career of currently competing college athletes. Types of IV considered were physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and neglect or abandonment. Outcomes potentially affected by IV were assessed with 4 questionnaires.A total of 4119 athletes (mean [SD] age, 19.3 [1.5] years; 2302 males [55.9%]) completed the survey (response rate, 21.2%). One in 10 athletes (404 of 4119 [9.8%]) reported experiencing at least 1 type of IV during their college sports career, of whom two-thirds (267 [6.5%]) experienced IV within the past 6 weeks. On multivariable analysis, female gender identity (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.46-3.13), nonheterosexual sexual orientation (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.01-2.42), increasing age beyond 18 years (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.30), increasing year of NCAA eligibility beyond the first year (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.39), and participation in select sports (eg, volleyball: OR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.34-5.72]; ice hockey: OR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.17-6.95]) were independently associated with IV. When exposed to IV, college athletes reported experiencing consistently worse psychosocial outcomes, including increased burnout (mean difference on a 5-point Likert scale, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86; P < .001) and an expressed desire to consider quitting their sport (mean difference, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92; P < .001). They were not, however, less willing to seek help. Differences in coaching style were associated with differences in IV reporting. In risk-adjusted linear regression models, having a more supportive coach was associated with a 7.4 (95% CI, 6.4-8.4) absolute percentage point decrease in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV. In contrast, having a more abusive coach was associated with up to a 15.4 (95% CI, 13.8-17.1) absolute percentage point increase in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV.Results of this survey study suggest that IV is associated with marked changes in the psychosocial health and emotional well-being of college athletes, particularly those who identify as female and with nonheterosexual sexual orientations. Variations in coaching style have the potential to alter these associations. Ongoing efforts are needed to leverage the unique position that coaches hold to help reduce IV and create safe places where all college athletes can thrive.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.50248

    View details for PubMedID 38227316

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10792469

  • Female aging: when translational models don't translate. Nature aging Gilmer, G., Hettinger, Z. R., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Skidmore, E., Silver, J. K., Thurston, R. C., Lowe, D. A., Ambrosio, F. 2023; 3 (12): 1500-1508

    Abstract

    For many pathologies associated with aging, female patients present with higher morbidity and more frequent adverse events from treatments compared to male patients. While preclinical models are the foundation of our mechanistic understanding of age-related diseases, the most common models fail to recapitulate archetypical female aging trajectories. For example, while over 70% of the top age-related diseases are influenced by the systemic effects of reproductive senescence, we found that preclinical studies that include menopausal phenotypes modeling those seen in humans make up <1% of published aging biology research. The long-term impacts of pregnancy, birthing and breastfeeding are also typically omitted from preclinical work. In this Perspective, we summarize limitations in the most commonly used aging models, and we provide recommendations for better incorporating menopause, pregnancy and other considerations of sex in vivo and in vitro. Lastly, we outline action items for aging biology researchers, journals, funding agencies and animal providers to address this gap.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s43587-023-00509-8

    View details for PubMedID 38052933

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11099540

  • Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Perceived Physical and Mental Health and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of People With Disabilities: A Quantitative Analysis of the International Community Survey. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Wang, K., Fourtassi, M., Stratton, C., Muñoz-Velasco, L. P., Hajjioui, A., Cooper, R., Balikuddembe, J. K., Peterson, M., Pandiyan, U., Krassioukov, A., Tripathi, D. R., Palomba, A., Hong, B. Y. 2023; 102 (2): 144-150

    Abstract

    This study aims to determine the perceived impact of the coronavirus pandemic on physical and mental health and healthy lifestyle behaviors in community-dwelling persons with disabilities, as compared with those without disabilities.A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with a web-based global survey.Over 3 mos, 3550 responses were collected from 65 countries. The study included 2689 responses without skipped questions as full data for analysis. Most respondents were women (82.82%), and approximately half (52.81%) were between the ages of 25 and 39 yrs, followed by those between the ages of 40 and 60 yrs (38.6%). Among the participants, 52% indicated physical activity levels decreased and 20% reported eating less fruit and vegetables than before. Furthermore, 45% noted that they slept less than before. Perceived physical and mental health and changes to eating habits during the pandemic showed a significant difference in people with and without disabilities. Furthermore, perceived effects on physical health had a significant effect on the reported degree of disability.This study indicates that the pandemic had a larger impact on perceived physical and mental health and changes in eating habits and tobacco use among people with disabilities than people without disabilities.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002056

    View details for PubMedID 35687754

  • The Effect of Paralympic Athlete Status on Public Perceptions of Competence and Capability in Persons With Blindness PALAESTRA Ayala, K., Zogg, C., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., McKay, C., Raum, G., Wang, K. 2023; 37 (1): 35-42
  • Unapologetic refusals: Black women in sport model a modern mental health promotion strategy. Lancet regional health. Americas Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Darling-Hammond, K. 2022; 15: 100342

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100342

    View details for PubMedID 36778066

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9904023

  • Blind sports' blind spot: The global epidemiology of visual impairment against participation trends in elite blind para sport. Journal of rehabilitation and assistive technologies engineering Stratton, C. S., Fagher, K., Li, X., Ottesen, T. D., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2022; 9: 20556683221122276

    Abstract

    Background: It remains unknown whether access to elite blind sports opportunities is globally balanced or matches the prevalence of blindness/visual impairment (VI). The primary objective of this study was to determine the rate of elite blind sports participation in each world region registered in the International Blind Sports Federation's (IBSA) and to assess its association with the global and regional prevalence of blindness/VI. The secondary objective was to determine the association between other covariates, such as age, vision class, and sex, with the number of IBSA-registered athletes from each region. Methods: A baseline estimate of blindness/VI data was established and used when comparing participation rates to blindness/VI rates. Descriptive statistics were used to describe sports participation and associated co-variates. Results: Among 123 member countries registered in IBSA, 31 did not have any completed registrations in blind sports, of which 22 had a prevalence of blindness/VI higher than the global average. During the summer season 2019, 738 (29.52%) IBSA athletes were female and 1762 (70.48%) were male. Conclusions: These results suggest elite blind/VI sport participation is limited independently from blindness/VI prevalence. Increasing blind-friendly sport resources, especially in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), would improve the rate of elite sport participation among athletes with blindness/VI.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/20556683221122276

