scholarly journals The Athletic Identity of Collegiate Athletic Trainers: A Descriptive Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christianne M Eason ◽  
Stephanie Clines
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Identity ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Division Iii ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Former Athletes ◽  
Employment Setting ◽  
Division Ii ◽  
Collegiate Athletic Trainers

Context: Empirical and anecdotal evidence suggest that many athletic trainers were former athletes and select the profession due to its affiliation with sport. Qualitative research has indicated that collegiate athletic trainers may have a strong athletic identity, but the concept of athletic identity has not been quantified in this population. Objective: To quantitatively asses the athletic identity of collegiate athletic trainers and determine if group differences exist. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting: Collegiate clinical setting. Patients and Other Participants: A total of 257 (n = 93 (37%) males, n = 162 (63%) females) athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting were included in data analysis. Main Outcome Measure(s): Data were collected via a web-based survey platform which was designed to measure athletic identity. Demographic information was analyzed for frequency and distribution. Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were calculated to determine if group differences existed. Results: The large majority of participants (90%) self-identified as having participated in organized sport yet scored moderately on the athletic identity measurement scale (22.9 ± 7.9). There were no sex differences in overall athletic identity (p = .446), but females did have higher levels of negative affectivity (p = .045) than males. Testing also revealed group differences based on current employment setting for social identity (p = .020), with NCAA Division I scores less than Division II, III, and NAIA. NCAA Division III exclusivity (p = .030) was lower than NCAA Division II and NAIA. Conclusions: It appears that components of athletic identity vary based on the employment setting of collegiate athletic trainers and may have a relationship to the number of hours worked in the summer. The moderate athletic identity scores of collegiate athletic trainers are comparable to former athletes who selected career paths outside of sport. This may indicate adaptive career decision processes.

scholarly journals Perspectives on Parenthood and Working of Female Athletic Trainers in the Secondary School and Collegiate Settings

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leamor Kahanov ◽  
Alice R. Loebsack ◽  
Matthew A. Masucci ◽  
Jeff Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Employment Setting ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Original Survey

Abstract Context: Female athletic trainers (ATs) are currently underrepresented in the collegiate setting. Parenting and family obligations may play a role in this underrepresentation. Objective: To examine female ATs' perspectives on parenting and working in the secondary school and collegiate employment settings. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 1000 nonstudent, female certified ATs who were currently members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Main Outcome Measure(s): An original survey was developed to assess perceptions related to motherhood and work responsibilities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess age, years of experience as a certified AT, employment position, and parent or nonparent status. A correlation matrix was conducted to determine factors among parent and nonparent status, perceptions of motherhood, and employment-setting decisions. Results: Of the 1000 surveys sent via e-mail, 411 (41.1%) female ATs responded. Responses indicated that a majority of the female ATs worked in the secondary school setting. Sixty-one percent of the respondents did not have children. Past female ATs' experiences indicated a perception that motherhood created more challenges or struggles (or both) in the work and family settings. Whether parents considered children a factor in employment-setting changes produced conflicting results: no significant correlations or differences were found among responses. Conclusions: Parenting considerations had influences on both the home and employment settings. Although parents and nonparents had different views on the implications of parenting in the workplace, both groups agreed that parenting could affect the work environment and the choice to change employment settings and careers. Administrative decisions need to be considered in relation to parenting concerns. Mentoring that includes employment-setting choices relative to life goals should be provided to ATs, regardless of sex.

Collegiate Athletic Trainers' Knowledge and Perceptions of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Athletes

2007 ◽  
Vol 101 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1173-1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Thompson ◽  
Debra Boardley ◽  
Faith Yingling ◽  
Joan Rocks
Keyword(s):  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Intercollegiate Athletics ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Athletic Injury ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disordered Eating Behaviors ◽  
Collegiate Athletic Trainers

To assess athletic trainers' perceptions and knowledge regarding disordered eating behaviors and to estimate their confidence in response to a test of knowledge, a cross-sectional mail survey was distributed to a national random sample of 500 athletic trainers from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. 408 collegiate certified athletic trainers responded (rate of 81.6%). A 30-item questionnaire assessed perceptions of disordered eating behaviors within 5 domains. Opinions regarding the prevalence of disordered eating, athletic injury and nutritional status, and their role in recognizing disordered eating were assessed. Most respondents reported perceiving disordered eating to be a significant problem. Also, athletic trainers needed knowledge in all domains of disordered eating.

