PRIMA: Performance and Research
Initiative for Masters Athletes

Maximizing the athletic performance of elite and recreational athletes over age 40 is the passion — and the goal — of PRIMA, UPMC Center for Sports Medicine's unique program providing PRIMAcritical support for mature athletes to keep them fit, functional, and performing their best.

Founded and directed by UPMC Center for Sports Medicine orthopaedic surgeon Vonda Wright, MD, all PRIMA services are designed to help adults maintain or increase physical performance while minimizing risk of injury. PRIMA offers the expertise of many additional UPMC Center for Sports Medicine specialists, including Sports Performance director Ron DeAngelo, Mental Training director Aimee Kimball, PhD. and Sports Nutrition director Leslie Bonci, RD.

UPMC Sports Medicine provides the comprehensive clinical care, training, and counseling designed to maximize athletic performance of elite and recreational athletes over the age of 40, offering the following services:

  • Pre-performance physical evaluation, injury assessment, and orthopaedic care
  • Cardiovascular fitness assessment
  • Advanced peak performance assessment and customized program design
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Mental coaching
  • Research participation
  • Sport-specific kinetics and sport efficiency evaluation

Everyone over age 40 interested in becoming or staying active can benefit from UPMC's program for masters athletes. Elite athletes, recreational athletes, or generally fit and active people can maintain or increase their performance and prevent injuries. PRIMA also offers programs for adult-onset exercisers or those wishing to increase their activity and become fit.

PRIMA Athlete

PRIMA Athlete is designed to maximize performance and minimize injury in the fit and elite athlete over age 40. Each athlete will benefit from an individual assessment of their physical fitness level and performance, strength, nutrition, mental fitness, and injury profile utilizing the performance resources available at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. This data will then be used to develop and implement a unique program to maximize the athlete's individual competitive edge.

PRIMA START Program

Developed by the PRIMA program, this 12-week program helps independent adults progress towards a fit and healthy lifestyle through education and guided physical activity. By the end of the program participants will understand the components of and methods for achieving a fit lifestyle and will participate in a 5K (3.1 mile) walk/run.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with a physician or other Sports Medicine expert, call 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).

UPMC Center for Sports Medicine
3200 S. Water St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

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