Sports Sciences Commons^™

Preparedness Of Doctor Of Athletic Training (Dat) Credentialed Athletic Trainers To Take Roles In Academia, Andrew J. Schweitzer, Matthew J. Rivera, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The athletic training education landscape is shifting, which has opened new avenues for postprofessional education. Previous literature has investigated stakeholder perceptions and attitudes towards hiring a DAT degree holder in academia. Yet, there is no research investigating the experiences of DAT degree holders in academic roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the preparation and experiences of DAT degree holders related to their roles in academia. Methods: We used a consensual qualitative research design to explore the lived experiences of DAT degree holders in academia through semi-structured web-based interviews. Twelve DAT degree holders with at least …

Conservative Treatment Of A Symptomatic Os Vesalianum Pedis In A Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report, Mario F. Cruz, Lori A. Bolgla, Ryan Alexander, Peter J. Symbas, Jeremy Royal, Jordan Serrano-Dennis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: Symptomatic os vesalianum pedis (OVP), a small accessory bone located adjacent to the base of the 5^th metatarsal of the foot, rarely affects individuals who participate in sports. The condition typically is treated with surgical intervention. This case report documents the examination, evaluation, and treatment approach for a professional soccer player treated conservatively with a symptomatic OVP. Methods: A nineteen-year-old professional soccer player presented with pain to the base of the left 5^th metatarsal. Physical examination and imaging resulted in a diagnosis of a symptomatic OVP. The player underwent a 5-stage criterion-based rehabilitation program. Results: The player …

The Current Youth Sport Culture And Its Impact On Sport Participation Experiences Of Low Socioeconomic Status Families, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Elena C. Miller, Laura A. Prieto, Luis Columna, Kevin M. Biese, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The rise of sport specialization can jeopardize the opportunities for families of low socioeconomic status (SES) to participate in organized sport. However, obtaining an athletic scholarship may be a motivating factor for low SES youth to sport specialize. Yet, the experiences of low SES athletes in sport participation are not well known. Method: We used an Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore experiences of low SES families with children participating in sport and how this may be impacted by the current youth sport culture that promotes sport specialization. We engaged in semi-structured interviews with 12 low SES parents. Results: …

Relationship Between Allied Health Student's Behavioral Style And Ideal Clinical Instructor Behaviors, Tonya Y. Miller, Robert Creath, Eva M. Frank, Lori Portzer, Jennifer Price

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The focus of this research is to understand the relationship between students' primary DISC behavioral styles (dominant, influencing, steadiness, compliance) and their perception of ideal clinical instructor behaviors. A review of the literature supports the connection between the behaviors of the clinical instructor (CI) and the success of the allied health professional student (AHPS). Additionally, a body of research supports the connection between DISC behavioral styles and student success. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between AHPS primary DISC behavioral styles and their perception of the ideal CI behaviors. Methods: A total number …

Secondary School Coaches’ Perceptions Of Sport-Related Concussions: A Qualitative Approach, Richelle M. Williams, Madyson Anglim, Maggie Ferguson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study was conducted to understand current perceptions of secondary school coaches on concussion culture, safety, and management. Method: In this consensual qualitative research study, 17 secondary school coaches participated (12 males, 5 females). Participants were recruited through the state secondary school athletic associations. Participants were interviewed over Zoom using a semi-structured interview guide to allow for flexibility (16 questions). All interviews (30 - 60 minutes in length) were recorded and transcribed. A codebook, including themes and subthemes, was created and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The researchers each reviewed the transcripts separately. The initial codebook …

Professional Perspectives On Bilingualism In Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study, Rosa N. Benavidez Saldivar, Jessica R. Stewart, Ruth Crutchfield, Roy K. Chen, Lily Puente

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The present study examined the perspectives of professionals regarding bilingualism and ASD. Methods: A total of 27 professionals participated in this study. Data was collected via an online survey. The survey was designed based on a literature review and consultation with a team of experts in the field of ASD. Information relating to demographic information, professional practice information, and perspectives of bilingualism and ASD was collected. Results: Professionals participating in the present study were most likely to agree with the statement, “A child with ASD from a bilingual household is able to understand both languages” and least likely to …

Attitudes Toward Covid-19 And Covid-19 Vaccinations Among Athletic Trainers, Stephen A. Cage, Paul Mcgaha, Monica Matocha, Michelle Crum, Phd, Cathy Fieseler, Laurel Trail, Brandon J. Warner, Diana M. Gallegos

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Following the beginning of the pandemic brought about by the novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19, the first COVID-19 vaccination received emergency use authorization in the United States of America in December of 2020. Current research has shown the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death have a good safety profile. Additionally, the side effects associated with these vaccines are typically mild to moderate while the protection against hospitalization and severe disease is substantial. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html). At the time of this study, there appears to be a paucity in the research related …