    View details for PubMedID 36061585

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9434663

  • 'Knowing we have these rights does not always mean we feel free to use them': athletes' perceptions of their human rights in sport. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Goutos, D., Ramia, I., Galea, N. R., Mountjoy, M. L., Grimm, K., Wu, Y., Bekker, S. 2022; 8 (3): e001406

    Abstract

    Modern sport safeguarding strategies include published global rights declarations that enshrine athletes' entitlements at the policy level. It is unclear how these documents translate to athletes' lived experiences. The study aimed to determine athletes' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about their human rights in sports settings.Web-based survey.1159 athletes from 70 countries completed a validated web-based survey. Over half of participants (60.1%) were between 18 and 29 years, currently competing (67.1%), not members of players' unions (54.6%), elite (60.0%) and participating in individual (55.8%) non-contact (75.6%) Olympic (77.9%) sports. Gender distribution was equal.Participant demographics (eg, gender, age) and athletes' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about their human rights in sports settings.Most (78.5%) were unaware of any athletes' rights declarations. Gender influenced participants' confidence in acting on their rights in sport significantly. Males were more likely to accept pressure from coaches and teammates than females, but age affected how likely males were to accept this pressure. Paralympic athletes were less likely to agree that violence is acceptable in sports, compared with Olympic. Player union membership increased confidence in freely expressing one's opinion in sports settings. Athletes' rights-related awareness, knowledge and beliefs were disconnected.Awareness raising is not enough to prevent human rights violations in sports. The cultural climate of the entire ecosystem must be targeted, using systems-level strategies to shift stakeholders' biases, beliefs and behaviours. This approach takes the onus of addressing abuse off athletes' shoulders and places accountability on sports organisations.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001406

    View details for PubMedID 36071861

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9386214

  • Expanding sports injury prevention to include trauma and adversity. British journal of sports medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Grimm, K., MacLeod, J. G. 2022; 56 (15): 835-836

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105490

    View details for PubMedID 35609971

  • A novel portable and cost-efficient wheelchair training roller for persons with disabilities in economically disadvantaged settings: the EasyRoller. Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology Scheffers, M. F., Ottesen, T. D., Kaye, L. H., Ona Ayala, K. E., Kadakia, S. M., Buckley, J. M., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2022; 17 (6): 681-686

    Abstract

    Stationary training rollers enable wheelchair users to maintain physical health and train as athletes, which serves to treat and prevent immobility-associated chronic disease and improve cardiorespiratory fitness required for sports performance. However, conventional exercise equipment is largely inaccessible for persons with disabilities in low-resource areas, primarily due to cost. The aim of this study was to prototype, develop, and test a portable, cost-efficient stationary training device for wheelchair users in low-resource settings - The EasyRoller.Stakeholder input from wheelchair athletes, trainers, and potential commercial manufacturers was solicited and utilized to conceptualize The EasyRoller design. The device was constructed from easily sourced, low cost components, following which it was user-tested with Para athletes. Feedback was analysed and incorporated into newer versions of the prototype.Results and conclusions: The EasyRoller creatively combines easily-sourced components to significantly cut down cost and ease both manufacture and repair for use in low-resource settings. The device is portable with a total weight of 34 pounds and total size of 42 linear inches while also affordable with a total cost of USD$199. Hereby, The EasyRoller has the potential to increase physical activity participation in populations with impairment who live in socioeconomically deprived world regions.Implications for rehabilitationExercise and physical activity are key aspects of health and quality of life for persons with disabilitiesStationary training rollers, devices that enable wheelchair users to train, are often bulky and expensive and therefore inaccessible for populations in socio-economically disadvantaged settingsThe EasyRoller is a portable and affordable training device that increases access to exercise and physical activity for these populations.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/17483107.2020.1807622

    View details for PubMedID 32880508

  • The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Perceived Mental and Physical Health of People Living with Non-Communicable Diseases: An International Cross-Sectional Survey. International journal of environmental research and public health Azzouzi, S., Stratton, C., Muñoz-Velasco, L. P., Wang, K., Fourtassi, M., Hong, B. Y., Cooper, R., Balikuddembe, J. K., Palomba, A., Peterson, M., Pandiyan, U., Krassioukov, A., Tripathi, D. R., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Hajjioui, A. 2022; 19 (13)

    Abstract

    The huge burden and vulnerability imposed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how healthy lifestyle behaviors and the well-being of people living with NCDs need to be prioritized. The aim of our study is to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthy lifestyle behaviors and perceived mental and physical health among adults living with NCDs, as compared to people without NCDs. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a global online survey through Qualtrics. Over four months, 3550 participants from 65 countries worldwide responded to the survey. The study included 3079 surveys with no missing data (complete survey responses) that were used for analysis. People with NCDs were more likely to report statistically significant worsening physical health (p = 0.001) and statistically insignificant worsening mental health (p = 0.354) when compared to pre-pandemic levels. They reported lower rates of smoking during the pandemic than those without NCDs, and a statistically significant (p < 0.001) relationship was found between weight gain and NCDs. Therefore, the perceived physical and mental health, including changes in body weight and tobacco consumption, of people with NCDs were significantly impacted during the pandemic. In conclusion, this study indicates that the pandemic had a significant impact on perceived physical and mental health, changes in body weight, and tobacco consumption among people with NCDs.

    View details for DOI 10.3390/ijerph19138023

    View details for PubMedID 35805680

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9265593

  • Access denied: the shortage of digitized fitness resources for people with disabilities. Disability and rehabilitation Stratton, C., Kadakia, S., Balikuddembe, J. K., Peterson, M., Hajjioui, A., Cooper, R., Hong, B. Y., Pandiyan, U., Muñoz-Velasco, L. P., Joseph, J., Krassioukov, A., Tripathi, D. R., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2022; 44 (13): 3301-3303

