Anatomy Commons^™

A Hand Therapy Quick Reference Guide: Supporting Level Ii Fieldwork Experiences ​, Raven I. Gammage, Rebecca Caudrillier, Mary Greer

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapy students often begin Level II hand therapy fieldwork with limited preparation. This capstone project developed an evidence-informed Hand Therapy Quick Reference Guide to support students and clinicians with foundational knowledge and clinical resources. Following implementation, feedback from hand therapists, fieldwork educators, and students indicated the guide was organized, practical, and applicable across clinical settings. The guide has the potential to improve fieldwork preparedness and support successful entry into hand therapy practice.

The Effects Of Asymmetric Cervical Muscle Fatigue On Cervical Proprioception, Stepping, And Standing Postural Sway, Maryam Homafar

LSU Master's Theses

Background: The cervical spine contributes critically to proprioception and postural control through its dense mechanoreceptor population. The acute effects of asymmetrical cervical muscle fatigue on proprioception, gait, and balance remain understudied, especially considering its widespread occurrence in multiple populations.

Objective: To investigate the acute effects of asymmetrical cervical muscle fatigue on cervical proprioception, stepping ability, and standing postural sway in healthy young adults.

Methods: Eighteen of 25 healthy participants, who met the inclusion criterion of baseline cervical joint position error (CJPE) below 4.5° for left and right rotational directions, completed pre-fatigue and post-fatigue assessments with eyes closed, including CJPE test, …

Beyond Stabilization: Biological Healing, Structural Exclusion, And The Recovery Gap After Border-Fall Trauma At The U.S.-Mexico Border, Julia Robinson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This honors thesis examines the biochemical, ethical, and public health consequences of insufficient post-operative follow-up care for undocumented immigrants injured in border falls. Discussing pathways of inflammation resolution, wound healing, and bone remodeling, this thesis argues that recovery depends on tightly regulated molecular and cellular processes that are highly vulnerable to disruption without continued monitoring and rehabilitation (Loi et al., 2016; Maruyama et al., 2020). When follow-up care is absent, these processes can be predicted to derail, leading to infection, impaired healing, and permanent disability (Chung & Sohn, 2025; Howard et al., 2020; Kruidenier et al., 2018). Framed through principles …

Living With Confidence: The Importance Of Hip Health, Ellisa Louisy, Shannon M. Meyer, Kyle W. Reason

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

The hip joint is essential for weight-bearing movement, providing both mobility and stability as a ball-and-socket joint. Surrounding muscles generate movement and maintain stability during daily activities like walking, standing, and rising from a chair. As the link between the trunk and lower limbs, reduced hip strength or mobility can impair balance and movement efficiency. In women, hormonal changes, especially after menopause, contribute to decreased bone density and muscle mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures and underscoring the importance of hip health.

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

A Case Comparison Of Vo₂Max And Lower Extremity Injury In Collegiate Wrestlers, Kole J. Kendall

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

ABSTRACT

A CASE COMPARISON OF VO₂MAX AND LOWER EXTREMITY INJURY IN COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS

Kole Jacob Kendall

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between preseason aerobic capacity (VO₂max) and lower extremity injury prevalence in Division III collegiate wrestlers. In this two-participant case comparison, Participant 2 sustained a lower extremity injury and demonstrated the lower VO₂max value (37.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), whereas Participant 1 remained uninjured and demonstrated the higher VO₂max value (40.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Although statistical analysis was not feasible because of the limited sample size, this pattern suggests a possible association between lower aerobic capacity …

Play To Win: A Randomized Controlled Trial To Assess The Effects Of Play-Based Training On Upper Extremity Function In Children With Hemiplegia, Vivian London

Honors Scholar Theses

Hemiplegia, or paralysis of one side of the body, is the primary symptom of unilateral cerebral palsy, a subtype of cerebral palsy, the most common movement disorder in children. Standard of care is regular physical and occupational therapy to improve performance in bimanual activities, but conventional therapy can be expensive and draining for caregivers and children, so a need exists for a novel intervention that can take place at home and that is economical for families while being engaging for children. This thesis reports data from a subset of ten children seen as part of a randomized controlled clinical trial …

The Effect Of Cerebral Somatosensory Network Priming On Language Function In Chronic L-Mca Ischemic Stroke: A Companion Case Study, Mandelin E. Wollesen

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chronic aphasia following a left middle cerebral artery (L-MCA) stroke is often associated with limited recovery beyond the acute phase, necessitating interventions that target neuroplastic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of somatosensory pneumotactile stimulation paired with cognitive-linguistic tasks on functional language performance in an individual with chronic aphasia. Using a single-subject pre-post design, the participant completed a 10-week intervention protocol involving repeated pneumotactile stimulation via the GALILEO system combined with language and motor tasks. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures, discourse-based language samples, oral reading, repetition, and phonemic verbal fluency. Discourse was analyzed using Correct Information Units (CIUs), words …

