Musculoskeletal System Commons^™

Modification Of Ergonomics For A World-Class Brass Instrumentalist With A Congenital Limb Difference: Level 3 Case, O G. Newhouse

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: A drum and bugle corps is a musical marching organization that consists of approximately 160 brass, percussion, and color guard performers. There are currently twenty-one drum corps organizations at the world-class level that compete. Organizations learn their 8–10-minute show in the late spring and begin traveling the country performing and competing in the early summer until August. Rehearsal days can be up to 10 hours of practice including visual and music. It has been reported that the incidence of upper limb pain is higher in those who have longer practice times, in which is a symptom of overuse. These …

Title: Professional Socialization And Development Of Athletic Training Professional Program Directors, N A. Wilkins, K D. Pagnotta, L Kunkel, S David, A B. Thrasher

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The role of Program Directors (PD) has vastly expanded over the last decade to meet the evolving demands of athletic training education and higher education. While specific responsibilities such as programmatic planning and accreditation maintenance are directly outlined in accreditation standards, PDs often assume additional institutional and programmatic responsibilities that now include recruitment and retention efforts, mentorship of faculty and students, curriculum design and mapping, and other administrative tasks. Previous research demonstrates athletic training faculty have little formalized training in administrative roles, and Coordinators of Clinical Education (CCEs) desired more support and development for that role. Little research exists …

Strength Assessment Protocol In Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers, Simona Di Nardo, Ivan Mascio

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Purpose: This research project aimed to investigate the effects, particularly regarding the ability to generate force, that could emerge following a ballet class. The purpose of the study was to support the thesis that low levels of fitness and performance in professional and amateur dancers, should be considered a significant gap that needs to be addressed. Larger will be the gap and bigger will be the demand of a dancer to be prepared athletically. While the shorter the gap and more efficient the artistic side of the dance performance will be. As a result, a stronger and healthier body will …

Characteristics Of Athletic Trainers That Are Satisfied And Dissatisfied With Their Compensation, K Ef Mair, J P. Young, L E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Job satisfaction among athletic trainers (ATs), particularly in relation to compensation, is a critical factor influencing retention and career fulfillment. Examining the factors linked to earnings satisfaction may offer insight into how workplace conditions can be improved to better support ATs. The purpose of our study was to investigate the attributes that distinguish ATs content with their compensation from those who are dissatisfied. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey to gather AT compensation data, of which 1,887 participants responded to a question regarding their satisfaction with compensation. Respondents were divided into two groups based on their satisfaction with …

The Effects Of A Joint Reduction Trainer On Confidence Levels In Professional Athletic Training Students, T Franklin, S Hacherl

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Dislocations are common injuries managed by athletic trainers, yet athletic training students are unlikely to practice reduction techniques during clinical experiences. Current standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education require accredited programs to prepare students to manage patients with dislocations, including joint reductions. Research indicates the use of simulation techniques, such as joint reduction simulators, in education can fill clinical experience gaps and improve student confidence and skills. Shoulder dislocations make up nearly 50% of dislocations with several reduction techniques identified in the current literature. The use of a joint reduction simulator may provide athletic …

Mission Success: Mastering Muscle Function Through Humanoid Analysis, Amber M. Chelette

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Knowledge of muscle function and human movement are essential skills of all kinesiology students. In the humanoid activity, teams are challenged to determine whether a muscle is essential to the successful development of a humanoid being sent to Mars. This activity provides a significant learning experience regarding muscle anatomy, function, and movement analysis. The humanoid activity is intended for use in a face-to-face upper-level kinesiology anatomy or movement analysis course and best implemented with class sizes of 20-30 students. The total time commitment is approximately 45 minutes.

Achilles Tendon Morphology Adaptations In Chronic Post-Stroke Hemiparesis: A Comparative Analysis With Neurologically Intact Controls, Jing Nong Liang, Greg Bashford, Kornelia Kulig, Kai-Yu Ho

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Introduction: In individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis, slow walking speed is a significant concern related to inadequate propulsion of the paretic limb. However, an overlooked factor is this population's altered morphology of the Achilles tendon, which may compromise the propulsive forces by the paretic limb. This study aimed to explore changes in Achilles tendon morphology, including gross thickness and intra-tendinous collagen fiber bundle organization, following stroke-induced brain lesions.

