Kara Radzak

Associate Professor of Kinesiology
Expertise: Sports medicine, Biomechanics of fatigued state movement, Medical care model in military populations, Musculoskeletal injuries in the military, Postpartum return to physical activity, Tibial stress fracture

Biography

Associate professor Kara Radzak joined the kinesiology and nutrition sciences department during fall 2015 and teaches courses for the department’s master of science in kinesiology program’s athletic training emphasis and within the undergraduate professional athletic training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

Radzak’s research focuses on utilizing biomechanical analysis of movement to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries, particularly overuse injuries of the knee, and osteoarthritis. Her current research evaluates the relationship of running biomechanics and injuries commonly associated with military training such as iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and lateral ankle sprains. She is also interested in the influence of physical activity and previous injury history on lower extremity joint health throughout the lifespan. This includes the development and end-range treatment — such as joint replacement surgery — of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Radzak serves as the Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Young Professional Chair and represents the district to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. She is also professionally involved in the Athletic Trainers’ Osteoarthritis Consortium.

Education

  • Ph.D., Education, Kinesiology, University of Hawaii, 2015
  • M.S., Sports Medicine, University of Colorado, 2010
  • B.S. Kinesiology- Athletic Training, University of Texas, Austin, 2008

Search For Other Experts On

health & medicine, military, sports and recreation

Kara Radzak In The News

Journal of Athletic Training
Dr. Kara Radzak discusses recent updates in sport-related concussion assessment and rehabilitation with Dr. Abigail Bretzin, Dr. Jaclyn Caccese, and Dr. Justin Karr.
Journal of Athletic Training
Dr. Kara Radzak interviews Dr. Sandy Shultz, Dr. Lindsey Lepley, and Dr. Shelby Baez about the work investigating ACL injury risk and rehabilitation strategies for patients with ACL reconstruction. This interview is accompanying the release of a special issue of the Journal of Athletic Training women who are scholars in athletic training research.

Articles Featuring Kara Radzak

a UNLV football helmet placed on the turf with an Allegiant Stadium sign and empty bleachers visible in the background
Campus News | January 31, 2024

As the nation's most-watched sports entertainment event rolls into town, UNLV researchers are available to provide expertise.