    Abstract

    The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted every aspect of life, including how people exercise and access fitness resources. Prior to COVID-19, the global burden of disease attributable to sedentary behavior disproportionately affected the health of people with disabilities (PWD). This pre-existing gap has only widened during COVID-19 due to limited disability-friendly digital exercise resources. The purpose of this work is to examine this gap in accessibility to digital fitness resources, and re-frame the notion of accessibility to suit the contemporary context.Using machine learning, video titles/descriptions about home exercise ordered by relevance populated on YouTube between 1 January 2020 and 30 June 2020 were examined.Using the search terms, "home exercise," "home-based exercise," "exercise no equipment," "workout no equipment," "exercise at home," or "at-home exercise," 700 videos ordered by relevance included 28 (4%) that were inclusive of participants with disabilities. Unfortunately, most digital fitness resources are therefore inaccessible to PWD. The global pause the pandemic has induced may be the right moment to construct a comprehensive, indexed digital library of home-based fitness video content for the disabled. There is a further need for more nuanced understandings of accessibility as technological advancements continue.Implications for RehabilitationPhysical activity is incredibly important to the quality of life and health of all people.Physical activity levels, however, remain lower among persons with disabilities.Access to disability-friendly resources remains a challenge and worsened by the circumstances of COVID-19 due to an apparent lack of digital fitness resources for persons with disabilities.A broader and comprehensive definition of accessibility must recognize digital advances and access to physical activity for persons with disabilities must feature digital resources.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/09638288.2020.1854873

    View details for PubMedID 33305961

  • Safeguarding Reimagined: Centering Athletes' Rights and Repositioning Para Sport to Chart a New Path. Frontiers in psychology Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Kirby, S. L. 2022; 13: 815038

    Abstract

    Para sport has much to teach the broader sports world about safeguarding and athlete protections. By centering athletes' human rights and underlining the rights-based philosophical underpinnings of the Paralympic Movement, we outline how sport can be safer to all players, coaches, and other participants.We address global Human Rights conventions and their application to Para and non-disabled sport. Safe Sport is positioned as a matter of human rights. The nature of interpersonal violence that human beings experience within and outside sport is discussed. The intersectionality of vulnerable identities (related to gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, etc.) is reviewed in some detail.Rights violations in Para and non-disabled sport illustrate both individual and organizational vulnerabilities. Individual- and organizational-level drivers of abuse, as well as various modes and types of abuse observed in Para sport, are relevant in all sport settings and should be centered in global sport safeguarding work. The rights-based core of Para and similar sports movements, exemplifies this.From a Para-informed vantage point, we issue a call to action, where interpersonal violence in sport is reduced by leveraging relevant elements of the Paralympic Movement. This call asks all sport participants to reject a purely capitalist approach to sport and follow a Para sport paradigm; which embodies human achievement (including sporting success), reflects human rights and inherent human dignity, and requires a higher standard of behaviour.

    View details for DOI 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.815038

    View details for PubMedID 35592165

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9113050

  • Para athletes' perceptions of abuse: a qualitative study across three lower resourced countries. British journal of sports medicine Rutland, E. A., Suttiratana, S. C., da Silva Vieira, S., Janarthanan, R., Amick, M., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2022; 56 (10): 561-567

    Abstract

    Interpersonal violence is an increasingly recognised risk of sport participation and causally linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Para athletes from low- and middle-income countries may be at highest risk of physical, psychological, sexual and neglect-related violence due to various factors; however, their perceptions of these abusive behaviours are unknown. This study examined the perceptions and experiences of abuse in para athletes from three lower resourced countries: Ghana, India and Brazil.Qualitative data from semistructured focus group interviews conducted with 26 individuals were collected to explore characteristics of abuse observed, navigated and experienced by para athletes. The framework method for multidisciplinary qualitative research guided data analysis.Athletes identified a wide range of abusive behaviours they experienced within and outside of sport, including psychological, emotional, physical, sexual and neglect-related violence, which operated on both interpersonal and systemic levels. Most athletes described three less easily recognised forms of abuse in greater detail and more frequently than others: financial abuse, neglect and disability stigma.It is important to hear directly from athletes with diverse experiences and backgrounds and to integrate their insights and priorities into sport safeguarding policies, programmes and interventions. Understanding the requirements and challenges of para athletes and para sport is needed to achieve safe, equitable and inclusive sport. As new insights from diverse sport settings are added to the evidence base, globally balanced, athlete-generated and locally relevant preventative strategies can better protect all athletes.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104545

    View details for PubMedID 35012930

  • Perceived Physical and Mental Health and Healthy Eating Habits During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea. Journal of Korean medical science Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Pandiyan, U., Stratton, C., Hwang, Y., Hajjioui, A., Muñoz-Velasco, L. P., Fourtassi, M., Cooper, R., Balikuddembe, J. K., Peterson, M., Krassioukov, A., Palomba, A., Tripathi, D. R., Hong, B. Y. 2022; 37 (15): e118

    Abstract

    The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted the lives of people around the world since 2020. This study aims to reveal perceived impact of the coronavirus pandemic on physical and mental health and eating behaviors among people with disabilities and without disabilities in South Korea, as compared to other countries.A secondary analysis of a prospective cross-sectional study which was conducted with a web-based global survey.Among the 3,550 responses from 65 countries, 2,621 responses with nation information were set as full data, 189 for South Korea and 2,432 for other countries. In Korea, there was no significant difference in healthy lifestyle behaviors between people with and without disabilities before the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived physical and mental health and changes in eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic showed no significant difference between people with and without disabilities in Korea. There were significant differences in physical health and dietary habits, but no differences in its effect on mental health between people living in Korea and other countries in both people with and without disabilities groups. In other words, more than 60% of people in all groups (disability vs. non-disability, Korea vs. non-Korea) reported worse mental health than before the COVID-19 pandemic.In Korea and other countries, mental health showed a tendency to deteriorate regardless of the presence or absence of disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of healthy eating habits, Koreans were relatively less affected than people from other countries.

    View details for DOI 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e118

    View details for PubMedID 35437966

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9015897

  • The Accessibility of YouTube Fitness Videos for Individuals Who Are Disabled Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Application of a Text Analytics Approach. JMIR formative research Kadakia, S., Stratton, C., Wu, Y., Feliciano, J., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2022; 6 (2): e34176

