Tamara McLeod - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Tamara McLeod

Research paper thumbnail of Heel Pain in Youth: A Guide to Potential Management Strategies

Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease, is common among physically active youth between the ag... more Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease, is common among physically active youth between the ages of 8–15. This condition is related to skeletal growth during maturation and relief often comes once growth is complete. However, it is not feasible to limit participation in physical activity until growth ceases; therefore, it is important to determine effective interventions to regulate pain while continuing participation. A search of the literature yielded nine studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included for data analysis. Within these publications, many treatment methods were suggested, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), taping, orthoses, heel lifts, stretching, activity modification, and ice. However, few of the treatment options were compared with a control group. Analysis revealed that clinicians should provide treatments with caution when treating patients suffering from Sever’s disease, understanding that strong evidence is not supportive of one treatment option alone. Data are limited for individual treatments related to calcaneal apophysitis and more research in this area is warranted. Clinicians should work with patients on an individual basis to determine if one form of treatment provides a reduction of pain and allows that patient to continue with activity.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship Between A Measure Of Dynamic Balance And A Movement Assessment

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Selecting Patient-Based Outcome Measures

Athletic Therapy Today, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Concussion Education Video Exposure Does Not Significantly Improve Youth Athlete Concussion Knowledge

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Athletic Training Services During Daily Patient Encounters: A Report from the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network

Journal of athletic training, Jan 17, 2016

Athletic training services such as taping, wrapping, and stretching are common during routine c... more Athletic training services such as taping, wrapping, and stretching are common during routine care but rarely captured in traditional patient documentation. These clinical data are vital when determining appropriate medical coverage and demonstrating the value and worth of athletic trainers (ATs). To analyze clinical data from daily encounter forms within the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN). Descriptive study. Secondary school athletic training clinics. Adolescent patients (n = 4888; age = 16.3 ± 1.4 years) seeking care from ATs. We used Web-based electronic medical records from December 1, 2009, to July 1, 2015, to obtain patient characteristics via deidentified data. Descriptive data regarding practice characteristics from patient encounter forms were analyzed and reported as percentages and frequencies. A total of 36 245 patient encounters (mean = 7.5 ± 11.6 encounters per patient) were recorded. Football, basketball, soccer, track, and v...

Research paper thumbnail of Awareness and Recognition of Concussion by Youth Athletes and Their Parents

Athletic Training and Sports Health Care, Sep 1, 2010

Assessing the awareness and recognition of concussion is important at all levels of athletics, es... more Assessing the awareness and recognition of concussion is important at all levels of athletics, especially youth sports. This study assessed the knowledge base of youth athletes and their parents regarding concussion and their ability to recognize it. Seventy-three youth athletes (age range, 10-14 years) and 100 parents responded to the survey. An athlete or parent version of a previously published survey about concussion was completed by each participant. Athletes and parents did not differ (P = .94) in their ability to recognize concussion symptoms. Youth athletes who reported having their "bell rung" did no better (P = .36) in recognizing concussion symptoms than those who had not. Parents with first aid certification or general medical training recognized significantly more symptoms (P = .01 and .01, respectively) than those without training. A knowledge deficit exists regarding symptom recognition and issues about sportrelated concussion among youth athletes and their parents.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Academic Support After Concussion for the Adolescent Student-Athlete: Perspectives of the Athletic Trainer

Journal of athletic training, 2016

Student-athletes may require cognitive rest and academic support after concussion. Athletic train... more Student-athletes may require cognitive rest and academic support after concussion. Athletic trainers (ATs) in secondary schools are uniquely positioned to provide medical care and to collaborate with school professionals while managing concussions. However, little is known regarding return-to-learn policies and their implementation in secondary schools. To examine ATs' perspectives on return to learn, cognitive rest, and communication with school professionals after concussion. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. A total of 1124 secondary school ATs completed the survey (28.5% response rate). The majority of participants were employed full time (752/1114 [67.5%]) in public schools (911/1117 [81.6%]). School and AT employment characteristics, demographics, number of concussions evaluated annually, and perceptions of school professionals' familiarity with ATs' responsibilities were independent variables. Of the ATs, 44% reported having an existing return-to-learn poli...

