scholarly journals Cervical Spine Motion During Football Equipment-Removal Protocols: A Challenge to the All-or-Nothing Endeavor

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley Jacobson ◽  
Michael Cendoma ◽  
Jacob Gdovin ◽  
Kevin Cooney ◽  
Dustin Bruening
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Movement Analysis ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
American Football ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Spine Movement

Context The National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement on acute management of the cervical spine-injured athlete recommended the all-or-nothing endeavor, which involves removing or not removing both helmet and shoulder pads, from equipment-laden American football and ice hockey athletes. However, in supporting research, investigators have not considered alternative protocols. Objective To measure cervical spine movement (head relative to sternum) produced when certified athletic trainers (ATs) use the all-or-nothing endeavor and to compare these findings with the movement produced using an alternative pack-and-fill protocol, which involves packing the area under and around the cervical neck and head with rolled towels. Design Crossover study. Setting Movement analysis laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Eight male collegiate football players (age = 21.4 ± 1.4 years; height = 1.87 ± 0.02 m; mass = 103.6 ± 12.5 kg). Intervention(s) Four ATs removed equipment under 4 conditions: removal of helmet only followed by placing the head on the ground (H), removal of the helmet only followed by pack-and-fill (HP), removal of the helmet and shoulder pads followed by placing the head on the ground (HS), and removal of the helmet and shoulder pads followed by pack-and-fill (HSP). Motion capture was used to track the movement of the head with respect to the sternum during equipment removal. Main Outcome Measure(s) We measured head movement relative to sternum movement (translations and rotations). We used 4 × 4 analyses of variance with repeated measures to compare discrete motion variables (changes in position and total excursions) among protocols and ATs. Results Protocol HP resulted in a 0.1 ± 0.6 cm rise in head position compared with a 1.4 ± 0.3 cm drop with protocol HS (P < .001). Protocol HP produced 4.9° less total angular excursion (P < .001) and 2.1 cm less total vertical excursion (P < .001) than protocol HS. Conclusions The pack-and-fill protocol was more effective than shoulder pad removal in minimizing cervical spine movement throughout the equipment-removal process. This study provides evidence for including the pack-and-fill protocol in future treatment recommendations when helmet removal is necessary for on-field care.

scholarly journals National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Skin Diseases

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Zinder ◽  
Rodney S. W. Basler ◽  
Jack Foley ◽  
Chris Scarlata ◽  
David B. Vasily
Keyword(s):  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Skin Infections ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Prophylactic Measures ◽  
Common Skin ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Abstract Objective: To present recommendations for the prevention, education, and management of skin infections in athletes. Background: Trauma, environmental factors, and infectious agents act together to continually attack the integrity of the skin. Close quarters combined with general poor hygiene practices make athletes particularly vulnerable to contracting skin diseases. An understanding of basic prophylactic measures, clinical features, and swift management of common skin diseases is essential for certified athletic trainers to aid in preventing the spread of infectious agents. Recommendations: These guidelines are intended to provide relevant information on skin infections and to give specific recommendations for certified athletic trainers and others participating in athletic health care.

scholarly journals National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Management of Acute Skin Trauma

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 1053-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel W. Beam ◽  
Bernadette Buckley ◽  
William R. Holcomb ◽  
Mario Ciocca
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainer

Objective:  To present recommendations for the cleansing, debridement, dressing, and monitoring of acute skin trauma in patients. Background:  Acute skin trauma is common during participation in athletic and recreational activities. Clinical decisions and intervention protocols after injury vary among athletic trainers and are often based on ritualistic practices. An understanding of cleansing, debridement, and dressing techniques; clinical features of infection and adverse reactions; and monitoring of acute skin trauma is critical for certified athletic trainers and other allied health and medical professionals to create a local wound environment that promotes healing and lessens the risk of complications. Recommendations:  These guidelines are intended to provide the certified athletic trainer and others participating in athletic health care with specific knowledge about and recommendations for the management of acute skin trauma.

scholarly journals Current Sport-Related Concussion Teaching and Clinical Practices of Sports Medicine Professionals

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Covassin ◽  
Robert Elbin ◽  
Jennifer L. Stiller-Ostrowski
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Teaching Preferences

