About

Dr. James A. Oñate is a Professor at The Ohio State University in the College of Medicine’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. He serves as the Interim Director of the School and the Vice Dean for Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, as well as the Director of the Division of Athletic Training education program. His research has significantly impacted the fields of human movement assessment and injury prevention, with a focus on factors influencing human performance in physically active populations. His work encompasses lower extremity musculoskeletal injury risk, concussions, overhead athletes, military sports medicine, and holistic health in law enforcement. Dr. Oñate has received funding from prominent organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Special Operations Command, supporting projects related to youth and high school athletes, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. He has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to advancements in functional brain imaging, mental health assessment, and military and law enforcement performance. His overarching goal is to continue research, teaching, and providing clinical research-based information to optimize and sustain human performance.

Research topics

• Psychology
• Medicine
• Physical therapy
• Applied psychology
• Audiology
• Engineering
• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Selected publications

• The influence of occupational history, musculoskeletal pain, and lifestyle behaviors of law enforcement applicants on physical abilities test performance

  Discover Public Health · 2026-03-31

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  This study aimed to compare musculoskeletal pain, demographic variables, and lifestyle behaviors between law enforcement applicants with and without prior tactical experience. Secondly, this study determined how prior tactical experience, musculoskeletal pain, lifestyle behaviors, and demographic variables related to performance on a law enforcement physical ability test (PAT). Eighty participants (33.0 ± 11.1 years, BMI = 28.8 ± 4.7 kg/m²; 69 male, 11 female) completed demographic, occupational, and musculoskeletal pain questionnaires before performing the PAT. Demographic variables, musculoskeletal pain, and lifestyle behaviors were compared between participants with and without prior first responder experience using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. Sex, BMI, musculoskeletal pain in the last 12 months, weekly caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol use, and prior first responder experience were descriptively analyzed. These data were used to predict PAT performance (i.e., time to complete aerobic component) using multiple linear regression. Forty-seven (58.8%) of the participants had experience working as a first responder. Participants with prior first responder experience were significantly older (p < 0.001), used more tobacco (p = 0.025), and consumed more alcohol (p = 0.040) and caffeine (p = 0.027). Twenty-five (33.8%) of the participants reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain in the last 12 months. PAT performance was significantly associated with sex, BMI, and age (p < 0.001, adjusted R² = 0.270). The higher tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine use among participants with prior experience suggests these behaviors may be established before hiring as coping mechanisms. Law enforcement training should teach healthy coping strategies and consider age, sex, and BMI when training aerobic fitness.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Sex Differences in Head Acceleration Events in Law Enforcement Corrections Cadets

  Annals of Biomedical Engineering · 2025-06-20

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: Law enforcement cadets (LECs) undergo subject control technique training that may expose them to repetitive head impacts recorded as head acceleration events (HAEs) using instrumented mouthguards. Prior research suggests that sex and/or gender differences in HAE frequency and magnitude vary by sport. This study aimed to examine sex differences in HAE exposure among LECs during training. METHODS: We collected HAEs from 82 civilian LECs (16 females, mean age = 30 ± 9 years) using instrumented mouthguards. We compared peak linear acceleration (PLA) and peak rotational velocity (PRV) of HAEs > 5 g between sexes using a mixed-effects linear model, with sex and cohort as fixed-effect predictors and a random intercept for subject to account for repeated HAEs within individuals. Additionally, we assessed sex differences in the number of HAEs per athlete exposure using a negative binomial regression controlling for cohort. RESULTS: PLA was lower in female than male cadets (e.g., median PLA: females = 10.9 g, males = 12.3 g, p < 0.001). However, there were no statistically significant sex differences in the number of HAEs per athlete exposure (e.g., median: females = 10, males = 14, p = 0.169) or PRV (e.g., median PRV: females = 7.4 rad/s, males = 7.9 rad/s, p = 0.110). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, sex differences in HAE frequency and magnitude during subject control technique trainings were minimal. When differences were observed, female cadets exhibited less frequent and less severe HAEs than male cadets. This finding suggests that current training practices, including sex- and/or skill-matched pairing, may effectively reduce HAE exposure risk to females.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Maximizing Markerless Motion Capture Data Processing Speed: Enabling Efficient Reporting

  Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2025-09-16

  articleSenior author

  Markerless motion capture technologies are rapidly being developed and applied in research. Even with the advantages of markerless motion capture over marker-based motion capture (i.e., faster participant set-up, higher portability), data analysis time can restrict researchers’ ability to check data quality in real-time and limits real-time feedback for participants. PURPOSE: To quantify the effect of data collection and data processing methods and equipment on markerless motion capture data analysis time. METHODS: Markerless motion capture data were collected with four participants completing three trials of walking, overhead squats (OHS), and countermovement jumps (CMJ) for 30 seconds and recorded at 120 Hz using an 8-camera system. To evaluate the effect of data collection and processing methods and equipment on analysis time, the same trials were analyzed multiple ways: 1, 2, 3, or 4 participants identified; 10, 20, or 30 second trial length; walking, OHS, or CMJ movements; at 60 Hz or 120 Hz; and with three different graphics processing unit (GPU) configurations. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate how each variable affected data analysis time (α-level = 0.05). RESULTS: Data analysis time significantly increased as trial length (p < 0.001) and sample rate (p < 0.001) increased, and significantly decreased as GPU quality and quantity increased (p < 0.001). Data analysis time was not affected by movement (p = 0.112) or by the number of participants identified (p = 0.440). Data are displayed in Figure 1. CONCLUSION: Markerless motion capture analysis time can be maximized by recording multiple participants simultaneously. Researchers should collect data with the shortest trial lengths and lowest possible sample rates while utilizing as many high-quality GPUs as possible. In the fastest configuration, a 10 second walking trial required 65 seconds to analyze. This is nearly a feasible solution for real-time data quality control and participant feedback. Supported by: This research was partially funded by an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Program called the Center for Disruptive Musculoskeletal Innovations (IIP-1916629).

  PublisherDOI

• Virtual reality-based eye tracking throughout typical concussion recovery

  The Clinical Neuropsychologist · 2025-06-10

  article

  While our findings did not reveal significant group-wide differences in visual and oculomotor function, the high inter-individual variability within the concussion group underscores the need for individualized assessment approaches. The ability of eye-tracking technology to detect subtle, yet potentially clinically relevant impairments at the individual level suggests its potential as a valuable adjunct to symptom-based concussion assessments. Future studies should explore the integration of symptom-based tools, clinical oculomotor assessments, and objective eye-tracking metrics to improve our understanding of concussion-related impairments.

  PublisherDOI

• Instrumented Mouth Guard (img) Fit And Comfort Based On Youth Football Survey Responses

  Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2025-09-16

  article

  To quantify the frequency and magnitude of head acceleration events (HAEs) experienced during sport, many research studies use instrumented mouth guards (iMGs). However, comfort and fit of iMGs, particularly for youth athletes, can be potential barriers to study participation and retention. Additionally, resources may be needed to replace iMGs that are damaged from chewing. Youth athletes have smaller mouth sizes; therefore, sensor size and placement can lead to discomfort with iMG use. Surveys can determine how well a piece of equipment meets the user needs, by capturing their experience. Purpose: Determine comfort and fit of iMGs worn by youth tackle football players based on survey responses and examine how perceived comfort and fit affects the number of iMGs replaced throughout a season. Methods: 45 youth tackle football players received custom-fit iMGs and completed a mid-season 13-item survey about comfort and fit. A research team member distributed iMGs before and collected iMGs at the end of games and practices and monitored compliance with iMG wear. Median, 25th percentile and 75th percentiles were calculated for each survey item response. Correlations were calculated between survey responses and number of mouthguard replacements. Results: Survey questions and descriptive statistics are provided in table 1. Question 1 (overall comfort) was positively correlated with Questions 2 (lip comfort, Spearman's ρ = 0.316, p = .050), 3 (gum comfort, ρ = 0.572, p < .001), 5 (teeth comfort, ρ = 0.556, p < .001), 10 (mouth dryness, ρ = 0.335, p < 0.037) and negatively correlated with question 11 (inclination to chew, ρ = -0.475, p < 0.002) and the number of mouth guard replacements (ρ = -0.365, p = .002). Conclusions: Overall discomfort was related to gum, teeth, and lip discomfort. iMGs were replaced due to extensive chewing damage which caused sensor failure. iMG discomfort could potentially explain an increased tendency to chew and therefore a larger number of replacements. Supported by: National Institutes of Health (NIH), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) R01 (R01HD110401)