    Abstract

    People with disabilities face barriers to in-person physical activity (PA), including a lack of adaptive equipment and knowledgeable instructors. Given this and the increased need for digital resources due to widespread COVID-19 lockdowns, it is necessary to assess the accessibility of digital fitness resources for people with disabilities. To investigate whether YouTube fitness content creators have made videos accessible to people with disabilities would be informative about access to PA during COVID-19 and could also provide insight into the feasibility of individuals who are disabled relying on YouTube for PA in a post-COVID-19 world.This study aims to ascertain if disability-friendly PA videos on YouTube are accessible through searching general fitness terms and whether a change in the availability of accessible fitness resources for people with disabilities occurred on YouTube between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic on "Hospital/Medical Institutions," "Individual(s)," and "Other(s)" channels. Secondary aims are to investigate if different categories of YouTube channels produce more accessible fitness content and highlight any disparities in disability-friendly PA content on YouTube.A cross-sectional text analysis of exercise-related YouTube videos was conducted. The authors used Python (version 3.0) to access the YouTube database via its data application programming interface. Terms pertaining to PA that were searched on YouTube were at-home exercise, exercise at home, exercise no equipment, home exercise, home-based exercise, no equipment workout, and workout no equipment. Various elements (eg, view count and content generation) of the videos published between January 1 and June 30, 2019 (n=700), were compared to the elements of videos published between January 1 and June 30, 2020 (n=700). To capture a broad idea of disability-friendly videos on YouTube, videos were labeled "accessible" if they were found in the first 100 video results and if their title, description, or tags contained the following terms: para, paralympic, adaptive, adapted, disabled, disability, differently abled, disability-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and inclusive. Each video and channel were categorized as "Hospitals/Medical Institutions," "Individuals," or "Other(s)."The analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in viewership of fitness content on YouTube (P=.001) and in fitness content generated by Hospitals/Medical Institutions (P=.004). Accessible terms applicable to people with disabilities had minimal appearances in 2019 (21 videos) and 2020 (19 videos). None of the top viewed fitness videos that populated on YouTube from 2019 or 2020 were accessible.The proportion of accessible disability-friendly videos remains diminutive relative to the prevalence of disability in the general population, revealing that disability-friendly videos are seldom findable on YouTube. Thus, the need for disability-friendly fitness content to be easily searched and found remains urgent if access to digital fitness resources is to improve.

    View details for DOI 10.2196/34176

    View details for PubMedID 35044305

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8849230

  • Athlete abuse hurts everyone: vicarious and secondary traumatic stress in sport. British journal of sports medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Amick, M., Guiora, A. N., Lowe, S. R. 2022; 56 (3): 119-120

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104715

    View details for PubMedID 34610913

  • Barriers and Facilitators of Reporting Child Rights Violations in Sport: Stakeholder Perspectives Tuakli-Wosornu , Y., Kirby , S., Tivas , A., Rhind , D. Frontiers Psych . 2022
  • Special Olympics International Safeguarding Review: A Report for Special Olympics International from Safe Sport International Yetsa , A. commissioned Safe Sport International report for Special Olympics International. 2022

    Abstract

    Tuakli-Wosornu, Anne Tiivas OBE, Dr. Sandra L. Kirby OLY OC, Mark Mungal, Colin Higgs PhD, Ato Rockliffe PhD, Antonia Mungal

  • Infographic. A guide to understanding athlete abuse. British journal of sports medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2021; 55 (24): 1439-1440

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104194

    View details for PubMedID 34144949

  • Sports equity: a new BJSM e-Edition brings the fundamentals back into focus. British journal of sports medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Zondi, P. C., Knudson, G., Tsukahara, Y., Chatziefstathiou, D., Tweedy, S., Thornton, J. S. 2021; 55 (24): 1385-1386

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104874

    View details for PubMedID 34511424

  • Development and validation of the athletes' rights survey. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Goutos, D., Ramia, I., Galea, N. M., Mountjoy, M., Grimm, K., Bekker, S. 2021; 7 (4): e001186

    Abstract

    A recognised imbalance of power exists between athletes and sporting institutions. Recent cases of systemic athlete abuse demonstrate the relationship between power disparities and harassment and abuse in sport. Embedding human rights principles into sporting institutions is a critical step towards preventing harassment and abuse in sport. In 2017, the World Players Association (WPA) launched the Universal Declaration of Player Rights. A year later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) developed their Athletes' Rights and Responsibilities Declaration. These two documents codify benchmarks 'for international sporting organisations to meet their obligations to protect, respect and guarantee the fundamental rights of players'. This paper is the first project exploring athletes' knowledge, understanding and awareness of rights in the sports context. This study presents the development and validation of a survey investigating athletes' knowledge of these declarations, associated attitudes/beliefs and understanding of how these rights can be enacted in practice. The survey includes 10 statements of athlete rights based on the WPA and IOC declarations. Face validation was assessed by distributing the survey to 10 athletes and conducting qualitative interviews with a subgroup of four athletes. The survey was reworked into 13 statements, and the tool was validated with 611 responses through confirmatory factor analysis. Key findings include a weak correlation between athletes' knowledge and their attitudes/beliefs, and challenges with the interpretation of words such as 'pressure,' 'violence,' 'harassment' and 'intimidation.' This validation puts forward the first survey instrument to directly test athletes' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about rights in sport.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001186

    View details for PubMedID 34824866

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8593716

  • The Impact of Blade Technology on Paralympic Sprint Performance Between 1996 and 2016: Bilateral Amputees' Competitive Advantage. Adapted physical activity quarterly : APAQ Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Li, X., Ona Ayala, K. E., Wu, Y., Amick, M., Frumberg, D. B. 2021; 38 (3): 494-505

    Abstract

    It is known that high-performance sprinters with unilateral and bilateral prosthetic lower limbs run at different speeds using different spatiotemporal strategies. Historically, these athletes still competed together in the same races, but 2018 classification rule revisions saw the separation of these two groups. This study sought to compare Paralympic sprint performance between all-comer (i.e., transfemoral and transtibial) unilateral and bilateral amputee sprinters using a large athlete sample. A retrospective analysis of race speed among Paralympic sprinters between 1996 and 2016 was conducted. In total, 584 published race results from 161 sprinters revealed that unilateral and bilateral lower-extremity amputee sprinters had significantly different race speeds in all three race finals (100 m, p value <.001; 200 m, <.001; 400 m, <.001). All-comer bilateral amputee runners ran faster than their unilateral counterparts; performance differences increased with race distance. These data support current classification criteria in amputee sprinting, which may create more equal competitive fields in the future.

