Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Electrical Stimulation And Localized Heat After Dry Needling Treatment To Reduce Low Back Pain, Morgan M. Mersola, Amanda Hawkes, Adam Mendenhall

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a musculoskeletal condition that often leads to reduced quality of life, prompting the need for effective conservative interventions such as dry needling (DN). A randomized controlled pilot study involving 12 participants was conducted at a physical therapy clinic.

Methods: The final subject pool consisted of a convenience sample of adults with CLBP lasting > 3 months. Participants were randomly assigned to either a dry needling-only group (DNO) or a dry needling plus modalities group (DN+M). The DNO group received a single dry needling treatment located at various sites along the multifidus by a physical …

Achieving Total Health Using Food To Heal: A Podcast On A Holistic Approach To Nutrition, Taylor Sharer

Senior Theses

Nutrition is the key to a healthy and happy life. In a world where chronic, avoidable diseases are the leading cause of death, it is necessary to educate the public on how they can improve their overall health and wellbeing using food. Every aspect of health is interconnected, and what we eat can create massive changes in our health. My project focuses on holistic nutrition, providing an easily accessible, science-based and informative discourse about how to reach health and wellness goals through a podcast. Using personalized experience combined with current research, I discuss topics such as whole foods, individualized nutrition, …

The Effect Of Grape Seed Extract Against The Formation Of S.Aureus Biofilms In A Clinical Setting, Srestha Samaddar

Senior Theses

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, poses a serious threat to public health and clinical care. A major contributor to the persistence of these infections is the formation of bacterial biofilms, structured communities that protect S. aureus from antibiotics and immune responses, especially on surgical sites and medical devices. As conventional treatments become less effective, interest in alternative, natural antimicrobial agents has increased, due to public dissatisfaction with conventional medicine and a growing trust in complementary and alternative medicine. Grape seed extract (GSE), a polyphenol-rich byproduct of winemaking, has emerged as a promising candidate …

Music As A Coping Mechanism: Clinical Implications Of How College Students Utilize Music To Cope With Anxiety, Depression, And Daily Stressors, Karly Pikel

Senior Theses

Many college students face stress, anxiety, and/or depression in their daily lives which they cope with in their own ways. Listening to music or playing an instrument are particularly powerful forms of coping that can have a plethora of positive effects on an individual. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey amongst the University of South Carolina student body to determine how they utilize music to cope in their daily lives. Of 847 respondents, almost all of them reported experiencing some extent of anxiety and/or stress and listening to music to help them cope. Respondents agreed that …

”To Be Or Not To Be – It’S Good”: Actor And Student Experiences In A Drama Club For People With Aphasia, Jade K. Hannan

Senior Theses

Individuals with aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language network, confront a variety of social and emotional struggles. While leaving their cognition largely intact, aphasia tremendously impacts a person’s ability to communicate confidently, fracturing their social network and contributing to feelings of loneliness and frustration. To address this persistent need in the chronic aphasia population, the Play on Words drama club at the University of South Carolina provides a forum for people with aphasia (PWA) to engage in dramatic exercises focused on non-verbal communication of emotions, ideas, and stories, culminating the production of an original devised play. …

Motivations Behind The Rise And Success Of Homeopathy In India, Kavya Patchipulusu

Senior Theses

Homeopathy is a form of medicine that is incredibly controversial and is often labeled as a fraudulent, placebo effect drug, that can have potentially dangerous side effects. This is the picture that is painted of homeopathy in the United States and many other countries in which these medicines are banned in distribution or highly unregulated. In contrast, India has popularized and well-integrated homeopathy into their medical systems with government backing and consistent funding towards accredited homeopathic institutions and funding hospital systems. This paper will explore the circumstances and health care dynamics of India that allowed homeopathy to gain the level …

Employers’ Perceptions Of And Experiences Working With Residency-Trained Athletic Trainers, C E. Welch Bacon, J M. Cavallario, L E. Eberman, J J. Wetherington, F Q. Pecha, B L. Van Lunen

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Athletic trainers (ATs) who complete accredited residency training in a specialty area are considered clinical specialists, yet more information is needed to determine whether they are practicing within the higher capacity expected of a specialist. While some quantitative evidence demonstrating the value of residency-trained ATs on patient satisfaction, patient throughput, and the financial impact specific to the physician practice setting exists, residency training is not limited to only ATs who want to provide services in physician practice. Moreover, as accredited athletic training residency programs continue to emerge, it is increasingly important to understand key stakeholders’ perceptions of residency-trained ATs …

Athletic Training Preceptors’ Experience With Interprofessional Education And Collaborative Practice In The Clinical Learning Environment, A Bender

