Sports Sciences Commons^™

Return To On-Snow Performance In Ski Racing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Nathaniel Morris, Ricardo Da Silva Torres, Mark Heard, Patricia Doyle Baker, Walter Herzog, Matthew J. Jordan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The individual variation in on-snow performance outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in elite alpine ski racers has not been reported and may be influenced by specific injury characteristics. Purpose: To report the performance statistics of elite ski racers before and after ACLR and to identify surgical and athlete-specific factors that may be associated with performance recovery. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) points, FIS ranking, average placing, and average percentage behind the winning time in each race were calculated for 30 national and provincial team ski racers at 1 year …

This Is Where The Fantasy Begins, Terry Horstman

Textbooks

Terry Horstman tips off This Is Where the Fantasy Begins with the whirr, click, and the faint swish of a dusty VHS copy of Zack Snyder’s Michael Jordan’s Playground. Full of tangential analysis of Michael Jordan’s mythology, the game of basketball itself, and the film that started it all for Horstman, This Is Where the Fantasy Begins is a blend of memoir and sports writing. Horstman takes readers through the rules of the game and the nostalgia of the Jordan era.

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

Honors Undergraduate Theses

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

Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport: Risk Assessment In Collegiate Female Athletes Using The Reds Cat2 Tool, Kelsea Elizabeth Nunes

All Master's Theses

Context: Alterations in energy intake (EI) and high exercise energy expenditure (EEE) may increase the risk of low energy availability (LEA) in Division II female collegiate ball sport athletes. Furthermore, chronic LEA can transition to problematic LEA, leading to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the current severity and prevalence of REDs using the REDs CAT2 Tool and the Female Athlete Triad using the FAT CRA in Division II collegiate female volleyball, basketball, soccer, and rugby athletes.

Design: Cross-sectional design.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants …

Athletic Training Students' Use Of Health Information Technology Professional Behaviors During Clinical Experiences: A Report From The Aate Research Network, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Julie M. Cavallario, Stacy E. Walker, R. Curtis Bay, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context:

As an essential core competency for high-quality healthcare, health information technology (HIT) leverages the use of technology, such as electronic record systems, to collect and use patient care information to make informed clinical decisions. There is a dearth of information regarding professional athletic training students' (ATSs') use of HIT professional behaviors during clinical experiences.

Objective:

To assess HIT professional behaviors ATSs engage with during clinical experience patient encounters (PEs). DESIGN: Multisite panel design.

Setting:

12 professional athletic training programs.

Participants:

363 ATSs enrolled across the participating professional athletic training programs entered patient encounter information within E*Value during their scheduled …

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 …

Frequency And Perceived Influence Of Menopausal Symptoms On Training And Performance In Female Endurance Athletes, Heather M. Hamilton, Natalie M. Yarish, Kristin E. Heron

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Menopause is associated with several negative health concerns and common menopausal symptoms. Physical activity is essential to mitigate these negative effects, but menopausal symptoms may interfere with participation in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and the perceived negative effect of menopausal symptoms among female endurance athletes. Female runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes 40–60 years of age were recruited (N = 187). Participants completed an online, anonymous survey that included self-reported menopausal status; the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), a validated measure for assessing menopausal symptoms; and the perceived effect of menopausal symptoms on …

Salary Negotiation Dynamics For Athletic Trainers: Insights From Employers On Expectations And Organizational Influences, Julie M. Cavallario, Forrest Andrews, Kendallyn Johnson, Katherine Schalk, Cailee E. Welch Bacon

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

While researchers have previously identified that most athletic trainers (ATs) do not negotiate their salary, little is known about employers' expectations and behaviors relative to establishing and negotiating salaries for the ATs they hire.

Objective

To examine employers' expectations and behaviors regarding AT salary negotiation.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Web-based survey.

Patients or other participants

413 employers who are in a role that requires them to negotiate salary offers with prospective AT employees and who have minimally hired one AT into the organization they work for accessed the survey from a random sample of 7,000 ATs (6% access rate); 324 …

Perceptions Of Leadership Opportunities And Effectiveness Among Athletic Trainers: A Comparison Across Racial And Ethnic Groups, Nicolette A. Harris, Americus H. Williams, Julie M. Cavallario, Cailee E. Welch Bacon

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Diverse representation in athletic training leadership is essential for fostering inclusion and innovation in the profession. Despite efforts to enhance leadership diversity, disparities persist, underscoring the need to explore barriers to leadership and the effectiveness of leadership in meeting the needs of athletic trainers (ATs).