    View details for DOI 10.1123/apaq.2020-0064

    View details for PubMedID 33975278

  • Stakeholder perspectives on research and development priorities for mobility assistive-technology: a literature review. Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology Alqahtani, S., Joseph, J., Dicianno, B., Layton, N. A., Toro, M. L., Ferretti, E., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Chhabra, H., Neyedli, H., Lopes, C. R., Alqahtani, M. M., Van de Vliet, P., Kumagaya, S. I., Kim, J. B., McKinney, V., Yang, Y. S., Goldberg, M., Cooper, R. 2021; 16 (4): 362-376

    Abstract

    Over one billion people with disabilities (PWDs) and older adults with mobility impairment are currently in need of assistive technology devices (ATDs) and only 10% of those population have ordinarily access to them. The need for advancement in mobility-assistive technology is growing to address the gap in ATDs provision globally. The purpose of this review is to identify potential future areas of development and research in mobility-assistive technology.Publications were identified using scientific and medical electronic databases. Also, a limited grey literature search was conducted to muster a variety of sources. A combination of keyword search terms was used, corresponding to the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms.A total of 392 articles were identified, of which 75 were selected for detailed review. Twenty-eight articles were identified that met the review's inclusion criteria. Future areas of research for mobility-assistive technology were identified by grouping the publications into four main categories. The findings of this review identified several areas of research and development in ATDs in general and mobility-assistive technology, in particular, with special attention to the importance of engaging users and stakeholders in the process of research and design.It is apparent that users' needs and priorities vary between regions within countries. The majority of studies were noted to mainly identify consumers' perspectives on a national basis. The authors, therefore, suggest that further research should be conducted on a global level to determine the knowledge and perspectives concerning future research and development needs and priorities in mobility-assistive technologies.Implication for RehabilitationDespite the benefits derived from the use of ATDs, only 10% of people with disabilities have access to them.Increasing access, quality and affordable ATDs in all countries is global demand.Identifying mobility consumers' needs and priorities would help in enhancing their quality of life by translating research into new technologies that meet their environment and culture needs.Users' involvement in research and design process is a crucial approach to re-shape the future research agenda.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/17483107.2019.1650300

    View details for PubMedID 31535934

  • Design and development of mobility equipment for persons with disabilities in low-resource and tropical settings: bamboo wheelchairs. Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology Scheffers, M. F., Ona Ayala, K. E., Ottesen, T. D., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2021; 16 (4): 377-383

    Abstract

    For persons with disabilities in low-resource and tropical settings, barriers to mobility and physical activity are steep. The aim of this study was to develop and test two low-cost, durable, sustainable, purpose-built wheelchair prototypes to support wheelchair users in low-resource and tropical settings. These bamboo wheelchairs, nicknamed African Chairs by Ghanaian daily manual wheelchair users who tested the devices, adopt two designs: an urban-targeted and a rural-targeted design.The rural-targeted design incorporated stability as its key design property for the purpose of navigating variable terrain. The urban-targeted design adopted a sleeker, more portable profile for environments that require wheelchair transport in vehicles and the navigation of elevators and ramps. Both designs integrated bamboo-rod skeletons, bonded by hot-glue gun, jointed and wrapped with epoxy-soaked fibers, then upholstered by a local tailor, with basic standard wheel components. An iterative design process incorporated expert consultation as well as user feedback.The final prototypes received positive testing reviews from daily manual wheelchair users in Ghana. These locally-built, safe, economical bamboo wheelchairs have the potential to improve accessibility, provide more independence and reduce immobility-related health risks for many.Implications for rehabilitationPersons with disabilities have a right to mobility, maximum independence, and the psychological, emotional, and physical health benefits of physical activity those rights confer.For persons with disabilities in low-resource settings, barriers to mobility and physical activity are steep, due to social stigmatization and the cost and adaptability of equipment.Bamboo wheelchairs have the potential to increase access to mobility and physical activity by allowing wheelchairs to be efficiently produced at cost, according to the user's needs.The aesthetics of bamboo wheelchairs can help reduce social stigma by avoiding the "medicalization" of wheelchairs and other traditional mobility devices.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/17483107.2019.1695962

    View details for PubMedID 31795784

  • Using Carrots Not Sticks to Cultivate a Culture of Safeguarding in Sport. Frontiers in sports and active living Komaki, J. L., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2021; 3: 625410

    View details for DOI 10.3389/fspor.2021.625410

    View details for PubMedID 33738441

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7960644

  • Leveraging the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) framework to strengthen safeguarding in youth sport. The Lancet. Child & adolescent health Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., MacLeod, J. G. 2021; 5 (2): 94-96

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30343-6

    View details for PubMedID 33484665

  • Accessible, Actionable, Enforceable? An Analysis of Safeguarding Policies in Paralympic Sport Briggi , D., Amick , M., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y., Howe , D., Bekker , S. AJPMR. 2021
  • Towards Reporting of Child Rights Violations in Sport Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. commissioned Safe Sport International report for Centre for Sport and Human Rights. 2021

    Abstract

    Yetsa A. Tuakli-Wosornu, Anne Tiivas OBE, Dr. Sandra L. Kirby OLY OC, Daniel J. A. Rhind

  • Safeguarding reimagined: centering athletes’ rights and repositioning Para sport Tuakli-Wosornu , Y., Kirby , S. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living . 2021
  • Examining the roles and responsibilities of bystanders and enablers in systemic athlete abuse Guiora , G., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. Int Sports Law J . 2021
  • Global stakeholder perspectives on barriers and facilitators to community-based physical activity in adults living with disabilities: A systematic review protocol Esparza , R., Stratton , C., Joseph , J., Balikuddembe , J., Peterson , M., Hajjioui , A., Cooper , R., Hong , B., Pandiyan , U., Muñoz-Velalsco , L., Krassioukov , A., Tripathi , D., Nyhan , K., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. J Int Soc Phys Rehabil Med. 2021
  • Non-accidental harms ('abuse') in athletes with impairment ('para athletes'): a state-of-the-art review. British journal of sports medicine Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Sun, Q., Gentry, M., Ona Ayala, K. E., Doolan, F. C., Ottesen, T. D., Caldwell, B., Naushad, N., Huang, P., Kirby, S. 2020; 54 (3): 129-138

    Abstract

    Para athletes reap significant health benefits from sport but are vulnerable to non-accidental harms. Little is known about the types and impacts of non-accidental harms Para athletes face. In this literature review, we summarise current knowledge and suggest priorities for future research related to non-accidental harms in Para athletes.Six electronic databases were searched between August and September 2017. 2245 articles were identified in the initial title/abstract review, and 202 records were selected for full-text review following preliminary screening. Two independent examiners evaluated each full text, and eight citations were selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus and Academic Search Premier.Inclusion criteria: (A) human participants; (B) written in English; (C) descriptive, cohort and case series, case-control, qualitative, mixed methods studies and all clinical trials; and (D) data pertain to harassment/abuse of youth, recreational, collegiate, national-level and/or elite-level athletes with a physical and/or intellectual impairment.Most studies focused on young, visually impaired athletes and approximately half of all studies described high rates of bullying and its social implications. One study confirmed remarkably high rates of psychological, physical and sexual harms in Para athletes, compared with able-bodied peers.Bullying in young, visually impaired athletes is described most commonly in the available literature. Due to the limited amount of data, the prevalence of non-accidental harms in Para athletes remains unclear and information on trends over time is similarly unavailable.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099854

