Digital Commons Network^™

Evolution And Assessment Of Employee/Workplace Services, David L. Groves

Visions in Leisure and Business

No abstract provided.

Using Phenomenology To Investigate Digital Experience: An Empathic-Somatic Approach, Bismark Wiafe Bimpong, William Kesse Bimpong, Mercy Egyir Kwakye

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

This conceptual paper proposes the Empathic-Somatic Approach as a methodological contribution for conducting phenomenological research on digital technology experiences. The Empathic-Somatic Approach does not replace existing phenomenological methods but enriches them by operationalizing the insight that we understand others through our own bodies as instruments of empathy. The paper first establishes the essential philosophical and methodological foundations of phenomenology needed to situate this contribution, then develops the Empathic-Somatic Approach in detail, and finally provides practical guidance for its implementation in digital technology research. This approach offers researchers in fields such as human-computer interaction, digital health, and information systems a principled …

Aligning Sport Management Programs With The Evolving Needs Of Hopeful Intercollegiate Athletic Administrators., Kelly P. Elliott, Don Rockey

The COSMA Journal

Pathways to becoming an Athletic Director (AD) vary considerably across intercollegiate athletics, highlighting the need for sport management programs to better align academic preparation with evolving professional expectations. While prior research has explored AD roles across NCAA divisions, limited attention has been given to how academic curricula and experiential learning opportunities support students pursuing these careers. This study examines differences in sport management curricula and experiential offerings across programs affiliated with Division I FBS, Division I FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA institutions. Two research questions guided the study: (1) What differences exist in required coursework across divisions? and …

Beyond The Classroom: Leveraging Community Engaged Learning To Teach Corporate Social Responsibility In Sport Management, Amanda Greene Dr., Charles Jones, Natalie Smith

The COSMA Journal

This manuscript presents a case study exploring the use of community engaged learning (CEL) to teach corporate social responsibility (CSR) in an upper-level sport management course. The purpose of this study is to examine how participation in a semester long community engaged learning experience influences student understanding of corporate social responsibility, civic identity, and theory-to-practice application. Students partnered with a local nonprofit affiliated with a professional sport organization to design and execute a donor engagement event addressing youth needs in the community. Guided by experiential learning theory, the course emphasized out-of-classroom learning, industry mentorship, and reflective practice. A longitudinal qualitative …

Measuring Strategic Plans In Cosma Accredited Programs, Coral Bender, Michael Smucker, Zachary Beldon, Jay Jisha, Dene Williamson

The COSMA Journal

Strategic planning is an important part of ensuring efficiency across industries, despite this, many struggle with writing measurable and appropriately aligned strategic planning documents. Summatively, strategic planning documents should be a guiding force for all things, including budgeting. The present paper analyzes every Operational Effectiveness Goal (OEG) and corresponding measure made publicly available for COSMA Accredited programs during the 2023-2024 reporting to gain a better understanding of what accredited sport management programs priorities in the measurement of their strategic plans. Emphases on community affiliations and feedback as well as a reliance on institutional level data emerged. Practical applications for sport …

Antitrust Law And Healthcare Consolidation: Case Analyses Of U.S. Hospital And Insurance Mergers, Francesca Meek

Honors Projects

Rising healthcare costs in the United States have intensified concerns about hospital consolidation and its effects on market competition. This paper examines the application of antitrust law to horizontal mergers involving hospitals and health insurers, focusing on how courts evaluate proposed mergers under Section 7 of the Clayton Act. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study analyzes eight major federal antitrust cases from the past two decades to determine how courts assess market concentration, competitive effects, and merger defenses.

The findings show that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) were successful in six of the …

Turf Toe And Sesamoid Fracture Case Study, Mason Cannon

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE This case presents the evaluation and management of a 15-year-old male multi-sport high school athlete. The athlete initially sustained a turf toe injury that progressed into a sesamoid fracture. This report showcases the clinical findings, treatment progression, and outcomes within a disablement model framework.

Prevalence Of Low Energy Availability (Lea) Risk In Division Iii Female Distance Athletes, Ciara Murphy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of LEA among division III female distance athletes.