  PublisherDOI

• fMRI Activation in Sensorimotor Regions at 6 Weeks After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

  The American Journal of Sports Medicine · 2025-02-04 · 5 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Background: Brain activity during knee movements is altered throughout the sensorimotor network after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Patients at 2 to 5 years after surgery appear to require greater neural activity to perform basic knee movement patterns, but it is unclear if brain activity differences within sensorimotor regions are present early after surgery. It is also unknown whether uninvolved knee movements elicit similar or unique activity compared with involved knee movements. Purpose: To examine brain activity in sensorimotor regions during involved and uninvolved knee movements in patients at 6 weeks after ACLR compared with control participants. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 15 patients who underwent ACLR (mean age, 21.9 ± 4.3 years [range, 17-29 years]; 8 female) and 15 control participants performed 30-second blocks of repeated knee flexion and extension, followed by 30 seconds of rest, during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Regions of interest included the right and left primary motor cortex (M1), right and left primary somatosensory cortex (S1), supplementary motor area (SMA), precuneus, and lingual gyrus. Activity from task-relevant voxels (move &gt; rest) was extracted, and generalized estimating equations evaluated the main effect of group and group-by-limb interaction. Effect sizes were calculated using the Cohen d . Results: Reduced brain activity during knee flexion and extension was observed in the ACLR group in the ipsilateral M1 and S1, contralateral S1, SMA, and precuneus during movements of the involved and uninvolved knees. There were no group-by-limb interaction effects, indicating no significant differences between the involved knee and uninvolved knee in the ACLR group. Medium to large effect sizes were identified for between-group differences in all regions. Conclusion: At 6 weeks after ACLR, patients exhibited bilateral reductions in brain activity during knee movements in multiple sensorimotor regions. These identified regions are associated with motor planning, motor execution, somatosensory function, and sensorimotor integration. These data indicate that ACLR affected sensorimotor brain activity in both limbs during the early postoperative phase of rehabilitation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effect of Hearing Status on Visual Reliance During Postural Control Performance

  International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training · 2025-06-28

  articleSenior author

  Athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH) have differing postural control performance differences compared with athletes who are hearing; however, no evidence exists regarding their reliance on visual information. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the visual reliance during postural control between athletes who are D/HoH and athletes who are hearing. Athletes who are D/HoH ( n = 22) and athletes who are hearing ( n = 24) completed the traditional modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance tasks with the addition of a third visual condition using stroboscopic vision glasses. Independent t tests revealed sway velocity Romberg ratios for eyes closed/eyes open on firm, eyes closed/eyes open on foam ( p = .01), and stroboscopic vision/eyes open on foam were different between groups ( p &lt; .05 for all). Sway area Romberg ratios were not different ( p &gt; .05). Findings may allow health care professionals to gauge recovery from injury in athletes who are D/HoH.

