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 …

Evaluating The Impact Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine On Cytokine Modulation: A Pathway To Inflammatory Disease Management, Renee M. Chang, Krystal Robinson, Sharon Sengphanith, Grace Godffrey, Jacob Gofrey, Carissa Salamatin, Mark Santos Phd, Wesley Lockhart Do

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

A Systematic Review Of Recent Developments In Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy In Hip Osteoarthritis: Variability In Protocols And Clinical Outcomes (2019–2024), Emily Awdish, Marlena Muszynska, Konrad Lautenschlager, Ali Hamade

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

A Systematic Review Of Persisting Tissue Health Challenges Amid Insulin Delivery System Advancements: Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (Csii) And Lipohypertrophy In Diabetic Patients, Marlena Muszynska, Emily Awdish

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Unraveling Physiologic Mechanisms In Passive And Active Mechanoreceptor Stimulation, Halah Khan, Braden Ashcraft

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Pivotal Roles Of Biglycan And Decorin In Regulating Bone Mass, Water Retention, And Bone Toughness, Rui Hua, Yan Han, Qingwen Ni, Roberto J. Fajardo, Renato V. Iozzo, Rafay Ahmed, Jeffry S. Nyman, Xiaodu Wang, Jean X. Jiang

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Proteoglycans, key components of non-collagenous proteins in the bone matrix, attract water through their negatively charged glycosaminoglycan chains. Among these proteoglycans, biglycan (Bgn) and decorin (Dcn) are major subtypes, yet their distinct roles in bone remain largely elusive. In this study, we utilized single knockout (KO) mouse models and successfully generated double KO (dKO) models despite challenges with low yield. Bgn deficiency, but not Dcn deficiency, decreased trabecular bone mass, with more pronounced bone loss in dKO mice. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance measurements showed a marked decrease in bound water among all KO groups, especially in Bgn KO and dKO …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

The Effectiveness Of Botulinum Toxin Injections In The Management Of Chronic Neck And Shoulder Myofascial Pain: A Nursing Perspective, Jia Zhou

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Background

Chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain has long been challenging patients and medical professionals due to its limited response to traditional therapies on top of high recurrence. Physical therapy, oral analgesics, and trigger point injections have only provided partial or short-term relief. As a result, botulinum toxin type A injections have been explored as an alternative treatment. Previous studies have shown promising short-term outcomes, but concerns regarding long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse effects, particularly in older adults, have remained unresolved. These gaps have highlighted the need for comprehensive evaluation from both clinical and nursing perspectives.

Objective

The …

The Central Role For Troponin C Amino-Terminal ⍺-Helix In Vertebrate Thin Filiment Ca²⁺-Activation, Yun Shi, Lauren A. Blackwell, Ryan K. Schroy, B. Max Cleland, Cristina M. Risi, Michelle S. Parvatiyar, Jose R. Pinto, Vitold E. Galkin, P. Bryant Chase

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Troponin C (TnC) is the Ca²⁺-sensing subunit of troponin that is responsible for activating thin filaments in striated muscle, and, in turn, for regulating the systolic and diastolic contractile function of cardiac muscle. The secondary structure of vertebrate TnC is mainly composed of α-helices, with nine helices named sequentially, starting from the amino terminus, from N to A–H. The N-helix is a 12-residue-long α-helix located at the extreme amino terminus of the protein and is the only helical structure that does not participate in forming Ca²⁺-binding EF-hands. Evolutionarily, the N-helix is found only in TnC from mammalian species and most …

Fabricating Silver-Ceria Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds For Biomedical Therapeutic Applications, Shreya S. Pawar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Improper healing of bone fractures and limited regeneration of bone following bone tumor resection remain a prevalent complication worldwide. Long-term effects of this include joint instability, limited movement, and arthritis. Bone infections (osteomyelitis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via excessive inflammation, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can contribute to suboptimal bone tissue regeneration. ROS accumulation stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, while promoting osteoclast differentiation. These processes inhibit mineralization and osteogenesis. Conventional therapeutics involve the utilization of drugs and bone grafts. However, these approaches pose limitations and can result in subsequent complications. Microbial infections, ROS accumulation, and excessive inflammations are factors that …

Perspectives On Demyelinating Disease: An Overview Of Multiple Sclerosis, Nathaniel Howard Williams