Research paper thumbnail of The Prediction of Intracranial Injury After Minor Head Trauma in the Pediatric Population

Journal of Athletic Training, Jul 1, 2005

Reference: Dunning J, Batchelor J, Stratford-Smith P, et al. A meta-analysis of variables that pr... more Reference: Dunning J, Batchelor J, Stratford-Smith P, et al. A meta-analysis of variables that predict significant intracranial injury in minor head trauma. Arch Dis Child. 2004;89:653-659.

Research paper thumbnail of Staffing Levels at National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision-Level Institutions

Journal of athletic training, Jan 24, 2015

The "Appropriate Medical Coverage for Intercollegiate Athletics" (AMCIA) document was... more The "Appropriate Medical Coverage for Intercollegiate Athletics" (AMCIA) document was created to support assessment and calculation of athletic training personnel requirements. However, little is known regarding disparities between current and recommended staffing practices. To identify the staffing and employment characteristics of athletic health care services at Football Bowl Subdivision-level institutions. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. Head athletic trainers and athletic training staff members who were knowledgeable about budget and staff. The survey, Assessment of Staffing Levels at National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision-Level Institutions, was used to evaluate personal, university, and staff demographics, staffing and employment topics, and AMCIA variables and use. The survey was accessed and partially completed by 104 individuals, (response rate = 84.6%). A total of 79 athletic trainers (response rate = 76%) compl...

Research paper thumbnail of Vestibular and balance issues following sport-related concussion

Brain Injury, 2015

Primary objective: To review relevant literature regarding the effect of concussion on vestibular... more Primary objective: To review relevant literature regarding the effect of concussion on vestibular function, impairments, assessments and management strategies. Reasoning: Dizziness and balance impairments are common following sport-related concussion. Recommendations regarding the management of sport-related concussion suggest including tests of balance within the multifactorial assessment paradigm for concussive injuries. Analysis: The literature was searched for guidelines and original studies related to vestibular impairments following concussion, oculomotor and balance assessments and treatment or rehabilitation of vestibular impairments. The databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, Sport Discus and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through October 2013. Main outcomes and results: Dizziness following concussion occurs in $67-77% of cases and has been implicated as a risk factor for a prolonged recovery. Balance impairments also occur after concussion and last 3-10 days post-injury. Assessments of balance can be done using both clinical and instrumented measures with success. Vestibular rehabilitation has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with vestibular impairments, with one study demonstrating success in decreasing symptoms and increasing function following concussion. Conclusions: Best practices suggest that the assessment of vestibular function through cranial nerve, oculomotor and balance assessments are an important aspect of concussion management. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation for improving patient outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Balance Recovers Within 20 Minutes After Exertion as Measured by the Balance Error Scoring System

ATC, CSCS, contributed to the conception and design; acquisition and analysis and interpretation ... more ATC, CSCS, contributed to the conception and design; acquisition and analysis and interpretation of the data; and drafting, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript. Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, CSCS, contributed to conception and design; acquisition and analysis and interpretation of the data; and drafting, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript. Bruce M. Gansneder, PhD, contributed to analysis and interpretation of the data and critical revision and final approval of the manuscript. Sandra J. Shultz, PhD, ATC, contributed to conception and design and drafting, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-concussion Care-seeking for Children Injured in Youth Sport: The Role of Parents' Knowledge and Attitudes

Background: Young athletes suffering from a concussion should be assessed by a trained health car... more Background: Young athletes suffering from a concussion should be assessed by a trained health care provider. However, many concussions are never diagnosed because children and their parents do not seek care. We examined whether parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards concussion were associated with post-concussion care-seeking for their children. Methods: A cohort of 214 youth sport parents [(63% female; parent age: 44.1(±6.5 yrs); child age: 11.6±(1.9 yrs)] completed a pre-validated concussion knowledge (max possible score=28), attitudes (max possible score=63) and care-seeking survey. Higher knowledge and attitude scores represented more favorable scores. Parents reported number of: diagnosed concussions, times their child displayed signs/symptoms of concussion following a head impact, and care-seeking behaviors following these events. The main outcome was care-seeking for all potential concussions (all-care group) vs. not (lower-care group). Results: Twenty-six percent (n=55) of...

