Sports Sciences Commons^™

Quality Improvement Report On Self-Guided Rehabilitation Programs For Athletes In Secondary Settings, Matthew Romano Ats

All Student Scholarship

Background:

Secondary school athletic training rooms are often challenged by limited staffing and high athlete volumes, leading to extended wait times and decreased access to timely care. A significant portion of visits involves non-urgent injury prevention and maintenance exercises, which may be effectively managed through self-guided interventions. This quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to implement a self-directed rehabilitation program to reduce in-clinic congestion and improve provider efficiency.

A Review Of Plyometric Training And The Implications It Has On Rehabilitation And Prevention Of Lower Extremity Injuries In Collegiate Volleyball Athletes., Christopher R. Wight

All Student Scholarship

With the rise in popularity of volleyball the occurrence of injuries has been on the rise, and how do athletic trainers manage and prevent these injuries. Surakhamhaeng et al 13 , Gallego- Izquierdo et al 15 , Ardakani et al 16 , and Huang et al 14 have shown several important aspects to prevent lower extremity injuries in collegiate volleyball players. These aspects include plyometric training, balance training, glute strengthening, and proper landing techniques. Research by Han et al 6 also noted the benefit of combining these elements in order to reach the desired outcome for the athlete. The importance …

Expanding The Role Of Athletic Trainers: Injury Prevention And Cost Reduction In Large Retail Settings, Deanna Rainey Ms, Atc

All Student Scholarship

Work related musculoskeletal injuries are a significant concern in physically demanding environments such as large retail stores, often leading to high workers’ compensation costs and decreased productivity. This evidence to practice paper explores the potential benefits of integrating industrial athletic trainers (ATs) into standard workplace safety programs within retail settings. Drawing from existing literature, the paper highlights ATs’ expertise in injury prevention, ergonomic assessment, rehabilitation, and health education. Studies indicate that incorporating ATs results in fewer workplace injuries, faster return to work times, and substantial cost savings. Positive outcomes include improved employee health, reduced days away from work, and enhanced …

Injury Trends And Patterns In Collegiate Football: A Retrospective Analysis Of Position-Specific Injuries At A Division I College, Cassidy Cave

All Student Scholarship

Injury surveillance in collegiate football provides critical insight for the identification of trends, risk factors, and prevention strategies. While national databases have offered foundational knowledge, program-specific analysis remains essential for targeted clinical care. A retrospective analysis was conducted on injuries sustained during the 2024 season by a NCAA Division I collegiate football team, with emphasis on injury type, affected body part, and athlete position. Data was collected from internal injury reports spanning from August through November of 2024, including all orthopedic injuries and general medical concerns evaluated by the sports medicine team during official team activities. A total of 293 …

The Inclusion Of Goal Setting In Promoting Exercise Adherence In Adolescent Athletes Who Sustained A Concussion: A Critically Appraised Topic, Caitlin Culhane

All Student Scholarship

Introduction/clinical scenario: Almost 2 million youth in the US sustain a concussion every year with several of them experiencing persistent post concussive symptoms. Past intervention has suggested that rest until symptom free is the best approach, while current findings suggest this approach is outdated and early exercise can help with a faster recovery. Several studies have researched the effects of goal setting strategies in different populations however there is a need for study in adolescent athletes. Focused clinical question: Is goal setting beneficial in promoting exercise adherence for adolescent athletes who sustained a sports related concussion? Summary of key findings: …

In Competitive Athletes, Does Adding Psychological Rest Compared To Regular Training Reduce Burnout: A Critically Appraised Topic, Amy A. Umutoni

All Student Scholarship

Burnout among competitive athletes is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, a diminished sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation. 1 The rigorous demands of training and competition can lead to chronic stress, potentially culminating in burnout. While physical rest is a well-established component of athletic recovery, the role of psychological rest in mitigating burnout is gaining attention. 2 Psychological rest encompasses mental breaks and activities that promote cognitive relaxation, potentially aiding in recovery and performance. Emerging evidence also suggests that structured psychological interventions can enhance emotional well-being and resilience among athletes, particularly those coping with injuries. In …