Methods: Fifteen individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis (at least 6 months post-stroke) and 19 neurologically intact controls participated. Ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate Achilles tendon thickness and collagen organization in the …

You’Re Too Slow! Self-Selected Volitional Efforts Reveal Unexploited Neuromuscular Reserve Capacity Compared To Maximal Efforts During Fatiguing, Load Equated Resistance Exercise, Brian Benitez

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

This investigation examined how movement intent influences neuromuscular excitation strategies during fatiguing resistance exercise, comparing maximal intended concentric efforts versus self-selected volitional efforts during load-equated Smith machine back squat exercise to quantify reserve capacity and characterize underlying neuromuscular mechanisms. Twenty-three resistance-trained participants (12 males, 11 females) completed a repeated-measures design, with replication, across six visits, performing smith machine back squat repetitions-to-failure at 70% 1RM under maximal intent (accelerate rapidly) and volitional intent (self-selected effort) conditions. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions used rapid (instantaneous 10-second effort) and ramp (5-second build-up, 5-second maximal) protocols. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded from vastus lateralis and …

Computational Approaches For Diagnosing Neurological Impairments And Restoring Functional Movement, Serhii Bahdasariants

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Movement is the primary means by which the nervous system converts intention into interaction with the environment. Voluntary limb motion enables standing, walking, reaching, and grasping—actions that underpin self‑care, communication, and economic participation. When diseases or injuries disrupt the pathways that couple neural commands to muscle forces—whether through cortical stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral nerve damage—mechanical outcomes such as weakness, loss of coordination, and ultimately reduced mobility emerge. These impairments cascade into secondary complications, increased dependence on caregivers, and diminished quality of life. Quantifying how the lesion alters the mechanics of movement is therefore essential for designing targeted interventions …

Autistic Young Adults' Experiences And Recommendations For Strength Training, Ashlyn Barry, Justin A. Haegele, Daniel Schaefer, Kristen A. Pickett, Luis Columna

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Strength training can be a beneficial form of physical activity (PA), but little research has examined how autistic individuals experience it or what makes programs accessible and supportive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to explore autistic young adults’ experiences with strength training, and (2) examine their recommendations for designing programs that meet their needs. Thirteen autistic young adults (ages 22–25) participated in semi-structured interviews about their strength training experiences and preferences for program design. A qualitative descriptive approach with a constructivist lens guided reflexive analysis. Participants described key factors that influenced their participation in strength training, …

Incidence Of Achilles Tendon Ruptures And Associated Factors In Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Kayla Horton, Amanda Hawkes

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 10, 2024.

Achilles tendon rupture risk appears to be higher in women's artistic gymnastics compared to other collegiate sports, however little is understood about personal, training, and performance factors potentially associated with this elevated risk. Previous research has only examined gymnasts who have sustained Achilles tendon ruptures while in an NCAA environment. The overall incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures among gymnasts has not been assessed. This study aims to identify injury factors, Achilles rupture incidence and training habits related to Achilles tendon ruptures in current and former women’s artistic …

Yoga As A Didactic Tool For Musculoskeletal Anatomy For First Year Medical Students, Jennnifer Brueckner-Collins, Scott P. Stuckey

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Medical education requires students to adjust their study habits. Active learning has been shown to enhance understanding, especially regarding anatomy. Wellness has become increasingly emphasized for medical professionals; thus, it is important for medical students to develop wellness habits to mitigate burnout. Yoga is commonly practiced with a focus on wellness and flow of movements. Yoga as an educational and wellness tool integrated into medical gross anatomy is a worthwhile pursuit. This study describes a series of anatomy-based yoga videos designed to meld wellness activities with musculoskeletal anatomy review for preclinical medical students.

Approach: Six novel yoga …

Standardized Patient Evaluation Tool: A Valid Measure Of The Core Competencies, Lindsey E. Eberman, Jessica Edler Nye

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

The Value Of Using Validated Competency-Based Assessments Across The Career Span Of An Athletic Trainer, Matthew Drescher, Lindsey Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

The Development, Implementation, And Value Of The Athletic Training Milestones For Assessing Progressive Clinical Behaviors, Hollie Walusz, Eric Sauers, Mark Laursen, Forrest Pecha

