The Sport Optimization and Rehabilitation (SOAR) Laboratory is part of the Human Performance Laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology.

Located within Gampel Pavilion, SOAR is a multidisciplinary research division that focuses on human performance, injury prevention, health and safety and personalized medicine.

SOAR’s mission is to promote lifelong physical activity to improve health and wellness through research, performance and community outreach for physically active people at risk for, or suffering from, musculoskeletal injuries.

Much of the research in the SOAR Laboratory focuses on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and rehabilitation. The ACL is responsible for stability and controlled movement of the knee. There are approximately 250,000 ACL injuries a year in the US, with a majority of patients undergoing surgery to repair the ligament.