Exercise Physiology Commons^™

Sacroiliac Dysfunction In A Middle-Aged Female Runner: A Case Study, Blair Bradshaw

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Research has indicated an increased prevalence of low back pain (LBP) due to SIJ dysfunction, with some reports suggesting it is the main source of pain in 15- 30% of cases. Women are more prone to incidence of SIJ pain due to a wider, more uneven, less curved, and posteriorly rotated sacrum. Additionally, women have increased mobility at the SIJ which increases stress and shear loading. Repetitive loading such as running can further contribute to SIJ dysfunction. Research suggests that female runners with SIJ pain had common biomechanical patterns putting them at more risk for injury including decreased knee …

Breaking Barriers: Disparities Among Minority Collegiate Athletes In Concussion Reporting, Josette Villanueva, Melissa Long

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Concussions are a serious concern in sports medicine because of their potential long-term effects on cognitive and neurological health. However, many athletes, especially those from minority groups, hesitate to report symptoms due to fears of being sidelined, pressure to keep playing, and challenges like limited access to education, language barriers, and distrust in healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the barriers to concussion reporting among Division I collegiate athletes, with a particular focus on demographic differences, particularly racial and ethnic disparities. The goal was to identify key factors that hinder self-reporting and to propose strategies …

Hyoid Bone Fracture In A Division 1 Football Player: A Conservative Management Case Study, Kynnedy Louis, Andrew Crane, Mark Knoblauch, Layci Harrison

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The hyoid bone plays an important role in speaking, swallowing, and supporting the tongue. Hyoid bone fractures account for 0.002% of all fractures and are typically seen in cases dealing with strangulations or a blunt force trauma such as occurs from vehicle accidents or martial arts injuries. Signs and symptoms of hyoid fractures can include dyspnea, pharyngeal tear, or subcutaneous emphysema, and if not recognized early can significantly damage the airway. Patient Information: A 23-year-old male collegiate football player sustained blunt trauma to the anterior part of his neck due to a tackle forcing the helmet chin strap against …

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Compared To Common Flexor Tendon Repair With Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Series, Amanda Dubois, Melissa Long

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is found in the medial aspect of the elbow joint capsule and is commonly injured in baseball pitchers. The common flexor tendon (CFT) is also found in the medial elbow and is less commonly injured. Both structures are key in overhead throwing, repaired via surgery, and injured due to valgus stress placed on the elbow. There is research on UCL injuries but very little on CFT injuries. There is not substantial research on the return to play protocol or rehabilitation process for either of these two structures after surgery. Patient Information: The patients for …

Overcoming Thoracic Outlet Syndrome In A Young Athlete: A Case Study, Cormia Lewis, Christina Fry, Mark Knoblauch, Layci Harrison

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a rare and complex condition caused by the compression of neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. TOS is estimated to affect 3 to 80 individuals per 1,000,000 annually, with neurogenic TOS accounting for approximately 95% of cases. Athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions are at higher risk due to increased stress on the brachial plexus. Diagnosis can be challenging as symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness, often mimic other conditions such as nerve entrapment or tendon pathologies. Treatment for TOS typically begins with a conservative approach, including postural correction and strengthening, activity modification, …

Impressions And Gastrointestinal Tolerance Of An Electrolyte Hydration Beverage Among Individuals Participating In Collegiate Baseball, S. Andrew Cage, Alexander Jacobsen, Brandon Warner, Jessie Gibson, Derek Lege, Robert French

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Performing physical activity in numerous environmental conditions often results in mild to moderate dehydration. Dehydration can be problematic for the physically active population, as it can lead to decreases in physical and cognitive performance. This places emphasis on making sure individuals are properly hydrated during exercise. One of the barriers to appropriate hydration behaviors that has been identified in physically active individuals is a dislike of available hydration options. This highlights the need for sports medicine professionals to provide physically active individuals with appealing hydration options. Currently there is a lack of research exploring the flavor appeal of hydration …

Athletic Trainers’ Motivations For And Satisfaction With Transition To The Physician Practice Setting, Abigail G. Overstreet, Nicolette A. Harris, Cailee E. Welch Bacon

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

An increasing number of athletic trainers are transitioning from traditional settings, such as secondary schools, colleges, universities, and professional sports, to physician practice. Although research suggests athletic trainers may be changing settings in search of better working conditions, little is known about their motivations for and satisfaction with the setting transition. The objective of this research was to explore athletic trainers’ motivations for and satisfaction with transition to the physician practice setting. A qualitative design was used to collect and interpret data. Eleven certified athletic trainers (6 women, 5 men; age 1⁄4 38.5 6 10.0 years) who transitioned from a …