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Professional athletic training (AT) programs are now required to align their educational curricula with the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) core competencies, preparing students to work in dynamic, interprofessional healthcare teams to strategically address patient outcomes. Although interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP) is commonly implemented in didactic settings, our understanding of how IPECP is implemented by AT preceptors in various clinical settings is limited. The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of AT preceptors’ experience with IPECP and how they implement this with students in their clinical settings. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was used …

The Validity And Reliability Of Assessments Through Telemedicine: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Connor L. Givens, Gabrielle A. Griffin, Matthew D. Johnson, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The validity and reliability of telemedicine assessments has been explored through numerous studies. Telemedicine is a diagnostic tool that combines visual technology, audio technology, and tools for assessment. The assessment of musculoskeletal disorders is a key portion in the field of athletic training. The development of telemedicine assessment tools has improved over time but has not yet been perfected. Data was collected via four databases that included articles examining validity, inter- and intra- rater reliability, and telemedicine assessment for musculoskeletal tests. The reviews of the systematic review used Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) and quality appraisal tool for …

Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Native American And First Nations People Among Ncaa Division I Athletic Trainers, L E. Trail, L K. Warner, B J. Warner, M Decker, S A. Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Current literature shows that Native Americans people experience more health care disparities relative to other ethnic and racial groups. Previous research has also shown that these healthcare disparities are present in pediatric and young adult Native American populations. As healthcare professionals who will potentially treat these populations, it is important to understand the knowledge of and attitudes toward Native Americans people among athletic trainers. The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the knowledge of, and attitudes and opinions of National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I athletic trainers toward Native Americans. Methods: An electronic survey (Table 1) …

The Role Of American Domestic Medicine In The Nineteenth Century: Implications For Modern Populations With Low Access To Health Care, Savannah Allen

Senior Theses

Domestic medicine can be defined as medical treatment provided within the home or community that is administered by a member of that home or community who is not a physician, surgeon, or nurse. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, domestic medicine flourished as housewives began to take on the role of medical practitioner. This was an attempt to alleviate the stress of low healthcare access that plagued lower-income and rural communities. Among lower- and middle-class communities in present day, we continue to see disparities in access to quality health care. I will argue that telemedicine has transformed during …

Quality Improvement: Implementation Of Individualized Concussion Patient Education And Rehabilitation Treatment Plans, Briana Burgette, Tamara C. Valovich Mcleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Concussion is a significant health issue at all levels of sports participation. At Saint Luke’s Health System (SLHS) in Kansas City, Missouri, the sports medicine and concussion team discovered an issue with dissemination of patient education for concussion rehabilitation plans. A quality improvement project was launched in August 2019 to develop concussion educational rehabilitation plans, incorporating cluster symptoms into concussion profiles and improving communication during follow-up care. The project promoted improvement of patient understanding of individualized rehabilitation plans and effective communication for the treatment management team. Three cycles of a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement project were completed over 6 months. …

Clinical Implications Of Telemedicine For Surgical Care: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Adam M. Hollien, Mary Catherine Avey, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Telemedicine is a newer concept in medicine that utilizes technological devices to provide care to patients. In a society already greatly advanced with technology, telemedicine is the new frontier in healthcare. Implementing telemedicine into current practices will benefit both the patient and the provider. The technology utilized with telemedicine has demonstrated promise by decreasing patient travel time, decreasing lost time from work, increasing patient interactions, and increasing interprofessional collaboration. The cost of implementation is minimal compared to the cost savings that will be accrued from utilizing this technology. There are many specialty areas in healthcare where telemedicine can be implemented …

Suspension Training As An Effective Intervention To Improve Core Stability: A Critically Appraised Topic, S Stiltner, M Boham, D Melrose

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Clinical Scenario: The core is a functional unit connecting the upper and lower extremities consisting of abdominal, back, and hip musculature. Core stability is a determining factor in patient motor performance and provides optimal force production and precision of movement. A highly functional core is essential in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Traditional means of core stability training are performed on a stable surface. Emerging research suggests patients may benefit from core stability training on unstable mediums such as is used with suspension training. Clinical Question: Does suspension training improve core activity in an active population? Search Strategy: Key words used …

Graston Technique® Combined With Therapeutic Intervention As An Alternative Treatment For A Grade Iii Ucl Thumb Sprain: A Disablement Model Case Study, Raul Anaya Jr., Kim Bacalla, Annette D. Monk

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Nonoperative measures have been shown to have positive effects on thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprains considered less than complete. This case presents evidence supporting Graston Technique® (GT) plus therapeutic exercise in order to decrease pain and stiffness in a collegiate football athlete who sustained a grade III UCL sprain. The results showed that there was a reduction in pain level above the minimal clinically importance difference, and ROM improved throughout the three-week intervention. The findings of this case study provide minimal support for an alternative treatment to reduce pain and stiffness in a grade III UCL sprain, with further …