scholarly journals Experiences and Attitudes of Collegiate Athletic Trainers Regarding Alcohol-Related Unintentional Injury in Athletes

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. Brenner ◽  
Stacie M. Metz ◽  
Jack Entriken ◽  
Christina J. Brenner
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Unintentional Injury ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Collegiate Athlete ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Collegiate Athletic Trainers

Context: Alcohol-related unintentional injury (ARUI) has been an unexamined consequence of alcohol consumption by collegiate athletes. It has a potentially devastating effect on their athletic performances and careers. Awareness of this problem in athletes could have a huge effect on what athletic trainers (ATs) do to recognize, treat, and prevent it in a collegiate athlete population. Objective: To examine the experiences and attitudes among collegiate and university ATs about ARUI in the athletes in their care. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 1767 e-mail addresses for collegiate and university ATs within National Athletic Trainers' Association Districts 1, 2, 3, and 9. Main Outcome Measure(s): We calculated frequencies, percentages, and attitudes of ATs regarding ARUI in collegiate athletes during the 2010–2011 academic year. Results: The resulting sample size for the analysis was 459 (26.0%) participants of the initial total sample. More than 56% (n = 260) of the ATs reported that they had evaluated, treated, or referred if needed at least 1 ARUI in a collegiate athlete. On average, these ATs had evaluated, treated, or referred if needed 3 alcohol-related unintentional injuries within the 2010–2011academic year. About 73% (n = 331) of ATs agreed that ARUI is a serious problem. Nearly 80% (n = 358) indicated they believe ATs should receive more training to identify student–athletes with alcohol-related problems. Conclusions: Alcohol-related unintentional injury is a common and serious consequence of alcohol use among collegiate athletes. Many ATs also view it as a serious problem yet would like more training in how to address it. Alcohol-related unintentional injury may have important negative effects on the careers and athletic performances of athletes. Researchers need to determine how prevalent ARUI is in the collegiate athlete population and what ATs can do to address it.

scholarly journals The Quantitative Examination of the Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Organization Fit in Athletic Trainers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey H. Schroeder ◽  
Eric L. Richardson ◽  
Rachel M. Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Individual Responsibility ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Employment Setting

ABSTRACT Context: Athletic trainers' (ATs) job satisfaction has been extensively researched, yet little is known about how satisfaction relates to organizational culture. Objective: To examine ATs' level of job satisfaction and organizational fit perceptions within their employment setting. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants: 5,704 ATs (full-time employment, nonacademic appointment) were contacted via email; 841 participants began our survey (access rate = 14.7%), and 285 completed the survey (5.0% response rate; 33.9% completion rate; men = 107 (37.5%), women = 178 (62.5%); age = 34.8±9.9 years; employment setting = 34.7% NCAA D1 (n=99), 18.9% NCAA DII (n=54), 29.5% NCAA DIII (n=84), and 16.9% other. Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants responded to an online survey consisting of demographic questions, a 36-item Likert scale Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and the Cable and Judge revision of O'Reilly, Chatman, and Caldwell's 40-item ranking organizational cultures profile (OCP) survey. Multiple linear regression models for total or subscale job satisfaction were used to analyze the data. All models adjusted for the same demographic measures and the independent variables of interest were created from the organizational culture survey responses. Results: Coworkers (min=9, max=24, rho=0.79), communications (min=9, max=24, rho=0.78), and work itself (min=4, max=24, rho=0.71) were the most correlated with the total job satisfaction score (min=96, max=175). 54% of respondents selected adaptability, stability, and taking individual responsibility as one of their two most characteristic attributes in the organizational culture profile. 83% of respondents indicated being aggressive, high pay for good performance, and being distinctive/different from others as their two least characteristic traits. Conclusions: ATs' job satisfaction was impacted most by organizational factors, such as coworkers and communication, as well as individual attributes like adaptability, stability, and taking personal responsibility.

scholarly journals Athletic Trainers' Perception on Treating and Managing Ankle Sprains

