Physiotherapy Commons^™

Improving Entry-Level Athletic Training Student Confidence In Emergency Care: A Pilot Study, Michele Pye, Cade Watts, John Hunt, Kimberly Pritchard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Immediate and emergency care is essential to athletic training education and clinical practice. Athletic training students (ATS) may have limited exposure to emergencies during their clinical experiences, which can undermine their confidence. AT educators can improve ATS confidence and clinical reasoning using a simulation-based, learner-centered SNAPPS approach. SNAPPS consists of Summarizing the history and findings, Narrowing and Analyzing the differential diagnoses, Probing peers about uncertainties or confusion, Planning management, and Selecting case-related knowledge gaps for self-directed learning. This empowers students to control the learning environment while adding realism to encounters. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine …

Recurrent Lateral Patellar Dislocation After Mpfl Repair With Subsequent Tibial Tubercle Anteromedialization And Concomiant Mpfl Reconstruction, Jacob Hardy, Anthony Thomas Drazick, Joshua Pratt, Jeremy M. Burnham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Patellar instability is a common knee pathology, particularly among adolescents and young adults, with reported incidence rates ranging from 7 to 77 per 100,000 person-years. Following an initial patellar dislocation, recurrence rates have been reported as high as 86%, particularly in patients with underlying anatomic risk factors. Identification of the multifactorial contributors to patellar instability is critical to guide appropriate management and prevent recurrent episodes. Common pathoanatomic factors associated with recurrent instability include trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, lateralized tibial tubercle, coronal or torsional malalignment, and abnormal patellar shift. This case report describes a patient who presented with a chronic …

Educational Implications Of Vestibular And Oculomotor Impairments In School Aged Children, Ellie Davenport

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper examined how vestibular and oculomotor dysfunction contributed to learning difficulties in children in grades K-12. This topic was selected due to both the association between physiological function and better academic performance and the researcher's personal interest in sport-based vestibular training as a possible intervention for children. Research sought to identify patterns among students with poor physiological function and to examine the outcomes of interventions targeting the vestibular and oculomotor systems. Understanding the implications of impaired physiological function is critical, as every day at school, children are expected to read, write, track information, and stay attentive, all skills that …

Differences And Changes In Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Of German And Japanese Students Before And After Short-Term Exchange Programs, Kazumasa Nakagawa, Yuko Takahashi, Melanie Zwiorek

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Since 2012, a Japanese and a German university have conducted exchange programs. This study examined the effects of a short-term exchange program in 2023, focusing on intercultural sensitivity. Nine Japanese students and nine German students completed a 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale before and after the program using a 5-point Likert scale. We performed cross-tabulations and analyzed differences between countries and pre- and post-program changes using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. The results suggest that even a short-term exchange enhanced Japanese students’ confidence in intercultural interactions and encouraged German students to reflect on their own culture. However, Japanese students showed lower …

Learning Experiences From An Interprofessional, University-Based, Student-Led Healthcare Clinic In The Uk., Katharine Wood, Helen Frank, Konstantinos Papadopoulos

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Student-led clinics (SLCs) are increasingly being adopted in physiotherapy and occupational therapy degree programs. SLCs are an innovative practice-based learning model that offers unique learning opportunities while solving the challenges of sourcing appropriate placements. However, there is little recent evidence of their use in healthcare education in the UK. To address this literature gap, a synchronous online focus group with seven participants was conducted to explore the learning experiences of undergraduate occupational therapy and physiotherapy students who attended an inter-professional, non-elective, university-based SLC in the UK. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify three main themes: (1) Learning With, …

The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." …

Precision Education In Health Sciences Education: A Call-To-Action For Developing An Interprofessional Strategy, Arvie Vitente, Jennifer Bosworth, Robert Sweet, Rebecca Cozzi, Christopher Galloway, Piotr Szczurek, Melanie Obispo-Young, Eron Bozec, Erica Brkovic, Tina Bobo, Jennifer Lubinski

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction. Growing learner diversity, expanding biomedical knowledge, and rapid clinical digitization have exposed the limits of on-size-fits-all health sciences training. Competency-Based Education (CBE) has sharpened the focus on outcomes, yet many programs still move learners through fixed sequences, infrequent assessments, and retrospective remediation. Precision Education (PE) offers a complementary, data-enabled approach that uses learning analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and continuous feedback loops. Embedded within CBE, PE converts competencies from static milestones into dynamic trajectories that can be measured, visualized, and adjusted in real time across the curriculum. This abstract highlights the need for an interprofessional strategy to design, fund, and …