The Utilization And Effectiveness Of Telemedicine In The Wake Of Covid-19, Maxwell Sharawy

Senior Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the world, in every industry. Almost none were hit as hard as the healthcare system. Through the use of telemedicine, healthcare providers were able to care for their patients without rise of infection. Through a review of published literature and interviews conducted with three practicing physicians of various specialties, a diagnosis was developed to determine if the care provided through telemedicine was as effective as in-person care. It was hypothesized that when used properly, telemedicine can be used as an effective replacement for in-person care across a wide range of specialties. After review of the literature …

Opioid Medication Use And Education Following Sports Medicine Procedures: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Caitlin S. O’Mara, Michael G. Ward, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), illicit and prescription drug overdoses are responsible for 128 deaths every day in the United States. In 2018, 70% of all overdose related deaths involved opioids. Efforts to minimize the opioid epidemic focus on community education, research, partnership, and healthcare support. Under the CDC guidelines, current practices include monitoring trends of drug use and drug related deaths, conducting research to recognize areas in need of improvement and to analyze effectiveness of current treatments, partner with community organizations and healthcare systems that deal firsthand with opioid users, and educate the public on drug …

The Presentation Of Adhesive Capsulitis Of The Hip: A Case Study, Patrick E. Jurewicz, Ryan C. Berlinrut, Frank K. Noojin Iii, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A 47-year-old female patient employed as a nurse in a mental health facility working 10-hour shifts reported to the sports medicine clinic for an initial orthopaedic examination after she twisted and fell out of bed causing direct compressive forces on her right hip. She has a history of an underdeveloped right hip, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) allergy, and low back pain (Oswestry score: 41/50, NPRS: 8/10) and is classified as a heavy smoker for 30 years. After initial onset, the patient’s pain increased with all motions. The patient also described a ‘catching sensation’ in her hip. The patient used …

The Role And Value Of The Athletic Trainer In The Chiropractic Medicine Setting, Nicholas Spangler

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

In the United States, back pain is the most common cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years, the second most frequent reason for visits to the physician, the third most common cause of surgical procedure, and the most frequently reported subcategory of musculoskeletal impairment in the United States of people aged up to 65 years (51.7%).1 Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who are trained in the evaluation and treatment of this patient population and utilize a variety of skills like spinal manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, modalities, and therapeutic exercise. Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals whose educational and clinical …

Redeployment Of Athletic Trainers During A Pandemic, James Caiola

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Before COVID-19 was recognized as a global pandemic involving the United States of America in March of 2020, MedStar Health employed 40 Athletic Trainers (ATs) in multiple settings. While ATs worked in the traditional setting at 17 high schools, 2 universities, and with 2 professional teams in the Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC area, they also have been used in nontraditional ways. They are used in the physician practice setting to manage clinic flow, evaluate patients and present to the physician, provide pre- and post-surgical patient education, and being an overall patient point of contact in a busy clinic. They …

Telehealth Optimization – Role Of Clinical Athletic Trainers In Orthopedic/Sports Medicine Practice, Katie Harbacheck, Laura Grambo, Shaun Keefer, Eric Klein, Christine Boyd, Carolyn Ford-Hemann, Cameron D’Alpe, Steve Frick, Kevin Shea

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: Prior to COVID-19, telehealth (TH) implementation in most health systems was minimal. The transition to high rates of TH was dramatic in response to COVID-19, and many health systems struggled to develop optimal, efficient TH workflows. Hypothesis/Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of clinically integrated athletic trainers (ATs) into the TH transition of a major orthopedic academic center through growth of TH visits as well as physician satisfaction. Methods: Workflows and tip sheets were designed to include considerations of TH visit increases, adoption of appropriate technology platforms and optimal staff models. The rapid …

Perceived Effectiveness Of Stem Cell Injections In Adults With Joint Injuries, Delaney Marie Merrill

Senior Theses

Introduction: Osteoarthritis plagues around 27 million Americans. Stem cell injections are a new method of treatment that could potentially cure this by regenerating cartilage in joints. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the perceived effectiveness of stem cells at regenerating cartilage in joints, specifically the knees, hips, and shoulders. Methods: Participants were recruited via social media, forums, and from healthcare clinics that offer stem cell treatments. They were asked to complete a survey focusing primarily on the treatment protocol and how the injured joint felt post-stem cell injection. Frequencies were calculated to describe problematic joints, treatment history, …

Implementation Of A Novel Return-To-Ride Concussion Management Policy For Collegiate Hunter/Jumper Equestrian Athletes, Devon Serrano, Velyn Wu

