Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Walking Performance Is Worse In Black Than White People With Multiple Sclerosis, Robert W. Motl, Deborah Backus, Jeffrey R. Hebert, Alexander V. Ng, Kevin K. Mccully, Whitney N. Neal, Hollie Schmidt, Robert Mcburney, Prudence Plummer, Francois Bethoux, John Lowman, Gary R. Cutter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

There is emerging evidence for poor health outcomes among Black people with MS, and Black people with MS may have worse walking performance than White counterparts.

Purpose

The current study examined if Black participants with MS had slower walking speed (timed 25-foot walk, T25FW) and shorter walking distance (six-minute walk, 6MW) than White participants, and if these differences were accounted for by demographic variables, physical activity, disease/clinical characteristics, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).

Method

The analysis included samples of Black (N = 105) and White (N = 246) participants with MS who completed the T25FW and 6MW, underwent …

Escape From Diabetes, J E. Jochum, J Carmack, J Toon

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: In the past decade, interprofessional education (IPE) to promote interprofessional collaborative practice has become an integral component of pre-licensure education in the health professions. Research shows that IPE activities involving problem-solving in patient care that requires cooperation and communication among the professions is most effective. An effective activity to meet interprofessional competencies is the use of escape rooms. Escape rooms are team-based games where groups of individuals solve puzzles to accomplish a specific goal, typically in a limited amount of time. There are many benefits to using escape rooms in education, including promoting problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, improving focus …

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 …

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 …

Barriers To The Implementation Of The Amsterdam 2022 Statement In The Secondary School Setting, L Torres, J L. Baldari, F A. Gardin, A M. Price

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The Amsterdam 2022 International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport provides a summary of contemporary best practice recommendations for healthcare providers who are involved in the care of athletes at risk of sport-related concussion (SRC). Given that athletic trainers (ATs) have a professional responsibility to continually educate themselves on topics of great importance to the population that they care for, such as SRC management, it is reasonable to expect them to evolve their concussion management protocols to better align themselves with the recommendations found this statement. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers associated with the …

Using Ai-Generated Scenarios To Enhance Learning Of The Emergency Assessment Process, D Cobble, L Schroeder, J Vaughn, S Ford

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Rigorous accreditation standards require students to demonstrate competency in various clinical proficiencies through clinical practice or simulation-based educational activities. Therefore, simulation has become an integral component of athletic training education, as scenarios can provide realistic and reproducible experiences for all students. To that end, our study had two primary objectives: investigate the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate accurate and realistic athletic training simulation scenarios and evaluate AI's effectiveness in teaching and reinforcing the emergency assessment process through student-created scenarios. Methods: Phase one, AI developed three different scenarios for patients experiencing (1) an ovarian cyst, (2) a hypoglycemic …

Athletic Trainer Compensation Characteristics, J P. Young, K Ef Mair, L E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Athletic trainers (ATs) are integral to healthcare yet face ongoing challenges that affect job satisfaction and retention. Factors such as long work hours, low pay, and work-family conflict contribute to dissatisfaction and a desire to leave the profession. Salary disparities and lack of administrative support are key factors impacting professional fulfillment and career longevity. Identifying how compensation influences job satisfaction is essential for improving retention and advancing the profession. Our study aimed to examine the compensation characteristics of ATs and determine the key factors that predict gross income. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted. The survey was validated …

Clinat: In Service To Athletic Training Scholarship, Lindsey Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

To be of service to others means to help others without expecting anything in return. The ClinAT, or Clinical Practice in Athletic Training journal, is an online, open-access outlet for the dissemination of practice-based research in health care, and a donation of time, effort, and energy to the profession of athletic training. In 2018, when Indiana State University created its first issue of ClinAT, we were a faculty of 3 with 5 PhD students supporting the journal, one of whom was wholly dedicated to the effort. As the higher education landscape has changed, and the roles and responsibilities of our …

