Director of Research
Malachy McHugh received his PhD in Exercise Physiology in 1999 from the University of Wales, Bangor. Since 1999 Dr McHugh has been the Director of Research at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT) at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He leads a multidisciplinary research team including orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, biomechanists, medical engineers and athletic trainers.
The research encompasses areas such as randomized clinical trials in orthopaedic sports medicine, injury epidemiology, and basic and applied research in nutrition, physiology and biomechanics. Dr McHugh is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, an associate Member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and a member of the Orthopaedic Research Society.
He is a visiting professor at Northumbria University and has been an adjunct professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at New York University, the Department of Physical Therapy at Stony Brook University and the Department of Physical Education at Hunter College in New York City. Dr McHugh is on the Editorial Board for the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
Dr McHugh consults with sports teams and athletes across a wide spectrum of sports including professional soccer, professional golf, professional hockey, professional rugby, and Olympic athletes. He is the Sports Performance Consultant for the National Hockey League and was a consultant with the New York Rangers Hockey Team for over 20 years. Some of his research interests include sports recovery, exercise-induced muscle damage, musculoskeletal flexibility, injury epidemiology and rehabilitation. Dr McHugh has more than 100 publications in the sports medicine and exercise science literature and has been an invited speaker at numerous international conferences across the world.
Published Research
Yaari, L. S., Mullaney, M. J., Fukunaga, T., Thein, R., McHugh, M. P., & Nicholas, S. J. (2020). ASSESSMENT OF HUMERAL TORSION BY PALPATION IN BASEBALL PITCHERS: A VALIDATION STUDY. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 15(6), 1073–1079. https://doi.org/10.26603/ijspt20201073 Cite Download
Walters, B. L., Porter, D. A., Hobart, S. J., Bedford, B. B., Hogan, D. E., McHugh, M. M., Klein, D. A., Harousseau, K., & Nicholas, S. J. (2018). Effect of Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment on Postoperative Donor Site Knee Pain in Patellar Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(8), 1827–1835. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546518769295 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Gleim, G. W., & Nicholas, S. J. (1999). Association of KT-1000 measurements with clinical tests of knee stability 1 year following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 29(9), 540–545. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1999.29.9.540 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Gleim, G. W., & Nicholas, S. J. (1998). The effect of immediate weightbearing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 357, 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003086-199812000-00019 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Campbell, R. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2001). The association of hip strength and flexibility with the incidence of adductor muscle strains in professional ice hockey players. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 29(2), 124–128. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465010290020301 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Hershman, E. B., Nicholas, S. J., Berg, J. H., & McHugh, M. P. (2002). Evidence of abnormal anteroposterior patellar tilt in patients with patellar tendinitis with use of a new radiographic measurement. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(3), 396–401. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465020300031501 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Campbell, R. J., Donellan, S., & McHugh, M. P. (2002). The effectiveness of a preseason exercise program to prevent adductor muscle strains in professional ice hockey players. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(5), 680–683. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465020300050801 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Hershman, E. B., Glace, B. W., Mullaney, M. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2004). The effect of creatine supplementation on strength recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(2), 383–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546503261731 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nahow, R. C., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2005). Quantifying shoulder rotation weakness in patients with shoulder impingement. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 14(6), 570–574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2005.03.003 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Mirabella, M. R., Mullaney, M. J., & Nicholas, S. J. (2006). Risk factors for noncontact ankle sprains in high school football players: the role of previous ankle sprains and body mass index. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(3), 471–475. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505280429 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Mullaney, M. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2006). The role of hip muscle function in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(4), 630–636. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505281808 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Thomas, G. C., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2010). Addition of isolated wrist extensor eccentric exercise to standard treatment for chronic lateral epicondylosis: a prospective randomized trial. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 19(6), 917–922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2010.04.041 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Lee, S. J., Mullaney, M., & McHugh, M. P. (2010). Correction of posterior shoulder tightness is associated with symptom resolution in patients with internal impingement. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(1), 114–119. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546509346050 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Mullaney, M. J., Mirabella, M. R., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2014). Risk Factors for Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in High School Baseball Pitchers: The Role of Preseason Strength and Range of Motion. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(8), 1993–1999. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514535070 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Schmitt, B. M., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2017). Rehabilitation After Hamstring-Strain Injury Emphasizing Eccentric Strengthening at Long Muscle Lengths: Results of Long-Term Follow-Up. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 26(2), 131–140. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2015-0099 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Cuoco, A., Schachter, A. K., Thomas, G. C., & McHugh, M. P. (2009). The effect of scapular-retractor fatigue on external and internal rotation in patients with internal impingement. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 18(2), 229–239. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.18.2.229 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., & McHugh, M. P. (2001). Neuromuscular rehabilitation of a female Olympic ice hockey player following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 31(10), 577–587. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2001.31.10.577 Cite Download
Trakis, J. E., McHugh, M. P., Caracciolo, P. A., Busciacco, L., Mullaney, M., & Nicholas, S. J. (2008). Muscle strength and range of motion in adolescent pitchers with throwing-related pain: implications for injury prevention. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(11), 2173–2178. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546508319049 Cite Download
Sobolewski, E. J., Ryan, E. D., Thompson, B. J., McHugh, M. P., & Conchola, E. C. (2014). The influence of age on the viscoelastic stretch response. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(4), 1106–1112. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000326 Cite Download
Sileo, M. J., Lee, S. J., Kremenic, I. J., Orishimo, K., Ben-Avi, S., McHugh, M., & Nicholas, S. J. (2009). Biomechanical comparison of a knotless suture anchor with standard suture anchor in the repair of type II SLAP tears. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery: Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 25(4), 348–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2008.10.019 Cite Download
Shrier, I., & McHugh, M. (2012). Does static stretching reduce maximal muscle performance? A review. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: Official Journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, 22(5), 450–451. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0b013e31826a08ee Cite
Schumacher, H. R., Pullman-Mooar, S., Gupta, S. R., Dinnella, J. E., Kim, R., & McHugh, M. P. (2013). Randomized double-blind crossover study of the efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 21(8), 1035–1041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2013.05.009 Cite Download
Schachter, A. K., McHugh, M. P., Tyler, T. F., Kreminic, I. J., Orishimo, K. F., Johnson, C., Ben-Avi, S., & Nicholas, S. J. (2010). Electromyographic activity of selected scapular stabilizers during glenohumeral internal and external rotation contractions. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 19(6), 884–890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2010.05.015 Cite Download
Roe, M., Delahunt, E., McHugh, M., Gissane, C., Malone, S., Collins, K., & Blake, C. (2020). Association between eccentric knee flexor strength and hamstring injury risk in 185 elite Gaelic football players. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 30(3), 515–522. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13588 Cite Download
Pathare, N. P., Nicholas, S. J., Colbrunn, R., & McHugh, M. P. (2014). Kinematic analysis of the indirect femoral insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament: implications for anatomic femoral tunnel placement. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery: Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 30(11), 1430–1438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2014.07.017 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., Mullaney, M. J., Fukunaga, T., Serio, N., & McHugh, M. P. (2022). Role of Pelvis and Trunk Biomechanics in Generating Ball Velocity in Baseball Pitching. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004314 Cite Download
Orishimo, K., Shapira, A., Kremenic, I., McHugh, M., & Nicholas, S. (2021). Comparison of Hip and Low Back Loads between Normal Gait, Axillary Crutch Ambulation and Walking with a Hands-free Crutch in a Healthy Population. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 16(6), 1454–1458. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.29517 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Burstein, G., Mullaney, M. J., Kremenic, I. J., Nesse, M., McHugh, M. P., & Lee, S. J. (2008). Effect of knee flexion angle on Achilles tendon force and ankle joint plantarflexion moment during passive dorsiflexion. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery: Official Publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, 47(1), 34–39. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2007.10.008 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., & Nicholas, S. J. (2010). Adaptations in single-leg hop biomechanics following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: Official Journal of the ESSKA, 18(11), 1587–1593. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1185-2 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., Lee, S. J., McHugh, M. P., & Nicholas, S. J. (2012). Is valgus unloader bracing effective in normally aligned individuals: implications for post-surgical protocols following cartilage restoration procedures. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-012-2174-4 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Schwartz-Balle, S., Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Bedford, B. B., Lee, S. J., & Nicholas, S. J. (2018). Can Weakness in End-Range Plantar Flexion After Achilles Tendon Repair Be Prevented? Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(5), 2325967118774031. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967118774031 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., & McHugh, M. P. (2015). Effect of an eccentrically biased hamstring strengthening home program on knee flexor strength and the length-tension relationship. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(3), 772–778. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000666 Cite Download
O’Hara, D. J., Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Kwiecien, S. Y., & Bergeron, T. (2022). Use of a Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief Kit to Reduce Opioid Use Following Orthopedic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 17(5), 915–923. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.36625 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., & Gleim, G. W. (2001). The effect on leg strength of tourniquet use during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective randomized study. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery: Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 17(6), 603–607. https://doi.org/10.1053/jars.2001.24854 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., D’Amato, M. J., Mullaney, M. J., Tyler, T. F., Kolstad, K., & McHugh, M. P. (2004). A prospectively randomized double-blind study on the effect of initial graft tension on knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(8), 1881–1886. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546504265924 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Lee, S. J., Mullaney, M. J., Tyler, T. F., & McHugh, M. P. (2007). Clinical outcomes of coracoclavicular ligament reconstructions using tendon grafts. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(11), 1912–1917. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546507304715 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Nicholas, J. A., Nicholas, C., Diecchio, J. R., & McHugh, M. P. (2007). The health status of retired American football players: Super Bowl III revisited. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(10), 1674–1679. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546507302219 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Lee, S. J., Mullaney, M. J., Tyler, T. F., Fukunaga, T., Johnson, C. D., & McHugh, M. P. (2016). Functional Outcomes After Double-Row Versus Single-Row Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 4(10), 2325967116667398. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967116667398 Cite Download
Mullaney, M., Nicholas, S., Tyler, T., Fukunaga, T., & McHugh, M. (2021). Evidence Based Arm Care: The Throwers 10 Revisited. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 16(6), 1379–1386. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.29900 Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., Kwiecien, S. Y., Ioviero, N., Fink, A., & Howatson, G. (2021). Accelerated Muscle Recovery in Baseball Pitchers Using Phase Change Material Cooling. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 53(1), 228–235. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002447 Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., Donofrio, T. M., & Nicholas, S. J. (2005). Upper and lower extremity muscle fatigue after a baseball pitching performance. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(1), 108–113. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546504266071 Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., & Lee, S. J. (2006). Weakness in end-range plantar flexion after Achilles tendon repair. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(7), 1120–1125. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505284186 Cite Download
Mullaney, M., Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M., Orishimo, K., Kremenic, I., Caggiano, J., & Ramsey, A. (2011). Electromyographic analysis of the triceps surae muscle complex during achilles tendon rehabilitation program exercises. Sports Health, 3(6), 543–546. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738111416911 Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., Johnson, C. P., & Tyler, T. F. (2010). Reliability of shoulder range of motion comparing a goniometer to a digital level. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 26(5), 327–333. https://doi.org/10.3109/09593980903094230 Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2006). Concentric and eccentric muscle fatigue of the shoulder rotators. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(9), 725–729. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-872870 Cite Download
McHugh, M. P., O’Mahoney, C. A., Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., & Nicholas, S. J. (2022). Importance of Transverse Plane Flexibility for Proficiency in Golf. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(2), e49–e54. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004167 Cite Download
McHugh, M. P., Hickok, M., Cohen, J. A., Virgile, A., & Connolly, D. A. J. (2021). Is there a biomechanically efficient vertical ground reaction force profile for countermovement jumps? TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE, 4(1), 138–146. https://doi.org/10.1002/tsm2.200 Cite Download