Assessment Of Inter-Instrument Reliability For Dominant Handgrip Dynamometry And Spirometry, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Anne Jones, Anthony Leicht

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the inter-instrument reliability of different dynamometers and spirometers commonly used in clinical practice. Methods: The study involved 113 healthy volunteers across three facility sites. At each site, dominant handgrip strength (DHGS), and lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV₁], forced vital capacity [FVC] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]), were compared using a local and reference device. Assessments were randomized with five minutes rest between measurements. Significant differences between devices were assessed using paired t-test while relative reliability between devices was determined via intra-class correlations (ICC). Accuracy …

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 …

Access, Engagement, And Experiences With Critical Incident Response Resources In Athletic Training, Karen L. Holmes, Elizabeth R. Neil, Kelcey C. Granger, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Experiencing an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury is a critical incident and produces serious emotional responses. Athletic trainers (ATs) experience critical incidents in their day-to-day work. The purpose of this study was to explore how ATs experience a critical incident during the course of clinical practice. Methods: We used one-on-one, web-based, semi-structured interviewing with a criterion sample of ATs who experienced a critical incident and used any critical incident response resources in the last year (n=17; age=32±8; years of experience=9±7; years in current position=4±5). We used a 3-person team with a multi-phase process to …

Using The Unfolding Case Study To Improve Clinical Reasoning, Greg Williams, Sara L. Nottingham

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Context: When authentic clinical experiences are unavailable, instructors may need to consider alternatives for evaluating clinical reasoning. Objective: Describe an educational technique that simulates clinical experiences to allow students to demonstrate clinical reasoning. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created a situation where providing clinical experiences became impossible. Yet, students still needed to exercise clinical judgement as part of their athletic training education program. The unfolding case study technique aligns well with Kolb’s Theory of Experiential Learning and can be used to help students improve clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Description: An unfolding case study was used to …

Digital And Musculoskeletal Health Literacy Of Collegiate Student-Athletes, Taylor R. Niles, Matthew J. Rivera, Toni Torres-Mcgehee, Lindsey E. Eberman, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To assess the digital health literacy (DHL) and musculoskeletal health literacy (MHL) levels of collegiate student-athletes. Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey to assess collegiate student-athletes (n=160) health literacy using the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) and Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP) tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of participants shared they accessed the Internet via smart phones and felt the Internet was important and useful to their health. On average, the participants scored a 3.36±0.38 on the DHLI. The LiMP score was 6.29±1.36, and 26.8% (n=15/56) of participants who completed the tool had limited …

College/University Independent Medical Care In The Covid-19 Era, Benjamin J. Colletti, Matthew J. Rivera, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Legislation was created for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III to guarantee an independent medical care administrative structure designed to give “unchallengeable autonomous authority” regarding diagnosis, management, and return to play decisions to primary athletics health care providers (physicians and athletic trainers). The purpose of this project was to 1) explore the structure of athletic health care in NCAA athletic institutions as it relates to independent medical care, and 2) describe changes in those structures that have occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used a cross-Sectional Study. Setting: College/University. In 2017, 162 supervising athletic trainers …

Relationship Between Estimated Vo2max And Handgrip Strength In Healthy Young Nigerian Adults, Oluwatobiloba Ajepe, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Udoka Okafor, Oluwatosin Ehuwa, Chukwuebuka Okeke, Oladuni Osundiya, Jeremiah Oyedemi, Chidinma Ezeugwa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between estimated oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and handgrip strength (HGS) among healthy young Nigerian adults. Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which involved 400 volunteers (171 males; 229 females) aged between 18–40years. Participants’ HGS was assessed using a CAMRY EH-101 hand dynamometer while VO₂max was estimated using a standard formula that includes measurement of resting heart rate. Demographic data was summarized using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Physical activity level of the participants was assessed using long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Independent t-test was used to compare …

Female Mentors And Gender Dynamics In Athletic Training, Lindsey N. Biggs, Connor A. Burton, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Female athletic trainers face barriers in accessing female mentors due to the small numbers of same-gender leaders in athletic training. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of clinically practicing female athletic trainers with mentorship. Method: Twenty-three (23) athletic trainers who identified as female and had at least 3 years of clinical experience. Interviews occurred using a semi-structured interview script. All teleconference interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A 3-person research team analyzed the data and coded it into domains and categories based on the consensual qualitative research process. Credibility was established with multiple …

Collegiate Athletic Trainers’ Experiences Planning For Return-To-Sports During Covid-19: A Qualitative Research Study, Eric G. Post, Justin S. Disanti, Christianne M. Eason, Hayley J. Root, Thomas E. Abdenour