    View details for PubMedID 31023860

  • Superhumans or sitting ducks? Examining the gaps in elite athletes’ knowledge and understanding of their rights in sport Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. Human Rights Defender . 2020 24-26
  • Advancing Knowledge on Child Emotional and Sexual Abuse in Elite Sport: Options for Grant-Making Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Tiivas OBE, A., Kirby OLY OC, S., Leach, K., Harris, C., Rhind, D. commissioned Safe Sport International report for Oak Foundation. . 2020
  • The Intersection of Race and Gender Discrimination in Sport and the Protection of the Human Rights of Women and Girl Athletes, including Athletes with Differences of Sex Development Miller, A., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Krech, M., Karkazis, K. commissioned report of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. . 2020
  • #MeTooSport in the Larry Nassar Era: Legal Frameworks for Preventing Intentional Violence in Sport Setting Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Miller, A., Carska-Sheppheard, A., Silk, J., NeJaime, D. convening report of Yale Law School/Yale School of Public Health. 2020
  • Representing Health: an Afrocentric Perspective in Practicing health geography: The Africa Context Prestige Tatenda , P. Prestige Tatenda Makanga, PT . 2020
  • Diversifying diversity, equity and inclusion in American college athletics: the case for adaptive (and other non-traditional) sports McGuiness , K., Goutos , D., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. The Sport J . 2020 21
  • Injury epidemiology and preparedness in powerlifting at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games: An analysis of 1410 athlete-days TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE Ayala, K., Li, X., Huang, P., Derman, W. E., Kissick, J., Webborn, N., Blauwet, C., Stomphorst, J., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2019; 2 (6): 358-369

    View details for DOI 10.1002/tsm2.107

    View details for Web of Science ID 000647613600007

  • Epidemiology of unintentional and intentional injury in Para athletes: a narrative review Ottesen , T., Rutland , E., Naushad , N., Stratton , C., Ona Ayala , K., Li , X., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. Dtsh Z Sportmed . 2019 197-202
  • Medical Issues, Pharmacology and Nutrient Interactions in Broad, E. (Ed.). (2019). Sports Nutrition for Paralympic Athletes (2nd ed.) Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. CRC Press. 2019
  • Paralympic Athletes in Rocha Piedade, S., Imhoff, A., Clatworthy, M., Cohen, M., Espregueira- Mendes, J. The Sports Medicine Physician. International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine . 2019
  • Paralympic Sports in Frontera, W., DeLisa, J., Gans, B., Robinson , L. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. New York. 2019

    Abstract

    DeLisa's physical medicine and rehabilitation: principles and practice (Sixth Edition ed.).

  • Heads up on concussion in para sport. British journal of sports medicine Webborn, N., Blauwet, C. A., Derman, W., Idrisova, G., Lexell, J., Stomphorst, J., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Kissick, J. 2018; 52 (18): 1157-1158

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097236

    View details for PubMedID 28696920

  • Contemporary Medical, Scientific & Social Perspectives on Para Sport. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Derman, W. 2018; 29 (2): xvii-xviii

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.02.001

    View details for PubMedID 29627100

  • Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Injury in Para Sport: A Critical Review. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Mashkovskiy, E., Ottesen, T., Gentry, M., Jensen, D., Webborn, N. 2018; 29 (2): 205-243

    Abstract

    Sport-related injury patterns among Para athletes have been described with increasing frequency. This review summarizes musculoskeletal injuries in Para athletes. Seated Para athletes sustain upper extremity injuries more commonly; ambulant Para athletes frequently sustain lower extremity injuries. The upper extremity is the most commonly injured anatomic area in all Para athletes, unlike able-bodied athletes. Advanced age and spinal cord injury may increase the risk of upper extremity injury. Injury data for recreational and youth Para athletes are sparse. Summarizing current injury epidemiology data may help to accelerate the development of injury prevention strategies and lifetime injury models for Para athletes.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.014

    View details for PubMedID 29627086

  • Engineering and Technology in Wheelchair Sport. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America Cooper, R. A., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Henderson, G. V., Quinby, E., Dicianno, B. E., Tsang, K., Ding, D., Cooper, R., Crytzer, T. M., Koontz, A. M., Rice, I., Bleakney, A. W. 2018; 29 (2): 347-369

    Abstract

    Technologies capable of projecting injury and performance metrics to athletes and coaches are being developed. Wheelchair athletes must be cognizant of their upper limb health; therefore, systems must be designed to promote efficient transfer of energy to the handrims and evaluated for simultaneous effects on the upper limbs. This article is brief review of resources that help wheelchair users increase physiologic response to exercise, develop ideas for adaptive workout routines, locate accessible facilities and outdoor areas, and develop wheelchair sports-specific skills.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.013

    View details for PubMedID 29627093

  • The Relationship Between Sacral Slope and Symptomatic Isthmic Spondylolysis in a Cohort of High School Athletes: A Retrospective Analysis. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation Hanke, L. F., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Harrison, J. R., Moley, P. J. 2018; 10 (5): 501-506

