Showing papers in "Journal of Athletic Training in 2008"
TL;DR: Activity level after concussion affected symptoms and neurocognitive recovery, and athletes engaging in high levels of activity after concussion demonstrated worse neuroc cognitive performance.
Abstract: Context: Evidence suggests that athletes engaging in high-intensity activities after concussion have more difficulties with cognitive recovery. Objective: To examine the role postinjury ac...
432 citations
TL;DR: The findings from this review lend support to ACL injury prevention programs designed to prevent unopposed excessive quadriceps force and frontal-plane or transverse-plane moments to the knee and to encourage increased knee flexion angle during sudden deceleration and acceleration tasks.
Abstract: Objective: To examine and summarize previous retrospective and observational studies assessing noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury mechanisms and to examine such reported ACL injury mechanisms based on ACL loading patterns due to knee loadings reported in in vivo, in vitro, and computer simulation studies. Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE from 1950 through 2007 using the key words anterior cruciate ligament + injury + mechanisms; anterior cruciate ligament + injury + mechanisms + retrospective; and anterior cruciate ligament + injury + mechanisms + video analysis. Study Selection: We selected retrospective studies and observational studies that specifically examined the noncontact ACL injury mechanisms (n = 7) and assessed ACL loading patterns in vivo, in vitro, and using computer simulations (n = 33). Data Extraction: The motion patterns reported as noncontact ACL injury mechanisms in retrospective and observational studies were assessed and critically compared with ACL loadi...
424 citations
TL;DR: Instrumented postural control testing on stable force plates is better at identifying deficits that are associated with an increased risk of ankle sprain and that occur after acute ankle sprains than at detecting deficits related to chronic ankle instability.
Abstract: with the Cohen d and associated 95% confidence intervals for comparisons of postural control performance between healthy and injured groups, or healthy and injured limbs, respectively. Data Synthesis: Poor postural control is most likely associated with an increased risk of sustaining an acute ankle sprain. Postural control is impaired after acute lateral ankle sprain, with deficits identified in both the injured and uninjured sides compared with controls. Although chronic ankle instability has been purported to be associated with altered postural control, these impairments have not been detected consistently with the use of traditional instrumented measures. Conclusions: Instrumented postural control testing on stable force plates is better at identifying deficits that are associated with an increased risk of ankle sprain and that occur after acute ankle sprains than at detecting deficits related to chronic ankle instability.
352 citations
TL;DR: Compared with injuries sustained during practice, higher proportions of competition injuries were head/face/neck injuries, and rates and patterns of high school sport injuries differed between practice and competition.
Abstract: Context: More than 7 million US high school students play sports. Objective: To compare practice and competition injury rates and patterns in 5 boys' sports (football, soccer, basketball, ...
346 citations
TL;DR: Review and describe randomization techniques used in clinical trials, including simple, block, stratified, and covariate adaptive techniques, to increase the power and validity of findings of athletic medicine clinical trials and improve the quality of care provided.
Abstract: Objective: To review and describe randomization techniques used in clinical trials, including simple, block, stratified, and covariate adaptive techniques. Background: Clinical trials are required to establish treatment efficacy of many athletic training procedures. In the past, we have relied on evidence of questionable scientific merit to aid the determination of treatment choices. Interest in evidence-based practice is growing rapidly within the athletic training profession, placing greater emphasis on the importance of well-conducted clinical trials. One critical component of clinical trials that strengthens results is random assignment of participants to control and treatment groups. Although randomization appears to be a simple concept, issues of balancing sample sizes and controlling the influence of covariates a priori are important. Various techniques have been developed to account for these issues, including block, stratified randomization, and covariate adaptive techniques. Advantages:...
314 citations
TL;DR: The FAAM may be used to detect self- reported functional deficits related to CAI and relationships between FAAM scores and self-reported global ratings of function for both ADL and sports subscales were found.
