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  • New

    Let’s Talk About Mental Health: Suicide Recognition, Referral and Critical Incident Debriefing

    The session will provide practical steps for an athletic trainer to identify warning signs through evidence-based screening for suicidality. The literature supports referral pathways for a patient in crisis dependent upon their intentionality. Regardless of the outcome from the situation, a patient with suicidal thoughts can be difficult for an athletic trainer to process without time to cope. The management of a critical incident can negatively influence the athletic trainer’s emotional well-being requiring additional support for the healthcare provider following the case. The presentation will comprehensively address the totality of the athletic trainer’s role in the crisis.

    This presentation is a replay from NATA 2024 in New Orleans, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    The session will provide practical steps for an athletic trainer to identify warning signs through evidence-based screening for suicidality. The literature supports referral pathways for a patient in crisis dependent upon their intentionality. Regardless of the outcome from the situation, a patient with suicidal thoughts can be difficult for an athletic trainer to process without time to cope. The management of a critical incident can negatively influence the athletic trainer’s emotional well-being requiring additional support for the healthcare provider following the case. The presentation will comprehensively address the totality of the athletic trainer’s role in the crisis.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Recognize the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for suicidal ideation with emphasis placed on concerns with women and female patients.
    • Evaluate methods to screen for suicidality.
    • Describe the immediate support procedures for a patient in crisis and establish evidence-based referral pathways for continued support.
    • Compare resources available for athletic trainers following a critical incident.
    • Examine critical incident stress management and debriefing.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domain(s):
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: behavioral health; grief; second victim syndrome

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Zachary Winkelmann, PhD, LAT, ATC

    Dr. Zachary Winkelmann is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Arnold School of Public Health at The University of South Carolina. Currently, Zachary is the Director of Clinical Education for the post-professional Athletic Training Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran University in 2013 his master’s degree from Indiana State University in 2015, and his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction program with a concentration in Athletic Training Education from Indiana State in 2019. 

    Dr. Winkelmann is a certified athletic trainer and researcher with 151 peer-reviewed publications and several national and international presentations focused on telemedicine, simulation-based learning, patient-centered care, and mental health.

    Elizabeth Neil, PhD, LAT, ATC

    Dr. Elizabeth Neil assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and the program direction of the professional masters and post-professional DAT. Dr. Neil completed her PhD in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in athletic training education at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. She additionally completed her post-professional master's in athletic training at ISU. Born and raised in Erie, PA, Dr. Neil stayed local to complete a bachelor of science in athletic training with an exercise science minor at Mercyhurst University.

    Dr. Neil currently serves as a per diem athletic trainer for the Philadelphia Union Academy. She has received the Ethos Award for excellence in teaching, scholarship and service at Indiana State University and the Z. Mel Blickenstaff memorial doctoral student scholarship from the National Athletic Trainers' Association. She has spoken and presented research at the state, district and national levels. Her research interests lie in medical documentation and healthcare administration, clinical education, and educational advancements specifically focused on mental health initiatives.

  • New

    The Athletic Trainer's Role in Cybersecurity

    Athletic Trainers are well versed in topics such as injury prevention/risk mitigation, injury management/ clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation, and organizational and administration. Overall, Athletic Trainers are well suited to protect their patients from harm and well educated on many aspects of organization policy to address these areas. However, cyberspace-based threats have been an emerging concern in multiple fields and while Athletic Trainers are not cybersecurity professionals, they should know, understand, and promote the protection of their patients and their patients' information from cyberthreats. Unfortunately, this is not an aspect of the formal education Athletic Trainers receive and creates a potential threat that nefarious actors could leverage. Athletic Trainers are uniquely postured to advocate for the protection of their patient's information through process improvement via policy and practice modification.

    This presentation is a replay from NATA 2024 in New Orleans' Exclusive Content, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    Athletic Trainers are well versed in topics such as injury prevention/risk mitigation, injury management/ clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation, and organizational and administration. Overall, Athletic Trainers are well suited to protect their patients from harm and well educated on many aspects of organization policy to address these areas. However, cyberspace-based threats have been an emerging concern in multiple fields and while Athletic Trainers are not cybersecurity professionals, they should know, understand, and promote the protection of their patients and their patients' information from cyberthreats. Unfortunately, this is not an aspect of the formal education Athletic Trainers receive and creates a potential threat that nefarious actors could leverage. Athletic Trainers are uniquely postured to advocate for the protection of their patient's information through process improvement via policy and practice modification. 

    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify various cybersecurity threats. 
    • Describe best practices in cybersecurity that will improve patient information protection.
    • Select appropriate organizational policies in cybersecurity to improve the protection of patient data. 

    Level:
    Essential

    Domain(s):
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords:
    cybersecurity, patient information protection, patient data, cyberthreat

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jeremy Howard, EdD, LAT, ATC, RSCC, CSCS

    Army National Guard

    Dr. Jeremy Howard joined the Florida Army National Guard in 2002 and is a veteran of Afghanistan (2009-2010) and served in Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia during 2021. He currently serves as the State’s Holistic Health & Fitness (H2F) Program’s Integrator and Chief of Training. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training from Florida Gulf Coast University, and both a Masters of Health Science in Athletic Training and Educational Doctorate from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. 