Exploring The Vitality Of Athletic Training: Insights Into Professional Identity, Commitment, And Retention, L E. Eberman, M J. Rivera, K E. Games, M J. Drescher, J P. Young, J Clifton-Gaw, K Condrey, H Mccarn, N Mondelli, X Yuan

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The confluence of fluctuating retention, fewer students entering professional programs, and the profession’s identity crisis (conflict between being a sports profession or a health profession) has created a serious question about the vitality of the athletic profession. However, research on the vitality of the profession has often focused on singular variables influencing professional identity, burnout, and commitment. The purpose of this project was to explore multiple factors influencing the vitality of the profession across professional identity and commitment in athletic training. Methods: We used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, including surveys and interviews with athletic training students and athletic …

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 …

Preceptor Development: Identifying The Best Modality For Building Clinical Educators, G W. Cohen, R M. Lopez, A J. Tritsch

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Preceptor training and development are not standardized within the athletic training profession. The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) requires that Athletic Training Programs provide an ongoing education plan for preceptors to promote a constructive learning environment for students. However, with the rapid expansion of clinical education opportunities outside of institutions' immediate area, programs must identify how to reach all their preceptors and uphold their programmatic expectations for clinical educators. Methods: The investigators conducted a cohort pre-test-post-test design study. A preceptor development program (PDP) was created and grounded in the theory of gamified learning and adult learning …

Adolescent Femoral Neck Fractures: A Case Study On Initial Surgical Intervention, Avascular Necrosis Development, And Subsequent Total Hip Arthroplasty, K A. Fisher

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: The patient sustained a femoral neck fracture at the age of 13 after slipping and falling in his home. He was seen in the Emergency Department the same day and underwent a closed reduction and percutaneous pinning procedure the following morning. Ten weeks after returning to full weightbearing, and 13.5 weeks after his initial fracture, he developed stress fractures of the medial distal femoral and proximal tibial metaphyses. He experienced gradual worsening of hip pain and difficulty with ambulation between 11 to 13 months post-closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). Avascular necrosis and collapse of the femoral head was …

Musculoskeletal Tumors Disguised As Orthopedic Injuries: A Case Report, A Summers

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: Musculoskeletal tumors are relatively rare, accounting for only 0.2 to 0.5% of all malignancies across all age groups. More specifically, Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis, a type of musculoskeletal tumor, has an incidence rate of 1.8 cases per one million people in a population. This benign, proliferative disease is a type of tenosynovial giant cell tumor that can affect the soft tissue lining of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. These joint-related tumors often present with an insidious onset and non-specific physical exam findings. Therefore, they are often mistaken for other, more common orthopedic injuries, making them difficult to diagnose. Patient Information: …

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 …

Prevalence, Perceptions, And Attitudes Of Accommodation For Students With Disabilities In Athletic Training Education Programs, T J. Babcock, L E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Disability accommodation has been widely researched in healthcare education programs, including medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), and physical therapy (PT). However, little research has been conducted on classroom and clinical education accommodation in athletic training education. The purpose of this study was to explore these settings and gain an understanding of student experiences with accommodation in athletic training education programs. This project was deemed exempt by Indiana State University’s Institutional Review Board. Methods: A cross-sectional 24-question survey was developed and adapted from prior qualitative research on accommodation in physical therapy education. Emails containing a link to the …

The Financial Stresses That Affect Athletic Training Students: A Qualitative Investigation, C Kuehner-Boyer, E León Zaragoza

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: A recent survey examining barriers that affect athletic training students found that financial-related barriers created significant stress for students in professional athletic training programs. The need to work while attending a professional athletic training program was the highest reported barrier with 54.82% of respondents indicating that this was a barrier for them during their program. Beyond the overall reporting rate, the need to work while completing a professional athletic training program was indicated by athletic training students to be the barrier that they encountered the most frequently with respondents reporting that this was a stress for them between monthly …