Senior Honors Theses

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of central nervous system (CNS), primarily concerning oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS and the neurons that are ensheathed in myelin. MS is the most common demyelinating disease, affecting as many as 300,000 yearly in the United States alone. Much debate centers on whether MS onset is primarily caused by autoimmune reactions or intrinsic dysfunction in oligodendrocytes, which prompts an immune-mediated response. Those who review the current literature on MS may become quickly overwhelmed by the volume and variety of available material. The purpose of this review is to present a …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy Intervention With In-House Athletics, Jatia Littles, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists (OT) have the opportunity to work with athletes by outsourcing through orthopedic centers with professional leagues such as the National Football League (NFL) (Jobs in Sports, 2022) but rarely do you see OTs within the sports complex working in-house. Although many studies go into great detail on the benefits of occupational therapy during the rehabilitation process, there are only a limited number of studies that explore occupational therapy intervention in athletics (Andreas et al., 2021). This project designed and implemented an occupational therapy-focused advocacy project that involves informing interprofessional sports faculty on the benefits of OTs being a …

“Medical Tent Scenes - Spectrum Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Runners During A Distance Run In Coastal South India”, Santosh Pv Rai, Abhavya Jha, Ashish Prabhakar, Jeedhu Radhakrishna, Kausthubh Hegde

Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Problem Statement : Musculoskeletal injuries encountered by runners, especially during competitive sporting events like marathons and distance runs have a longstanding and significant impact on the well being and may result in a dip in the performance of the runners. They may be the cause of recurrent injuries in the future and can lead to complicated injuries, thus compounding the morbidity associated with initial injuries. In such cases, it is essential to allocate medical supplies and facilities based on the incidence of common injuries encountered by runners in the respective geographical and climate settings.

Approach : This cross sectional study …

Use Of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators In High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion, Soumya Malhotra, Khavir Sharieff

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Title: Use of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators in High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion Authors: Soumya Malhotra, BA., MS1 & Khavir Sharieff, DO, MBA2 1Class of 2027, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2Assistant Professor of Surgery, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tampa Bay, FLNova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the advantages of EBGSs following high-risk spinal fusions. Background: Pseudarthrosis is a condition where bones fail to fuse after an injury or surgery. It causes significant …

Anxiety And Depression Amongst Female Athletes, Dp Golden, Re Obmann, Em Moore

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Anxiety (categorized by a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness) and depression (mood disorder causing feelings of persistent sadness and loss of interest in things an individual once loved) are two major mental health disorders effecting females considerably who participate in sport. Females are more likely to present with anxiety (55-60%)1 and depression (1.844 times)2 compared to males. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence between mental health comorbidities (anxiety and depression), across female athletes aged 18-40. Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed via snowball sampling using social media. Demographic data, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), validated …

Effects Of Sex Hormones And The Menstrual Cycle On Knee Joint Laxity In Physically Active Females: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ae Eicher, Rj Gage, K Park-Braswell

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Clinical Scenario: In recent years, females have exhibited increased physical activity and sport participation than ever before. Recent studies have identified a rising incidence rate of ACL injuries and indicate that the risk of ACL tears is greater in females than males. Knee laxity and physiological variation in women during the menstrual cycle have demonstrated increased ligament laxity, therefore, varying hormone concentrations may contribute to changes in ligamentous mechanical properties. Despite these findings, it remains unclear whether fluctuating sex hormone concentrations directly correlate to measurable changes in knee laxity. Clinical Question: How do fluctuations in sex hormones throughout the menstruation …

Individual Goal And Velocity Based Throwing Program For Collegiate Baseball Pitchers With Medial Elbow Injuries, Le Trail, Jm Cline, Ap Jacobsen

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: A 22-year-old male collegiate baseball pitcher experienced sudden pain in the medial left elbow following feeling a pop when pitching. The pitcher was removed from the competition and was evaluated with a point-of-care ultrasound at the conclusion of the competition. Ultrasound revealed an intact ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and no edema. Differential Diagnosis: UCL sprain, Wrist flexor strain Treatment: The patient was referred to a primary care sports medicine physician for further evaluation. The physician found no tenderness or laxity at the UCL and ordered an MRI arthrogram for further diagnostic information. MRI revealed a grade II flexor digitorum …

Presentation Of An Accessory Navicular Bone In A Collegiate Women’S Field Hockey Player: A Type 3 Clinical Case Study, N Sutker, J Franco, K Mallory, B Hansberger