Objective

To examine racial and ethnic differences in ATs' desire, pursuit, and attainment of leadership positions in the profession in addition to perceptions of current leadership effectiveness.

Design

Cross-sectional, web-based survey.

Participants

A purposeful sample of 1,173 racially and ethnically diverse ATs from an organized professional network followed by a random sample of 6,000 …

An 11-Year (2012-2022) Review Of Journal Of Athletic Training Publication Study Designs And Sample Sizes, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Samantha E. Scarneo-Miller, Emily C. Smith, Ryan M. Argetsinger, Lindsey E. Eberman

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Research findings must be representative by creating a sample of individuals, ensuring the results can be generalized and applicable to a larger population, which has historically been guided by a power analysis. However, the varied research design methods require a unique approach to sampling and a formula for recruitment and size. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze historical data from published manuscripts in the Journal of Athletic Training (JAT) relative to study design and sample sizes. A secondary purpose was to further explore metrics for survey-based research.

Methods

This descriptive analysis explored 1267 publications in each …

Development Of High-Performance Coaches And Burnout, Amy Cashin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coach education is imperative, especially as coaching moves towards professionalization (Lara-Bercial, 2022). The literature has shown that high-performance coaches are closest to fitting the criteria of a profession (Lara-Bercial et al., 2022) while also being at risk of experiencing burnout due to the high level of stress faced within their job (Bentzen et al., 2014; Olusoga & Kenttä, 2016). The purpose of this study was twofold. First to have a more comprehensive understanding of Australian Athletics high-performance coaches’ wants and needs regarding coaching education as it pertains to coach wellbeing and burnout; and second, to have an in-depth exploration of …

Effects Of Exercise On Cognitive Performance, Autumn Bailey

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

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

Review Of Research On Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport (Red-S), Paige Mcmaster

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The following research article review serves to summarize and evaluate peer-reviewed research articles on the topic of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). The paper will cover RED-S's effect on males versus females, endurance athletes versus non-endurance athletes, recreational athletes versus competitive athletes, and different age groups. Methodology includes strategically reviewing current literature and providing common themes or key points. The goal is to effectively summarize the subject of RED-S, provide in-depth understanding of the condition, and establish the need for education to prevent or reduce the incidence of RED-S.

Assessing The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological And Physical Pain In Adults With Orthopedic Pain, Daniel C. Karimi Dehkordi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Suicide remains a public health concern in the U.S., particularly among individuals experiencing chronic pain and psychological distress. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived physical and psychological pain in 41 adults with chronic orthopedic conditions. The relationship between other risk and protective factors and perceived levels of pain distress was also examined. Results showed a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and physical pain (r(39) = 0.388, p < .05) and psychological distress and depressive/anxiety symptoms (r (39) = 0.477, p < .01). Psychological distress was moderately associated with feelings of hopelessness (r (39) = 0.403, p < .01), however, the relationship between physical pain and hopelessness was weak and nonsignificant (r (39) = -0.06, p = .71). Contrary to expectations, emotional support did not buffer the effects of psychological distress (r (39) = 0.07, p = 0.66). Mediational analysis confirmed that emotional support did not influence the relationship between physical pain and psychological distress (Beta (β) = -0.969, p = 0.572; Sobel Z = 0.5598, p = 0.575). Age was not correlated with psychological distress (r (39) = -0.24, p = 0.13) or mental health symptoms (r (39) = -0.05, p = .77). While there was no significant difference across sex, males reported higher mental health symptomatology and psychological distress scores than female counterparts. These findings underscore the direct impact of physical pain on psychological distress and challenge assumptions about the protective role of social support. The study highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary interventions targeting both physical and psychological pain to mitigate suicide risk among individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Future research should iii explore alternative support mechanisms and resilience-building strategies to address the complex interplay of pain, distress, and suicidality.