Impact Of A Focused Best Practice Workshop On Athletic Trainer Confidence, Jaclyn B. Arduini, Jennifer L. Volberding, Zachary A. Murray

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Athletic trainers are required to be proficient in emergency management skills, without review these skills may decay creating a potentially dangerous knowledge gap. Confidence measures of emergency management skills were taken before and after a workshop to determine if they changed due to the review of material. All 11 confidence measures increased post workshop, seven significantly, including rectal temperature, hemostatic agents, external hemostatic modalities, in-line stabilization, measurement and application of a cervical collar, football and other equipment removal. ATs should aim to incorporate emergency management review into continuing education choices.

Examining Burnout Among Athletic Trainers Employed In The College And Secondary School Settings, Stephanie M. Singe, Dayna Liu, Alexandrya Cairns

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Burnout continues to be an important concern for athletic trainers working traditional employment settings. The purpose of this study was to compare the secondary school and collegiate settings in relation to burnout. Both secondary school and collegiate athletic trainers participated in a self-reported, online cross-sectional design (Qualtrics) to collect data on their experiences with burnout. Data collection occurred during the second week of October 2023 and ceased during the early weeks of November. Collegiate athletic trainers reported moderate burnout overall (54.56 ±15.89) on the CBI whereas secondary school athletic trainers reported low burnout overall (46.67 ±16.57). On the personal-related burnout …

Use Of An Electronic Dynamometer Following Pitching To Identify Fatigue In Softball Pitchers, Bethany L. Hansberger, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This study used a case-series design to collect in-game fatigue measures for collegiate softball pitchers immediately after pitching during the competitive season. Five softball pitchers (age = 19.8 ± 1.5 years; height = 169.9±6.1 cm; body mass = 79.1±22.6 kg) from one Division I program were recruited. Isometric internal and external rotation, scaption, and grip strength measures were collected using an electronic dynamometer at the beginning and conclusion of the fall non-traditional season, and at the beginning of preseason in January. Strength measures were also obtained during the competitive season at the conclusion of pitching in a game and compared …

Suturing Education For Athletic Trainers: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Morgan K. Webb, Brett T. Heim, Allyson E. Ritchey, Kenya Moore, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Teaching suturing skills to medical students is a critical component of their education. Implementing suturing into a comprehensive framework is developed from how professors teach the skill. Suturing is a required skill by the General Medical Council that all medical students must have, and how it is being introduced to new students is changing. This review aimed to summarize different educational interventions and determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to teach future suturing skills. The original systematic review included 25 articles in the final data synthesis. Fourteen studies were randomized control trials, six were quasi-experimental, and five were observational. …

Incorporating Balance Training Into Ankle Sprain Injury Prevention Programs: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, David Tomchuk, Jacob Meyer, Kyle Schneider, Ben Fox

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sports and non-sporting activities. For patients, ankle sprains can result in multiple short and long-term hardships, such as financial burdens of evaluation and treatment, absenteeism from sport and physical activity, and diminished ankle and lower extremity function. However, athletic trainers and other stakeholders are also impacted by administrative and time burdens in caring for ankle sprains and how ankle sprains affect team dynamics and performance. The 2022 guiding systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating preventive balance training exercises on the incidence of ankle sprains in soccer athletes. The search performed …

Psychological And Psychosocial Effects Of Contemplative Practices In The Athletic Population: A Systematic Review, Victoria Baker, Emily Duckett, Alison Gardiner-Shires, Lindsey Keenan

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Mental health concerns in athletes are becoming a primary focus for institutions, companies, coaches, and more. An athlete carries an abundant load of stressors due to their lifestyle. The stressors can negatively impact an athlete by producing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other mental health concerns. Previous studies have found a connection between the use of contemplative practices on psychological and psychosocial effects in athletes, creating an opportunity to evaluate the research of contemplative practices in the athletic population. 5, 7, 8, 13-16 A systematic review was conducted using nine electronic databases. Seven studies were included in this review, each assessing …