Abstract: Context: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a region-specific, non–disease-specific outcome instrument that possesses many of the clinimetric qualities recommended for an outcome...
296 citations
TL;DR: Recommendations are intended to provide certified athletic trainers and others participating in the health maintenance and performance enhancement of athletes with specific knowledge and problem-solving skills to better prevent, detect, and manage DE.
Abstract: Objective: To present recommendations for the prevention, detection, and comprehensive management of disordered eating (DE) in athletes. Background: Athletes with DE rarely self-report their symptoms. They tend to deny the condition and are often resistant to referral and treatment. Thus, screenings and interventions must be handled skillfully by knowledgeable professionals to obtain desired outcomes. Certified athletic trainers have the capacity and responsibility to play active roles as integral members of the health care team. Their frequent daily interactions with athletes help to facilitate the level of medical surveillance necessary for early detection, timely referrals, treatment follow-through, and compliance. Recommendations: These recommendations are intended to provide certified athletic trainers and others participating in the health maintenance and performance enhancement of athletes with specific knowledge and problem-solving skills to better prevent, detect, and manage DE. The individual biological, psychological, sociocultural, and familial factors for each athlete with DE result in widely different responses to intervention strategies, challenging the best that athletics programs have to offer in terms of resources and expertise. The complexity, time intensiveness, and expense of managing DE necessitate an interdisciplinary approach representing medicine, nutrition, mental health, athletic training, and athletics administration in order to facilitate early detection and treatment, make it easier for symptomatic athletes to ask for help, enhance the potential for full recovery, and satisfy medicolegal requirements. Of equal importance is establishing educational initiatives for preventing DE.
265 citations
TL;DR: Balance training can be used prophylactically or after an acute ankle sprain in an effort to reduce future ankle sprains, but current evidence is insufficient to assess this effect in patients with chronic ankle instability.
Abstract: Objective: To answer the following clinical questions: (1) Can prophylactic balance and coordination training reduce the risk of sustaining a lateral ankle sprain? (2) Can balance and coor...
247 citations
TL;DR: Triple-hop distance is a useful clinical test to predict an athlete's lower extremity strength and power and was not a predictor of static balance, although further research is needed to examine its relationship with more dynamic balance tests.
Abstract: Context: Hop tests are functional tests that reportedly require strength, power, and postural stability to perform. The extent to which a triple-hop distance (THD) test measures each of th...
238 citations
TL;DR: Postural control was negatively affected after anaerobic and aerobic exercise protocols as measured by total BESS score, elliptical sway area, and sway velocity.
Abstract: Context: With regard to sideline concussion testing, the effect of fatigue associated with different types of exercise on postural control is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the effects of...
186 citations
TL;DR: Based on the results, the sleeper stretches produced a statistically significant acute increase in posterior shoulder flexibility, however, this change in motion may not be clinically significant.
Abstract: Context: The deceleration phase of the throwing motion creates large distraction forces at the shoulder, which may result in posterior shoulder tightness and ensuing alterations in shoulder range of motion (ROM) and may result in an increased risk of shoulder injury. Researchers have hypothesized that various stretching options increase this motion, but few data on the effectiveness of treating such tightness are available. Objective: To evaluate the acute effects of “sleeper stretches” on shoulder ROM. Design: Descriptive with repeated measures. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory and 2 separate collegiate athletic training facilities. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-three National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players (15 pitchers, 18 position players; age = 19.8 ± 1.3 years, height = 184.7 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 84.8 ± 7.7 kg) and 33 physically active male college students (age = 20.1 ± 0.6 years, height = 179.6 ± 6.6 cm, mass = 83.4 ± 11.3 kg) who reported no r...
TL;DR: Although patellar taping seemed to reduce pain and improve SEBT performance of participants with PFPS, the exact mechanisms of these phenomena cannot be explained in this study.