The Victorian Institute Of Sport Assessment – Achilles Is Fundamentally Flawed And Unfit For Clinical Practice Or Research: A Rasch Measurement Theory Analysis Using Cosmin Recommendations, Nigel Travers, Myles C. Murphy, Benedict M. Wand, Paul Kirwan, Mervyn Travers, James Debenham, William Gibson, Dana Hince

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Evaluate structural validity, hypothesis testing and measurement invariance of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) using Rasch analysis to determine if it can be recommended to measure Achilles tendinopathy severity. Methods: We performed an evaluation of the VISA-A measurement properties using Rasch Measurement Theory by pooling individual participant data from previously conducted studies (n = 217). Structural validity was assessed via threshold/category mean order; adequate item fit; unidimensionality; local dependence; internal consistency. Hypothesis testing was assessed via divergent validity. Measurement invariance assessed via differential item functioning. Results: The VISA-A has inadequate construct validity. This is evident from issues …

Strength And Conditioning Society (Scs) 7th Annual Meeting, Murcia, Spain, 2024, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Konstantinos Spyrou, Anthony J. Blazevich, Tomás T. Freitas, Elena Marín-Cascales, Aarón Manzanares Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS), we are pleased to present the abstracts submitted for the SCS 7th Annual Meeting. The event was held at the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) headquarters in Murcia, Spain, on 9–11 October 2024, and comprised several invited sessions by international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to biochemistry and exercise physiology, strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention, and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance sports, sport science and training–competition load management in elite environments, biochemistry and exercise physiology and prescription, nutrition …

Sex Differences In Upper- And Lower-Limb Muscle Strength In Children And Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis, James L. Nuzzo, Matheus D. Pinto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On average, adult men are physically stronger than adult women. The magnitude of this difference depends on the muscle tested, with larger sex differences observed in upper- than lower-limb muscles. Whether body region-specific sex differences in strength exist in children is unclear. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to determine whether sex differences in muscle strength in children and adolescents differ between upper- and lower-limb muscles. Data were extracted from studies of participants aged ≤ 17 years who completed tests of maximal isometric or isokinetic strength of upper-limb muscles (e.g., elbow flexors and elbow extensors) or lower-limb muscles (e.g., …

Scoping Review Of Methods Of Monitoring Acute Changes In Lower Body Neuromuscular Function Via Force Plates, Andrew J. Badby, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Peter D. Mundy, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Force plates are amongst the most utilised technological apparatus for monitoring acute changes in neuromuscular function in sports. Practitioners apply monitoring strategies to manage neuromuscular fatigue and physical preparedness with valid, reliable, and sensitive measures. The aim of this scoping review was to identify, map, and describe the variety of monitoring procedures which have been previously applied in research (e.g., test and metric selection, data collection, study design, and data analysis procedures). Searches were completed by 24th June 2024. One thousand, nine hundred, and seventy-eight studies were identified across four databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Clarivate web of science, and Ovid). After …

Comparison Of Physical Characteristics Among English Professional And Semi-Professional Soccer Players Across Different Leagues, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Jack Fahey, Paul Jones, Jake Batsford, Paul Sindall, Christopher Bramah, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of the present study was to investigate if differences exist in neuromuscular qualities between different leagues in English male soccer. Twenty soccer players (age: 23.3±5.2 years, stature: 180.3±7.0cm, mass: 82.5±7.7kg) from English football league two (EFL2). 34 soccer players (age: 25.8±4.3 years, stature: 180.9±5.6cm, mass: 81.4±8.6kg) from National league (NL) and 23 soccer players (age: 27.5±4.3 years, stature: 182.1±5.5cm, mass: 84.1±8.0kg) from National league North (NLN). Each player completed three to five repetitions of the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMJRJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Trivial to small differences were observed in CMJ jump height, CMJ …

