scholarly journals Energy Balance, Eating Disorder Risk, and Pathogenic Behaviors Among Athletic Trainers

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-320
Author(s):  
Toni Marie Torres-McGehee ◽  
Dawn M. Emerson ◽  
Erin M. Moore ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Kelly Pritchett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Resting Metabolic Rate ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Eating Disorder Inventory ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Job Status ◽  
Exercise Energy Expenditure ◽  
Part Time

Context Research exists on energy balances (EBs) and eating disorder (ED) risks in physically active populations and occupations by settings, but the EB and ED risk in athletic trainers (ATs) have not been investigated. Objective To assess ATs' energy needs, including the macronutrient profile, and examine ED risk and pathogenic behavioral differences between sexes (men, women) and job statuses (part time or full time) and among settings (college or university, high school, nontraditional). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Free living in job settings. Patients or Other Participants Athletic trainers (n = 46; male part-time graduate assistant ATs = 12, male full-time ATs = 11, female part-time graduate assistant ATs = 11, female full-time ATs = 12) in the southeastern United States. Main Outcome Measure(s) Anthropometric measures (sex, age, height, weight, body composition), demographic characteristics (job status [full- or part-time AT], job setting [college/university, high school, nontraditional], years of AT experience, exercise background, alcohol use), resting metabolic rate, energy intake (EI), total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), EB, exercise energy expenditure, macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats), the Eating Disorder Inventory-3, and the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 Symptom Checklist. Results The majority of participants (84.8%, n = 39) had an ED risk, with 26.1% (n = 12) engaging in at least 1 pathogenic behavior, 50% (n = 23) in 2 pathogenic behaviors, and 10.8% (n = 5) in >2 pathogenic behaviors. Also, 82.6% of ATs (n = 38) presented in negative EB (EI < TDEE). Differences were found in resting metabolic rate for sex and job status (F1,45 = 16.48, P = .001), EI (F1,45 = 12.01, P = .001), TDEE (F1,45 = 40.36, P < .001), and exercise energy expenditure (F1,38 = 5.353, P = .026). No differences were present in EB for sex and job status (F1,45 = 1.751, P = .193); χ2 analysis revealed no significant relationship between ATs' sex and EB (\(\def\upalpha{\unicode[Times]{x3B1}}\)\(\def\upbeta{\unicode[Times]{x3B2}}\)\(\def\upgamma{\unicode[Times]{x3B3}}\)\(\def\updelta{\unicode[Times]{x3B4}}\)\(\def\upvarepsilon{\unicode[Times]{x3B5}}\)\(\def\upzeta{\unicode[Times]{x3B6}}\)\(\def\upeta{\unicode[Times]{x3B7}}\)\(\def\uptheta{\unicode[Times]{x3B8}}\)\(\def\upiota{\unicode[Times]{x3B9}}\)\(\def\upkappa{\unicode[Times]{x3BA}}\)\(\def\uplambda{\unicode[Times]{x3BB}}\)\(\def\upmu{\unicode[Times]{x3BC}}\)\(\def\upnu{\unicode[Times]{x3BD}}\)\(\def\upxi{\unicode[Times]{x3BE}}\)\(\def\upomicron{\unicode[Times]{x3BF}}\)\(\def\uppi{\unicode[Times]{x3C0}}\)\(\def\uprho{\unicode[Times]{x3C1}}\)\(\def\upsigma{\unicode[Times]{x3C3}}\)\(\def\uptau{\unicode[Times]{x3C4}}\)\(\def\upupsilon{\unicode[Times]{x3C5}}\)\(\def\upphi{\unicode[Times]{x3C6}}\)\(\def\upchi{\unicode[Times]{x3C7}}\)\(\def\uppsy{\unicode[Times]{x3C8}}\)\(\def\upomega{\unicode[Times]{x3C9}}\)\(\def\bialpha{\boldsymbol{\alpha}}\)\(\def\bibeta{\boldsymbol{\beta}}\)\(\def\bigamma{\boldsymbol{\gamma}}\)\(\def\bidelta{\boldsymbol{\delta}}\)\(\def\bivarepsilon{\boldsymbol{\varepsilon}}\)\(\def\bizeta{\boldsymbol{\zeta}}\)\(\def\bieta{\boldsymbol{\eta}}\)\(\def\bitheta{\boldsymbol{\theta}}\)\(\def\biiota{\boldsymbol{\iota}}\)\(\def\bikappa{\boldsymbol{\kappa}}\)\(\def\bilambda{\boldsymbol{\lambda}}\)\(\def\bimu{\boldsymbol{\mu}}\)\(\def\binu{\boldsymbol{\nu}}\)\(\def\bixi{\boldsymbol{\xi}}\)\(\def\biomicron{\boldsymbol{\micron}}\)\(\def\bipi{\boldsymbol{\pi}}\)\(\def\birho{\boldsymbol{\rho}}\)\(\def\bisigma{\boldsymbol{\sigma}}\)\(\def\bitau{\boldsymbol{\tau}}\)\(\def\biupsilon{\boldsymbol{\upsilon}}\)\(\def\biphi{\boldsymbol{\phi}}\)\(\def\bichi{\boldsymbol{\chi}}\)\(\def\bipsy{\boldsymbol{\psy}}\)\(\def\biomega{\boldsymbol{\omega}}\)\(\def\bupalpha{\bf{\alpha}}\)\(\def\bupbeta{\bf{\beta}}\)\(\def\bupgamma{\bf{\gamma}}\)\(\def\bupdelta{\bf{\delta}}\)\(\def\bupvarepsilon{\bf{\varepsilon}}\)\(\def\bupzeta{\bf{\zeta}}\)\(\def\bupeta{\bf{\eta}}\)\(\def\buptheta{\bf{\theta}}\)\(\def\bupiota{\bf{\iota}}\)\(\def\bupkappa{\bf{\kappa}}\)\(\def\buplambda{\bf{\lambda}}\)\(\def\bupmu{\bf{\mu}}\)\(\def\bupnu{\bf{\nu}}\)\(\def\bupxi{\bf{\xi}}\)\(\def\bupomicron{\bf{\micron}}\)\(\def\buppi{\bf{\pi}}\)\(\def\buprho{\bf{\rho}}\)\(\def\bupsigma{\bf{\sigma}}\)\(\def\buptau{\bf{\tau}}\)\(\def\bupupsilon{\bf{\upsilon}}\)\(\def\bupphi{\bf{\phi}}\)\(\def\bupchi{\bf{\chi}}\)\(\def\buppsy{\bf{\psy}}\)\(\def\bupomega{\bf{\omega}}\)\(\def\bGamma{\bf{\Gamma}}\)\(\def\bDelta{\bf{\Delta}}\)\(\def\bTheta{\bf{\Theta}}\)\(\def\bLambda{\bf{\Lambda}}\)\(\def\bXi{\bf{\Xi}}\)\(\def\bPi{\bf{\Pi}}\)\(\def\bSigma{\bf{\Sigma}}\)\(\def\bPhi{\bf{\Phi}}\)\(\def\bPsi{\bf{\Psi}}\)\(\def\bOmega{\bf{\Omega}}\)\({\rm{\chi }}_{1,46}^2\)= 0.0, P = 1.00) and job status and EB (\({\rm{\chi }}_{1,46}^2\) = 2.42, P = .120). No significant relationship existed between Daily Reference Intakes recommendations for all macronutrients and sex or job status. Conclusions These athletic trainers experienced negative EB, similar to other professionals in high-demand occupations. Regardless of sex or job status, ATs had a high ED risk and participated in unhealthy pathogenic behaviors. The physical and mental concerns associated with these findings indicate a need for interventions targeted at ATs' health behaviors.

