Context: Reaction time is an indicator of cognitive function postconcussion and is an important measurement in return-to-play protocols. Current postconcussion assessments lack evidence regarding their reliability and do not simulate functional movement patterns and choice reactions that occur in sport performance. Objective: This study sought to establish the test–retest reliability of the FitLight Trainer™ in a nonconcussed, healthy population. Methods: Twenty-six healthy individuals from Bowling Green State University participated. Results: Good test–retest reliability was demonstrated for choice reaction time using the FitLight Trainer™ across the two testing sessions (intraclass correlation coefficient [2, 1] = .80). Conclusions: The FitLight Trainer™ provides reliable measures of reaction time in a healthy population.
Browse
The Test–Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of the FitLight Trainer™
Lauren R. Myers, Jenny L. Toonstra, and Andrea E. Cripps
NATA News & Notes
Efficacy of Pain Scales in the Athletic Population and Pairing With Algometric Measurements
Elisabeth Ohrnberger, Matthew Sabin, Michael Lane, Heather Adams-Blair, and Aaron Sciascia
The purpose of this study was to determine if subjective pain scales commonly used (a) are correlated to each other and with algometric measurements and (b) differ between collegiate athletes and noncollegiate athletes. There were consistent significant positive correlations between all pain scales, regardless of groupings (collegiate athletes: r = .234–.730, p ≤ .007; noncollegiate athletes: r = .518–.820, p ≤ .002; female: r = .437–.690, p ≤ .010; male: r = .492–.784, p ≤ .005). These findings suggest that the pain scales studied could be used with both athletic and nonathletic populations. Algometric assessments may be better suited for patients with altered pain processing compared with those without.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Work–Life Balance of Collegiate Athletic Trainers
Nicole Jones, Kelsey M. Rynkiewicz, and Stephanie M. Singe
Context: The COVID-19 pandemic has potential ramifications on work–life balance for those working in health care. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to better understand COVID-19 on work–life balance and quality of life among collegiate athletic trainers. Method: Data for this study were generated from 636 eligible respondents (33 ± 9 years) representing Division I, II, and III (n = 360, n = 104, and n = 172, respectively) settings. Results: Four main themes emerged from consensual qualitative data analysis: mental health impact, social responsibility, work–life boundaries, and 24/7 work demands. Conclusion: The results suggest that collegiate athletic trainers are struggling to find work–life balance and must find ways to implement self-care practices.
Continuing Education Assessment
Volume 27 (2022): Issue 3 (May 2022)
The Clinical Practice Characteristics, Self-Confidence, and Barriers Related to Treatment Following Concussion Among Athletic Trainers
Nicholas Hattrup, Hayley J. Root, and Tamara C. Valovich McLeod
There is limited information about the use and perceptions of interventions postconcussion. The purpose of this study was to examine the treatment characteristics, self-reported confidence and perceptions of treatment, and barriers to treatment implementation. More than 50% of respondents utilized interventions for cervicogenic (55.5%, n = 85/153) and migraine symptoms (82.4%, n = 126/153). While respondents utilized and believed they should implement treatments, more than half referred to another healthcare professional (e.g., physical therapy, physician, psychologist) to perform treatment interventions. Finally, those in the clinic setting report having more adequate staff to perform treatments compared with high schools (p = .003). The continued use of interdisciplinary teams’ postconcussion and the development of lower cost staff and resource interventions may help to increase adoption.
Unique Contributions of the King-Devick and Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening: A Critically Appraised Topic
Ty B. Bigelow, Meredith E. Joyce, and Ashley L. Santo
Focused Clinical Question: Is there a relationship between performance on the King-Devick test and the vestibular/ocular motor screening in youth and young adults? Clinical Bottom Line: There was insufficient evidence to definitively determine if there is a relationship between performance on the King-Devick test and vestibular/ocular motor screening in youth and young adults.
Decreases in Performance Observed After COVID-19 Infection in High School Female Soccer Players
Andrew Wilson, Lynette M. Carlson, Colton Norton, and W. David Bruce
This case report retrospectively reviewed competition sprinting performances by a cohort of eight female high school soccer players before and after the incidence of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Performances were split into COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative groups, and metrics were collected using a global positioning system for each player during each game. An apparent decrease of 21.13% was found in the COVID-19-positive group’s performances in distance sprinted per game in contrast to an increase of 8.43% for the COVID-19-negative group’s performances. Results suggest patient-athletes experience decreases in intense sprinting performances following COVID-19 infection.
High Rate of Return to Sport Following Abdominal Muscle Strain Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Overhead Athletes—A Case Series
Ioanna K. Bolia, Alexander E. Weber, Hansel Ihn, Paul Won, Laith K. Hasan, Aryan Haratian, Lisa Noceti-Dewit, Russ Romano, James E. Tibone, and Seth C. Gamradt
This case series describes the rate and time to return to sport following nonoperative management of abdominal muscle strain in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. Twenty-seven overhead athletes were included, and each participated in a rehabilitation flexibility program as well as interventions addressing hip and thoracic rotational deficits. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the rates of abdominal injury in overhead athletes and their return to sport at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institution. Volleyball athletes were disproportionately affected by abdominal injuries in the present study, and these injuries have been reported to account for up to 22.2% of muscle injuries in elite volleyball athletes. Similar to the finding in the present study, two baseball studies demonstrated that the abdominal musculature on the opposite side of the dominant arm (lead side) was usually affected.