The Effectiveness Of An Educational Program On Young Swimmers Water Consumption And Dry Land Exercises, Maria Thibodeaux, Shelby Bay, Maddie Hoyt, Elizabeth Starns, Elizabeth Nix

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/CONTEXT Although shown to improve performance, many young swimmers are reluctant to participate in dry land exercises.¹ They are also more likely to become dehydrated than their non-swimming counterparts, suggesting they are not adequately hydrating during activity and throughout their day.² Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of a four-week educational program on dry land exercises and water consumption.

From Focal Chondral Defect To Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation In An Active Adult: A Case Study, Zoey Scott

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Present a clinical case detailing the undetermined consequential factors associated with FCD progression  in athletic populations, and the subsequent challenges.

Post-Surgical Dislocations: A Latarjet Procedure, Brianagh Dean, Kimberly S. Peer

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

BACKGROUND The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, with an incidence rate of 40.4 per 100,000 in men and 15.5 per 100,000 women. Recurrence rates following a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation range from 33-40%, particularly among adolescent collision-sport athletes. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is performed to address anterior instability, however recurrent instability may occur in the presence of glenoid bone loss. The Latarjet surgery is indicated in cases of recurrent anterior instability with significant bony deficiency, functioning through a triple-blocking mechanism increasing glenoid surface area via coracoid transfer, creating a dynamic sling effect from the conjoined …

Oral Contraceptives Rate Of Reduction On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Females: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paige Trent, Sara Stiltner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur more frequently in females than males, with estimates suggesting a 2-10 greater likelihood of females to sustain this trauma.3 FIFA issued a recent call to action encouraging further investigation into why females are still predisposed to this trauma.2 ACL incident rate is highest amongst females between 14–18-years-old with approximately 227.6 exposures per 100,000 persons per year.1 Multifactorial influences are suggested as predisposing risk factors including anatomical or hormonal components.1 Growing interest in hormonal contributions has led researchers to examine how fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact ligamentous integrity.8

Estrogen receptors are …

Case Report: Chronic Peroneal Subluxation, Natalie Weissman, Morgan Cooper Bagley, Colin Reidy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The case study presented explores the sign, symptoms, and unique treatment of a patient with a chronic peroneal subluxation of the right ankle. The clinical evaluation showed full range of motion with visible peroneal tendon movement over the right lateral malleolus. Surgery was not done or recommended; a four-phase rehabilitation with a return to play protocol was used. This case showed how rehabilitation through a non-surgical approach is still achievable.

The Effect Of Taper On Scapular Positioning In Division Iii Collegiate Swimmers, Maddie Hoyt, Elizabeth Starns, Andrew Busch

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Scapular asymmetry and lateral translation are prevalent in competitive swimmers due to the repetitive overhead nature of the sport.^1,2 Additionally, ambiguity exists in the reliability of non-invasive scapular assessments. First, this study aimed to compare differences in scapular positioning during the competitive swimming season to the tapered season. The tapered season is marked by a significant decrease in intensity.^3,4,5 Second, this study aimed to determine the reliability of three commonly used scapular assessments.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Autograft Reconstruction Outcomes In Adolescents And Young Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic, Klevione D. Brown, River A. Hamilton, Elizabeth A. Starns

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common serious knee injuries seen in high school and college-aged athletes.¹ Many athletes opt for surgical reconstruction because ACL injuries often result in knee instability and impair their ability to return to play in their sport.² There are three primary types of autografts used in reconstruction: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts.³ It is important to determine if a graft type has better return-to-play outcomes for adolescent and young adult athletes.

Sport-Related Concussion Incidents Across Sports, Surfaces, And Injury Mechanisms: A Retrospective Analysis Of A Digital Concussion Database, Justin Belle, Jay Alberts, Jason Cruickshank, Richard Figler, Kelsey Owen, Sami Rifat

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/CONTEXT Sport-related concussion (SRC) represents a significant injury burden in youth athletics. Advances in digital injury surveillance platforms allow for large-scale clinical databases that may provide insight into injury mechanisms, sport distribution, and management patterns. The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution of concussion-related incidents across sports, playing surfaces, and mechanisms of injury using data from a prospectively maintained clinical concussion database.

