Sports Medicine Commons^™

Systematic Review Of Sports Safety Best Practice Implementation In Non-Scholastic Youth Sport Organizations, Katie Sniffen, Hayley J. Root, Richelle M. Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Non-scholastic youth sports organizations offer competitive and recreational activities to millions of children each year but lack centralized oversight for health and safety policy. Despite the benefits of sport participation, there are inherent risks, including cardiac-, concussion-, heat-, and musculoskeletal-related conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand how youth sports safety policies are implemented in non-scholastic youth sport organizations. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current literature on the implementation of youth sports safety policies in non-scholastic youth sport organizations in the United States. Methods: A computerized search of Cochrane, CINHAL, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus …

State-Level Implementation Of Health And Safety Policies In Mississippi Secondary Schools, Heather L. Shirley, Valerie J. Moody

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: State-level investigations of health and safety policy implementation in secondary school athletics highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring student-athlete safety that aligns with evidence-based best practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine current state-level implementation of health and safety policies in Mississippi secondary schools from the perspective of athletics/activities directors, athletic trainers, and other school administrators. Methods: In May 2025, a 26-item web-based questionnaire was distributed to 226 athletic directors and 114 athletic trainers across Mississippi secondary schools. The survey assessed participant demographics, access to healthcare resources, emergency action planning (EAP), required coaches’ health and safety training, …

Listening Beyond The Stethoscope, Lia M. Smerina, Priya Darbhanga

be Still

No abstract provided.

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

Self Perception Of Leadership Styles And Behavior In Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Kelly A. Coleman, Stephanie M. Singe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Leadership has been considered an important part of advancing the profession, but investigations into leadership styles of clinically practicing athletic trainers (ATs) are scant, with none in the secondary school setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the leadership styles of secondary school ATs and to determine if differences in leadership style practices exist across demographic characteristics. Methods: We used a cross-sectional web-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). Leadership style was assessed via the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ)-5x where transformational, transactional, and passive/avoidant leadership behaviors were measured on a five-point Likert scale (0=not at all; 1=once in a …

Simulation-Based Assessment Of Blood Pressure By Certified Athletic Trainers, Michael W. Verde, Lindsey E. Eberman, Dawn M. Emerson, Zoë J. Foster, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood pressure (BP) assessment is a key component of pre-participation examinations and can aid athletic trainers (ATs) in diagnosing hypertension. However, the current pedagogical technique, which involves practicing BP assessment on healthy individuals, may not adequately prepare healthcare providers to recognize Korotkoff sounds at abnormal pressures during clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine AT's ability to and confidence in assessing and interpreting BP using a high-fidelity simulator.

Methods: We recruited ATs through conferences, in-services, and postprofessional athletic training programs. In total, 100 ATs from various job settings (age=31±11 years; men=37, women=63, clinical experience=8±10 years; …

Examining The Impact Of An Education Intervention On Parents' Perceptions Of Sport Specialization, Lauren Schlacht Butler, Justin S. Disanti, Joseph J. Janosky, Jane S. Chung, James F. Russomano, Amanda M. Black, Shelly Fetchen Dicesaro, Eric Post, Jonathan A. Santana, Troy M. Smurawa, Tamara Valovich Mcleod

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: Several organizations have developed educational materials to provide stakeholders with information about the health risks of early sport specialization (ESS), though the impact of these efforts is not yet known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe and assess the effect of an educational intervention on parental knowledge and perceptions of ESS. We hypothesized that a video-based educational intervention would increase parental knowledge and change perceptions of ESS. METHODS: Eighty-three parents of youth athletes completed a web-based survey. Participants were randomized into an intervention (ESS video) or control (concussion video) group. Each group completed a pre-and post-intervention …

Strategies For Optimizing Female Athlete Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach To Mitigate Stress Fractures And Minimize Missed Participation In Collegiate Sports, Natalie B. Allen, Melissa R. Penkalski, Shannon M. Hauschildt, Kristin A. Paloncy-Patel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: If not recognized early, low energy availability, along with overtraining, may result in stress fractures and significant time lost from sports participation for athletes at any level. Objective/Aim: The multidisciplinary collegiate medical team plays a key role in early identification of Female Athlete Triad (Triad) and Relative Energy Density in Sport (RED-S). To help with early identification, which may in turn lead to fewer stress fractures and less time missed from sports participation, this study’s objective was to implement the use of the 2014 Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (FACTRA) and test early identification. The first …

Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior In Concussion Disclosure: A Systematic Review, Michelle L. Weber Rawlins, R. Curtis Bay, Tamara Valovich Mcleod

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many athletes do not seek care for a suspected concussion for a number of reasons. Failing to do so can lead to persisting symptoms, longer recovery, or secondary injury. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), along with knowledge of concussion, has been used to examine concussion care seeking. It is theorized that TPB components including attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy are associated with one’s intention to perform a health-related behavior, and their actual behavior. Many studies have used the TPB in an attempt to predict concussion disclosure, with mixed results. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine …

High School Sport Specialization Associated With Missing Time With Friends And Frequent Travel, Madison N. Renner, Kevin M. Biese, Eric G. Post, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Emily C. Srygler, Stephanie N. Adler, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical consequences of youth sport specialization have been established, yet the psychosocial demands remain largely unexplored. Hypothesis: Missing time with friends due to sport demands and frequent out-of-state travel is associated with sport specialization classification for each high school grade, and this association remains after stratifying for gender and sport level. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Six hundred sixty-eight (349 female) Division I and club sport athletes from a large midwestern university completed a retrospective survey assessing sport specialization classification and the travel and social demands of sport participation for each high school grade. To measure the social and travel …

Comparative Analysis Of External Load Metrics In Mma Sparring And Kickboxing Sessions, Lauren Stern, Corey Peacock, Peter Byers

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Comparative Analysis of External Load Metrics in MMA Sparring and Kickboxing Sessions, Lauren Stern, OMS-II, College of Osteopathic Medicine Objective. This study was conducted to compare external load and intensity metrics during different MMA training modalities. Background. PlayerLoad (PL) and PlayerLoad per Minute (PL/Min) are increasingly researched metrics that have shown predictive capability on intensity of workout and athlete fatigue. Previous studies have utilized Catapult Sports technology to measure external workload in MMA athletes but comparative data between two different training sessions remains inadequate. Methods. With the use of the Catapult Vector S7 accelerometer, 18 professional MMA athletes (average age …

Interprofessional Readiness Of Athletic Trainers And Collaborating Sports Medicine Health Professionals, Michael J. Nolan, Jason S. Jordan, Kelly L. Potteiger, Anthony P. Breitbach

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is pivotal in modern healthcare, emphasizing collaboration among diverse health professionals for comprehensive patient care. While IPC has been extensively studied, a notable gap exists in understanding the readiness of athletic trainers (ATs) for IPC within hospital system settings. Purpose: This study seeks to address this gap by comparing the IPC readiness of ATs to colleagues from the same setting. Methods: The University of The West of England Interprofessional Questionnaire (UWE-IP) was administered to ATs and colleagues in hospital systems. This validated questionnaire measures aspects of IPC readiness across four constructs: 1.) communication and teamwork, 2.) …

The Endocannabinoid System Signaling, A Precursor To Homeostasis: A Scoping Review, Madison Sikyta, Jeff G. Konin, Matthew Kutz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The Endocannabinoid System is a physiological system in the body that includes several receptors and ligands. Due to its relatively recent discovery, there is a need for healthcare professionals to be formally educated on the function of this system in the body. The endocannabinoid system is seen as having an increased research interest since the early 1990s given its current status of uncertainty amongst many. The goal of this scoping review is to provide a synoptic analysis of how the Endocannabinoid System functions and integrates within and between different systematic relationships in the body.

The Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation On Pain And Function In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Critically Appraised Topic, P. Drake Short, Rileigh T. Ricken, Jennifer L. Volberding

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that impacts upwards of 40% of patients over the age of 70, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a common treatment protocol. To date, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of TENS as a modality for knee OA. Thus, this critically appraised topic (CAT) aims to determine the impact of TENS on the pain and functional outcome of patients with knee OA. Methods: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of TENS, a systematic search of the available literature was conducted, focusing on pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. Online databases were searched …

A Perfect Storm?: The Association Of Vitamin D With Injury Incidence Among Acrobatics And Tumbling Athletes, Katherine M. Lee, Andrew R. Gallucci, Jeff S. Forsse, Leticia Cherpe De Souza, Laura R. Irvin, Emily J. Boyer, Kristin H. Fant, Jeffery Heileson, Leslee Funderburk