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

Perceptions And Use Of The Athletic Training Milestones In Education: A Report From The Aate Research Network, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Barton E. Anderson, Julie M. Cavallario, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The Athletic Training Milestones (AT Milestones) were developed as an evaluation tool to capture the breadth and depth of athletic training knowledge, skills, and behavior. However, it is unclear whether athletic training programs are implementing this tool or how they are implementing it to gauge the clinical progression of students or residents in athletic training. We aimed to explore the perceptions and use of the AT Milestones among educators in athletic training programs. We used a cross-sectional, web- based survey with open-ended questions to collect data from athletic training programs on if and how they implement the AT Milestones at …

The Hoof Inside Out: A Comprehensive Investigation About The Shoe Configuration Effects On The Behavior Of The Equine Hoof, Rita Aoun

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The equine hoof is a unique organ in biology that has intricate elastic properties. From simple protection to therapeutic and corrective measures, horseshoes are widely used in the equine industry. Various types of shoeing have been designed and used based on their unique targeted functions following hoof care. Shoes can modify the gait of the horse, affect the alignment of the distal joints, and alter stress and strains on specific hoof regions. The objective of this dissertation is to provide an overview of the available research on the existing methodology and literature on the effects of shoeing on equine gait …

Hamstring And Quadriceps Activation During Single Leg Hopping At Varying Frequencies: Electromyography Analysis, Jemma Bosselman

Scripps Senior Theses

Identification of knee motor control strategy is salient both for biomechanical understanding of the lower limb and for medical applications. Integral to knee function are the quadriceps and hamstring, an antagonistic muscle pair. Sub-optimal relative activation of the pair can increase injury potential. Muscle activation patterns are largely activity specific, necessitating muscle control research across various tasks. Single leg hopping has been sparsely studied, particularly for muscle activation in relation to hopping frequency. This project thus aimed to determine the effect of single leg hopping frequency on quadriceps and hamstring activation using surface electromyography (EMG), with the vastus lateralis (VL) …

Effect Of Task Constraints On Neurobiological Systems Involved In Postural Control In Individuals With And Without Chronic Ankle Instability, Yuki A. Sugimoto, Patrick O. Mckeon, Christopher K. Rhea, Carl G. Mattacola

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of task constraints on the neurobiological systems while maintaining postural control under various sensory feedback manipulations in individuals with and without Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). Forty-two physically active individuals, with and without CAI, were enrolled in a case-control study conducted at a biomechanics research laboratory. All participants underwent the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), which assesses individuals’ ability to integrate somatosensory, visual, and vestibular feedback to maintain postural control in double-, uninjured-, and injured-limb stances under six different conditions in which variations in the sway-referenced support surface (platform) and visual surroundings, …

How Hormonal Contraceptives Influence Injury In Female Athletes: A Systematic Review, Ashley V. Malvita

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Research indicates that female athletes have a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Hormone fluctuations throughout the different periods of the menstruation cycle impacts the risk of injuries for women. Contraceptive use, most used in the form of an oral contraceptive pill, directly effects hormones and menstrual cycle related symptoms, with evidence of ameliorating some symptoms. Oral contraceptive use is suggested to influence musculoskeletal injuries in female athletes. However, there is little research and data that explores the direct relationship between oral contraceptive use and the injury rates of female athletes. Within this systematic review, five articles investigating this relationship fulfilled …

A Muscle Exercise Research Revolution Powered By -Omics At Single Cell And Nucleus Resolution, Kevin A. Murach, Charlotte Peterson

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the last few years, single cell and single nucleus RNA-sequencing technologies have been leveraged in exercised adult skeletal muscle to reveal complex cell type-specific regulation of muscle plasticity. Expanding -omics technology at single cell resolution, complimented by advanced computational approaches, promise to rapidly accelerate our understanding of how exercise confers its numerous beneficial effects, paving the way for cell type-specific and targeted therapeutics to increase exercise responses during aging and in the face of chronic disease.

Resistance Training And Running Performance And Economy: A Literature Review, James Bottrill

University Honors Theses

Running performance is largely determined by maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), velocity at VO₂ max, fractional utilisation of VO₂ max and running economy. Running economy is relatively under-researched and could be improved by resistance training because of its neuromuscular underpinnings. However, existing research on this topic is quite unorganised and inconclusive and is yet to prove a direct linkage between resistance training, running economy and performance. This literature review aimed to provide an organised overview of the existing literature, identify and address confounding variables and provide recommendations for future research. A search for studies was conducted via …

The Effect Of Running On The Onset And Development Of Osteoarthritis, Jordan Hekman