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Revay O. Corbett ◽  
Luzita Vela ◽  
Paul C. Harris ◽  
Susan Saliba ◽  
Jay Hertel
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Ankle Sprain ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Context: Ankle sprains common occurrences in athletic and general populations. High volumes of ankle sprains elevate the clinical burden on Athletic Trainers (AT). While there is a position statement from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) regarding the treatment and management of ankle sprains, there may be factors impacting an AT's ability to effectively implement the recommendations. Objective: To evaluate current understanding, perceptions and difficulties ATs have regarding the treatment, management, and long-term effects of ankle sprains. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: Seven hundred and ninety-six ATs across all athletic training job settings (years certified=12.1±9.2 years). Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed a thirty-eight-question survey that recorded demographics, perceptions and knowledge on epidemiology, treatment, and management of ankle sprains. The survey also documented participants' patient education practices, attitudes towards the NATA position statement regarding ankle sprains, along with challenges and pressures against implementation. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and analyses of variance were used to analyze the data and evaluate group differences and relationships. Results: Eighty-three percent of participants demonstrated a moderate understanding of fundamental ankle sprain epidemiology. Group differences were seen between education levels, years certified, and job setting regarding patient education. Overall, 38.1% of ATs were either unsure or unaware of the NATA position statement, but those aware of it expressed it to be a 3.89 on a scale to five, regarding usefulness; with one being “Not Useful at All”, three being “Neutral” and five “Very Useful”. On average, 1.9±0.88 challenges were documented to implementing effective treatment practices, and an average of 2.0±0.95 pressures reported to returning athletes to play following an ankle sprain. Conclusion: Nearly 40% of ATs were either unaware or unsure of current recommendations available to inform how ankle sprains are treated, which could impact how care is delivered.

scholarly journals ATHLETIC IDENTITY IN YOUTH ATHLETES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0010
Author(s):  
Bianca Edison ◽  
Katherine Rizzone ◽  
Melissa Christino
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Athletic Identity ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Background: Athletic identity (AI) is an important part of the sporting culture that ties in multiple components of how an individual relates to their sport. Adult-based research has described positive and negative sequelae from adopting a robust AI, but there has been less studied on this social trait in younger age groups. Purpose: To systematically review the literature to investigate and describe epidemiological characteristics of athletic identity in athletes younger than 22 years old. Methods: This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Group (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo were searched to identify studies that quantitatively assessed athletic identity. Three independent reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessment. Study eligibility criteria included English-language publications from 1945-present with an athletic identity outcome in individuals 22 years old and younger. Assessment for study bias was evaluated using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). Results: Ten studies met the study’s inclusion criteria, eight were cross-sectional design, one was a case series, and one involved a longitudinal design. For these studies, three out of the ten were deemed good quality by AXIS and the remainder were of fair quality. Eight of the ten studies utilized the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale and two utilized the Athlete Identity Questionnaire. Constructs examined include sports and physical activity participation, mental health, sports-related injury, and demographics such as gender and ethnicity. Scores did not vary by gender, but did by race/ethnicity. Two studies found that adolescence was a time of increased athletic identity as opposed to later in one’s training. The studies that focused on mental health and AI showed higher levels may have a protective effect against burnout, but in injured athletes, it may increase the likelihood of depression. In a study examining AI and injury, there was a bimodal association of both low AI and high AI athletes having higher risk of injury. Conclusions: Our systematic review of the literature resulted in very heterogeneous results, preventing analyses of common measures and outcomes. There was cross-study evidence that in adolescence, the transition to a higher level of play can be correlated with a stronger sense of athletic identity. Several studies examined the effect athletic identity can have on the mental health of youth. Further study is needed in pediatric athletes to better understand the relationship between AI and different components of sport.

Exploring the Relationship Between Athletic Identity and Beliefs About Rehabilitation Overadherence in College Athletes

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Hilliard ◽  
Lindsey Blom ◽  
Dorice Hankemeier ◽  
Jocelyn Bolin
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
College Athletes ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Negative Affectivity ◽  
Athletic Identity ◽  
Athletic Participation ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Rehabilitation Adherence ◽  
Significant Model