Abstract Various consensus and position statements recommend a multifaceted approach when diagnosing a possible concussion. The effectiveness of these materials depends largely on their content being disseminated to educators and to those in the clinical setting.Context: To identify the concussion management methods and guidelines currently taught in the athletic training classroom and clinical settings and to track the dissemination of the Vienna guidelines throughout the educational curriculum.Objective: A 17-question Internet survey.Design: A Web link was e-mailed to the program directors and certified athletic trainers holding educational positions in athletic training at 300 accredited programs in the United States.Setting: 513 program directors and athletic trainers.Patients or Other Participants: Survey questions addressed education level, years of certification, employment setting, concussion assessment and return-to-play guidelines used in the clinical setting and the classroom, and clinical and teaching preferences for existing position statements and concussion grading systems. The Vienna guidelines' “simple” and “complex” definitions of concussions were provided with the return-to-play stepwise approach.Main Outcome Measure(s): The National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement was the most widely used method of assessing, managing (61%), and making return-to-play decisions (47%) among participants. More than half of participants (66%) had never heard of the Vienna guidelines. After reading the Vienna guidelines' definitions and return-to-play criteria, nearly three-fourths of participants agreed with them. In addition, 68% said that they would use them, and 84% reported that they would teach them to students.Results: The majority of program directors and certified athletic trainers used a multidimensional approach to assess and manage a concussion. The National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement and Vienna guidelines were underused in both the classroom and clinical settings.Conclusions:

scholarly journals National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Immediate Management of Appendicular Joint Dislocations

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1117-1128
Author(s):  
Susan L. Rozzi ◽  
Jeffrey M. Anderson ◽  
Scott T. Doberstein ◽  
Joseph J. Godek ◽  
Langdon A. Hartsock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Medical Setting ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
State Regulations ◽  
Joint Dislocations ◽  
Initial Care ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
First Time

Objective To provide certified athletic trainers (ATs) with recommendations and guidelines for the immediate management of patients with joint dislocations. Background One of the primary responsibilities of ATs is to provide immediate injury care for active individuals. Although ATs are confronted with managing patients who have many kinds of injuries, the onsite management of a joint dislocation presents challenges in evaluation and immediate treatment. The critical concern in managing a dislocation is deciding when a joint can be reduced onsite and when the patient should be splinted and transported for reduction to be performed in the hospital or medical setting. Factors that influence the decision-making process include the following: whether the AT possesses a documented protocol that is supported by his or her supervising physician(s), employer documents, and respective state regulations; the AT's qualifications and experience; the dislocated joint; whether the dislocation is first time or recurrent; the patient's age and general health; and whether associated injuries are present. Recommendations These guidelines are intended to provide considerations for the initial care of specific joint dislocations. They are not intended to represent the standard of care and should not be interpreted as a standard of care for therapeutic or legal discussion.

scholarly journals National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Prevention of Pediatric Overuse Injuries

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara C. Valovich McLeod ◽  
Laura C. Decoster ◽  
Keith J. Loud ◽  
Lyle J. Micheli ◽  
J. Terry Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Pediatric Injury ◽  
Physical Examinations ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Abstract Objective: To provide certified athletic trainers, physicians, and other health care professionals with recommendations on best practices for the prevention of overuse sports injuries in pediatric athletes (aged 6–18 years). Background: Participation in sports by the pediatric population has grown tremendously over the years. Although the health benefits of participation in competitive and recreational athletic events are numerous, one adverse consequence is sport-related injury. Overuse or repetitive trauma injuries represent approximately 50% of all pediatric sport-related injuries. It is speculated that more than half of these injuries may be preventable with simple approaches. Recommendations: Recommendations are provided based on current evidence regarding pediatric injury surveillance, identification of risk factors for injury, preparticipation physical examinations, proper supervision and education (coaching and medical), sport alterations, training and conditioning programs, and delayed specialization.