Trust, Culture, And Conversation: How Athletic Training Leaders Navigate High-Stakes Interactions, Nicole A. Wilkins, Ashley B. Thrasher, Ericka P. Zimmerman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Engaging in difficult conversations is central to leadership growth and requires sustained effort to refine and strengthen these skills. Leaders not only need to navigate the complexities of their role within an organization, but also the intersectionality of interpersonal dynamics, emotional intelligence, structural hierarchies, and the nuanced environments that influence how communication occurs. Furthermore, leaders must adapt to role expectations that shift across clinical, academic, and administrative contexts, adjusting their approach to engaging in conversations based on these complexities. As part of a larger research project examining difficult conversations, this portion of the study explored how leaders in athletic …

Integrating Wearable Technologies Into Athletic Training: Bridging Innovation And Clinical Practice, Michael Douglas

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Athletic training is entering a transformative period driven by the convergence of wearable technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced biomechanical modeling. Historically, wearable technology in sport was primarily used for performance tracking, including workload monitoring, heart rate assessment, and movement quantification. However, advances in sensor accuracy and data analytics have expanded the clinical relevance of wearable systems, allowing athletic trainers to monitor fatigue markers, movement asymmetry, and neuromuscular control patterns that inform injury risk and rehabilitation progression. Wearable sensor technologies provide objective data that can support clinical decision-making when integrated with traditional evaluation methods.¹Despite these advancements, wearable technologies present persistent …

Recurrent Lateral Patellar Dislocation After Mpfl Repair With Subsequent Tibial Tubercle Anteromedialization And Concomiant Mpfl Reconstruction, Jacob Hardy, Anthony Thomas Drazick, Joshua Pratt, Jeremy M. Burnham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Patellar instability is a common knee pathology, particularly among adolescents and young adults, with reported incidence rates ranging from 7 to 77 per 100,000 person-years. Following an initial patellar dislocation, recurrence rates have been reported as high as 86%, particularly in patients with underlying anatomic risk factors. Identification of the multifactorial contributors to patellar instability is critical to guide appropriate management and prevent recurrent episodes. Common pathoanatomic factors associated with recurrent instability include trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, lateralized tibial tubercle, coronal or torsional malalignment, and abnormal patellar shift. This case report describes a patient who presented with a chronic …

Improving Entry-Level Athletic Training Student Confidence In Emergency Care: A Pilot Study, Michele Pye, Cade Watts, John Hunt, Kimberly Pritchard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Immediate and emergency care is essential to athletic training education and clinical practice. Athletic training students (ATS) may have limited exposure to emergencies during their clinical experiences, which can undermine their confidence. AT educators can improve ATS confidence and clinical reasoning using a simulation-based, learner-centered SNAPPS approach. SNAPPS consists of Summarizing the history and findings, Narrowing and Analyzing the differential diagnoses, Probing peers about uncertainties or confusion, Planning management, and Selecting case-related knowledge gaps for self-directed learning. This empowers students to control the learning environment while adding realism to encounters. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine …

Performance On The Timed Single-Leg Step-Down Test Is Correlated With Hip And Knee Biomechanics As Measured By 3d Markerless Motion Capture, Ghislain Aminake, Anthony Drazick, Christ Focht, Chloe Roy, Emily Clark, Savannah Knighton, Edward Austin, Jeremy Burnham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The timed single-leg step-down (SLSD) test is widely used in clinical and sports settings to assess lower extremity function and injury risk, yet the specific biomechanical determinants of performance on this test remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between performance on the timed SLSD test and hip and knee biomechanics captured by a markerless 3-D motion-analysis system. Methods: Twenty (20) healthy high school athletes with no recent history of lower extremity injury completed a 60-second timed single leg step down test. The number of quality SLSD repetitions (REPS) constituted their SLSD score. …

The Emerging And Evolving Evidence Supporting Creatine As An Ergogenic Aid: History And Applications, Chad Kerksick, Drew Gonzalez, Jeffrey Stout, Scott Forbes, Darren Candow, Tim Ziegenfuss, Ronald Marshall, René Schwesig, Richard Kreider

Faculty Scholarship

Background

Creatine is one of the most extensively studied ergogenic aids, with over three decades of research supporting its role in exercise performance, recovery, and health.

Methods

This narrative review summarizes the historical development of creatine supplementation and evaluates evidence regarding its mechanisms, efficacy across active, athletic populations (e.g. strength, endurance, team-sport), and tactical (e.g. military, law enforcement) populations, and its safety profile.