  PublisherDOI

• Short-Term Changes of Anxiety in Adolescent Female Athletes

  International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training · 2025-01-07

  article

  Anxiety is common in adolescents but short-term changes in anxiety have not been studied. The purpose of this observational study was to describe how anxiety changes in high school female athletes over 16 weeks. Participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) every other week. We categorized participants as elevated if their GAD-7 score was &gt;9 and a score change of ≥4 classified those with clinically meaningful anxiety change. Of the 28 participants, 30% reported elevated GAD-7 scores at least once and 80% reported anxiety changes ≥4. Athletic trainers are poised to monitor anxiety and can promote optimal mental health by referring those with elevated GAD-7 scores for timely intervention.

  PublisherDOI

• The Relationship Between Head Impact Kinematics And Player Position In Youth Football

  Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2025-09-16

  article

  Repetitive head impacts (RHIs) are common in youth tackle football. We hypothesize that the magnitude of RHIs differ between football playing positions. PURPOSE: To determine differences in magnitude of RHIs across various football player positions in 3rd through 6th grade athletes throughout a youth football season. METHODS: Athletes (N = 68, age = 10.2 ± 1.0 years, height = 145.1 ± 10.8 cm, mass = 40.5 ± 9.1 kg) wore custom-fit mouthguards, containing a tri-axial accelerometer and gyroscope for seven tackle football games. Impacts over 10 g that were video-verified and classified by Prevent Biometric’s proprietary algorithm as true positives were included for analysis. The peak linear acceleration (PLA) and peak rotational velocity (PRV) was analyzed using generalized estimating equations with a gamma distribution and a log link function to compare RHIs across positions. RESULTS: PLA was lower in Offensive Line athletes compared to Defensive Line athletes (Table 1). For other positions, the differences in PLA were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Running Back, Receiver, and Linebacker athletes had higher PRV compared to Defensive Line athletes, while Quarterback and Offensive Line athletes had lower PRV (Table 1). The difference in PRV for Secondary athletes compared to Defensive Line athletes was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Position-specific differences in PLA and PRV may be a result of the movement patterns required by each position. Offensive Line athletes typically focus on maintaining their position and blocking, while Defensive Line athletes often initiate contact while attempting to break through the Offensive Line, therefore moving at greater velocity, which may lead to higher PLA and PRV. Similarly, Running Backs, Receivers, and Linebackers are involved in more open-field play, where they may experience higher-speed collisions, resulting in higher PRV. - Position Total RHIs Median PLA Exp(B) p Median PRV Exp(B) p Defensive Line 62 13.4 Referent Referent 7.55 Referent Referent Quarterback 7 15.6 0.92(0.8-1.05) 0.224 5.2 0.79(0.72-0.86) <0.001* Running Back 20 13.3 1.10(0.76-1.58) 0.618 11.3 1.50(1.20-1.88) <0.001* Receiver 9 15.1 0.92(0.77-1.09) 0.309 11.9 1.40(1.13-1.73) 0.002* Offensive Line 25 12.3 0.79(0.68-0.91) 0.002* 4.6 0.63(0.51-0.79) <0.001* Linebacker 33 15.1 1.15(0.94-1.4) 0.182 8.7 1.18(1.09-1.29) <0.001* Secondary 7 19.7 1.02(0.83-1.26) 0.834 7.3 1.16(0.76-1.79) 0.492 Table 1

  PublisherDOI

• Can functional movement screen scores predict upper extremity injuries in baseball players? A rapid review

  Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies · 2025-12-05

  articleSenior authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Nelson Cortés

  Université Paris-Saclay

  220 shared

• Bonnie Van Lunen

  175 shared

• Jay Hertel

  University of Virginia

  121 shared

• Dustin R. Grooms

  Ohio University

  106 shared

• Ajit M.W. Chaudhari

  The Ohio State University

  93 shared

• Eric Schussler

  Old Dominion University

  86 shared

• Daniel R. Clifton

  85 shared

• Xueliang Pan

  The Ohio State University

  78 shared

Awards & honors

• George J. Davies-James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inqui…
• The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitatio…
• National Athletic Trainers' Association Fellow, NATA (2012)
• O'Donoghue Sports Injury Research Manuscript Award, AOSSM (2…