Summary of the National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement on the Acute Management of the Cervical Spine-Injured Athlete

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 20-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik E. Swartz ◽  
Laura C. Decoster ◽  
Susan A. Norkus ◽  
Barry P. Boden ◽  
Kevin N. Waninger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Acute Management ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

scholarly journals National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Environmental Cold Injuries

2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 640-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Cappaert ◽  
Jennifer A. Stone ◽  
John W. Castellani ◽  
Bentley Andrew Krause ◽  
Daniel Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Work Related ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Abstract Objective: To present recommendations for the prevention, recognition, and treatment of environmental cold injuries. Background: Individuals engaged in sport-related or work-related physical activity in cold, wet, or windy conditions are at risk for environmental cold injuries. An understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology, risk management, recognition, and immediate care of environmental cold injuries is an essential skill for certified athletic trainers and other health care providers working with individuals at risk. Recommendations: These recommendations are intended to provide certified athletic trainers and others participating in athletic health care with the specific knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to address environmental cold injuries. Each recommendation has been graded (A, B, or C) according to the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy criterion scale.

scholarly journals National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Preventing Sudden Death in Sports

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas J. Casa ◽  
Kevin M. Guskiewicz ◽  
Scott A. Anderson ◽  
Ronald W. Courson ◽  
Jonathan F. Heck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sudden Death ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Organized Sports ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Objective:To present recommendations for the prevention and screening, recognition, and treatment of the most common conditions resulting in sudden death in organized sports.Background:Cardiac conditions, head injuries, neck injuries, exertional heat stroke, exertional sickling, asthma, and other factors (eg, lightning, diabetes) are the most common causes of death in athletes.Recommendations:These guidelines are intended to provide relevant information on preventing sudden death in sports and to give specific recommendations for certified athletic trainers and others participating in athletic health care.

scholarly journals National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Evaluation of Dietary Supplements for Performance Nutrition

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie L. Buell ◽  
Rob Franks ◽  
Jack Ransone ◽  
Michael E. Powers ◽  
Kathleen M. Laquale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Objectives To help athletic trainers promote a “food-first” philosophy to support health and performance, understand federal and sport governing body rules and regulations regarding dietary supplements and banned substances, and become familiar with reliable resources for evaluating the safety, purity, and efficacy of dietary supplements. Background The dietary supplement industry is poorly regulated and takes in billions of dollars per year. Uneducated athletes need to gain a better understanding of the safety, eligibility, and efficacy concerns associated with choosing to take dietary supplements. The athletic trainer is a valuable athletic team member who can help in the educational process. In many cases, athletic trainers are asked to help evaluate the legality, safety, and efficacy of dietary supplements. For this position statement, our mission is to provide the athletic trainer with the necessary resources for these tasks. Recommendations Proper nutrition and changes in the athlete's habitual diet should be considered first when improved performance is the goal. Athletes need to understand the level of regulation (or lack thereof) governing the dietary supplement industry at the international, federal, state, and individual sport-participation levels. Athletes should not assume a product is safe simply because it is marketed over the counter. All products athletes are considering using should be evaluated for purity (ie, truth in labeling), safety, and efficacy.

scholarly journals Exploring Athletic Trainers' Self-Confidence for Interpreting Results from Concussion Assessments

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 756-756
Author(s):  
N R D’Amico ◽  
T Covassin ◽  
N Murray ◽  
P Schatz ◽  
R J Elbin
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Neurocognitive Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Abstract Purpose To explore athletic trainers' self-confidence for interpreting results from concussion assessments. Methods An online survey was administered via the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) membership listserv to a cross-sectional sample of 10,000 certified athletic trainers (ATCs) employed in high school and collegiate settings. The survey included: 1) ATC demographics (i.e., age, sex, years of experience); 2) ATC concussion management practices (i.e., previous concussion training, continuing education received on concussion, concussion assessments administered); and 3) a 4-point Likert scale (1=no confidence, 4=high confidence) assessing ATC self-confidence for interpreting results from concussion assessments. A total of 725 ATCs completed the survey yielding a response rate of 7.25%; 114 were excluded for missing data and 611 ATCs were included in final analyses. Sample demographics, ATC concussion management practices, and ATC self-confidence scores were examined with demographic statistics (i.e., means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages) for 16 commonly used concussion assessments. Results The sample of ATCs (mean age 38.97±14.89 years) was predominately female (59.2%) and reported an average of 10.08±7.58 years of clinical experience. Clinical examinations (63.2%) and symptom scales (61.4%) were among the most frequent assessments with high ATC self-confidence for interpretation. Vestibular/oculomotor measures (27.2%) and computerized neurocognitive testing (26.2%) were among the most frequent assessments with low ATC self-confidence for interpretation. Conclusion Low ATC self-confidence scores for interpreting results from vestibular/oculomotor measures and computerized neurocognitive testing highlight the importance of incorporating a multi-disciplinary team approach and including sport neuropsychologists for the proper management of concussion.

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