Abstract: Context: Patellar taping has been a part of intervention for treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). However, research on the efficacy of patellar taping on lower extremity kinematics and dynamic postural control is limited. Objective: To evaluate the effects of patellar taping on sagittal-plane hip and knee kinematics, reach distance, and perceived pain level during the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in individuals with and without PFPS. Design: Repeated-measures design with 2 within-subjects factors and 1 between-subjects factor. Setting: The University of Toledo Athletic Training Research Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty participants with PFPS and 20 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 29 years. Intervention(s): The participants performed 3 reaches of the SEBT in the anterior direction under tape and no-tape conditions on both legs. Main Outcome Measure(s): The participants' hip and knee sagittal-plane kinematics were measured using the electromagnet...
TL;DR: The results emphasize the importance of the baseline evaluation in this population of healthy overhead athletes in order to accurately assess pathologic change in bilateral scapular positions and orientations after injury.
Abstract: Context: Observation of the scapular posture is one of the most important components of the physical examination in overhead athletes. Postural asymmetry is typically considered to be associated with injuries. However, asymmetry in the overhead athlete's scapula may be normal due to the dominant use of the limb. Objective: To quantify the differences in resting scapular posture between the dominant and nondominant sides in 3 groups of healthy overhead athletes (baseball pitchers, volleyball players, and tennis players) using an electromagnetic tracking device. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: University-based biomechanics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 43 players participated, including 15 baseball pitchers, 15 volleyball players, and 13 tennis players. All participants were healthy college-aged men. Intervention(s): Bilateral 3-dimensional scapular kinematics with the arm at rest were measured using an electromagnetic tracking device. Main Outcome Measure(s): Bila...
TL;DR: A systematic review to determine the healing time of the lateral ankle ligaments after an acute ankle sprain found that it took at least 6 weeks to 3 months before ligament healing occurred and a large percentage of participants still had objective mechanical laxity and subjective ankle instability.
Abstract: Objective: To perform a systematic review to determine the healing time of the lateral ankle ligaments after an acute ankle sprain. Data Sources: We identified English-language research studies from 1964 to 2007 by searching MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), SportDiscus, and CINAHL using the terms ankle sprain, ankle rehabilitation, ankle injury, ligament healing, and immobilization. Study Selection: We selected studies that described randomized, controlled clinical trials measuring ligament laxity either objectively or subjectively immediately after injury and at least 1 more time after injury. Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently scored the 7 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Because of differences in study designs, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Effect sizes and confidence intervals could be calculated only for 1 study. The percentages of subjective and objective instability were calculated for the remaining studies. Data Synthesis: Ankle laxity improved...
TL;DR: It was found that concussed collegiate athletes with a history of 2 or more concussions took longer to recover verbal memory and reaction time than athletes without ahistory of concussion.
Abstract: Context: Athletes are at an inherent risk for sustaining concussions. Research examining the long-term consequences of sport-related concussion has been inconsistent in demonstrating lingering neurocognitive decrements that may be associated with a previous history of concussion. Objective: To determine the relationship between concussion history and postconcussion neurocognitive performance and symptoms in collegiate athletes. Design: Repeated-measures design. Setting: Multi-center analysis of collegiate athletes. Patients or Other Participants: Fifty-seven concussed collegiate athletes (36 without concussion history, 21 with a history of 2 or more concussions). Intervention(s): All subjects were administered an Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) neurocognitive test battery, which measures verbal memory, visual memory, reaction time, and visual processing speed and 22 concussion symptoms. Main Outcome Measure(s): Subjects who sustained a concussion were administe...
TL;DR: The use of disablement models will allow the athletic training profession to communicate, measure, and prioritize the health care needs of patients, which will facilitate organized efforts aimed at assessing the quality of athletic training services and practices and ultimately promote successful evidence-based athletic training practice.
Abstract: Objective: To present and discuss disablement models and the benefits of using these models as a framework to assess clinical outcomes in athletic training. Background: Conceptual schemes ...