Senior Honors Theses

Osteoarthritis is a prominent and debilitating form of joint disease characterized by pain and deterioration of the articular cartilage and other tissues in the affected joint. Research has identified a variety of risk factors for osteoarthritis, including age, obesity, gender, previous injury, and occupation. The relationship between running and osteoarthritis is a topic of particular interest because of the prevalence of running as a simple and physiologically beneficial form of exercise. Increasing evidence suggests that recreational running has at worst no effect and at best a protective effect on joint and articular cartilage health in contrast to high-intensity professional/elite-level running …

The Top 50 Most Cited Articles On The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (Mpfl): A Bibliometric Analysis, Varag Abed, Alex Duvall, Jonathan D. Rexroth, Alyssa Goodwin, Joseph Liu, Austin Stone

Medical Student Research Symposium

Objectives: To determine which original articles on the topic of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) have been cited the most in the literature utilizing a bibliometric approach. Secondarily, to determine temporal trends between article types.

Methods: Articles on the topic of the MPFL were identified by utilizing the Web of Science Database. The search yielded 1,596 results and the top 50 cited original articles were collected for further analysis. The following information was gathered for all included articles: title, first author's name, journal name, year of publication, impact factor of the journal in 2021, total number of citations of the …

Going Nuclear: Molecular Adaptations To Exercise Mediated By Myonuclei, Pieter J. Koopmans, Kevin A. Zwetsloot, Kevin A. Murach

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Muscle fibers are multinucleated, and muscle fiber nuclei (myonuclei) are believed to be post-mitotic and are typically situated near the periphery of the myofiber. Due to the unique organization of muscle fibers and their nuclei, the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating myofiber homeostasis in unstressed and stressed conditions (e.g., exercise) are unique. A key role myonuclei play in regulating muscle during exercise is gene transcription. Only recently have investigators had the capability to identify molecular changes at high resolution exclusively in myonuclei in response to perturbations in vivo. The purpose of this review is to describe how myonuclei modulate …

Amphisbaenian Head Movement And Burrowing Forces In Damp Granular Media, Jacob Newell

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Damp granular media is a difficult environment to study because it is both practically complex and it lacks equations which fully describe its behavior. In this study, an oscillatory lateral head movement and its effects while penetrating damp granular media were tested using a robophysical model. This experimental research was inspired by the burrowing behavior of the clade Amphisbaenia, a group of usually limbless squamates that employ a variety of different burrowing behaviors, but it can apply to a wide range of burrowers. This research could help with both human burrowing technologies and the further investigation of animal behaviors.

Clinical Practice Guidelines: The Road Map To Better Care, Mary I. Fisher

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are important tools in translating research evidence into clinical practice as they critically evaluate and summarize the body of evidence on clinical topics. Clinicians can use these studies to quickly survey the current literature base to increase understanding of a clinical diagnosis they make, with the intent of using this information to improve their clinical practice. A well-written systematic review or meta-analysis, with critical evaluation of study quality, is then that Cliffs Note version of what to know and what to do. Therefore, with the proliferation of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we should see a corresponding …

Screening And Assessment Of Cancer-Related Fatigue: An Executive Summary And Road Map For Clinical Implementation, Joy C. Cohn, Shana Harrington, Jeannette Lee, Daniel Malone, Mary I. Fisher

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) prevalence is reported as high as 90%. Cancer-related fatigue is multidimensional and associated with lower health-related quality of life. Effective screening and assessment are dependent upon use of valid, reliable, and clinically feasible measures. This Executive Summary of the Screening and Assessment of Cancer-related Fatigue Clinical Practice Guideline provides recommendations for best measures to screen and assess for CRF based on the quality and level of evidence, psychometric strength of the tools, and clinical utility.

Methods: After a systematic review of the literature, studies evaluating CRF measurement tools were assessed for quality; data extraction included psychometrics …

Screening And Assessment Of Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Clinical Practice Guideline For Health Care Providers, Mary I. Fisher, Joy C. Cohn, Shana Harrington, Jeannette Lee, Daniel Malone

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Regular surveillance is recommended, but few clinical practice guidelines transparently assess study bias, quality, and clinical utility in deriving recommendations of screening and assessment methods. The purpose of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) is to provide recommendations for the screening and assessment of CRF for health care professions treating individuals with cancer. Following best practices for development of a CPG using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) Statement and Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI) Guidelines Trust Scorecard, this CPG included a systematic search of the …

Trustworthiness And Quality In Research For Clinical Application, Mary I. Fisher

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.