Evaluating Forearm Strength Variability In Collegiate Tennis Players Over The Course Of A Competitive Season, Jeffrey Williams, Payton Jensen, Kevin Laudner

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The muscles of the forearm undergo routine, forceful, and repetitive contractions while playing tennis and may experience adaptive changes that can precede injury. An understanding of forearm strength profiles of tennis players following a competitive season would assist clinicians’ evidence-based management of the forearm’s readiness for training, competition, and return-to-sport participation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a competitive tennis season on forearm strength among collegiate tennis athletes. A prospective, case-series design was used to examine a convenience sample of 15 asymptomatic NCAA Division I tennis players (males = 10, height = 182.88 [SD …

Prescribed Aerobic Exercise And Sport-Related Concussion Recovery: A Validation Case Series, Lacy L. Chapel, Tamara C. Valovich Mcleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Active rehabilitation, including prescribed sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise implemented during the acute phase of recovery after sport-related concussion, has been shown to facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of persisting postconcussion symptoms. The purpose of this validation case series was to evaluate currently available external evidence regarding the effects of prescribed aerobic exercise interventions on recovery after sport-related concussion. For this study, the patient population included college athletes diagnosed with a sport-related concussion who participated in at least 5 days per week of supervised, prescribed aerobic exercise, based on graded aerobic exercise testing and heart rate threshold. Our study findings …

Quality Of Athletic Training Services For Lower Extremity Injuries, Katie Sniffen, Michael Rozier, Katherine Stamatakis, Paula Buchanan, Janet E. Simon, Leslie Hinyard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The use of patient-reported outcomes in athletic training is inconsistent, limiting the ability to communicate service quality and value to key stakeholders. The objective of this study is to calculate meaningful quality outcome measures for athletic training services for lower extremity injuries in high school student-athletes. Data were collected from a subset of the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program and a convenience sample of high school student-athletes with patient-reported outcome measures for lower extremity time-loss injuries. Failure-toprogress proportions (FTPPs) were calculated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for knee/thigh injuries and the Foot …

Comfort Level Of Collegiate Student-Athletes In Opposite And Same-Gender Patient/Provider Relationships In Athletic Training, Samantha Dickie, Yashu Tang, Sydney Nelson, Emily Madrak

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Gender-based comfort in patient-provider relationships is a vital aspect of athletic training care. As the profession continues to evolve—particularly with a growing number of women athletic trainers (ATs) and progression of athletic training curriculum—it is essential to understand how gender dynamics influence the comfort of collegiate athletes when receiving care. This cross-sectional survey study examined how athlete comfort varies when treated by same- versus opposite-gender ATs in general patient care and in pathology-based scenarios. Ninety-six collegiate student-athletes (62.5% female) with the mean age of 20.26 (SD 1.7) years from NCAA and NAIA institutions completed the Gender Comfort with Athletic Trainer …

Acute Management Of A Hamate Fracture In A Collegiate Baseball Player: A Disablement Model Case Study, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Cory E. Barton, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this disablement model case study was to outline a collegiate baseball player with an isolated hamate fracture including the injury evaluation, diagnosis, and acute management. During a tournament game, the collegiate career of the patient ended abruptly following an injury sustained while at bat. The patient attempted to bat again but encountered significant difficulty due to the increasing pain in his hand. Consequently, the athletic trainer was called out for an on-field examination. The patient presented with no edema or ecchymosis but severe pain in the hypothenar eminence. This patient also presented with decreased grip strength with …

Suture Augmentation With Ucl Repairs In Baseball Pitchers As An Alternate To Reconstructions: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Kenneth E. Games

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is sustained through repetitive valgus motions, increasing in prevalence across all levels of baseball due to the increasing workload demands placed on the medial elbow in pitching. Traditionally, UCL tears have been managed through reconstructions followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. In recent years, the UCL repair with suture augmentation has gained favor given the enhanced patient and clinician outcomes in return-to-play timelines, decreased medial gapping, improved Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) scores, and long-term functionality. Utilizing 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Scopus), literature was obtained addressing the …

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In An Elite Level Diver: A Disablement Model Case Study, Matt O'Sullivan, Dominique M. Stevens, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This article presents a case of complicated and recurrent pyelonephritis, an infection of 1 or both kidneys, in an elitelevel diver. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common outpatient infections in the United States; most are uncomplicated and resolve without significant mortality or morbidity. However, UTIs have the potential to present significant clinical challenges if the UTI becomes complicated or recurrent. Additionally, recurrent UTIs can carry a significant burden to both the individual patients and the larger healthcare system. The current paper reviews the epidemiological literature surrounding UTIs, the significant impact they have on a patient’s health-related quality …