Context:Athletic identity has been associated with rehabilitation overadherence in college athletes.Objectives:To explore which constructs of athletic identity predict rehabilitation overadherence, gauge athletes’ views of the most salient aspect of their athletic participation, and understand their perceptions of the reasons they adhere to their rehabilitation program.Design:Cross-sectional, mixed methods.Setting:University athletic training clinics and online.Participants:Currently injured college athletes (N = 80; 51 male, 29 female).Main Outcome Measures:Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Rehabilitation Overadherence Questionnaire (ROAQ), and 2 open-ended questions about athletic participation and rehabilitation adherence.Results:Higher levels of athletic identity were associated with higher levels of rehabilitation overadherence (r = .29, P = .009). Hierarchical multiple regression used on AIMS subscales to predict ROAQ subscales did not reveal a significant model for the subscale “ignore practitioner recommendations.” However, a significant model was revealed for the subscale “attempt an expedited rehabilitation,” F5,73 = 2.56, P = .04, R2 = .15. Negative affectivity was the only significant contribution to the equation (β = 0.33, t = 2.64, P = .01). Content analysis revealed that bodily benefits, sport participation, personal achievement, social relationships, and athlete status were perceived to be the most important aspects of being an athlete. The themes of returning to competition, general health, and relationship beliefs were identified as the major factors for adhering to a rehabilitation program.Conclusions:Negative affectivity accounted for a significant but low amount of variance for rehabilitation overadherence, suggesting that athletic trainers should pay attention to personal variables such as athletic identity that might influence the rehabilitation process. Using the knowledge of why athletes adhere to their rehabilitation and what is most important to them about being an athlete, athletic trainers can use appropriate interventions to facilitate proper rehabilitation adherence.

scholarly journals Concussion-Management Practice Patterns of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and III Athletic Trainers: How the Other Half Lives

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 879-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Buckley ◽  
Glenn Burdette ◽  
Kassandra Kelly
Keyword(s):  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Ncaa Division Ii ◽  
Division Iii ◽  
Assessment Battery ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Consensus Statements ◽  
Division Ii

Context The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has published concussion-management practice guidelines consistent with recent position and consensus statements. Whereas NCAA Division I athletic trainers appear highly compliant, little is known about the concussion-management practice patterns of athletic trainers at smaller institutions where staffing and resources may be limited. Objective To descriptively define the concussion-management practice patterns of NCAA Division II and III athletic trainers. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants A total of 755 respondents (response rate = 40.2%) from NCAA Division II and Division III institutions. Main Outcome Measure(s) The primary outcome measures were the rate of multifaceted concussion-assessment techniques, defined as 3 or more assessments; the specific practice patterns of each assessment battery; and tests used during a clinical examination. Results Most respondents indicated using a multifaceted assessment during acute assessment (Division II = 76.9%, n = 473; Division III = 76.0%, n = 467) and determination of recovery (Division II = 65.0%, n = 194; Division III = 63.1%, n = 288) but not at baseline (Division II = 43.1%, n = 122; Division III = 41.0%, n = 176). Typically, when a postconcussion assessment was initiated, testing occurred daily until baseline values were achieved, and most respondents (80.6% [244/278]) reported using a graded exercise protocol before return to participation. Conclusions We found limited use of the multifaceted assessment battery at baseline but higher rates at both acute assessment and return-to-participation time points. A primary reason cited for not using test-battery components was a lack of staffing or funding for the assessments. We observed limited use of neuropsychologists to interpret neuropsychological testing. Otherwise, most respondents reported concussion-management protocols consistent with recommendations, including a high level of use of objective measures and incorporation of a progressive return-to-participation protocol.

scholarly journals Challenges to and Resources for Participation in Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: Perceptions of Collegiate Athletic Trainers

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-114
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Manspeaker ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Collaborative Practice ◽  
College And University ◽  
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Collegiate Athletic Trainers

Context Health care systems are increasing their emphasis on interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) as a necessary component to patient care. However, information regarding the challenges athletic trainers (ATs) perceive with respect to participating in IPCP is lacking. Objective To describe collegiate ATs' perceptions of challenges to and resources for participation in IPCP. Design Qualitative study. Setting College and university. Patients or Other Participants The response rate was 8% (513 ATs [234 men, 278 women, 1 preferred not to disclose sex], years in clinical practice = 10.69 ± 9.33). Data Collection and Analysis Responses to survey-based, open-ended questions were collected through Qualtrics. A general inductive qualitative approach was used to analyze data and establish relevant themes and categories for responses. Multianalyst coding and an external auditor confirmed coding saturation and assisted in triangulation. Results Challenges were reported in the areas of needing a defined IPCP team structure, respect for all involved health care parties, and concerns when continuity of care was compromised. Communication was reported as both a perceived challenge and a resource. Specific resources seen as beneficial to effective participation in IPCP included communication mechanisms such as shared patient health records and educational opportunities with individuals from other health care professions. Conclusions As ATs become more integrated into IPCP, they need to accurately describe and advocate their roles, understand the roles of others, and be open to the dynamic needs of team-based care. Development of continuing interprofessional education opportunities for all relevant members of the health care team can help to delineate roles more effectively and provide more streamlined care with the goal of improving patient outcomes.

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