scholarly journals Examination of Energy Balance, Eating Disorder Risk, and Pathogenic Behaviors among Athletic Trainers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni M. Torres-McGehee ◽  
Dawn M. Emerson ◽  
Erin M. Moore ◽  
Stacy Walker ◽  
Kelly Pritchett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Resting Metabolic Rate ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Eating Disorder Inventory ◽  
Job Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract CONTEXT: Research exists on energy balance (EB) and eating disorder (ED) risk in physically active populations and occupations by settings, but EB and ED in athletic trainers (ATs) has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To assess ATs' energy needs, including macronutrient profile, and to examine ED risk and pathogenic behavior between sex (males, females), job status (part-time=PT-AT; full-time=FT-AT) and setting (college/university, high school, non-traditional). DESIGN: Cross-sectional and descriptive. SETTING: Free-living in job settings. PARTICIPANT: ATs (n=46; males PT-AT n=12, males FT-AT n=11; females PT-AT n=11, female FT-AT n=12) in Southeastern United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric measurements (age, height, weight, body composition), resting metabolic rate (RMR), energy intake (EI), total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), exercise energy expenditure (EEE), EB, macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats), Eating Disorder Inventory-3, and the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 Symptom Checklist. RESULTS: Majority (84.8%, n=39) had ED risk, with 26.1% (n=12) engaging in at least 1 pathogenic behavior, 50% (n=23) in 2 pathogenic behaviors, and 10.8% (n=5) in more than 2 pathogenic behaviors. 82.6% of ATs (n=38) presented in negative EB (EI<TDEE). Significant differences were found for sex and job status for RMR (F(1,45)=16.48, P=.001), EI (F(1,45)=12.01, P=.001), TDEE (F(1,45)=40.36, P<.001) and EEE (F(1,38)=5.353, P=.026). No significant differences were found in EB, sex and job status (F(1.45)=1.751, P=.193); Chi-squared analysis revealed no significant differences between ATs' sex and EB [χ2(1,46)=0.0, P=1.00] and job status and EB χ2(1,46) = 2.42, P= 0.120]. No significant difference found between Daily Reference Intakes recommendations for all macronutrients and sex or job status. CONCLUSIONS: Athletic trainers experience negative EB, similar to other high-demand occupational professions. Regardless of sex or job status, ATs have a high ED risk and participate in unhealthy pathogenic behaviors. The physical and mental concerns associated with these findings indicates a need for interventions targeted toward ATs' health behaviors.

scholarly journals Attractors to an Athletic Training Career in the High School Setting

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 286-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Gardiner-Shires ◽  
James Mensch
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Job Status ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Part Time ◽  
High School Setting

Abstract Context: Employment opportunities for athletic trainers (ATs) in the high school setting have increased greatly in the past few years and will most likely continue to increase. Understanding what attracts individuals to become ATs and work in the high school setting is a complex process. Objective: (1) To examine attractors to the athletic training profession and the high school setting, (2) to determine what, if any, differences exist between attractors to the profession and those to the high school setting, and (3) to identify whether differences in attractors can be attributed to sex, time of decision, or job status. Design: For this descriptive study, we designed the survey using the existing socialization literature. A pilot study was conducted and distributed by e-mail. Setting: Survey e-mailed to participants. Patients or Other Participants: High school ATs (n  =  124) in South Carolina. Main Outcome Measure(s): Overall mean scores for attractors to athletic training and to the high school setting were calculated. Overall mean scores were compared with individual attractor mean scores to determine the most influential attractors. Effect sizes were used to determine differences in sex, time of decision, and job status. Results: Of the total population of South Carolina high school ATs, 92 (74%) returned surveys. High school ATs in South Carolina had similar demographics with regard to age, sex, and race. Attractors to athletic training and to the high school setting were similar and included statements consistent with the continuation, service, and interpersonal themes identified in the existing socialization literature. We noted differences, however, between early and late deciders and between full-time and part-time ATs. Conclusions: The findings surrounding attractors to athletic training and the high school setting contribute to the existing socialization literature and help in our understanding of how and why individuals choose to become ATs and to work in the high school setting.

scholarly journals Energy compensation in response to aerobic exercise training in overweight adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (4) ◽  
pp. R619-R626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle D. Flack ◽  
Kelsey Ufholz ◽  
LuAnn Johnson ◽  
John S. Fitzgerald ◽  
James N. Roemmich
Keyword(s):  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Food Reinforcement ◽  
Resting Metabolic Rate ◽  
Acylated Ghrelin ◽  
Compensatory Responses ◽  
Energy Stores ◽  
Energy Compensation ◽  
Exercise Energy Expenditure ◽  
Glucagon Like Peptide ◽  
Glucagon Like Peptide 1