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: The accessory navicular is an extra bone located posterior and medial to the navicular tuberosity. The prevalence of accessory navicular has been reported to be 4 - 21% in the general population though this anatomical variant may often be overlooked during differential diagnosis. This case presents a female collegiate field hockey patient that was initially diagnosed with a midfoot sprain but was later determined to have an accessory navicular bone which required surgical removal. Patient: A 19-year-old female Division I collegiate field hockey patient presented to the athletic training clinic with pain in her left medial foot. The patient …

Changes In Neural Excitability Following 6-Week Of Balance Training In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability, Sh Chung, J Freeman, Rs Mccann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) often struggle with balance issues due to changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Specifically, difficulties in modulating spinal reflexive excitability and enhancing corticospinal excitability contribute to poor balance, indicating challenges in transferring control to supraspinal centers. A recent study found that a single session of balance training could positively impact the CNS, improving spinal reflexive excitability modulation and corticospinal excitability in CAI patients. However, there is limited research on the effects of long-term balance training on neural excitability in CAI individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-week …

Chronic Neck Pain, Vasculopathy, And Pre-Syncope In A Young Adult: A Type 4 Case Study, Tn Crane, K Moore, A Field

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: The patient is a 23-year-old college female presenting with chronic cervicalgia, bilateral upper extremity neurovascular symptoms, and insidious pre-syncope episodes over the past 3.5 years. Upper extremity neurovascular symptoms include bilateral numbness and tingling into the hands and bilateral throbbing arm pain originating proximal to the elbow and traveling to the fingers, which worsens with cervical rotation bilaterally. The patient has experienced 10 episodes of pre-syncope lasting less than 30 seconds that occur with cervical flexion, extension, or bilateral rotation. Pre-syncope symptoms include lightheadedness, blurry vision, increased neck/arm pain, headache, and malaise. Upon clinical evaluation, no obvious deformity, discoloration, …

Cyclops Lesion In A Collegiate Men’S Lacrosse Player: A Type 4 Clinical Case Study, K Powers, R Moen, G Siarkas

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: In late July 2023, a 20-year-old male division I lacrosse player reported to the Athletic Training clinic with pain, swelling, and an inability to fully extend his left knee. Evaluation revealed an extension deficit of 5 – 10° during active range of motion (ROM). The patient had previously undergone a double-bundle procedure to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in November 2022. Following this surgery, the patient completed a standard but conservative ACL reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation program as prescribed by the sports medicine team but switched to a light strength training regimen on his …

How Comorbidity With Adhd Impacts On Neurocognitive Performance In Adolescents After Sport-Related Concussions: A Scoping Review, T Chiba, Dm Emerson

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: The number of sport-related concussions (SRCs) is higher in adolescents than in other age groups and accounts for 32% of concussions. Athletes with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher risk of previous history of concussion and future concussion risk compared with those without ADHD. People with ADHD present lower baseline scores of neurocognitive performances compared with those without ADHD. Neurocognitive deficits after SRC lead to increase risk of musculoskeletal injuries or another concussion after return to play (RTP) and affect RTP process. There is no consensus regarding the management of SRCs for those with ADHD. This scoping review …

A Qualitative Study Evaluating Athletic Trainers’ Self-Perceived Knowledge And Knowledge Acquisition Of Concussion Biomarkers, Kgs Swindell, T Mccormick, Jm Allen

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Rapid movement of the brain caused by a concussion can damage brain cells and create chemical changes within the brain, which may cause lasting neurological, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. It is suggested that following a trauma, biomarkers can be released which may be useful in accurately diagnosing concussions. Potential biomarkers being studied include β-amyloid peptide 42 [Aβ42], S100 calcium-binding protein B [S100B], glial fibrillation acidic protein [GFAB], microtubule-associated protein 2 [MAP2], and 2’,3’-cyclic-nucleotide 3'- phosphodiesterase [CNPase]. This study focuses on evaluating AT knowledge and awareness of biomarkers, with sub-analyses evaluating ATs’ perception of current knowledge of biomarkers, and the …

An Investigation Of Lower Extremity Injuries In Soccer Athletes Related To Their Playing Environment, Ak Whitlock, K Francis, H Maloney