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 …

Enhancing Clinic Efficiency: A Quality Improvement Initiative For Postoperative Patient Care In An Outpatient Orthopedic Physician Practice Setting, D Stepan, T Jp Greffly, R M. Williams

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Following orthopedic surgery, patient post-operative (post-op) visits are deemed global surgical observations where day 00 to day 90 are appointments that cannot be billed. Patients are typically seen 3 times during this global period. Thus, the outpatient clinic needs to have non-billable time slots each day for these patients. The current scheduling model double books patients every 15 minutes, with the physician being the primary provider seeing patients for post-op visits. Therefore, the clinic has demonstrated inefficiencies with scheduling these patients while having sufficient appointments available for billable patients. This quality improvement initiative aimed to decrease post-op patient visits …

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …

Physical And Perceived Effects Of The Menstrual Cycle On Female Athletes, Talia E. Casarella, Alyssa M. Quiteles, Emily E. Liddick, Madelyn R. Swarthout, Rebecca J. Turner

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical and perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on female athletes’ performance during training and competition.

Hypothesis: The researchers hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in performance based on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Methods: This study used EBSCO Academic Search Complete and Science Direct, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from the last 10 years. Search terms included: (exercise or physical fitness or physical activity) AND (menstrual cycle or period or menstruation or menses or follicular phase or luteal phase) AND (female athletes or women athletes or athletic …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Sustainable Trauma-Informed Wellness Practices In A Surfing Program For Women, Margaret J. O'Hara

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals living with trauma-related mental health conditions are often less participatory in meaningful occupations. Additionally, women are two to three times as likely as men to experience a trauma-related mental health condition or event (Olff, 2017). A local surf therapy organization was founded to provide local women who have experienced trauma an empowering community and meaningful activity to heal. The purpose of this quality improvement capstone experience was to enhance the sustainability of the skills taught within clinics through the creation and dissemination of a user-friendly resource platform. The skills specifically addressed are 1) Mindfulness, 2) Growth Mindset, 3) Comfort …

Exploring Law Enforcement Officers' Experiences With Athletic Trainers And Work-Related Injury, Stephanie H. Clines, Rubie Gaudette, Amanda Wheeler, Jennifer Ostrowsk

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Law enforcement is an emerging clinical setting for athletic trainers (ATs), yet little is known regarding law enforcement officers (LEOs) perceptions of the profession. This qualitative study following a general inductive approach explored LEOs' experiences with musculoskeletal injury and their interactions with ATs. Seven officers (N = 7) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged: (1) roles and responsibilities of ATs, (2) education and training, and (3) impact of injury on LEOs. While participants viewed ATs positively, they demonstrated limited understanding of the profession's scope and expertise. Participants commonly described managing musculoskeletal injuries on their own due to …

Exploring Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: Causes, Reconstruction, And Outcomes, Holly L. Bollinger

Honors College Theses

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical structure in knee stability, and its injury can significantly impair athletic performance and daily functionality. The ACL plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee joint, preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur and aiding in rotational control. ACL tears are commonly associated with sports and physical activities that involve sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction. These injuries can lead to knee instability, impaired function, and long-term complications. Despite the prevalence of ACL tears, there remains a lack of consensus on the multifactorial causes, optimal reconstruction techniques, …

The Association Between Pain Sensitivity And Low Energy Availability, Sleep, Mental Health, And Stress In Female Endurance Athletes, Taylor R. Moler

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The disruption of certain physiological functions due to low energy availability (LEA) in female endurance athletes is a prominent concern. This condition resulting from LEA has been described as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which can include alterations in metabolism, menstrual function, bone deposition and resorption, mental well-being, and more. The goal of this study was to determine whether pain sensitivity was associated with LEA, sleep, mental health, and stress in female endurance athletes. Participants completed a demographic survey, the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), and …