Weight loss from exercise is often less than expected. Putative compensatory mechanisms may limit exercise-induced reductions in body fat and might be proportional to exercise energy expenditure (ExEE). This study was conducted to determine compensation for (the difference between accumulated exercise energy expenditure and changes in body tissue energy stores) and compensatory responses to 1,500 or 3,000 kcal/wk of ExEE. Overweight-to-obese ( n = 36) sedentary men and women were randomized to groups expending 300 or 600 kcal/exercise session, 5 days/wk, for 12 wk. Fourteen participants in the 300-kcal group and 15 in the 600-kcal group completed the study. The primary outcome was energy compensation assessed through changes in body tissue energy stores. Secondary outcomes were putative compensatory responses of resting metabolic rate, food reinforcement, dietary intake, and serum acylated ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1. All measures were determined pre- and posttraining. The 3,000 kcal/wk group decreased ( P < 0.01) percentage and kilograms of body fat, while the 1,500 kcal/wk group did not. The 1,500 and 3,000 kcal/wk groups compensated for 943 (−164 to 2,050) and 1,007 (32 to 1,982) kcal/wk (mean, 95% CI, P ≥ 0.93), or 62.9% and 33.6% of ExEE, respectively. Resting metabolic rate and energy intake did not change. Food reinforcement and glucagon-like peptide-1 decreased ( P < 0.02), whereas acylated ghrelin increased ( P ≤ 0.02). Compensation is not proportional to ExEE. Similar energy compensation occurred in response to1,500 and 3,000 kcal/wk of ExEE. ExEE of 3,000 kcal/wk is sufficient to exceed compensatory responses and reduce fat mass.

scholarly journals The Effects of Part-Time Employment and Gender on Organizational Career Growth

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvette van Osch ◽  
Jaap Schaveling
Keyword(s):  
Career Advancement ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Role Congruity Theory ◽  
Job Status ◽  
Role Congruity ◽  
Career Growth ◽  
Time Work ◽  
Part Time ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Full Time Employment

The literature on part-time employment suggests that this type of employment hampers career advancement especially for women. Conversely, role congruity theory suggests that part-time employment hampers career advancement for men. In view of the often confounded nature of gender and job status in research, we studied the main and interaction effects of job status and gender on perceived job alternatives and four subdimensions of organizational career growth. The data ( N = 211) revealed (1) a main effect of job status on job alternatives: compared to part-time employment, full-time employment leads to more perceived job alternatives; (2) an interaction effect of job status and gender on career goal progress, ability development, and promotion speed: men working part-time experienced less progress, development, and promotion speed than men working full-time and women in general. These results are explained by gender-role incongruence and challenge the idea that part-time work affects women in particular.

scholarly journals Differences in Access to Athletic Trainers in Public Secondary Schools Based on Socioeconomic Status

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza Barter ◽  
Eric Post ◽  
Kenneth Games ◽  
Lindsey Eberman ◽  
Matthew Rivera
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Free And Reduced Lunch ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Training Services ◽  
School Ses