Dysautonomia In Adolescent Athletes With Persistent Post‑Concussion Complaints, Jason A. Cruickshank

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Dysautonomia is dysfunction in autonomic nervous system manifesting following concussion, contributing to Persistent Post‑Concussion Complaints (PPCC).^1,5 Patients with dysautonomia may present with dizziness, tachycardia, postural intolerance, headaches, cognitive fog, and activity/exercise intolerance.^1,5 Recognition of autonomic involvement is essential to recovery and preventing prolonged symptoms^.1,5

The Effectiveness Of A Mental Health Literacy Webpage For Parents, Coaches, And Athletic Trainers, Mackenzie Warner, Kimberly Peer, Hannah Harnar, David Dees

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

INTRODUCTION Mental health illnesses continue to emerge as a major public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Secondary school student-athletes face unique pressures related to academics, athletic performance, time management, injuries, and social expectations, all of which may contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health conditions. However, there is limited research that explores secondary school student-athletes and how mental health affects their everyday lives. This could be due to the lack of mental health literacy in the individuals who surround secondary school student-athletes, including parents, coaches, and athletic trainers. Increasing their understanding of mental health literacy …

Understanding Athletic Trainer's Knowledge And Perceptions Of Mental Health Best Practices: A Mixed-Methods Study, Chelsea Pasukinis, Yvette Ingram, Malissa Martin, Robert B. Krueger

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Mental health disorders are increasing in our society. Research on athletic trainers' (AT) knowledge and perception of mental health disorders, and whether policies are developed and used, is limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate AT’s knowledge of mental health illness, current policies and procedures, and the perceptions ATs have of mental health.

A Case Report Of Blunt Renal Trauma In A High School Football Athlete, Mariah Reeder

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Blunt abdominal trauma in football athletes is uncommon but carries significant risk for internal organ injury and hemorrhage. Although sport-related renal injuries are rare, a significant portion of them are high-grade (IV-V) and may require advanced medical intervention if not recognized promptly.¹ Symptoms may initially appear benign, such as “having the wind knocked out,” increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis. Athletic trainers often serve as first responders and play a critical role in early recognition, on-field management, and prompt referral for advanced medical care. This case highlights athletic trainer led clinical decision making and interdisciplinary coordination following blunt …

Assessment Of A Middle School Return To Learn Concussion Protocol, Aaron Yaksich, Laura L. Harris

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly implemented return to learn (RTL) concussion protocol in an adolescent athletic population.

Challenging The Standard: A Case Report Of Postpartum Rehabilitation Prior To Return To High-Intensity Functional Training, Aly Matejka

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Postpartum athletes frequently attempt to return to high-intensity training without graded rehabilitation of the deep core and pelvic floor complex, contributing to urinary incontinence, impaired load transfer, unresolved diastasis recti, and decreased performance capacity. Despite increasing participation of postpartum individuals in high-load functional training, there is limited applied literature outlining structured, criterion-based return-to-exercise progressions that address breathing mechanics, pelvic floor function, and force development prior to reintroduction of impact and resistance training. This case report describes the implementation of a 15-week postpartum rehabilitation and return-to-training protocol designed to restore neuromuscular control, muscular endurance and strength, and impact tolerance prior …

A Post-Professional Athletic Training Education Module For Detecting Skin Conditions In Diverse Skin Tones, Lauren Oskam, Laura L. Harris

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE To develop and evaluate a learning module designed to improve athletic trainers’ proficiency in identifying skin conditions commonly acquired in the sport of wrestling across diverse skin tones.

Awareness And Perceived Benefits Of Ai Assistive Technology In Ghana’S Inclusive Education: An Exploratory And Context-Specific Study, Isaac Amoako, Vera Arhin, Eric Abodey, Daniel Gyapong Nimo

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Background: Education experts have consistently emphasized that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education presents a range of transformative possibilities, including personalized learning, real-time feedback, automation of routine tasks, analysis of learner needs, and adaptability to the pace and requirements of individual students. While many Ghanaian teachers are increasingly familiar with generative AI tools, there remains a noticeable gap in awareness regarding AI-powered assistive technologies and their potential as a catalyst for advancing the nation’s inclusive education agenda. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the level of awareness among teachers concerning the use of AI-powered assistive technologies in supporting …

Contemplative Classrooms For Ecological Wisdom: Reimagining K-12 Education In Pakistan, China, And Beyond, Maha Shoaib, Jing Lin, Yueyue Wang