TL;DR: The results are important clinically because they indicate that soccer headgear may not be an appropriate head injury prevention tool for all athletes.
Abstract: Context: Researchers have indicated that female soccer players may be at greater risk of concussion compared with their male counterparts. Soccer headgear is marketed for reducing head acceleration and risk of concussion. Objective: To determine the effect of sex and soccer headgear on head impact kinematics and dynamic stabilization during soccer heading. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Forty-four college-aged soccer players (29 women, 15 men). Intervention(s): Using a head impact model, participants performed 4 soccer headers under 3 headgear conditions (control, Head Blast Soccer Band, and Full90 Select Performance Headguard). Main Outcome Measure(s): Dependent variables assessed before soccer heading were head-neck anthropometrics and isometric neck muscle strength, and those assessed during soccer headers were resultant linear head acceleration, Head Injury Criteria (HIC36), and superficial neck muscle electromyography. Statistical analyses included multivariate and univariate analyses of variance with repeated measures, independentsamples t tests, appropriate follow-up analyses of variance and post hoc t tests, and Pearson product moment correlations (a 5 .05). Results: Head acceleration in women was 32% and 44% greater than in men when wearing the Head Blast (21.5 g versus 16.3 g) and Full90 Select (21.8 g versus 15.2 g), respectively (P , .05). Compared with men, women exhibited 10% greater head accelerations (20.2 g versus 18.2 g) during the control condition (P 5 .164). Conclusions: Female soccer players exhibited greater head accelerations than their male counterparts when wearing headgear. Our results are important clinically because they indicate that soccer headgear may not be an appropriate head injury prevention tool for all athletes.
TL;DR: The findings concur with those of previous researchers on WFC and its negative relationships to job satisfaction and life satisfaction and positive relationship to job burnout and intention to leave an organization.
Abstract: Context: Previous researchers have shown that work-family conflict (WFC) affects the level of a person's job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and job burnout and intentions to leave the pr...
TL;DR: No matter their marital or family status, ATs employed at the Division I-A level experienced difficulties balancing their work and home lives, and Regression analyses revealed that long work hours and travel directly contributed to WFC.
Abstract: Context: Work-family conflict (WFC) involves discord that arises when the demands of work interfere with the demands of family or home life. Long work hours, minimal control over work sche...
TL;DR: The Ankle Joint Functional Assessment Tool (AJFAT) was an excellent assessment tool for discriminating between ankle groups, whereas RV time to stabilization was a fair assessment tool.
Abstract: Context: Assessment tools should identify functional limitations associated with functional ankle instability (FAI) by discriminating unstable from stable ankles. Objective: To identify as...
TL;DR: An overview of clinical outcomes assessment is provided to discuss the classification of outcomes measures, present considerations for choosing outcomes scales, identify the importance of assessing clinical outcomes, and describe the critical link between the utilization of disablement models andclinical outcomes assessment.
Abstract: Objective: To provide an overview of clinical outcomes assessment, discuss the classification of outcomes measures, present considerations for choosing outcomes scales, identify the import...
TL;DR: The quadriceps-dominant muscle activation pattern observed in recreationally active females is also present in female soccer athletes at the Division I level when compared with similarly trained male soccer athletes.
Abstract: Context: Female soccer athletes are at greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than males. Sex differences in muscle activation may contribute to the increased incidence of...
TL;DR: Preventive shoulder strengthening programs focused on improving eccentric strength and correcting imbalances between medial and lateral rotators may be warranted for all female adolescent volleyball athletes.
Abstract: Context: Few researchers have examined shoulder strength in adolescent volleyball athletes despite increasing levels of participation in this age group. Objective: To compare medial and la...
TL;DR: The type of lace-up brace used in this study appeared to restrict ankle motion without increasing knee extension or vertical GRFs and without changing kinematics or kinetics over time.