Abstract Context: Significant health care disparities exist in the United States based on socioeconomic status (SES) but the role SES has on secondary school athletes' access to athletic training services has not been examined on a national scale. Objective: To identify differences in access to athletic training services in public secondary schools based on school-SES. Design: Cross-Sectional Study Setting: Database secondary analysis. Patients or Other Participants: Data for 3,482 public high schools. Main Outcome Measures: Data were gathered from the Athletic Training Location and Services (ATLAS) database, United States Census Bureau, and National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We included schools from 5 states with the highest, middle, and lowest poverty percentages (15 states total) and collected county median household income (MHI), percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch, race/ethnicity demographics, and access to athletic training services (full-time AT, part-time AT only, no AT) for each school. Data were summarized in standard deviations, means, medians, interquartile ranges (IQR), frequencies and proportions, one-way ANOVAs, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: There were significant differences in school-SES between schools with full-time, part-time only, and no athletic training services. Schools with greater access to athletic training services had fewer students eligible for free and reduced lunch (full-time: 41.1%±22.3, part-time only: 45.8%±24.3, no AT: 52.9%±24.9, p&lt;0.001). Similarly, county MHI was higher in schools with increased access to athletic training services (full-time: Median [IQR], $56,026 [$49,085–$64,557], part-time only: Median [IQR], $52,719 [$45,355–$62105], and no AT: Median [IQR], $49,584 [$41,094–$57,688], p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: SES disparities were present in access to athletic training services in a national sample of public secondary schools. Access to athletic trainers positively influences student-athlete's health care across several measures. Pilot programs or government funds have been used previously to fund athletic training services and should be considered to ensure equitable access regardless of school-SES.

scholarly journals Supervising Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Professional Socialization of Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers in the Collegiate Setting

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
William A. Pitney
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Role Expectations ◽  
Role Orientation ◽  
Independent Practice ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Qualitative Research Design

Context: Many newly credentialed athletic trainers gain initial employment as graduate assistants (GAs) in the collegiate setting, yet their socialization into their role is unknown. Exploring the socialization process of GAs in the collegiate setting could provide insight into how that process occurs. Objective: To explore the professional socialization of GAs in the collegiate setting to determine how GAs are socialized and developed as athletic trainers. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Individual phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants: Athletic trainers (N = 21) who had supervised GAs in the collegiate setting for a minimum of 8 years (16 men [76%], 5 women [24%]; years of supervision experience = 14.6 ± 6.6). Data Collection and Analysis: Data were collected via phone interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by a 4-person consensus team with a consensual qualitative-research design. The team independently coded the data and compared ideas until a consensus was reached, and a codebook was created. Trustworthiness was established through member checks and multianalyst triangulation. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) role orientation, (2) professional development and support, (3) role expectations, and (4) success. Role orientation occurred both formally (eg, review of policies and procedures) and informally (eg, immediate role immersion). Professional development and support consisted of the supervisor mentoring and intervening when appropriate. Role expectations included decision-making ability, independent practice, and professionalism; however, supervisors often expected GAs to function as experienced, full-time staff. Success of the GAs depended on their adaptability and on the proper selection of GAs by supervisors. Conclusions: Supervisors socialize GAs into the collegiate setting by providing orientation, professional development, mentoring, and intervention when necessary. Supervisors are encouraged to use these socialization tactics to enhance the professional development of GAs in the collegiate setting.

scholarly journals Emergency Action Planning in Secondary School Athletics: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Current Adoption of Best Practice Standards

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha E. Scarneo ◽  
Lindsay J. DiStefano ◽  
Rebecca L. Stearns ◽  
Johna K. Register-Mihalik ◽  
Craig R. Denegar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Emergency Equipment

Context Emergency action plans (EAPs) are policies that improve response times and ensure access to emergency equipment for the management of patients with acute injuries and medical conditions, yet the extent to which EAP standards are adopted and implemented is unknown. Objective To describe the extent of EAP adoption and implementation in secondary school (SS) athletics with athletic trainer (AT) services in the United States. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants A national sample of ATs (n = 9642) was invited to participate in a Web-based questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure(s) Twelve components of EAP minimum best practices were derived from the “National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Position Statement: Emergency Planning in Athletics.” Emergency action plan components were analyzed using descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) around proportions. Contingency tables (2 × 2) were used to calculate odds ratios (with 95% CIs) to assess adoption of the components (dichotomized as yes or no), employment factors (eg, full time versus part time, employed by clinic/district), and access to emergency equipment. Results The response rate for the questionnaire was 13.2% (n = 1273). A majority of ATs (89.1%) reported having an EAP; however, only 9.9% described implementing all 12 components cited in the NATA position statement. Athletic trainers stated that they created the EAP in 62.8% (95% CI = 60.1%, 65.4%) of schools with an EAP. Athletic trainers employed full time were at greater odds of adopting 9 or more components of the EAP compared with ATs employed part time (odds ratio = 2.42 [95% CI = 1.66, 3.53]). A total of 85.7% of ATs noted access to an automated external defibrillator. Conclusions Although a majority of SSs had EAPs, the EAPs were often incomplete and lacked the necessary components for full compliance with the NATA position statement. These findings demonstrate the need for efforts to promote the adoption and implementation of comprehensive EAPs in SS athletics.

scholarly journals How does exercise support dietary approaches to weight loss and better health?