Effects Of Exercise On Cognitive Performance, Autumn Bailey

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research project “Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance” will be conducted with the purpose of determining the relationship between exercise and cognitive performance. The relationship between injury and cognitive performance will also be investigated. In order to investigate these relationships 60 participants who are current students at the University of Akron will be asked to complete three cognitive assessments, one while at rest, one while riding an exercise bike, and one following the completion of exercise. The results of these three assessments will be compared to determine the relationship between cognitive performance in all three states. Participants will include …

Prediction Of Snatch And Clean And Jerk Performance From Physical Performance Measures In Elite Male Weightlifters, Ingo Sandau, Kristof Kipp

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study aimed to build a valid model to predict maximal weightlifting competition performance using ordinary least squares linear regression (OLR) and penalized (Ridge) linear regression (penLR) in 29 elite male weightlifters. One repetition maximum (1RM) or 3RM test results of assistant exercises were used as predictors. Maximal performance data of competition and assistant exercises were collected during a macrocycle in preparation for a competition. One repetition maximum snatch pull, 3RM back squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were used to predict the 1RM snatch; and 1RM clean pull, 3RM front squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were …

Effect Of Trauma Type And Trauma Burden On Self-Efficacy For Physical Exercise In Military Veterans, Kaley E. Davis, Meghan M. Bennett, Cecilia J. Hillard, Jeffrey Whittle, Zeno Franco, Rachel E. Bollaert, Jacklynn M. Fitzgerald

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

United States (U.S.) military veterans experience significant physical health problems. Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing daily physical activity, are often considered the first course of action in treatment for the general public. However, veterans report low levels of physical activity, often due to perceived barriers to engaging in exercise. Trauma exposure type and cumulative trauma burden may be differentially associated with exercise attitudes and behaviors.

Methods

We surveyed U.S. military veterans on perceived self-efficacy to overcome barriers to engaging in exercise and physical activity levels. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the type of traumatic event exposure and cumulative …

Barriers And Motivators To Attending Group Exercise Classes In Women With Anxiety, Depression And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sarah Ford

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Research has demonstrated the positive effect of exercise on mental health disorders such as anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies have also investigated the barriers and motivators that women in particular experience when contemplating the ways in which to engage in physical activity. However, a literature gap exists regarding women who experience anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the barriers and motivators that they specifically navigate when looking to attend group exercise classes. In this body of research for the award of Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, a scoping review was first conducted …

The Interplay Between Injury And Body Composition With Performance In Police Recruits, Vanessa Sutton

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The occupational demands of policing are challenging and potentially hazardous, with substantial rates of musculoskeletal injuries occurring during recruit training. Academy injury prevalence can be as high as one in five recruits. Injuries impact performance, result in lost training, and impose financial burdens on police agencies. However, limited research has explored pre-injury body composition or musculoskeletal characteristics in relation to police recruit performance. This thesis investigates injuries, body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics in physical performance and injury risk among law enforcement recruits.

Study One quantified prevalence and severity of pre-academy injuries and association with performance. Among 121 recruits, nearly half …

Occupational Therapy Using Cbt To Improve Work Productivity In Schizophrenia: A Case Study, Artha Nisa Thohiroh Triyantari, Reza Nur Arsyi, Muhammad Luthfi, Ayleen Alicia K, Hermito Gideon, Zulfa Khoirunisah, Putri Dirgantara, Purnama Betty R. Sitorus

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that often impairs an individual's social and occupational functioning, including productivity-related activities. Patients with schizophrenia frequently face challenges in maintaining employment or running an independent business due to cognitive and emotional disturbances affecting their adaptive skills. This single-case study integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into occupational therapy to enhance productivity in a schizophrenia patient through an entrepreneurial activity—independently opening a coffee shop. The study subject is a 50-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia undergoing psychosocial rehabilitation at RSJ Dr. Soeharto Heerdjan. The CBT-based intervention was designed to develop adaptive thinking patterns and occupational skills through …