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric properties of self-report concussion scales and checklists

Journal of athletic training

REFERENCE/CITATION: Alla S, Sullivan SJ, Hale L, McCrory P. Self-report scales/checklists for the... more REFERENCE/CITATION: Alla S, Sullivan SJ, Hale L, McCrory P. Self-report scales/checklists for the measurement of concussion symptoms: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43 (suppl 1):i3-i12. Which self-report symptom scales or checklists are psychometrically sound for clinical use to assess sport-related concussion? Articles available in full text, published from the establishment of each database through December 2008, were identified from PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and AMED. Search terms included brain concussion, signs or symptoms, and athletic injuries, in combination with the AND Boolean operator, and were limited to studies published in English. The authors also hand searched the reference lists of retrieved articles. Additional searches of books, conference proceedings, theses, and Web sites of commercial scales were done to provide additional information about the psychometric properties and development for those scales whe...

Research paper thumbnail of Heel Pain in Youth: A Guide to Potential Management Strategies

International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Addressing psychological concerns to practice whole-person health care

Journal of athletic training, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Managing concussion in the school setting

NASN school nurse (Print), 2014

Concussion is a significant injury that can occur in physical education, during recreational acti... more Concussion is a significant injury that can occur in physical education, during recreational activities, and during sports. School nurses should be included as an integral member of the concussion management team and assist with education, evaluation, and management of a concussed student. Recent and updated sport-related concussion management recommendations from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Research and Education Foundation as published in the March 2014 Journal of Athletic Training are reviewed to provide an understanding of best practices for concussion management in the school setting.

Research paper thumbnail of The effectiveness of shoulder stretching and joint mobilizations on posterior shoulder tightness

Journal of sport rehabilitation, 2013

It has been suggested that posterior shoulder tightness is a common contributor to shoulder impin... more It has been suggested that posterior shoulder tightness is a common contributor to shoulder impingement in overhead-throwing athletes. The incidence of shoulder pain in the general population has been reported to be as high as 27%, and as many as 74% of the patients who were seen for shoulder issues had signs of impingement. Particularly regarding physically active adults, shoulder impingement is frequent among overhead-throwing athletes and may lead to lost participation in sport, as well as other injuries including labral pathologies. Therefore, finding an effective mechanism to reduce posterior shoulder tightness in overhead athletes is important and may help prevent impingement-type injuries. Typically, posterior shoulder tightness is identified by measuring horizontal humeral adduction; although another clinical measure that is commonly used is the bilateral measurement of glenohumeral internal-rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM). It is important to note, however, that the meas...

Research paper thumbnail of Practice-based research networks, part I: clinical laboratories to generate and translate research findings into effective patient care

Journal of athletic training

To improve patient care, athletic training clinicians and researchers should work together to tra... more To improve patient care, athletic training clinicians and researchers should work together to translate research findings into clinical practice. Problems with patient care observed in clinical practice should be translated into research frameworks, where they can be studied. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) provide a compelling model for linking clinicians and researchers so they can conduct translational research to improve patient care. To describe (1) the translational research model, (2) practice-based research as a mechanism for translating research findings into clinical practice, (3) the PBRN model and infrastructure, (4) the research potential using the PBRN model, and (5) protection of human participants in PBRN research. Translational research is the process of transforming research findings into health behavior that ultimately serves the public and attempts to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. Practice-based research represents the final step...

Research paper thumbnail of Bracing and taping techniques and patellofemoral pain syndrome

Journal of athletic training

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement properties of headache-specific outcomes scales in adolescent athletes

Journal of sport rehabilitation, 2011

Recurrent headaches significantly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults; the im... more Recurrent headaches significantly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults; the impact of headache on HRQOL among adolescents is unknown, and the psychometric properties of headache-specific outcomes instruments have not been adequately studied in this population. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) in healthy adolescent athletes. Descriptive survey. High school athletic training facilities during the fall sports season. 177 high school athletes (89 males and 88 females). A survey consisting of a demographic and concussion-history questionnaire, a graded symptom scale, the HIT-6, and the PedMIDAS. Internal consistency (α), test-retest reliability (r(s)), Bland-Altman analyses, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate psychometric properties and age and gender differences. The HIT-6 and PedMIDAS item and total scores. Test-retest reliability for the HIT-6 total scor...

