Chiropractic: An Integrative Approach to the Evaluation and Treatment of Elite Athletes Utilizing Spinal Manipulation

Objective. To carry out a comprehensive analysis of the schemes of direct preparation of top-level athletes for the main competitions of the year or macrocycle focused on achieving the state of the highest readiness for the start. Methods. Study and analysis of scientific literature and practice of elite athletes training for the main competitions, instrumental methods for studying the energy systems capacities, psychomotor capabilities, testing of specific working capacity, historical method, logical method, expert survey, and system integrative approach. Results. Comparative analysis was performed of alternative models of preparation during the time immediately preceding the main competitions of the year or macrocycle. The short-term (2–3 week long) Western model of tapering is aimed at ensuring a full recovery after the previous loads, technical and tactical and psychological adjustment to the start. The Eastern European model, which is longer in duration (of up to 8 weeks), has a much broader focus. It is shown that the latter model make possible to address a wide range of tasks related to ensuring a high level of general and specialized preparation, the formation of a natural training eff ect as a response to the previous loads with achieving a peak of functional preparation at the time of main competitions and the highest readiness at the moment of specific events. The content of the concepts of ‘tapering’ and ‘direct preparation’ is subjected to analysis, detailed information is presented on the structure of two different schemes of tapering within direct preparation phase: the one of 5 weeks in duration with two mesocycles and the other 8 week-long with three mesocycles. Their principal advantage over the widespread 2-3-week tapering models is shown. Keywords: high performance sport, the phase of direct preparation, tapering phase, the peak of functional preparedness, the highest readiness for starts, pre-start preparation.

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Perceptions of a Collaborative Professional Learning Program: Seeing the “Bigger Picture”

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_persp-19-00041 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 290-303

Author(s):

P. Charlie Buckley ◽

Kimberly A. Murza ◽

Tami Cassel

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Professional Learning ◽

Social Communication ◽

Special Educators ◽

Service Providers ◽

Integrative Approach ◽

Theory Approach ◽

Learning Program ◽

Speech Language Pathologists ◽

Related Service

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of special education practitioners (i.e., speech-language pathologists, special educators, para-educators, and other related service providers) on their role as communication partners after participation in the Social Communication and Engagement Triad (Buckley et al., 2015 ) yearlong professional learning program. Method A qualitative approach using interviews and purposeful sampling was used. A total of 22 participants who completed participation in either Year 1 or Year 2 of the program were interviewed. Participants were speech-language pathologists, special educators, para-educators, and other related service providers. Using a grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss, 1967 ) to data analysis, open, axial, and selective coding procedures were followed. Results Three themes emerged from the data analysis and included engagement as the goal, role as a communication partner, and importance of collaboration. Conclusions Findings supported the notion that educators see the value of an integrative approach to service delivery, supporting students' social communication and engagement across the school day but also recognizing the challenges they face in making this a reality.

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