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of intercollegiate head athletic trainers in the process of planning to resume sport, as well as their experiences across the course of the pandemic to identify key strategies, challenges, and future considerations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: This exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted via one-on-one semi structured interviews through the Zoom video conference technology. Twenty-four head athletic trainers across NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions participated in the study. Results: Emerging themes included the development of detailed, institution-specific plans with shared elements such as policies for testing …

The Effects Of Blood-Flow Restriction Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Strength, And Power In College-Age Adults, Meghan Rohde, Lauren Bacsalmasi, Quinton Erhard, Tanner Lung, Whitney Weinert

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Low load BFR (LLBFR) training can produce similar strength gains as high load resistance (HLR) training, especially in cases where persons may not have the ability to toelrate heavy loads. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in strength, power, and hypertrophy between HLR (70% 1RM) and LLBFR (30% 1RM). Methods: Sixteen healthy individuals, ages 23-21 (8 male, 8 female) were randomized into HLR and LLBFR groups. Obtained baseline measurements included 1-repetition maximum (1RM), thigh circumference, and vertical jump height. Each group performed back squat, Bulgarian split squat, barbell step ups, and lunges. The HL group trend …

Physical Examination Findings In Patients With Protracted Concussion And The Impact Of An Integrative Concussion Rehabilitation Protocol, Lauren Ziaks, Chelsea Brown, Maura Iversen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To describe physical examination (PE) findings of individuals with protracted concussion recovery and evaluate an integrated primitive reflex (PR) disinhibition, vision, and vestibular rehabilitation intervention. Method: Retrospective study of 82 patients with protracted concussion (60.98% female) who received ≥ 2 phases of treatment. Following a baseline PE, patients completed the Post-Concussion Symptom Survey (PCSS), Activities-Based Balance Confidence Questionnaire (ABC), Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI), and Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury (aTBI) Vision Questionnaire. A subset of patients (Group 1), completed a final PE and second questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample. T-tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests compared characteristics of …

An Examination Of Employment Model And 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 the policy and procedure practices of secondary school athletic trainers based on employment models. 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 policies and procedures being in operation and/or written form. Results from the policies and procedures questionnaire were combined with the recorded employment model type to compare the status of policies and procedures …

The Precaution Adoption Process Model In Describing Emergency Action Plan Adoption, Samantha E. Scarneo-Miller, Douglas J. Casa, Shuang Yin, Timothy E. Moore, Yuki Murata, Johna Kay Register-Mihalik, Lindsay J. Distefano

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the ability of the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) to classify athletic trainers (ATs) and athletic directors (ADs) readiness to act with regards to adopting an emergency action plan (EAP), and describe factors influencing PAPM stages. Method: We used a cross-sectional questionnaire design to evaluate readiness to act for developing an EAP among ATs and ADs working in United States high schools. The PAPM is a participant-driven model to identify someone’s readiness to act or change and has seven stages: Unaware, Unengaged, Undecided, Decided not to Act, Decided to Act, Acting …

Self-Confidence And Perceptions Of Athletic Training Students Following Simulated Experiences: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study, Hannah L. Stedge, Valerie Herzog

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic training clinical education provides students with a variety of real-life patient encounters under the supervision of a credentialed athletic trainer. However, clinical education experiences may not allow for all students to practice more invasive or less common skills such as rectal thermometry. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) determine the effect of a series of low to high-fidelity simulated rectal thermometry experiences on athletic training students’ self-confidence scores; and 2) through a phenomenological qualitative approach, explore athletic training students’ perceptions following the simulated rectal thermometry experiences. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental, mixed methods, one-group …

Plyometric Training For Young Male Field Hockey Players, Vijaya Krishnan, Twincy Rajawadha

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Field hockey is a team sport requiring a combination of skill set to enhance a player’s performance. Power, Fitness and Agility are few such basic parameters. Newer training protocols are constantly explored to achieve the desired effect and plyometrics is one such method. It is also important to know how long lasting the effects of training are. Methodology: Fifty (50) male field hockey players at interschool and zonal level participated in the study. These sports specific parameters - lower limb power, fitness level and agility - were tested using the vertical jump test, 40-metre sprint test, and shuttle cross …

Opioids And An Active Population: Athletic Trainers' Perceptions, Dana Karlene Bates

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Opioid use, misuse, and abuse are occurring in both high school and collegiate athletes. There is limited research that examines athletic trainers' perceptions of opioids. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate athletic trainers’ awareness and practice of opioids in an active population. Method: Qualitative inquiry was used to explore athletic trainers' awareness of opioids in an active population. Ten athletic trainers (7 male, 3 female) employed in the Northwest Athletic Training Association (6 collegiate, 4 high schools) volunteered for this study. Phone interviews were conducted in July to September 2017 with a semi-structured …