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-58
Author(s):  
Katarina Tomljenović Borer
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Weight Regain ◽  
Resting Metabolic Rate ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Fat Loss ◽  
Exercise Energy Expenditure ◽  
Basal Plasma ◽  
Carbohydrate Load

The rapid global rise of obesity incurs a heavy personal and healthcare burden due to obesity-associated morbidities and shortening of life. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence-based strategies for prevention, reversal, and mitigation of obesity and its sequelae. To that end, this review highlights the features of human physiology that favor fat accretion and interfere with fat loss. Strategies for prevention of obesity include understanding the basis for the strong motivating properties of palatable food, for human inability to consciously detect calories eaten or calories expended through exercise, for metabolic and hormonal adaptations to negative energy balance that drive weight regain, and for evolutionary natural selection which likely led to high human capacity for fat storage. Reversal of obesity is difficult primarily due to metabolic, hormonal, and behavioral reactions to body fat loss. Reduced resting metabolic rate presents a physiological challenge whether the weight loss is achieved through dietary restriction or energy expenditure of exercise. Increased insulin sensitivity after body fat loss drives resynthesis of storage substrates including triglycerides in the adipose tissue, muscle glycogen, and proteins, thus contributing to weight regain. Reduced basal plasma leptin concentration elicits a strong hunger drive. Mitigation of obesity-associated morbidities involves adding exercise energy expenditure to deliberate control of the quantity of food eaten, reducing postprandial hyperinsulinemia by lowering the carbohydrate load of the diet, and exercising after, rather than before, the meals to facilitate improved glucose tolerance.

scholarly journals Supervisor Perceptions of Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers' Transition to Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-211
Author(s):  
Samantha Compton ◽  
Janet E. Simon ◽  
Laura L. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Audio Recordings ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Independent Review ◽  
Recent Graduates ◽  
Purposive Sample

Context Transition to practice for newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) has been described through the perspective of educators, supervisors of graduate assistant ATs, students, and recent graduates; however, the opinion of supervisors of full-time ATs has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective (1) Describe supervisor perceptions of the transition to full-time practice for newly credentialed ATs and (2) describe current onboarding processes used by employers. Design Phenomenological qualitative study. Setting Semistructured interviews. Patients or Other Participants Purposive sample of 10 (4 men, 6 women) supervisors of newly credentialed ATs. Supervisors reported an average of 13.5 years of supervisory experience (range, 5–26 years). Data Collection and Analysis Questions addressed supervisor expectations, strengths and weaknesses of newly credentialed ATs, and the organization's onboarding process. The primary researcher transcribed audio recordings and each participant reviewed transcripts. Two researchers coded themes using an inductive process; a peer auditor completed an independent review. Disagreements were negotiated until consensus was reached. Results Two categories emerged: (1) characteristics of newly credentialed ATs and (2) onboarding strategies. The first category was organized into 2 subcategories: (1) knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and (2) unrealistic job expectations. The majority of supervisors felt that newly credentialed ATs were knowledgeable; however, the translation of knowledge into practice was viewed as an area requiring mentorship. Participants also reported that newly credentialed ATs often were poorly informed of the work schedule and time demands. In regard to onboarding processes, the researchers identified 7 different strategies reported by supervisors. Conclusions Newly credentialed ATs were perceived as knowledgeable but struggling to transition knowledge to clinical practice and often did not understand the work demands. Seven onboarding strategies were reported by participants; each of these can be used to develop KSAs of newly credentialed ATs. The KSAs should be addressed through a yearlong process consisting of orientations, shadowing, mentorship, seminars, and skill assessments.

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