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: The goal of this study was to investigate a connection between cleat type, surface type, and increased lower extremity injury rates in soccer athletes. Our hypothesis was that the cleat model, surface type, and facility affected the lower extremity injury rate among soccer athletes. Methods: A review of survey results distributed to the male and female soccer from an NCAA D-I program was completed. The survey investigated athlete injury history related to the specific shoe worn and the field surface information where the injury occurred. Measures of central tendency were calculated. Data was analyzed using a correlation analysis with …

Anaerobic Capacity And Lower Body Strength Deficits Related To Thermal Protective Gear In Rural Volunteer Firefighters, J Diggins, R Shagena, T Patrick, A Catanese

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Firefighting is a dangerous job with occupational hazards, strenuous shifts, and increased work- related fatigue that contributes to risk of injury. The weight of thermal protective gear (TPG) may increase neuromuscular challenges while on-duty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of TPG on volunteer firefighters’ anaerobic and lower body strength performance. Methods: Nine healthy males (mean±SD: age= 41±9.3 years; ungeared body mass= 96.47 ± 14.51kg; ungeared height=181.67 ± 4.48cm; VFF experience 8 years) participated in a cross-sectional correlation study during three visits to a university research laboratory. Participants’ TPG included thermal pants, jacket, boots, and …

Athletic Trainers’ Attitudes Towards Concussion Biomarkers And Their Future Use In Concussion Diagnosis, Jm Allen, T Mccormick, Kgs Swindell, T Campbell

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Currently, concussions are diagnosed using subjective criteria that typically require baseline measurements to be considered accurate. In some cases, symptoms may not be immediately evident following a brain injury. Recently, studies have begun analyzing the possibility of using biomarkers as a means of objectively diagnosing concussions. However, more research and information on biomarkers are required before implementation of diagnostic methods are possible; therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore and analyze current practicing athletic trainers’ attitudes toward the future implementation of concussion biomarkers in clinical practices. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative research design was used to gather information …

Caffeine Consumption On Sports Performance Measures In College Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ja Wills, Al Fraley

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Focused Clinical Question: How does caffeine (CAF) consumption affect sports performance measures in healthy college athletes? Data Sources: In December 2023, PubMed was utilized to search key terms, including collegiate athlete, caffeine, and performance measures. A publication time frame from 2013-2023 was established. Study Selections: Inclusion criteria consisted of studies investigating collegiate athletes ingesting CAF and its impact on anaerobic, agility, and speed performance measures. Exclusion criteria consisted of participants with current injuries and ingredients consumed in addition to CAF. Data Extraction: Outcomes included sports performance measures such as: vertical jump test, 60- and 100-meter time trials, reaction time, maximum …

Citation Accuracy Of Scholarly Journal Articles In Sports Medicine, Lk Warner, Le Trail, Bj Warner, Sa Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Previous research has expounded on the importance of accurate use of references in scholarly manuscripts. A thorough and appropriate use of references allows authors to validate and lend credence to the position they are attempting to take on their subject matter.Reference errors have been well documented in multiple scholarly journals covering healthcare topics. To date, there does not appear to be a description of the accuracy of reference lists in sports medicine scholarly journal articles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the rate of reference errors in sports medicine literature. Methods: We examined four peer-reviewed sports …

Conflict Management In Athletic Training: The Influence Of Organizational Culture, Cc Emerson

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Athletic trainers (ATs) face conflict within the social ecosystem of the organizations in which they practice and arises due to incompatibility of goals and interests. Within athletic departments, the ATs’ role to advocate for health and safety often comes at odds with an organizational culture directed towards maximizing performance and winning. ATs are often evaluated by dominant and powerful members of organizations who may not understand or respect the AT’s role. The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of managing conflict as an AT within the culture of athletics. Methods: This qualitative study explored experiences of …

Consistency In Patient-Reported Outcomes Survey Response, Me Beck, J Johnson, Wz Garrett, C Lavender

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Patients returning from ACL or other knee injuries must be physically ready to return to activity and mentally. Patient-reported outcome measures are important means to evaluate the level of patient readiness. Many healthcare providers utilize multiple surveys as part of their intake process to determine current status. The distribution of multiple surveys related to one joint may be problematic. A question of completeness and consistency among participants is a limitation of most measures. The purpose of this study was 1) to determine the level at which people will persist in multiple surveys and 2) to determine the consistency in …