Effect Of Relative Age On Gross Motor Coordination Development, Considering Biological Maturity And Sex, Xiaoyu Zhang, Gaël Ennequin, Anthony J. Blazevich, Sébastien Ratel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of relative age on gross motor coordination (GMC) development, taking into account biological maturity and sex. Methods: 729 participants aged 10 to 16 years completed three GMC tests newly designed to minimize the potentially confounding effects of physical fitness. The tests included a Hand-Foot coordination test, Dribbling-Targeting test (DT test), and a T balance and agility test (T test). Relative age was determined using birth quartiles: BQ1 (January–March); BQ2 (April–June); BQ3 (July–September); and BQ4 (October–December). Regarding biological maturity, the participants were categorized according to their estimated peak height velocity (pre- and post-PHV). …

Inequities In The Rehabilitation Process Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Maine, Devon A. Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium

Since 2016, Maine’s population has grown as a result of migration and a welcoming of refugees. Changes in state demographics influence the population’s and individuals’ social determinants of health (SDOH) (ie., “where people live, learn, work, and play”) and health literacy (ie., a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information to inform health-related decisions). This project aims to identify the health inequities or disparities throughout Southern Maine in the care of injuries to the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle, as well as explore factors that influence the healthcare outcomes of athletes in surrounding communities. This study …

Differences In Peak Relative Landing Forces In Division Ii Women’S Gymnastics, Basketball, And Soccer, Hailey J. Meyers, Kalli Van Tassell

Research & Creative Achievement Day

PURPOSE: Female athletes tend to be at high risk for lower limb injuries during non-contact landing. Relative peak landing force (RPLF) is the metric being monitored in this study to compare landing forces among three different women’s sports teams. RPLF is the amount of force the athlete is landing with compared to their body weight. This gives insight into athletes that could be at risk for lower limb injuries. METHODS: 16 gymnasts (height: 163.04 ± 4.84cm; BW: 62.17 ± 5.01kg) from the Winona State University gymnastics team participated in five weeks of countermovement jump (CMJ) testing using two force plates …

Effect Of Unilateral And Bilateral Resistance Training On Performance Tests Of Collegiate Softball Athletes, Kamryn S. O'Dell

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Strength and conditioning coaches typically have athletes perform either unilateral (UL) or bilateral (BL) lower body training, based on the perception that UL may be more sport-specific, and may enable lighter loads due to different stability requirements. A randomized controlled design was used to assess the effects of UL (n=6) and BL (n=5) on collegiate DII softball athletes. After three weeks of familiarization training, testing was done pre- and post- 8 weeks of the athletes’ Fall offseason training program. Performance testing consisted of strength (front squat, hex bar deadlift, front rack split squat, rear foot elevated split squat), change of …

Triathlete’S Preferences For Adding Strength Training To Triathlon Training Programming, Brannon Deugan

Doctorate in Kinesiology

This dissertation examined triathletes’ preferences and behaviors related to strength training integration within triathlon training programs, and despite growing evidence supporting the benefits of resistance training for injury prevention and performance enhancement, many endurance athletes remain hesitant to adopt strength training. The purpose of this study was to expand the current understanding of how age, gender, and experience influence strength training decisions and to translate those insights into practical strategies for coaching and athletic programming. A total of 210 triathletes completed an online survey assessing training behaviors, preferred strength modalities, session frequency, and load estimation methods. Quantitative data were analyzed …

Do Super Shoes Improve Drop Jump Performance?, Emily Urban

Honors Theses

Super shoes are responsible for the astonishing improvements in marathon times; however, it is unknown whether they can also aid athletes when it comes to jumping performance. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate if super shoes improve jump performance in athletes in comparison with regular athletic shoes, as measured by vertical jump height and torque during a drop jump maneuver. In addition, the study investigated if there were differences in kinetic and kinematic variables during jumping between shoes, as measured by torque production at the hip, knees, and ankles during takeoff.