Abstract: Context: Long-term effects of ankle bracing on lower extremity kinematics and kinetics are unknown. Ankle motion restriction may negatively affect the body's ability to attenuate ground re...
TL;DR: The intent is to aid and improve the quality of exercise science and sports medicine research endeavors of investigators inexperienced in endocrinology by providing background information on methodologic factors that influence and add variance to endocrine outcome measurements.
Abstract: Objective: To provide background information on methodologic factors that influence and add variance to endocrine outcome measurements. Our intent is to aid and improve the quality of exer...
TL;DR: A deficit in plantar flexion torque was identified in the functionally unstable ankles and eccentric plantarflexion strength may be an important contributing factor to functional ankle instability.
Abstract: Context: Inversion ankle sprains can lead to a chronic condition called functional ankle instability (FAI). Limited research has been reported regarding isokinetic measures for the plantar...
TL;DR: Because the AB condition was more effective than the other 2 conditions during the posttesting, the AB appears to be the best option for providing dynamic stability in the anterior-posterior direction during a landing task.
Abstract: Context: Fatigue has been shown to disrupt dynamic stability in healthy volunteers. It is not known if wearing prophylactic ankle supports can improve dynamic stability in fatigued athletes. Objective: To determine the type of ankle brace that may be more effective at providing dynamic stability after a jump-landing task during normal and fatigued conditions. Design: Two separate repeated-measures analyses of variance with 2 within-subjects factors (condition and time) were performed for each dependent variable. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Ten healthy female collegiate volleyball athletes participated (age 5 19.5 6 1.27 years, height 5 179.07 6 7.6 cm, mass 5 69.86 6 5.42 kg). Intervention(s): Athletes participated in 3 separate testing sessions, applying a different bracing condition at each session: no brace (NB), Swede-O Universal lace-up ankle brace (AB), and Active Ankle brace (AA). Three trials of a jump-landing task were performed under each condition before and after induced functional fatigue. The jump-landing task consisted of a singleleg landing onto a force plate from a height equivalent to 50% of each participant’s maximal jump height and from a starting position 70 cm from the center of the force plate. Main Outcome Measure(s): Time to stabilization in the anterior-posterior (APTTS) and medial-lateral (MLTTS) directions. Results: For APTTS, a condition-by-time interaction existed (F2,18 5 5.55, P 5 .013). For the AA condition, Tukey post hoc testing revealed faster pretest (2.734 6 0.331 seconds) APTTS than posttest (3.817 6 0.263 seconds). Post hoc testing also revealed that the AB condition provided faster APTTS (2.492 6 0.271 seconds) than AA (3.817 6 0.263 seconds) and NB (3.341 6 0.339 seconds) conditions during posttesting. No statistically significant findings were associated with MLTTS. Conclusions: Fatigue increased APTTS for the AA condition. Because the AB condition was more effective than the other 2 conditions during the posttesting, the AB appears to be the best option for providing dynamic stability in the anteriorposterior direction during a landing task.
TL;DR: Overall, ATs and PTs held positive attitudes on the effectiveness of psychological skills to augment the rehabilitation process, and clinical implications regarding the use of mental skills are discussed.
Abstract: Context: Psychological skills are alleged to augment sport-injury rehabilitation; however, implementation of mental imagery within rehabilitation programs is limited. Objective: To examine...
TL;DR: The findings are consistent with the socialization literature that shows how learning a social or professional role, using rewards to facilitate role performance, and building trusting relationships with socializing agents are important aspects of legitimation and, ultimately, professional socialization.
Abstract: Context: Professional socialization during formal educational preparation can help students learn professional roles and can lead to improved organizational socialization as students emerg...
TL;DR: Clinicians could use this simple hopping test as an additional method to determine the presence of FAI because the FAI-S participants had performance deficits during the single-limb hopping test.
Abstract: Context: Functional ankle instability (FAI) affects a large part of the population. Inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the existence of functional performance deficits in i...