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging NCAA sport. Due to the novelty of the sport, limited research on injury incidence and correlates exists. Anecdotal evidence suggests that A&T presents with high injury rates. A relationship between vitamin D and bony injuries exists among athletes, but little is known about soft tissue injuries. Understanding the causes and incidence of injuries, including vitamin D, may assist athletic trainers. Methods: Forty-two A&T athletes (19.69 ± 1.199 years) completed 2 blood draws as part of routine medical care prior to and following fall training period. Results: Average vitamin D at T1 was …

Student Perspectives On Transition From Bachelor’S To Master’S Degree For Professional Athletic Trainers: Advantages And Disadvantages, Bobbi A. Severt, Michael B. Phillips, Janet Kesterson Isbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the perspectives of students interested in a career in athletic training on the degree change and what they perceive as advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a master's level professional degree in athletic training. Method: A case study was conducted using an interpretivism framework informed by a constructionism theoretical stance. A focus group of six current undergraduate pre-athletic training students and individual interviews of three pre-athletic training graduates along with current and historical documents were used to collect data. An inductive approach was used to analyze data along with reflexive thematic analysis …

Clinical Leadership In Athletic Training, Tyler G. Vannucci, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera, Matthew J. Drescher, Justin Young, Kenneth E. Games

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical leadership behaviors demonstrated by nurses delivering patient care are associated with improved patient outcomes and increased job satisfaction. Clinical leadership behaviors have not been studied in athletic training; therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate athletic trainers’ frequency of demonstrating these behaviors. Method: Participates completed an electronically distributed survey consisting of demographic variables, the Clinical Leadership Survey (CLS), and the Global Rating of Clinical Leadership Scale (GRCLS). Results: We found statistically significant differences between the CLS score of those in a supervisory role (M = 65.3 ± 5.4) and those who are not (M = 63.5 …

Perceptions, Practices, And Barriers Of Athletic Trainers In The Military Setting Using Patient-Reported Outcomes In Practice, Nicole M. Lee, Justin P. Young, Lindsey E. Eberman, Eric Post, Kenneth E. Games

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The majority of athletic trainers (ATs) recognize the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical practice but encounter unique barriers that limit their implementation. There are no studies that have investigated PROs in the military setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions, practices, and barriers to implementing PROs in the military setting. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey design. Emails were sent to 365 potential participants and 67 were eligible to participate (response rate=18.4%, years practicing in military setting=5.9 ± 5.8years). Participants were invited to complete a web-based survey regarding the uses, benefits, and …

An Examination Of Emotional Resilience Among Athletic Trainers Working In The Secondary School Setting, Shaine Henert, William Pitney, Bethany Wood, Nicholas E. Grahovec, Tyler A. Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic training is a demanding profession that is a stressor for many practitioners. Emotional resilience allows Athletic Trainers (ATs) to persist in their roles and benefit from long and successful careers. The purpose of this study was to explore the level of emotional resilience of ATs working in secondary school settings and identify factors perceived to contribute to or mitigate one's emotional resilience. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed-method design using a cross-sectional online survey followed by in-depth interviews was used to gather information from 160 (16% response rate) secondary school NATA members - 97 (60.6%) female; 63 (39.4%) male …

Remote Job Application Simulation Using Technology In Athletic Training Students: A Preliminary Teaching Technique, Kevin M. Schroeder, Jamie Mansell, Dani Moffit

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

While athletic training students go through extensive preparations for engaging with patient populations as healthcare providers, less time is spent on preparing athletic training students on how to secure employment after graduation. Without proper employment skills development, securing employment can pose a challenge for the athletic training student trying to enter the workforce. These skills include developing cover letters and resumes, and remote interviewing skills. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the preparations, execution, and lessons learned from a simulated, remote job application and interview process for athletic training students. Methods: This educational technique was performed using …

