A team of biomedical engineers at the University of Rochester is conducting research on the controversial football maneuver known as the ‘Tush Push,’ a play that has garnered significant attention in the National Football League (NFL). This investigation aims to assess the injury risks associated with the play, particularly as discussions surrounding its safety intensify.
The team, led by undergraduate research assistant Tina Kyriacou, has begun to explore the biomechanics of the ‘Tush Push,’ which is often characterized by quarterback sneaks. Kyriacou stated, “I think the ‘Tush Push’ has the most controversy around it for football moves, especially with quarterback sneaks. So if we could add some input to that biomechanically, I feel like it would be really interesting.”
Advanced Technology and Methodology
Researchers have employed a range of cutting-edge technologies, including high-speed cameras and pressure-sensing insoles, to analyze the play’s mechanics. This summer, Kyriacou and her colleagues conducted experiments in their lab to examine potential injuries related to the play, which is affectionately referred to as the ‘Brotherly Shove’ due to its association with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Postdoctoral associate Aly March explained the research process, highlighting the use of sophisticated software that creates a model of a person’s skeleton from video recordings. “We, as a lab, lined up in Tush Push formation a couple of times to see if we could record multiple people and see if we could overlay their skeletons,” March said.
When the university’s football team participated, researchers set up high-speed cameras on the field to capture various plays. The quarterback wore pressure-sensing insoles in his cleats, allowing the team to collect valuable data regarding player movements. This data was subsequently analyzed in the lab to measure the power and work generated at each joint during the execution of the play.
Focus on Safety and Future Modifications
The ultimate objective of this research is to assess safety concerns linked to the ‘Tush Push.’ “I think safety is definitely a question,” March noted. “The ultimate goal would be if eventually somebody finds out there is a part of the play that isn’t necessarily safe, finding a way to modify that.”
This study emerges in the context of a recent failed attempt by the NFL to ban the play after a proposal from the Green Bay Packers during the offseason. The proposal fell just two votes short of passing, underscoring the ongoing debate over the play’s safety and effectiveness.
As researchers continue to analyze their findings, the implications of their work could influence future discussions on the play’s viability within the league. The research team at the University of Rochester is committed to providing insights that could enhance player safety and potentially reshape how the ‘Tush Push’ is executed on the field.