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

This paper explores the transformative potential of contemplative environmental education in addressing the growing disconnection between humans and the natural world, particularly within K-12 education systems shaped by anthropocentric and capitalist paradigms. Modern schooling often frames nature as an object of study, rather than a sacred, living presence, contributing to ecological alienation amid intensifying environmental crises. We propose a radical shift toward contemplative, holistic education that draws on spiritual, Indigenous, and ecological knowledge systems. Grounded in Daoist philosophy, Islamic teachings on stewardship, Hindu ethics, and Indigenous worldviews, we reimagine education as a relational and sacred engagement with the Earth. We …

Reimagining Masculinities Through Australian Indigenous Pedagogies, Ben Campbell, Anna Rumjahn

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

In the face of intersecting ecological crises and persistent gender inequality, this paper explores how dominant norms of masculinity—marked by control, detachment, conquest, and other ideals rooted in Western, hegemonic paradigms—contribute to environmental degradation. Drawing on ecofeminist theory, Australian Indigenous pedagogies, and contemplative education, we examine how relational, place-based approaches may offer transformative alternatives for boys in schooling contexts. Central to this inquiry is the Learning from Country framework, which positions land as teacher and emphasizes practices of deep listening, reciprocity, and ethical engagement with the more-than-human world.

We argue that this pedagogical approach challenges dominant masculinities by fostering care …

Challenging Stem Learning Spaces: The Paradigm Of Contemplative Traditions As The Bedrock Of Creativity And Healing, Raaghav Pandya, Christopher Emdin

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

As the post-pandemic classroom and pedagogy evolve to remedy oppressive norms, young people’s mental health and alienation has taken front stage (Rahmani & Zitouni, 2022). Traditional STEM learning spaces often teach inquiry as a linear, non-deviated approach to problems about self and nature (Hrisa & Psillos, 2022). Furthermore, because our classrooms often strip students and educators of their inherent creative abilities through constant assessments, improvement scales, and market-driven expectations, classrooms cease to become places of healing (Pandya, 2021). Eastern wisdom traditions and their associated philosophies provide a unique pedagogical lens that emphasizes a deep inquiry into self, empathy, and creativity …

Journeys Of Two Children From West To East: Notes Of A Teacher-Parent, Katherine E. Khan Dr

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

This essay, explores the transformative educational journeys of two children across five countries, viewed through the dual lens of a teacher and parent. Grounded in the principles of Contemplative Education (CE), it draws on over two decades of the author’s experience in global education, weaving personal and professional insights into a narrative that examines how context, culture, and pedagogy intersect in shaping young learners.

The journey begins in the inquiry-rich, nature-based kindergartens of Germany and the nurturing early primary years of the United Kingdom, moves through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary and Middle Years Programmes, and Big Picture education in …

Teachers As Wisdom Workers Of Love: A Radical Reconceptualization Of Teacher Education Centering Wholeness, Compassion, And Interbeing In A Fractured World, Yueyue Wang, Jing Lin, Maha Shoaib, Anna Lytkina

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

Amid global crises and rising teacher burnout, current teacher education often prioritizes technical skills and standardized competencies while neglecting the inner life, relational presence, and spiritual vitality essential for sustaining educators. This article reconceptualizes teacher preparation by envisioning teachers as “wisdom workers of love” -- healers, guides, and community nurturers grounded in wholeness, compassion, and interbeing. Drawing from Daoism, Ubuntu, contemplative pedagogy, and Indigenous epistemologies, this study employs collaborative autoethnography as contemplative inquiry, weaving narratives from educators in China, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. Through mutual witnessing and collective reflection, we identify five interrelated dimensions for cultivating love-based education: …

Reimagining Teacher-Student Relationships In Schools: What Does Mencius Say?, Ruo-Han Wang, Charles Scott

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

In some K-12 educational settings, it is often assumed that teachers are the ones who deliver and guide, while students are the ones who are delivered and guided. As a result, both in common perception and practical operations, teachers typically hold more power than students, acting as both the possessors and executers of authority. While this inherent power imbalance in traditional schools is understandable, it can create fundamental situations that remain unresolved, representing an ontological problem in education . These fundamental issues have persisted in causing trauma in educational settings (Frieze, 2015), and the need for healing for both students …