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

Publications

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

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

Effects Of Multi-Ingredient Protein Supplementation Combined With Exercise Intervention On Body Composition And Muscle Fitness In Healthy Women: A Systematic Review With Multilevel Meta-Analysis, Chengyu Zhou, Muen Qiu, Zhuo Zeng, Qi Xie, Kai Xu, Henghao Yan, Bo Wang, Bopeng Qiu, Guoxin Shi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: This meta-analysis investigated whether multi-ingredient protein supplements (MIPS) combined with exercise improve body composition and muscle fitness in women. It also examined how participant characteristics, training protocols, and supplementation strategies might influence these outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted through February 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of MIPS combined with exercise training on body composition and muscle-related outcomes in women. A multilevel meta-analysis was performed to pool effect sizes, reported as standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g), with heterogeneity assessed through predefined subgroup analyses. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials involving 408 …

The Acute Effects Of Caffeine, Creatine, And Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Combined With Conditioning Activity On Subsequent Sports Performance: A Systematic Review And Bayesian Meta-Analysis, Yanfeng Li, Bopeng Qiu, Hongyan Kuai, Kongyun Huang, Hengxian Liu, Mingyang Zhang, Mingyue Yin, Yilin Zhang, Hengzhi Deng, Yuming Zhong, Hao Kong, Jun Chen, Kai Xu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) refers to the acute improvement in sports performance following a conditioning activity (CA), commonly used in warm-up protocols and complex training. While CA alone has demonstrated performance benefits, the effects of combining CA-induced PAPE with supplements (e.g., caffeine, creatine, or carbohydrate mouth rinse) remain unclear. Objectives: This study was to (i) assess the effects of PAPE combined with supplements on sports performance and fatigue resistance compared to PAPE + placebo, warm-up + supplements, or warm-up alone, and (ii) synthesize direct and indirect evidence on performance outcomes using network meta-analysis. Methods: Searches were conducted across three …

Neuromuscular Characteristics Of Eccentric, Concentric And Isometric Contractions Of The Knee Extensors, Cassio V. Ruas, Janet L. Taylor, Christopher Latella, G. Gregory Haff, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: We compared voluntary drive and corticospinal responses during eccentric (ECC), isometric (ISOM) and concentric (CON) muscle contractions to shed light on neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the lower voluntary drive in a greater force production in ECC than other contractions.

Methods: Sixteen participants (20–33 years) performed ISOM and isokinetic (30°/s) CON and ECC knee extensor contractions (110°–40° knee flexion) in which electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded from vastus lateralis. Voluntary activation (VA) was measured during ISOM, CON and ECC maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Transcranial magnetic stimulation elicited motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and corticospinal silent periods (CSP) during MVCs and submaximal (30%) contractions, …

Practices And Perceptions In Hamstring Training For Injury Risk Mitigation: A Survey-Based Mixed-Methods Analysis, Steven Ross, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this study, the practices and perceptions of sport and exercise practitioners regarding hamstring training for injury risk mitigation were investigated. Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) remain a prevalent issue across sports, despite extensive research. An anonymous survey was conducted to assess how practitioners integrate evidence-based strategies, such as the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) and high-speed running (HSR), into their training programmes. The survey included both fixed-response and open-ended questions, enabling a mixed-methods analysis of training approaches. A total of 47 practitioners responded, revealing that most incorporate the NHE and HSR into both in-season and off-season training. However, there were notable …

Dissemination And Implementation Of Injury Prevention Interventions: A Scoping Review For The Female, Woman And Girl Athlete Injury Prevention (Fair) Consensus, Brooke E. Patterson, Carly D. Mckay, Meghan L. Critchley, Destiny Lutz, Sallie M. Cowan, Nicholas Kolesky, Vanda White, Allison M. Ezzat, Andrew G. Ross, William M. Adams, Eva Ageberg, Clare L. Ardern, Marelise Badenhorst, Molly Coventry, Marc Olivier Dubé, Stacey Emmonds, Libby J. Gracias, K. Alix Hayden, Hanna Lindblom, Merete Møller, Christine Holm Moseid, Nancy Harrington, Dai Sugimoto, Evert Verhagen, Kate K. Yung, Phathokuhle C. Zondi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To synthesise evidence related to the dissemination and implementation (D&I) of injury prevention interventions for female, woman and/or girl (female/woman/girl) athletes. Design Scoping review. Data sources MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Databases for Systematic Review, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials Registry, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Global. Eligibility Primary research including ≥25% female/woman/girl athletes of any age or people working with them (eg, coaches), participating in sports competition and/or performance, were eligible. Papers reporting D&I outcomes (eg, coach knowledge, adoption and maintenance) related to an injury prevention intervention and/or a factor (eg, coach beliefs) associated with …