Research paper thumbnail of Heel Pain in Youth: A Guide to Potential Management Strategies

Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease, is common among physically active youth between the ag... more Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease, is common among physically active youth between the ages of 8–15. This condition is related to skeletal growth during maturation and relief often comes once growth is complete. However, it is not feasible to limit participation in physical activity until growth ceases; therefore, it is important to determine effective interventions to regulate pain while continuing participation. A search of the literature yielded nine studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included for data analysis. Within these publications, many treatment methods were suggested, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), taping, orthoses, heel lifts, stretching, activity modification, and ice. However, few of the treatment options were compared with a control group. Analysis revealed that clinicians should provide treatments with caution when treating patients suffering from Sever’s disease, understanding that strong evidence is not supportive of one treatment option alone. Data are limited for individual treatments related to calcaneal apophysitis and more research in this area is warranted. Clinicians should work with patients on an individual basis to determine if one form of treatment provides a reduction of pain and allows that patient to continue with activity.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship Between A Measure Of Dynamic Balance And A Movement Assessment

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Selecting Patient-Based Outcome Measures

Athletic Therapy Today, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Concussion Education Video Exposure Does Not Significantly Improve Youth Athlete Concussion Knowledge

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Athletic Training Services During Daily Patient Encounters: A Report from the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network

Journal of athletic training, Jan 17, 2016

Athletic training services such as taping, wrapping, and stretching are common during routine c... more Athletic training services such as taping, wrapping, and stretching are common during routine care but rarely captured in traditional patient documentation. These clinical data are vital when determining appropriate medical coverage and demonstrating the value and worth of athletic trainers (ATs). To analyze clinical data from daily encounter forms within the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN). Descriptive study. Secondary school athletic training clinics. Adolescent patients (n = 4888; age = 16.3 ± 1.4 years) seeking care from ATs. We used Web-based electronic medical records from December 1, 2009, to July 1, 2015, to obtain patient characteristics via deidentified data. Descriptive data regarding practice characteristics from patient encounter forms were analyzed and reported as percentages and frequencies. A total of 36 245 patient encounters (mean = 7.5 ± 11.6 encounters per patient) were recorded. Football, basketball, soccer, track, and v...

Research paper thumbnail of Awareness and Recognition of Concussion by Youth Athletes and Their Parents

Athletic Training and Sports Health Care, Sep 1, 2010

Assessing the awareness and recognition of concussion is important at all levels of athletics, es... more Assessing the awareness and recognition of concussion is important at all levels of athletics, especially youth sports. This study assessed the knowledge base of youth athletes and their parents regarding concussion and their ability to recognize it. Seventy-three youth athletes (age range, 10-14 years) and 100 parents responded to the survey. An athlete or parent version of a previously published survey about concussion was completed by each participant. Athletes and parents did not differ (P = .94) in their ability to recognize concussion symptoms. Youth athletes who reported having their "bell rung" did no better (P = .36) in recognizing concussion symptoms than those who had not. Parents with first aid certification or general medical training recognized significantly more symptoms (P = .01 and .01, respectively) than those without training. A knowledge deficit exists regarding symptom recognition and issues about sportrelated concussion among youth athletes and their parents.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Academic Support After Concussion for the Adolescent Student-Athlete: Perspectives of the Athletic Trainer

Journal of athletic training, 2016

Student-athletes may require cognitive rest and academic support after concussion. Athletic train... more Student-athletes may require cognitive rest and academic support after concussion. Athletic trainers (ATs) in secondary schools are uniquely positioned to provide medical care and to collaborate with school professionals while managing concussions. However, little is known regarding return-to-learn policies and their implementation in secondary schools. To examine ATs' perspectives on return to learn, cognitive rest, and communication with school professionals after concussion. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. A total of 1124 secondary school ATs completed the survey (28.5% response rate). The majority of participants were employed full time (752/1114 [67.5%]) in public schools (911/1117 [81.6%]). School and AT employment characteristics, demographics, number of concussions evaluated annually, and perceptions of school professionals' familiarity with ATs' responsibilities were independent variables. Of the ATs, 44% reported having an existing return-to-learn poli...

