College of Health & Human Performance

A new multi-university study, co-led by University of Florida researchers, aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies, one of the most commonly misdiagnosed forms of dementia. Supported by a $2.5 million grant from the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the project will evaluate promising new biomarker tests designed to detect the disease earlier and more accurately. By comparing multiple diagnostic approaches and linking them to patient symptoms, researchers hope to improve clinical decision-making, guide future treatments and provide faster answers for patients and families.

A new University of Florida study highlights how supportive leadership can improve employee well-being and encourage innovation across the sports industry. Surveying employees from major professional leagues and Division I athletic departments, researchers found that approachable, open-minded supervisors help create psychological safety — an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up, taking risks and sharing ideas. That sense of trust was linked to greater well-being and fulfillment at work. The findings suggest that inclusive leadership can help sports organizations address persistent challenges like burnout and turnover while fostering the creativity needed to remain competitive.

A new University of Florida study suggests that baseball players who competed in high school track may have an overlooked advantage in professional baseball. Researchers found that these multi-sport athletes performed better professionally than players who specialized solely in baseball, yet MLB teams did not appear to value track experience in draft selections or signing bonuses. The findings highlight how skills developed through track, including speed, explosiveness and timing, can translate to baseball performance. The research challenges assumptions about early sport specialization while identifying a potential opportunity for teams seeking undervalued talent.