Adolescent Athletes’ Perspectives On The Social Implications Of Sport-Related Concussion, Tamara C. Valovich Mcleod, Justin S. Disanti, Richelle M. Williams, Cailee E. Welch Bacon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Sport-related concussion can affect many domains of a patient’s health status. Social functioning is an important consideration, especially for adolescent athletes. Our purpose was to explore adolescent athletes’ social perspectives regarding sport and concussion. Methods: Using a qualitative study design we interviewed 12 interscholastic athletes who had sustained a sport-related concussion. The interviews focused on injury details, and explored the physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual components of sport and health. Themes and categories were identified using the consensual qualitative research process by a three-person research team. A comprehensive codebook that captured the main themes and categories resulted. Results: Following …

The Rationale Behind And Impact Of One Hospital’S Provision Of Secondary School Athletic Training Services: A Five-Year Case Study, Caroline E. Faure Edd; Atc

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Sports-related injuries are common and often require physician or hospital care. Since the advent of concussion laws in fifty states, hospitals across the country have come forward to partner with secondary schools in the provision of sports medicine healthcare. The outreach agreements are consistent: Hospitals hire athletic trainers (ATs) and then outsource them to schools. ATs help mitigate risk in sports programs. Onsite at the schools daily, ATs provide immediate evaluation and treatment for injuries that occur and render decisions regarding the appropriateness of an injured athlete’s return to participation. The goal of this case study was to describe …

An Examination Of Policy And Procedure Practices Of Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Micaela Dunbar-Gaynor, Ericka P. Zimmerman, Victor Liberi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the status of P&P practices of secondary school athletic trainers. Methods: Following an online informed consent confirmation, participants completed a Policies and Procedures Status questionnaire, including demographics. This was distributed to certified athletic trainers currently employed in the secondary school setting in the United States. The survey consisted of 49 questions about the status of P&Ps using one of the following responses: the practice is in operation and it appears in written form; the practice is in operation but does not appear in written form; the practice …

Athletic Training Student And Student Aide Clinical Task Allowance In The Secondary School Setting, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Robert A. Huggins, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic training student aides (SA) are minors in high school that participate in an athletic training experience under the supervision of secondary school athletic trainers (SSAT). The NATA published an official statement on the proper supervision of SAs related to task allowance. As SSATs may also supervise athletic training students (ATSs), it is important to understand the differences in both. Therefore, the objective was to explore the training, task allowance, and perspectives of SAs and ATSs by SSATs during clinical experiences. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey for this study. SSATs (n=3,567) from the ATLAS database were recruited …

Practice Of And Barriers To Prevention By Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Caroline C. Guindon, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Lindsey E. Eberman, Kenneth E. Games

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Prevention is a key aspect of care from athletic trainers. There is limited research on the practice strategies employed to prevent injury by secondary school athletic trainers (SSATs). The purpose of this study was to describe the prevention practice strategies and barriers faced by secondary school athletic trainers. Methods: Athletic trainers (n=3010) were recruited from secondary schools through e-mails provided by the national professional organization database. Secondary school athletic trainers were surveyed on their self-reported prevention practices and barriers using a web-based survey platform. Respondents were 28±3 years, predominantly female (n=260/359, 72.4%), with about 5 years (±2yrs) of …

Knowledge And Behavioral Patterns Of Youth Ice Hockey Parents Regarding Sport Concussion: A Pilot Study, Jeff G. Konin, Delaney Horsley

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is an abundance of available concussion education programs for parents of youth ice hockey players. Parents play a vital role in recognizing signs and symptoms of a concussion sustained by a child, and therefore their knowledge and retention of such information is deemed to be very important. The purpose of the pilot survey is identify the general knowledge parents of youth ice hockey players possess regarding concussion. Methods: A survey of a sample of convenience was utilized. Forty-five parents (40 to 49 years of age) of youth ice hockey players were asked to complete a one-page survey to …

Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars Program, Monica Singh

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Static Stretching Versus Combined Static And Ballistic Stretching In Active Knee Range Of Motion, Nathan R. Blackhurst, James C. Peterson, Valerie W. Herzog, Ericka P. Zimmerman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: There is continued controversy related to flexibility gains from different stretching protocols and within single protocols. Stretching methods include static, ballistic, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). A combination of stretching methods may be an improved way to increase active knee range of motion (ROM). This study evaluated a single program formulated with static and ballistic components. Objective: To compare active knee ROM following stretching programs which either included combined static and ballistic stretching (CSBS) or static stretching (SS) alone. It was hypothesized that CSBS would show a greater increase in active knee ROM than SS. Setting …