Athletic Training Assessment Of Knowledge Inconsistent With Perceptions Of Knowledge Needs: Part Ii, Jessica R. Edler, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Continuing education (CE) is intended to promote continued competence beyond the level required for entry-level practice. Previous research suggests that athletic trainers are unable to identify their knowledge gaps regarding their clinical practice. The purpose of this research study was to determine if athletic trainers’ perceived need for CE aligns with their performance on an actual knowledge assessment. Method: We used a correlational design conducted on Qualtrics, a web-based platform. Four hundred, forty-four (444) athletic trainers completed all the CE Needs Assessment and over 60% of the athletic training assessment of knowledge. The CE Needs Assessment determined participant’s perceived …

Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Junior Faculty Member Preparation: Perceptions Of Doctoral Programs And Clinical Practice, Jessica L. Barrett, Stephanie M. Singe, Aynsley Diamond

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Institutions of higher education suffer from a shortage of appropriately prepared faculty members in athletic training and physical therapy programs. Both professional programs have recently undergone curricular reform and degree change. We sought gain an understanding of the preparation mechanisms experienced by athletic training and physical therapy practitioners for their junior faculty positions. Method: Twenty-six athletic trainers and physical therapists participated in this phenomenological study. Data from one-on-one phone interviews were analyzed following the inductive process of interpretive phenomenological analysis. Content experts, pilot interviews, multiple analysts and member checking ensured trustworthiness. Results: Findings indicate two primary mechanisms prepared the …

The Prevalence Of Secondary School Sport Safety Policies Within State Athletic Associations And Legislation, Samantha E. Scarneo, William M. Adams, Susan W. Yeargin, Madeline A. Konz, James E. Potter, Douglas J. Casa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The location of secondary school health and safety policies impacts how they are implemented by the sports medicine team and stakeholders. Yet, a comprehensive list of each state’s policy locations has not been established. The purpose of this study was to describe where secondary school health and safety policies were located at the state level within the United States. Method: Emergency related health and safety policies were designated as either being located in the state high school athletics association (SHSAA), state legislation (LEGIS), or in both SHSAA and LEGIS (BOTH). Designation was determined by two researchers who independently …

Elbow Injury Prevention In Youth Dominican Baseball Players: A Training Intervention Pilot Study, Chelsey Erbaugh Franz, Dawn Hall-Bibb, Myra Stockdale, Aliya Thompson, Bailey Biggs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Research suggests deficits in shoulder and elbow strength and flexibility may explain the role of elbow injuries in overhead athletes, specifically ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury in baseball players. Significant damage to this ligament typically requires operative care for continued activity in the sport. Several studies have demonstrated the success of rehabilitation programs post-surgery; however, few studies have examined the role of UCL injury prevention programs. A recognized upper extremity (UE) injury prevention method is the Thrower’s Ten Program. This program may create elbow stability when pitching and throwing, theoretically reducing the risk of UCL injury. Purpose: The purpose …

The Effects Of Saddle Alignment And Pedal Stroke Training On A Competitive Cyclist With Anterior Knee Pain: A Case Report, Tim Evens, Jerome Danoff

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Among competitive cyclists, anterior knee pain is a common overuse injury. Alignment of the rider on the bicycle and the loading pattern on the pedals are proposed as factors in this pain. The patient was a 23-year-old competitive female cyclist who was riding up to 200 miles weekly and had developed bilateral anterior knee pain within the 3 months preceding our examination. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the effectiveness of adjusting this patient’s static alignment (ie. position while seated on bicycle, but not actively pedaling) on the bike and modifying her habitual pedaling pattern. Methods …

Effects Of Pre-Workout Supplements On Strength, Endurance, And Mood, Anya C. Ellerbroek, Jose Antonio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the acute effects of consuming pre-workout supplements on indices of muscular strength, endurance and mood states.

Methods: In a double- blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover design, fourteen moderate to highly-trained recreational athletes (7 female, 7 male) participated in this investigation. Subjects came to the lab twice between testing sessions. They consumed either pre supplement (mixed with 8 to 12 ounces of water) or placebo 30-minutes prior to testing. The pre-workout supplement combination (Athelite Nutrition Inc.) contained 15.62 grams per serving, 25 kcals, that consisted of a proprietary blend including caffeine (as …

Epidemiology Of Equestrian Accidents: A Literature Review, Lauren Meredith, Robert Ekman, Karin Brolin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This manuscript aimed to present a review of the literature pertaining to horse riding and other horse-related injuries.

Method: A review of the literature was performed, searching for appropriate terms with regards to horse accidents, horse riding injuries and protective clothing for the horse riding context. The literature review search returned 151 relevant full-text articles, with 71 of these detailing the overall injury epidemiology of horse-related accidents. Most of these studies were conducted in the USA and used a retrospective review of hospital data methodology.

Results: Of the 71 articles investigated, 60 suggested that those most frequently involved in …