Athletic training education has changed and evolved significantly over the last few decades. Starting in the fall of 2022, the entry-level professional degree for athletic trainers will be a master's degree. Students will be required to attend and successfully complete an accredited master's level professional athletic training education program…

Context: New approaches to education and pedagogy are needed in athletic training education to better support developmental benchmarks that cultivate skills for lifelong learning. Objective: Explore and understand students' perceptions of their education and how those perceptions support their development toward self-authorship through the…

Exertional rhabdomyolysis gained increased attention recently when 13 football players from the University of Iowa developed this condition after an especially demanding practice session and were hospitalized. Exertional rhabdomyolysis may lead to severe kidney stress, kidney failure, and even sudden death. Anyone who does physical exercise at a…

The purpose of this study was to examine cardiac function following a 100-mile ride in high ambient temperatures by healthy, competitive cyclists. Methods: Subjects were six (n=6) competitive cyclists racing in a 100-mile road race. Measures (pre/post) included: body mass (kg); E:A ratio (ventricular compliance); stroke volume (ml); ejection…

Overuse injuries result from repetitive microtrauma to the body. This paper introduces the concept of performance variability and expands the concept to an attitude of exercise variability, which may be helpful in avoiding overuse injuries. It explains what to watch out for with overuse injuries and presents suggestions for avoiding overuse…

Sociology of sport began to take shape as a subdiscipline in the mid-1960s, and the quotes presented in the first part of this article provide a useful orientation to this formative period and to some of the most important developments in methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and topics of study that have occurred since then. This article offers…

Athletes with type 1 diabetes require frequent blood glucose checks throughout the day and intensive diabetes management to balance insulin, carbohydrate intake, and the effects of exercise. Effective care begins with a targeted preparticipation examination. Decreasing insulin dosage may be necessary for heavier exercise programs. Analysis of…

Discusses the various strength qualities (maximum strength, high- and low-load speed strength, reactive strength, rate of force development, and skill performance), noting why a training program design based on strength diagnosis can lead to greater efficacy and better performance gains for the athlete. Examples of tests used to assess strength…

Three types of dense fibrous connective tissue are described: articular cartilage; tendon; and ligament; and the characteristics of each are related to its function. Articular cartilage is the smooth covering over the surface of bone at joints, and is comprised of up to 80 percent water. This smooth covering serves to decrease the friction between…

The purpose of this book is to be a source of complete, reliable, and practical sports medicine information. Experts from the American Running and Fitness Association describe in clear language how overuse injuries occur, how to recognize and self-treat them, when to seek professional help, and how to prevent future injuries. The book also…

Examines data from research on stretching as it relates to enhanced performance and injury prevention so that fitness, exercise, and sports performance professionals can make informed decisions about stretching programs for clients. The paper notes that stretching is a misunderstood component of fitness and sports training. Few studies show…

Reviews causes and treatment of heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and exertional heatstroke and discusses the effectiveness of cooling heatstroke victims in ice versus cooled water. Cooled water appears to be as effective, though ice water decreases the incidence of cardiovascular complications. An energy depletion model is presented. (Author/SM)

Describes the scope and importance of gastrointestinal bleeding in runners and other athletes, discussing causes, sites, and implications of exercise-related bleeding. Practical tips to mitigate the problem, potentially more troublesome in women because of lower iron stores, are presented (e.g., gradual conditioning and avoidance of prerace…

Regular exercise training results in a variety of cardiovascular adaptations including increases in left ventricular chamber size and wall thickness, and in resting vagal tone. Research has demonstrated that the changes are physiologic and are associated with preserved or enhanced cardiovascular function. (Author/JD)

Presents exercise guidelines for elderly individuals, noting that people of all ages receive physical and emotional benefits from appropriate exercise programs. These programs must be carefully evaluated for each individual's physical limitations; type of exercise, as well as its frequency, duration, and intensity, must be considered. (SM)