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A concussion return-to-participation protocol specific to equestrian is critical in the safe return of athletes to their respective discipline. When the care of the hunter/jumper equestrian teams became the responsibility of the Sports Medicine staff at Sweet Briar College, a return-to-participation concussion management policy was needed to ensure the safety of the equestrian student-athletes. A quality-improvement project focusing on the development of a “Return-to-Ride” protocol was started in the fall semester of 2016. The Sports Medicine staff collaborated with the Sweet Briar College riding center to create and ensure compliance of the protocol. The intended aim of developing this protocol …

The Pharmabiotic For Phenylketonuria: Development Of A Novel Therapeutic, Chloé Elizabeth Lebegue

Senior Theses

Phenylketonuria, now known as phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency, is a genetic disorder of metabolism affecting approximately one in every 15,000 infants born in the United States. Patients have nonfunctional PAH enzyme secondary to one or more genetic mutations. The enzyme deficit results in destructive supraphysiologic blood phenylalanine levels upon consumption of the essential dietary amino acid phenylalanine. Current standards of care mitigate signs and symptoms of the disorder, but do not approach a cure. The methods for creating a prototype pharmabiotic as an innovative treatment strategy for PAH deficiency are described herein.

DNA molecular cloning techniques were utilized to engineer …

Best Practices In Patellar Tendinopathy Management: An Evidence To Practice Review, Christopher J. Burcal, Adam B. Rosen, Tony Taylor, Mike Nicola

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a degenerative condition that is common in sporting populations due to the loads placed on the tendon during dynamic activity. PT often occurs in overtraining situations; however, it may also occur in conjunction with and/or worsen through poor biomechanics, persistent inflammation, and altered movement patterns. Although sports medicine practitioners have evidence to support the prevalence of this injury, we do not have a strong base of evidence surrounding the contributing factors and pathophysiology that lead the pain and disability reported in patients with PT. The purpose of this evidence to practice review was to summarize a …

Point-Of-Care Assessment At A Free, Out-Of-Hours Orthopedic Clinic, Whitney M. Graves, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Kenneth E. Games

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Access to healthcare is a challenge for many Americans living in rural communities. Hospital systems have created programs and developed models to improve access to care. However, documentation of the role of these clinics serving different populations and various types of communities is quite scarce. The purpose of this article is to describe the patient satisfaction and procedures assessed at the point-of-care during a 14-week, out-of-hours free orthopedic clinic in the Southeastern United States. One hundred and twenty-nine patients attended the orthopedic clinic and completed a patient satisfaction survey following their patient encounter. At the end of the 14-week, 89% …

Optimizing Return To Learn Following A Sport-Related Concussion: A Quality Improvement Project, Dawn Ranns, Tamara Valovich Mcleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Sport-related concussion (SRC) has been at the forefront of the sports medicine literature and media; however only recently has return to learn (RTL) been recognized as an important piece of a concussion management plan (CMP). A student’s successful transition back to the classroom following SRC depends on the support, resources, and effective communication among the multidisciplinary team. This project focused on the assessment of current faculty knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about concussion, the development of an RTL policy, and implementation of educational resources at a Division II institution. This project ran for 6 months, using 2 cycles of the plan, …

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Sources, Clinical Applications And Outcomes For Common Musculoskeletal Conditions, Steven Boyton, Lindsey Clemensen

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: The clinical use of Mesenchymal Stems Cells (MSC) in musculoskeletal medicine has become increasingly recognized in the medical field as a promising treatment modality. MSCs have been defined as spindle shaped cells that are capable of rapid proliferation and self-renewal contained within several tissues including bone marrow, synovial and adipose tissue, blood and periosteum. MSCs are currently being used in clinical trials for musculoskeletal purposes including the enhancement of tissue regeneration, bone and cartilage defects and tissue repair. Currently a variety of stem cell products, methods and applications are being used which can provide many misconceptions for the most …

Patient Satisfaction With Athletic Trainers Working In A Physician Practice Setting, Nathaniel P. Acree, Forrest Q. Pecha, Joshua B. Lavigne, Esther C. Nolton

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: Recent changes in healthcare administration via the introduction of the Triple Aim by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement have challenged healthcare institutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness with which services are provided, while also enhancing patient experience. These changes have facilitated the hiring of clinical support staff from varying backgrounds with the aim of ensuring the goals of the triple aim are met within the clinical environment. Recently orthopedic practices have begun to include certified athletic trainers in the healthcare delivery team due to their advanced base of musculoskeletal knowledge. Previous literature has observed increased efficiency and revenue …

Expanding Clinical Practice With Complementary And Integrative Health, Such As Tai Chi, As Therapeutic Interventions, Connor A. Burton

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.