Sex Differences In Exercise And Sleep Among University Faculty And Staff Members, Jorge O. Vazquez, David A. Tobar, Faith Yingling, K Todd Keylock

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 4, 2025. There has been minimal research examining the exercise and sleeping patterns of university faculty and staff members and what role these factors play in overall health. The information gathered in this study was used to analyze how faculty and staff can adapt their behaviors to improve health and well-being. To explore sex differences in exercise and sleep in faculty and staff at a university in the Midwest, the study performed secondary analyses on data collected from the 2022 American College Health Association’s National Faculty and Staff Health …

From Nil To Enrollment: How Nil Agreements Shape College Choices For Top Men’S Basketball And Football Prospects, Will Trantham, Kate Wilson, Grace Shaw, Bruna Gebaili Sampaio

Liberty University Research Week

This study deeply examines how NIL deals have impacted the chosen University of attendance for 5-star men’s basketball and football athletes. The recruitment of high-profile athletes to universities across the country has been greatly altered with the addition of NIL to the college landscape. The process of reaching a conclusion on where to attend school seems to have greatly changed from academic prowess and facilities to guaranteed money and personal brand exposure. Through this study, we will be conducting in depth Zoom interviews with former recruits that are now currently attending college. We will then use those gathered responses and …

Case Study: Effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season, Doug Dendy, C Roger James, Toby Brooks, Micah Lierly, Nolan Riley, Larry Munger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 3, 2025. This case study examined the effects of stroboscopic vision training during an entire varsity softball season for a 16-year-old female. Stroboscopic vision training uses specialized glasses with crystallized fluid that flickers, intermittently impeding vision, a technique that enhances visual performance. The stroboscopic glasses were worn two to three times a week during hitting and fielding skills. The central hypothesis was that the stroboscopic vision training would enhance softball vision performance. The central hypothesis was tested using these specific aims: 1) batting statistics for a year with no …

Resting Blood Pressure And Heart Rate Measurements Are Different In Division Iii Male And Female Athletes At Ohio Northern University From 2000-2023, Scott Swanson, Katie Prusnek, Nora Metcalf, Dani Widmark, Rachel Ruggles

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Introduction/Background

Resting blood pressures and heart rates are common pre-participation cardiovascular measurements in college athletes. Athletes in the NCAA’s Division III comprise nearly 40% of all participants in college athletics. Despite the large number of athletes participating in Division III athletics, few studies have examined resting pre-participation cardiovascular measurements in male and female Division III athletes.

Purpose

Determine resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rates in male and female athletes at ONU from 2000 - 2023.

Methods

Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rates were measured in athletes on 19 ONU sport teams (N = 10 …

Advocacy For On-Campus Occupational Therapy In College Athletics, Doyle C. Taylor, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focuses on a growing issue in college sports: the lack of accessible, specialized rehabilitation for student-athletes. Many universities rely on off-campus providers for occupational therapy, which often leads to delays in treatment, missed appointments, and inconsistent care. To address this gap, the project advocates for the integration of occupational therapists directly into athletic departments. By developing and delivering educational workshops, distributing advocacy materials, and engaging with key stakeholders, the project highlights how on-campus OT services can streamline care, improve recovery outcomes, and support both the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes. The goal is to bring awareness to …

Education About Eds: How Can Colleges Reduce The Risk And Prevalence Of Eating Disorders In Ncaa Female Athletes?, Meghan J. Mcnabb, Alexandra Jakubiak

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Female collegiate athletes are currently recognized as a high-risk group for developing eating disorders due to performance pressures and unrealistic body standards. Limited studies have analyzed the impact of tailored educational and behavioral interventions on the prevalence of eating disorders among female athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This proposed research will be conducted at Nova Southeastern University to explore how colleges can decrease the cases of eating disorders among female athletes using a multi-component educational intervention. Participants will be screened through the EAT-26 assessment tool and initial BMI measures will be recorded to establish a baseline for …

Race And Gender Bias In Sports Media, Jovanni Salazar

Research Days

There is a significant amount of racial and gender bias in sports media, which can impact the way minority and female athletes are perceived by the public. This study closely looks at the way these professional athletes are talked about and treated by the media compared to white athletes. This study highlights the language used by commentators and other members of sports media that reinforces negative stereotypes that minority and female athletes deal with throughout their careers. Some of these stereotypes imply black athletes owe their success to natural physical ability, while white athletes are “smart” and more “skilled. This …