Comparison Of Vibrating And Non-Vibrating Foam Roller On Hamstring Range Of Motion, Rakhoon Sung, Portia B. Resnick, Karen G. Roos, Mimi Nakajima

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Tightness in the distal hamstring is a common complaint among active individuals. While a foam roller is used to release muscle tension, there are limited studies about the effect using a vibrating foam roller (VFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee range of motion (ROM). For this reason, the purpose of the research was to compare the effect of a VFR and nonvibrating foam roller (NVFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee ROM in active college students. It was hypothesized that there would be more improvement in hamstring flexibility and knee ROM with a VFR than an NVFR. A randomized controlled trial …

A Review Of Mentorship And Recruitment Strategies For Minority Athletic Training Students, Dariana M. Brown

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The underrepresentation of minority athletic trainers remains a critical issue, affecting both the profession and the quality of patient care. While patient demographics continue to diversify, the athletic training workforce has not kept pace, leading to potential communication barriers, mistrust, and inadequate culturally competent care. This review examines whether culturally tailored mentorship programs and targeted recruitment initiatives improve retention, career satisfaction, and diversity in athletic training compared to standard methods. By analyzing studies on underrepresented minority students in athletic training, the review highlights key institutional barriers and systemic factors impacting recruitment and retention. Findings suggest that tailored mentorship and supportive …

Differences Between Sexual Orientations Regarding Perceived Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Lgbtia+ Persons Among Athletic Trainers, Julianne Goza, S. Andrew Cage, Meredith Decker, Brandon J. Warner

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: LGBTQIA+ athletic trainers and patients encounter difficulties in their workplaces and sport communities. Several medical professional associations have produced statements claiming their commitment to fostering an patient-centered environment for healthcare for LGBTQIA+ patients. To date, there has been little research on the factors that impact perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community among healthcare providers. With more information on what factors impact perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community, better interventions for improving perceived knowledge and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community could be created. The purpose of this study was to determine differences between sexual …

Differences Between Genders Related To Perceived Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Lgbtia+ Persons Among Athletic Trainers, Brandon J. Warner, Julianne Goza, Meredith Decker, S. Andrew Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Previous literature reports that healthcare providers and student-athletes identifying as LGBTQIA+ encounter difficulties in their respective communities. A number medical professional associations have published statements affirming their commitment to providing access to patient-centered healthcare for LGBTQIA+ patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research related to the factors that influence perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community among healthcare providers. More information on what factors impact perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community would assist with creating interventions that improve perceived knowledge and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community. The purpose of this study was to …

Awareness Of Native American Living Conditions Among Athletic Trainers, Laurel Trail, Brandon Warner, Rebecca Peebles, Robert French, Lynzi Warner, S. Andrew Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Native Americans and First Nations People have dealt with healthcare disparities that have been documented in previous studies. One factor that appears to have played a role in these disparities was the Indian Removal Act of 1851 which established the first Native American reservations. The foundation of these reservations led to many Native Americans being displaced from areas where the United States was establishing new population centers. This has led many individuals not understanding the conditions that Native Americans live in. Lack of knowledge of the conditions patients live in may negatively affect clinicians’ ability to provide optimal healthcare. …

Sleep And Stress Experienced By Collegiate Baseball Players During A Fall Season, Andrew R. Gallucci, Katie M. Lee, Eric Rash, Jeremy A. Bigalke, Jason R. Carter

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: College students are notoriously poor sleepers due to academic and social demands. Collegiate athletes have additional athletic responsibilities that can also affect sleep. During a season, baseball players experience prolonged bouts of high intensity activity that increase the need for recovery and sleep. Athletes can also experience higher perceived stress levels, a factor also known to impact sleep. Reduced sleep quality and quantity during a competitive season can impede recovery and decrease performance. The present study sought to determine the relationships between sleep [Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Sleep Onset Latency (SOL), Awakenings] and stress over a …

Extensor Hallucis Longus Focal Dystonia In A Patient With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Study, Jessika Truax, Linda Bobo, Keilea Sumrall

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that affects a person’s ability to produce dopamine and control motion of the body. PD affects 1% of people over the age of 65, but the disease can occur earlier and later in life. The uncontrollable movement of any body part involved with PD is referred to as a tremor. Pathophysiology of PD causes the thalamus to have a decreased activation of the frontal cortex, thus decreased motor activity. Patients commonly have dystonia mostly in the foot resulting in striatal toe. Optional pain relief is a tenotomy of the extensor hallicus …

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 …