    Abstract

    Spondylolysis with and without anterolisthesis is the most common cause of structural back pain in children and adolescents, but few predictive factors have been confirmed. An association between abnormal sacropelvic orientation and both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis has been supported in the literature. Sacral slope and other sacropelvic measurements are easily accessible variables that could aid clinicians in assessing active adolescents with low back pain, particularly when the diagnosis of spondylolysis is suspected.To examine the relationship between sacral slope and symptomatic spondylolysis in a cohort of active adolescents.Case-control retrospective study.Academic outpatient physiatry practice.Seventy-four patients of primarily adolescent age (between 12 and 22 years old) with a chief complaint of low back pain and presence of lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine were enrolled. Cases (n = 37) were defined as subjects with evidence of spondylolysis on both radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine. Controls (n = 37) were defined as subjects without spondylolysis.Using a single sagittal radiograph, taken with the patient standing, a fellowship-trained interventional spine physiatrist measured the sacral slope of each subject (angle between the superior plate of S1 and a horizontal reference on sagittal imaging of the lumbosacral spine). Ages and genders were collected from medical records.The primary outcome was mean sacral slope. Mean sacral slope of cases was compared with mean sacral slope of controls with the Student t-test.Ages ranged from 12 to 22 for both groups, with no significant differences in age between the groups (cases: 16.8 ± 2.3 years; controls: 17.7 ± 2.7 years). The patients with spondylolysis (cases) consisted of 29 male and 8 female patients, whereas those without spondylolysis (controls) consisted of 15 male and 21 female patients (gender details for 1 patient were not available). The mean sacral slope among cases was 42.4°, whereas the mean sacral slope among controls was 37.4°. The difference achieved significance (P = .014).The interdependence of positional parameters, such as sacral slope, with anatomic parameters, such as pelvic incidence, can affect lumbar lordosis and therefore upright positioning and loading of the spine. Sacral slope may be an important variable for clinicians to consider when caring for young athletes with low back pain, particularly when the index of suspicion for spondylolysis is high.IV.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.09.012

    View details for PubMedID 28993288

  • Sport, sex and age increase risk of illness at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games: a prospective cohort study of 51 198 athlete days. British journal of sports medicine Derman, W., Schwellnus, M. P., Jordaan, E., Runciman, P., Blauwet, C., Webborn, N., Lexell, J., Van de Vliet, P., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Kissick, J., Stomphorst, J. 2018; 52 (1): 17-23

    Abstract

    To describe the epidemiology of illness at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games.A total of 3657 athletes from 78 countries, representing 83.5% of all athletes at the Games, were monitored on the web-based injury and illness surveillance system (WEB-IISS) over 51 198 athlete days during the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games. Illness data were obtained daily from teams with their own medical support through the WEB-IISS electronic data capturing systems.The total number of illnesses was 511, with an illness incidence rate (IR) of 10.0 per 1000 athlete days (12.4%). The highest IRs were reported for wheelchair fencing (14.9), para swimming (12.6) and wheelchair basketball (12.5) (p<0.05). Female athletes and older athletes (35-75 years) were also at higher risk of illness (both p<0.01). Illnesses in the respiratory, skin and subcutaneous and digestive systems were the most common (IRs of 3.3, 1.8 and 1.3, respectively).(1) The rate of illness was lower than that reported for the London 2012 Summer Paralympic Games; (2) the sports with the highest risk were wheelchair fencing, para swimming and wheelchair basketball; (3) female and older athletes (35-75 years) were at increased risk of illness; and (4) the respiratory system, skin and subcutaneous system and digestive system were most affected by illness. These results allow for comparison at future Games.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097962

    View details for PubMedID 29074477

  • Invited Guest Editor Para and Adapted Sports Medicine. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. 2018
  • High precompetition injury rate dominates the injury profile at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games: a prospective cohort study of 51 198 athlete days. British journal of sports medicine Derman, W., Runciman, P., Schwellnus, M., Jordaan, E., Blauwet, C., Webborn, N., Lexell, J., van de Vliet, P., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Kissick, J., Stomphorst, J. 2018; 52 (1): 24-31

    Abstract

    To describe the incidence of injury in the precompetition and competition periods of the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games.A total of 3657 athletes from 78 countries, representing 83.4% of all athletes at the Games, were monitored on the web-based injury and illness surveillance system over 51 198 athlete days during the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games. Injury data were obtained daily from teams with their own medical support.A total of 510 injuries were reported during the 14-day Games period, with an injury incidence rate (IR) of 10.0 injuries per 1000 athlete days (12.1% of all athletes surveyed). The highest IRs were reported for football 5-a-side (22.5), judo (15.5) and football 7-a-side (15.3) compared with other sports (p<0.05). Precompetition injuries were significantly higher than in the competition period (risk ratio: 1.40, p<0.05), and acute traumatic injuries were the most common injuries at the Games (IR of 5.5). The shoulder was the most common anatomical area affected by injury (IR of 1.8).The data from this study indicate that (1) IRs were lower than those reported for the London 2012 Summer Paralympic Games, (2) the sports of football 5-a-side, judo and football 7-a-side were independent risk factors for injury, (3) precompetition injuries had a higher IR than competition period injuries, (4) injuries to the shoulder were the most common. These results would allow for comparative data to be collected at future editions of the Games and can be used to inform injury prevention programmes.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098039

    View details for PubMedID 29030389

  • Return to activities after patellofemoral arthroplasty Brady , J., Nguyen , B., Mahoney , G., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y., Voigt , S., Strickland , S., Shubin-Stein, B. Return to activities after patellofemoral arthroplasty. 2017 E353-7
  • Predictors of Exercise Adherence in Patients With Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Selzer, F., Losina, E., Katz, J. N. 2016; 97 (11): 1945-1952

    Abstract

    To identify predictors of poor exercise adherence in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and meniscal tear.Secondary analysis of data gathered over the first 12 weeks in the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.Seven referral centers.Most of the patients in the MeTeOR trial (N=325 of 351) were included in the analysis, each of whom was aged ≥45 years and had a meniscal tear and osteoarthritic changes on imaging studies; 26 were excluded because of missing data from which to derive the primary outcome variable.All patients received a structured, supervised exercise program focused on strengthening, along with prescribed home exercises; half were randomly assigned to also receive arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.Poor exercise adherence through 12 weeks, defined as performing <50% of prescribed exercise.Thirty-eight percent of the MeTeOR cohort showed poor exercise adherence. In the multivariate model, adjusting for treatment group, those who earned ≤$29,000 per year had 1.64 times the risk of nonadherence (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.43) than those who earned >$100,000 per year; and those without baseline pain with pivoting and twisting had 1.60 times greater risk of nonadherence than those with these symptoms (95% CI, 1.14-2.25).Low income was associated with poor exercise adherence among patients aged ≥45 years with OA and a meniscal tear, as was absence of pain with pivoting and twisting. Our findings highlight the need for further research into exercise adherence and for interventions to enhance adherence among those with low incomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.05.011

    View details for PubMedID 27296899

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5083166

  • The Road to Rio: Medical and Scientific Perspectives on the 2016 Paralympic Games. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation Blauwet, C., Lexell, J., Derman, W., Idrisova, G., Kissick, J., Stomphorst, J., Wosornu, Y. T., Van de Vliet, P., Webborn, N. 2016; 8 (8): 798-801