Results

The evidence suggests that creatine enhances phosphocreatine resynthesis and cellular energy availability, resulting in consistent improvements in high-intensity exercise performance, training adaptations, lean body mass, strength, and power. Additional findings indicate that creatine may attenuate exercise-induced …

Impact Of Powdered Tart Cherry Supplementation On Performance Recovery Following Repeated Sprint Exercise, Anthony M. Hagele, Kyle S. Levers, Kevin F. Holley, Alex C. Schrautemeier, Joesi M. Krieger, Joshua M. Iannotti, Connor J. Gaige, Ralf Jäger, Chad Kerksick

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Due to its high polyphenol content and purported capability to mitigate post-exercise muscle soreness and promote recovery, tart cherry (TC) supplementation has been proposed to enhance recovery and athletic performance. This study examined the effects of powdered TC supplementation on various recovery and performance metrics following a repeated sprint exercise protocol in physically active young adults.

Methods: 40 (18 M, 22 F) healthy, active participants (24.6 ± 5.5 yrs, 171.5 ± 11 cm, 71.7 ± 14.5 kg, 24.2 ± 3.1 kg·m−2) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study design. Placebo (PLA) or powdered TC supplementation (500 …

The Effect Of Sleep Environment On Sleep Quality And Behavior In Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional Study, Jacquelyn N. Zera, Erica Esper, Anna Peluso Simonson, Ashley N. Clausen, Serena Paterno

2026 Faculty Bibliography

Firefighters face high-stress occupational demands and irregular shift work that negatively impact sleep quality, which is intrinsically linked to long-term physical and psychological health. This cross-sectional study examines how the physical sleep environment (home vs. work) and station sleeping arrangements (bunk-style vs. individual dorm-style quarters) influence subjective sleep quality in this population. Sixty-six career firefighters (Age = 40.89 ± 11.05 years), completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess their sleep in both home and fire station environments, with data analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Mann–Whitney U tests. The results reveal significant differences (p < 0.001), with sleep duration, efficiency, subjective quality, and global PSQI scores all performing significantly better at home than at work. Notably, no significant differences were found between bunk-style and dorm-style sleeping quarters at the station. These findings suggest that firefighters experience poorer sleep while on duty regardless of room design, indicating that operational stressors like call volume and nocturnal arousal may be more influential on sleep quality than the physical arrangement of sleeping quarters, and could inform organizational policies and wellness programs aimed at reducing occupational fatigue.

Ultrasound-Derived Liver Composition And Metabolic Flexibility Under Exercise Stress, Rhodes Van Houten

All Master's Theses

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is characterized by abnormal liver fat accumulation in conjunction with metabolic syndromes. MAFLD affects 33% of individuals worldwide, though little is known about how increased liver fat impacts physiological responses to exercise. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between liver composition and metabolic flexibility during a graded exercise test.  Body composition was analyzed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Liver ultrasound was evaluated for echogenicity, where elevated mean gray volume (MGV) indicates abnormal liver tissue. Rates of fat (FATox) and carbohydrate (CHOox) oxidation (g/min), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate concentrations ([LA^-], …

Ultrasound-Based Assessment Of Talar Cartilage In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review, Amin Mohammadi, Saeed Eshghi, Iman Mohammadi, Patrick Wilson, Ryan Mccann

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Purpose

To systematically synthesize ultrasound (US) evidence on talar cartilage morphology and load-induced deformation in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), and to map methodological approaches (acquisition, outcome definitions, loading paradigms, and normalization) to inform protocol standardization.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO were searched (March 31, 2025). Eligible studies reported quantitative US-derived talar cartilage morphology (e.g., thickness, cross-sectional area [CSA]) and/or deformation following standardized loading in CAI and comparison groups. Due to heterogeneity in imaging protocols, loading tasks, and outcome definitions, findings were synthesized narratively and organized by outcome domain.

Results

Across available cohorts, load-induced deformation was the …

An Exploratory Analysis Of The Role Of Sex In Load Carriage, Rachel E. Perez, Dustin R. Slivka, Brent C. Ruby

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Axially loaded weight may impose a metabolic demand equivalent to that of fat mass (FM) during load carriage. Males (M) typically have a lower body fat percentage than females (F), resulting in metabolic demand differences during load carriage that may be mitigated by accounting for FM in pack loads. PURPOSE: To determine whether normalizing pack load to FM equalizes metabolic cost across sexes during load carriage. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants (14M, 23 ± 5 y, 1.81 ± 0.07 m, 78.7 ± 10.0 kg, 12.7 ± 5.4% body fat, VO₂peak 4.18 ± 0.54 L·min^-1; 14F, 22 ± 4 …