Concurrent Acl And Medial/Lateral Meniscal Repair In A Collegiate Soccer Player: Disablement Model Case Study, Rebecca L. Perry, Angelica Alicea, Jeanette Welch, Carl White, Emily E. Hildebrand, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This case examines a 19-year-old female Division I collegiate soccer player who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with medial and lateral meniscal repairs. Though meniscal tears often occur in conjunction with ACL injury, incidence of concurrent medial and lateral tears with presence of a displaced bucket-handle lesion is rare. This patient attempted to tackle an oncoming opponent in which contact caused forceful trunk rotation away from her planted right foot. Sideline evaluation revealed medial and posterior knee pain with active knee range of motion deficits. Further evaluation revealed apprehension and muscle guarding during Lachman’s, anterior drawer, and valgus stress …

Conservative Management Of Athletic Pubalgia In A Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athlete: A Case Study, Sydney F. Hendrick, Amy L. Fraley, Madison V. Kefferstan, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A 24-year-old female collegiate beach volleyball athlete experienced sharp pain in the pubis symphysis region after turning and running to reach a ball hit over her right shoulder. The patient was unable to move her lower extremities without extreme pain and required help off the court. She was referred to the student health center, where no initial imaging was performed. Differential diagnoses included osteitis pubis, abdominal strain, and athletic pubalgia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a small partial sports hernia with the shearing of the aponeurotic plate. The team physician recommended conservative management. The patient requested a consultation with a …

Improving The Discussion Of Suicide Prevention: A Quality Improvement Project, Chelsea Reynolds, Alyssa Zeitouni, Kathryn Stephenson

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States and the third leading cause of death in this age group worldwide.1,2 Suicide prevention is understandably a growing focus in pediatrics. Currently, at the Children’s Hospital Outpatient Clinic, that is staffed by pediatric resident physicians, suicidal ideation is screened for using a PHQ-9 screen. However, at the time this study was initiated and completed, the TEEN screen was utilized. After the screening is performed, regardless of type, it is up to the provider to address these findings in a safe and effective manner. The goal …

Introducing Patient-Centered Outcomes To Preceptors In Caate-Approved Athletic Training Programs, K. Judge

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The 2020 standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) now require the incorporation of the International Classification of Function and Patient-Centered Outcomes into professional practice. These standards can be introduced initially through simulation, but to develop a competent and culturally aware professional, outcome measures should be completed during clinical experiences under the guidance of approved preceptors. As this is a relatively new standard, many preceptors did not receive this as part of their education and may be uncomfortable integrating outcomes into their practice. This lack of integration can negatively affect the learning opportunities of athletic …

Neuromuscular Deficits Following An Isolated Pcl Tear In A Collegiate Lacrosse Player: A Case Study, Mckenna G. Witlin, Erin R. Mcmullan, Courtney M. Meyer, Amy L. Fraley

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This disablement model case study outlines a 21-year-old female collegiate lacrosse player attending a United States service academy who presented with a unique neuromuscular deficit following a conservative grade II PCL tear rehabilitation. Nearing the end of her rehabilitation protocol, she noticed difficulty with toe-off while running; however, she did not report to the athletic trainer due to the institution’s holiday break proximity. An unexpected transfer of care occurred when the patient returned after the holidays, and she was cleared for full participation upon return. Several days after the patient was cleared, she reported her ankle feeling “stuck.” Upon evaluation, …

Holistic Approach To Managing Grade 3 Vaginismus: An Obg Physiotherapy Perspective, Nagma Khan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions, which can make vaginal penetration painful or impossible. This disorder has both physical and psychological components, often leading to significant emotional distress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Effective management requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy with psychological support. This case report examines the treatment of a 29-year-old woman with grade 3 vaginismus, highlighting the role of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) physiotherapy in improving both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

Case Presentation: A 29-year-old female presented with grade 3 vaginismus, with a history of severe pelvic floor tension …

Virtual Lecture, Live Lecture, Flipped Classroom: Does Dpt Pain Curriculum Format Affect Student Pain Beliefs? A Preliminary Study, Jeb Helms, Jamie Ball, Kory J. Zimney Pt, Dpt, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Currently there are multiple published examples of successful DPT delivery models for the International Association for the Study of Pain curricular guidelines. However, there are no direct comparisons between different IASP delivery models such as in-person vs hybrid or lecture vs flipped classroom. The purpose of this study was to compare 3 delivery formats for teaching a DPT pain science IASP based course (1. Virtual Lecture 2. In-person Lecture 3. Flipped in-person) for pre course and post course differences in student biomedical/biopsychosocial beliefs, and confidence to treat patients in pain.Method The instructors remained consistent throughout the study period, …

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 …

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 …