    Abstract

    In August and September of this year, the world will turn its attention to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Of interest to physiatrists, the Paralympic Games will take place from September 7 to 18, with an estimated total of 4 billion viewers. In the United States, for the first time in history, the Summer Games will be broadcast over a total of 66 hours on NBCUniversal. The Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of elite sport for athletes with disabilities while also changing perceptions around the importance of grassroots sport and physical activity opportunities for the disability community more broadly.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.07.004

    View details for PubMedID 27432531

  • Lumbar Intradiskal Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Terry, A., Boachie-Adjei, K., Harrison, J. R., Gribbin, C. K., LaSalle, E. E., Nguyen, J. T., Solomon, J. L., Lutz, G. E. 2016; 8 (1): 1-10; quiz 10

    Abstract

    To determine whether single injections of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into symptomatic degenerative intervertebral disks will improve participant-reported pain and function.Prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study.Outpatient physiatric spine practice.Adults with chronic (≥6 months), moderate-to-severe lumbar diskogenic pain that was unresponsive to conservative treatment.Participants were randomized to receive intradiskal PRP or contrast agent after provocative diskography. Data on pain, physical function, and participant satisfaction were collected at 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Participants in the control group who did not improve at 8 weeks were offered the option to receive PRP and subsequently followed.Functional Rating Index (FRI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, the pain and physical function domains of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, and the modified North American Spine Society (NASS) Outcome Questionnaire were used.Forty-seven participants (29 in the treatment group, 18 in the control group) were analyzed by an independent observer with a 92% follow-up rate. Over 8 weeks of follow-up, there were statistically significant improvements in participants who received intradiskal PRP with regards to pain (NRS Best Pain) (P = .02), function (FRI) (P = .03), and patient satisfaction (NASS Outcome Questionnaire) (P = .01) compared with controls. No adverse events of disk space infection, neurologic injury, or progressive herniation were reported following the injection of PRP.Participants who received intradiskal PRP showed significant improvements in FRI, NRS Best Pain, and NASS patient satisfaction scores over 8 weeks compared with controls. Those who received PRP maintained significant improvements in FRI scores through at least 1 year of follow-up. Although these results are promising, further studies are needed to define the subset of participants most likely to respond to biologic intradiskal treatment and the ideal cellular characteristics of the intradiskal PRP injectate.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.08.010

    View details for PubMedID 26314234

  • "AND THEREBY HANGS A TALE": CURRENT MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC CONTROVERSIES IN PARALYMPIC SPORT PALAESTRA Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A. 2016; 30 (3): 9-13
  • Policy on Non-Accidental Violence and Abuse Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Blauwet, C., Webborn, N., Kissick, J., Derman, W., Idrisova, G., Lexell, J., Stomphorst, J. requested International Paralympic Medical Committee policy by International Paralympic Committee Executive Board. 2016
  • Physical Education, Exercise, Fitness and Sports: Early PM&R Leaders Build a Strong Foundation. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation Verville, R. E., Ditunno, J. F., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Sandel, M. E. 2015; 7 (9): 905-912

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.05.009

    View details for PubMedID 25978947

  • Implementing the World Report on Disability in West Africa: challenges and opportunities for Ghana. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation Tuakli-Wosornu, Y. A., Haig, A. J. 2014; 93 (1 Suppl 1): S50-7

    Abstract

    Disability issues have taken a prominent role on international stages in recent years. Beginning with the May 2005 World Health Assembly Resolution 58.23 and culminating in the June 2011 World Bank and World Health Organization World Report on Disability, comprehensive disability analyses from nations at various stages of development can now be accessed and used by relevant stakeholders in health, policy, and aide arenas. The implementation of this landmark report is critical for the advancement of social inclusion in diverse countries, including those with limited resources. However, activating the World Report on Disability in resource-limited countries remains a significant challenge because of threadbare data and cultural, institutional, and physical barriers to social inclusion. This review summarizes current national disability data and describes challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the World Report on Disability in Ghana. As a structural point of departure, the article uses the three broad categories of challenges outlined by the World Health Organization: attitudinal, physical, and institutional.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000023

    View details for PubMedID 24356083

  • Perceptions of Physical Activity, Activity Preferences and Health among a Group of Adult Women in Urban Ghana: A Pilot Study Tuakli-Wosornu , Y., Rowan , M., Gittelsohn , J. Ghana Med J. 2014 3-13
  • Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Hereditary Multiple Exostoses Mesfin , A., Goddard , M., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y., Khanuja , H. Orthopedics 25. 2012 1807-10
  • An Analysis of the Othopaedic In-Training Examination Rehabilitation Section Mesfin , A., Farjoodi , P., Tuakli-Wosornu , Y., Yan, A., Lemma , M., LaPorte , D. J Surg Educ 69. 2012 286
  • Molecular characterization of loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 and identification of a compound heterozygote. American journal of human genetics Zhao, Z., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y., Lagace, T. A., Kinch, L., Grishin, N. V., Horton, J. D., Cohen, J. C., Hobbs, H. H. 2006; 79 (3): 514-23

    Abstract

    Elevated levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis. Mutations in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) that are associated with lower plasma levels of LDL-C confer protection from coronary heart disease. Here, we show that four severe loss-of-function mutations prevent the secretion of PCSK9 by disrupting synthesis or trafficking of the protein. In contrast to recombinant wild-type PCSK9, which was secreted from cells into the medium within 2 hours, the severe loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 largely abolished PCSK9 secretion. This finding predicted that circulating levels of PCSK9 would be lower in individuals with the loss-of-function mutations. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting of plasma for PCSK9 provided direct evidence that the serine protease is present in the circulation and identified the first known individual who has no immunodetectable circulating PCSK9. This healthy, fertile college graduate, who was a compound heterozygote for two inactivating mutations in PCSK9, had a strikingly low plasma level of LDL-C (14 mg/dL). The very low plasma level of LDL-C and apparent good health of this individual demonstrate that PCSK9 plays a major role in determining plasma levels of LDL-C and provides an attractive target for LDL-lowering therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1086/507488

    View details for PubMedID 16909389

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1559532

  • Reflection in Poires Jain, H. Elsevier . Boston. 2006

    Abstract

    The Soul of a Doctor

  • Inshallah Tuakli-Wosornu , Y. Curr Surg 62. 2005 651-2