Research paper thumbnail of The Prediction of Intracranial Injury After Minor Head Trauma in the Pediatric Population

Journal of Athletic Training, Jul 1, 2005

Reference: Dunning J, Batchelor J, Stratford-Smith P, et al. A meta-analysis of variables that pr... more Reference: Dunning J, Batchelor J, Stratford-Smith P, et al. A meta-analysis of variables that predict significant intracranial injury in minor head trauma. Arch Dis Child. 2004;89:653-659.

Research paper thumbnail of Staffing Levels at National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision-Level Institutions

Journal of athletic training, Jan 24, 2015

The "Appropriate Medical Coverage for Intercollegiate Athletics" (AMCIA) document was... more The "Appropriate Medical Coverage for Intercollegiate Athletics" (AMCIA) document was created to support assessment and calculation of athletic training personnel requirements. However, little is known regarding disparities between current and recommended staffing practices. To identify the staffing and employment characteristics of athletic health care services at Football Bowl Subdivision-level institutions. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. Head athletic trainers and athletic training staff members who were knowledgeable about budget and staff. The survey, Assessment of Staffing Levels at National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision-Level Institutions, was used to evaluate personal, university, and staff demographics, staffing and employment topics, and AMCIA variables and use. The survey was accessed and partially completed by 104 individuals, (response rate = 84.6%). A total of 79 athletic trainers (response rate = 76%) compl...

Research paper thumbnail of Vestibular and balance issues following sport-related concussion

Brain Injury, 2015

Primary objective: To review relevant literature regarding the effect of concussion on vestibular... more Primary objective: To review relevant literature regarding the effect of concussion on vestibular function, impairments, assessments and management strategies. Reasoning: Dizziness and balance impairments are common following sport-related concussion. Recommendations regarding the management of sport-related concussion suggest including tests of balance within the multifactorial assessment paradigm for concussive injuries. Analysis: The literature was searched for guidelines and original studies related to vestibular impairments following concussion, oculomotor and balance assessments and treatment or rehabilitation of vestibular impairments. The databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, Sport Discus and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through October 2013. Main outcomes and results: Dizziness following concussion occurs in $67-77% of cases and has been implicated as a risk factor for a prolonged recovery. Balance impairments also occur after concussion and last 3-10 days post-injury. Assessments of balance can be done using both clinical and instrumented measures with success. Vestibular rehabilitation has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with vestibular impairments, with one study demonstrating success in decreasing symptoms and increasing function following concussion. Conclusions: Best practices suggest that the assessment of vestibular function through cranial nerve, oculomotor and balance assessments are an important aspect of concussion management. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation for improving patient outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Balance Recovers Within 20 Minutes After Exertion as Measured by the Balance Error Scoring System

ATC, CSCS, contributed to the conception and design; acquisition and analysis and interpretation ... more ATC, CSCS, contributed to the conception and design; acquisition and analysis and interpretation of the data; and drafting, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript. Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, CSCS, contributed to conception and design; acquisition and analysis and interpretation of the data; and drafting, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript. Bruce M. Gansneder, PhD, contributed to analysis and interpretation of the data and critical revision and final approval of the manuscript. Sandra J. Shultz, PhD, ATC, contributed to conception and design and drafting, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-concussion Care-seeking for Children Injured in Youth Sport: The Role of Parents' Knowledge and Attitudes

Background: Young athletes suffering from a concussion should be assessed by a trained health car... more Background: Young athletes suffering from a concussion should be assessed by a trained health care provider. However, many concussions are never diagnosed because children and their parents do not seek care. We examined whether parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards concussion were associated with post-concussion care-seeking for their children. Methods: A cohort of 214 youth sport parents [(63% female; parent age: 44.1(±6.5 yrs); child age: 11.6±(1.9 yrs)] completed a pre-validated concussion knowledge (max possible score=28), attitudes (max possible score=63) and care-seeking survey. Higher knowledge and attitude scores represented more favorable scores. Parents reported number of: diagnosed concussions, times their child displayed signs/symptoms of concussion following a head impact, and care-seeking behaviors following these events. The main outcome was care-seeking for all potential concussions (all-care group) vs. not (lower-care group). Results: Twenty-six percent (n=55) of...

