Sports Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Circadian Rhythm And Its Impact On Balance And Physical Performance, Angel Oliver, Christian Mccormick, Eseosa Aigbe, Tanner Erwin, Ariela Khandadash, Benjamin Khavkin, Samuel Park, Jutta Ward, Deborah Bell-Pedersen

Annual Research Symposium

This study explores the relationship between circadian rhythms and human performance across three key domains: cardiovascular endurance, vestibular function, and strength. Through the review of data obtained through performance testing at two different time points along with 24-hour physiological tracking, this study attempts to find correlations between circadian function and physical performance.

Role Of Psychiatric Factors Hindering Physical Rehabilitation After Acl Reconstructive Surgery, Malak Rafik, Davian Caraballo, James Fini Jr., Nathan Barnhurst

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Heart Rate Variability Following Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise And Traditional Resistance Exercise In Trained Men And Women, Michael R. Perlet, Lauren I. Mendonça, Peter A. Hosick, Nicholas Licameli, Evan L. Matthews

Research Data

Autonomic nervous system responses are attenuated following blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise vs traditional resistance exercise (TRE) in men, but women’s responses are unknown. The purpose of this investigation is to compare the effects of a single BFR vs TRE session on HRV. Thirty-nine adults (M=20, W=19, age: 23±4yrs, body mass: 72.3±13.2kg, height: 169±9cm) participated in the study. Barbell back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing was performed followed by two randomized and counterbalanced exercise visits ≥48hrs apart (BFR: 4 sets, 30-15-15-15 repetitions, 30% 1RM, 60s rest; TRE: 4 sets x 10 repetitions, 70% 1RM, 60s rest). Pre- and …

Screening For Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport (Reds) And The Female Athlete Triad In Female Undergraduate Collegiate Athletes: A Quality Improvement Project, Maria A. Marziano

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project investigated female collegiate athletes’ knowledge and prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and the Female Athlete Triad (Triad). The increase in female athletics brings a growing concern for performance-related health risks, including low energy availability (LEA), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD). This study assessed the effectiveness of education and self-screening in identifying at-risk athletes and encouraging resource application for intervention. A mixed-methods design was employed, utilizing retrospective data along with pre- and post-intervention surveys. The study involved 33 female collegiate athletes from lean endurance sports, assessing knowledge, risk factors, and …

Menstrual Cycle Phase Effects On Exercise Thermoregulation And Performance In The Heat, Kailei J. Eustis

All Master's Theses

Hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle (MC) may influence physiological responses. This study examined whether thermoregulatory measures differ across MC phases, and if these changes impact running performance in the heat. Ten eumenorrheic adults completed two treadmill runs in simulated conditions (wet bulb globe temperature 31.7 ± 1.4°C) during early follicular (EF) and midluteal (ML) phases. First 45min was a constant self-selected light pace followed by a 15min performance test for distance. Core temperature (Tc), mean skin temperature (Ts), heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (RPE), thermal perception (THERM), and comfort perception (COMF) were assessed every 5min. Sweat perception (SP), sweat …

Multimodal Assessment Battery And Heart Rate Variability Enhance Clinical Utility Of Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test, Daniel Miner, Michael Shiraishi, Pamela Gibbons, Rahul Soangra, Brent Harper

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Context: The Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) for exercise intolerance following concussion may highlight underlying autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic function at rest and with exertion may be predictive of neurocognitive performance for individuals with sports-related concussion. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility and utility of combining multimodal assessments with heart rate variability (HRV) measures during the BCTT for individuals with a remote history of concussion. Design: Prospective cohort study design, pretest/posttest. Methods: Participants included 5 males and 5 females (N = 10, age: 25.2 [3.3] y old, height: 173.2 [11.2] cm, mass: 73.4 [13.7] …

“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 …

Using The Revised Bloom’S Taxonomy For Advanced Graded Exercise Testing In Clinical And Sport Performance Based Courses, M. Landram

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Determining functional capacity (FC) is a critical aspect of performance and clinical measures. In this lab students will propose, complete, and evaluate the success of a graded exercise test (GXT) of their own design. This lab is intended for upper-level students who have been exposed to both maximal and submaximal exercise testing. Because of the nature of FC testing, this is an in-person activity; however, there may be ways to convert this into an online space as case studies or rely solely on submax estimations. Depending on the types of tests being performed, a 50-minute class can complete 2 tests …

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 …

Continuing Education Seminar’S Impact On Knowledge And Retention Among Athletic Trainers., Brandon Warner, D Gill, S Shultz, W Karper, Sa Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: The athletic training profession requires continuing education (CE) to maintain their national practice credential. Recent research has shown healthcare professionals to have knowledge and skill declines post-continuing education courses. Even with the CE mandate and available research, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of continuing education in the profession of athletic training. There is also a lack of research on the impact of a CE seminar assessing behavior change post-seminar. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the impact of an educational seminar on participant knowledge gain, knowledge retention, and reported use of ES for pain …

Effects Of Concussion History On Risk Taking Behaviors In Collegiate Athletes, K Formey, Tr Campbell

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

VirginiaContext: According to the literature, in the United States there are an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million sport-related concussions annually with over 10,000 concussions among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes1. The annual incidence of medically diagnosed pediatric concussions increased from 34 per 10,000 persons in 2003 to 150 per 10,000 persons in 20132. There has been an increase in research studied on the physiological mechanisms and causes of concussions among people of all ages with sports participation being the etiology of about half of all pediatric concussions2. Concussions occur from excessive forces being applied to the skull resulting in …

Effects Of Passive Heat Interventions On A Person’S Active Heat Acclimatization: A Critically Appraised Topic, Sl Dickstein, Dm Emerson, Al Fraley

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Focused Clinical Question: Does implementing a month-long passive heat protocol in a sauna affect a person’s active heat acclimatization by decreasing average heart rate (HR), decreasing internal body temperature, and increasing skin temperature (Tsk)? Data Sources: A comprehensive search was conducted in September 2023 through PubMed. The search terms used were passive heat therapy, heat acclimatization, and hypoxia. Manuscripts were limited to those published within the last 5 years. Study Selection: Inclusion criteria consisted of physically active participants, measures of HR and body temperature, and randomized-controlled trials and crossover studies using saunas as a passive heat intervention. Exclusion criteria consisted …

Enhancing Cultural Competency In Sports Medicine Resident And Fellowship Physicians Through The Coming Out Star Exercise., Sa Cage, Ap Jacobsen

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Previous studies have reported that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) healthcare providers and student-athletes encounter difficulties in their work or competition settings. Numerous medical professional associations have published statements affirming their commitment to providing equitable healthcare for patients from the LGBTQIA community. However, there is a paucity of research related to building cultural competency among healthcare professionals with regards to LGBTQIA patients. The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of the Coming Out Star exercise on giving sports medicine track resident and fellowship physicians a better understanding of the challenges faced by …