Goat Tying Styles Impact On Performance Consistency With Rodeo Competitors In The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Ozark Region, Marie Baxley, C.A. Shea Porr, Thomas Powell

Honors College Theses

Goat tying is a rodeo event involving dismounting a horse, and flanking and tying three legs of a goat. Flanking is defined as picking a goat up and setting it on the ground on its side. Flank/gather (FG) is a style where riders scoop the legs with the right hand and then place them in the left. Catch the flank (CF), stuffing (ST), and funneling (FN) are other methods that involve the goats’ legs landing together so the right hand is not needed for gathering. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) if flanking method affects performance, and …

The Role Of Age, Experience, And Physical Fitness In Technical Performance In Karate: An Observational Analysis, Rui Miguel Silva, Joaquim Ferreira, Georgian Badicu, Jarosław Muracki, Beata Pożarowszczyk-Kuczko, Adam Kawczyński

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between age, experience, anthropometric measures, physical fitness, and the quality of technical performance in karate practitioners. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study with 53 federated karate athletes, aged 5 to 55, affiliated with the Youth Karate Association Portugal. The participants were divided into age and experience groups to assess differences in anthropometric measures (body mass, height, BMI) and physical fitness (strength, power, flexibility). The technical performance of four specific karate techniques – kizami, gyaku zuki, mawashi geri, and ura mawashi geri – was evaluated using a custom-designed technical evaluation …

Sports For Gender Equality, Michelle Salmeron, Julia Mott, Eliza Cash

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Recent studies show that participating in sports leads to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity in children while also fostering higher self-esteem (Tahira, 2023). In Mexico, 67% of girls are inactive (Provoking Sport, 2023). However, there has been little direct research conducted in Mexico to illustrate and exemplify the benefits of sports for girls and women. Additionally, there are few role models for them to look up to who share their cultural background, as most examples come from other countries. This creates a cycle that hinders cultural and societal growth, as well as creates a barrier to sports participation. …

Personal Development E-Portfolio Incorporating Digital Badges, Therese Murphy

Case studies: Digital Education

The BIOL 1900 Professional Skills module introduces students to the development of a Personal Development E-Portfolio, submitted via Brightspace Dropbox. This initiative, launched following a Year 1 programme review, aims to enhance the digital skills of the student cohort. The portfolio comprises two key Digital-related components: a Self-Assessment Digital Badge and enhancement of digital skills through participation in workshops and lectures, and online courses offered via TU Dublin digital badges. The Self-Assessment Digital Badge, accounting for 5% of the module, involves completing a self-assessment to evaluate digital capabilities using the JISC Discovery Tool, followed by submission of the badge and …

The Acute Effects Of High-Intensity Functional Training On Inhibitory Control, Julia Daniel, Amaryllis Rubalcaba, Brianna Valadez

Posters - 2025

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), such as CrossFit®, integrates high-intensity, multi-joint movements and has gained attention for its potential to enhance both physical and cognitive performance. While acute resistance exercise (RE) is known to influence physiological responses like heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, the specific effects of CrossFit®—a structured HIFT program—on cognitive outcomes remain underexplored, particularly when comparing trained CrossFit participants to untrained or non-CrossFit populations. HIFT’s unique combination of cardiorespiratory and muscular stress may uniquely enhance cognitive processing speed and response stability, especially in individuals with chronic CrossFit® experience. However, it is unclear how …

The Impacts Of Physical (In)Activity On Endothelial Function, Joel Ernest Harden

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Exercise and physical activity are known to have beneficial effects on endothelial function and vascular health. Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, however, have been shown to be related to poor endothelial function and vascular health. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to further elucidate the physiological links between physical (in)activity and vascular health. In the first study, 12 active, young (18-40 yr) individuals and 12 active, old (55+ yr) individuals were recruited. Participants underwent 5 days of removal of exercise, and had their endothelial function assessed via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) during their normal, habitual exercise state (EX) and during …