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric properties of self-report concussion scales and checklists

Journal of athletic training

REFERENCE/CITATION: Alla S, Sullivan SJ, Hale L, McCrory P. Self-report scales/checklists for the... more REFERENCE/CITATION: Alla S, Sullivan SJ, Hale L, McCrory P. Self-report scales/checklists for the measurement of concussion symptoms: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43 (suppl 1):i3-i12. Which self-report symptom scales or checklists are psychometrically sound for clinical use to assess sport-related concussion? Articles available in full text, published from the establishment of each database through December 2008, were identified from PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and AMED. Search terms included brain concussion, signs or symptoms, and athletic injuries, in combination with the AND Boolean operator, and were limited to studies published in English. The authors also hand searched the reference lists of retrieved articles. Additional searches of books, conference proceedings, theses, and Web sites of commercial scales were done to provide additional information about the psychometric properties and development for those scales whe...

Research paper thumbnail of Heel Pain in Youth: A Guide to Potential Management Strategies

International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Addressing psychological concerns to practice whole-person health care

Journal of athletic training, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Managing concussion in the school setting

NASN school nurse (Print), 2014

Concussion is a significant injury that can occur in physical education, during recreational acti... more Concussion is a significant injury that can occur in physical education, during recreational activities, and during sports. School nurses should be included as an integral member of the concussion management team and assist with education, evaluation, and management of a concussed student. Recent and updated sport-related concussion management recommendations from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Research and Education Foundation as published in the March 2014 Journal of Athletic Training are reviewed to provide an understanding of best practices for concussion management in the school setting.

Research paper thumbnail of The effectiveness of shoulder stretching and joint mobilizations on posterior shoulder tightness

Journal of sport rehabilitation, 2013

It has been suggested that posterior shoulder tightness is a common contributor to shoulder impin... more It has been suggested that posterior shoulder tightness is a common contributor to shoulder impingement in overhead-throwing athletes. The incidence of shoulder pain in the general population has been reported to be as high as 27%, and as many as 74% of the patients who were seen for shoulder issues had signs of impingement. Particularly regarding physically active adults, shoulder impingement is frequent among overhead-throwing athletes and may lead to lost participation in sport, as well as other injuries including labral pathologies. Therefore, finding an effective mechanism to reduce posterior shoulder tightness in overhead athletes is important and may help prevent impingement-type injuries. Typically, posterior shoulder tightness is identified by measuring horizontal humeral adduction; although another clinical measure that is commonly used is the bilateral measurement of glenohumeral internal-rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM). It is important to note, however, that the meas...

Research paper thumbnail of Practice-based research networks, part I: clinical laboratories to generate and translate research findings into effective patient care

Journal of athletic training

To improve patient care, athletic training clinicians and researchers should work together to tra... more To improve patient care, athletic training clinicians and researchers should work together to translate research findings into clinical practice. Problems with patient care observed in clinical practice should be translated into research frameworks, where they can be studied. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) provide a compelling model for linking clinicians and researchers so they can conduct translational research to improve patient care. To describe (1) the translational research model, (2) practice-based research as a mechanism for translating research findings into clinical practice, (3) the PBRN model and infrastructure, (4) the research potential using the PBRN model, and (5) protection of human participants in PBRN research. Translational research is the process of transforming research findings into health behavior that ultimately serves the public and attempts to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. Practice-based research represents the final step...

Research paper thumbnail of Bracing and taping techniques and patellofemoral pain syndrome

Journal of athletic training

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement properties of headache-specific outcomes scales in adolescent athletes

Journal of sport rehabilitation, 2011

Recurrent headaches significantly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults; the im... more Recurrent headaches significantly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults; the impact of headache on HRQOL among adolescents is unknown, and the psychometric properties of headache-specific outcomes instruments have not been adequately studied in this population. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) in healthy adolescent athletes. Descriptive survey. High school athletic training facilities during the fall sports season. 177 high school athletes (89 males and 88 females). A survey consisting of a demographic and concussion-history questionnaire, a graded symptom scale, the HIT-6, and the PedMIDAS. Internal consistency (α), test-retest reliability (r(s)), Bland-Altman analyses, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate psychometric properties and age and gender differences. The HIT-6 and PedMIDAS item and total scores. Test-retest reliability for the HIT-6 total scor...