    While he has worked in more traditional settings such as Collegiate Sports Medicine and Clinical work for Chiropractor, he has run State-level programs in health and wellness for the FLARNG since 2018. His military skillset is quite different than his civilian healthcare career. He is a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) holding the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 140A Air & Missile Defense Systems Integrator and graduate of the highly competitive Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) course, where he manages tactical data links (TDLs) and secure internet protocol operations to ensure exchange of tactical data across a theater of operations. 

    During his last deployment in Iraq and Syria, he managed the exchange of Air Picture and tactical data for Central and North Iraq, as well as Eastern Syria, directly resulting in successful engagements during an enemy drone attack. His diligence and efforts in that deployment earned him a Bronze Star and selection as the 2021 Fires Center of Excellence Sage Award and the 2021 Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance’s U.S. Missile Defender of the Year award. 

    Aside from the 40+ healthcare credentials he holds, he is also credentialed through CompTIA in A Plus, Network Plus, Security Plus, Information Technologies Operations Specialist, and Secure Infrastructure Specialist. Jeremy is currently serving as a volunteer leader on the NATA’s Armed Forces COPA Committee, NSCA’s Tactical Strength & Conditioning Special Interest Group, and the Florida State’s NSCA committee as the Tactical Representative. Jeremy has published two research papers and previously contributed to the NATA’s Blog and On-Demand Trainings.

  • New

    Creating an Inclusive Environment for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients

    Athletic trainers serve a variety of patient populations and have a responsibility to provide health care services regardless of an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity. In order to best serve patients who identify as transgender and gender-diverse, athletic trainers must go beyond treating all patients the same and provide care relative to the specific needs of patients in these populations. This session will serve as an avenue for athletic trainers to expand their knowledge of terminology, health care disparities and inclusive strategies to best assist transgender and gender-diverse patients in sport and life.

    This presentation is a replay from NATA 2023 in Indianapolis, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    Athletic trainers serve a variety of patient populations and have a responsibility to provide health care services regardless of an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity. In order to best serve patients who identify as transgender and gender-diverse, athletic trainers must go beyond treating all patients the same and provide care relative to the specific needs of patients in these populations. This session will serve as an avenue for athletic trainers to expand their knowledge of terminology, health care disparities and inclusive strategies to best assist transgender and gender-diverse patients in sport and life.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify barriers to healthcare for transgender and gender-diverse patients.
    • Utilize patient-centered strategies when working with transgender and gender-diverse populations.
    • Identify ways to increase inclusivity in their practice settings and clinic environments.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domain(s):
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: Healthcare disparities; Patient centered care; Gender identity

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Amanda Tritsch, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS

    Amanda Tritsch (she/her) is an Associate Professor, Program Director for the Professional Athletic Training Program, and Assistant Director of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of South Florida. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a PhD in Applied Neuromechanics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She served as the District IX representative on the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee from 2020-2024, and currently sits on the CAATE Standards Committee, and the CAATE Professional Accreditation Council. Her areas of research interest include Lower Extremity Injury Prevention, with a special interest in ACL injury risk mitigation in the adolescent female population, and patient-centered care that advocates for creating inclusive environments in athletic training.

    Meredith N. Decker, PhD, LAT, ATC, PES

    Meredith Decker (she/her) is a Clinical Associate Professor and Coordinator of Clinical Education in the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at the University of Texas at Arlington. She received her BS in Athletic Training from California University of Pennsylvania, MS in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University, and PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to her tenure at UT-Arlington, she was an Athletic Training Resident at Texas Health Sports Medicine, where she worked in the rehabilitation clinic and with TCU Athletics. Meredith’s research activities involve ACL reconstruction and osteoarthritis, concussion outcomes and LGBTQIA+ population health. Meredith currently serves as the District 6 representative to the NATA LGBTQ+ Committee, where she works on social media, Town Hall, and Safe Space Ally Training efforts. She resides in Fort Worth, Texas with her wife Halee and their son Arlo.

  • New

    Checking In: Social, Emotional & Physical Well-Being Matters More than Ever in Adolescent Athletes

    Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental health symptoms due to biological, physical, social, and environmental changes occurring during this period of life and development. Moreover, adolescents must contend with a developing brain and physical changes brought on by puberty, an increase in psychosocial stressors associated with social pressures and interactions, and changing academic responsibilities. Research shows that there is a direct association between participation in school-based activities, including sport and a reduced risk of experiencing a major depressive episode. This session aims to quantify social, emotional and physical well-being in adolescent sport participants and discuss how equitable programming can facilitate healthier well-being across various sociodemographics.

    This presentation is a replay from NATA 2023 in Indianapolis, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental health symptoms due to biological, physical, social, and environmental changes occurring during this period of life and development. Moreover, adolescents must contend with a developing brain and physical changes brought on by puberty, an increase in psychosocial stressors associated with social pressures and interactions, and changing academic responsibilities. Research shows that there is a direct association between participation in school-based activities, including sport and a reduced risk of experiencing a major depressive episode. This session aims to quantify social, emotional and physical well-being in adolescent sport participants and discuss how equitable programming can facilitate healthier well-being across various sociodemographics.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Summarize social, emotional and physical well-being.
    • List measures of social, emotional and physical well-being that can be utilized in clinical practice.
    • Explain benefits of sport on adolescent well-being.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domain(s):
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: adolescent well-being, social, emotional, puberty, depression, stressors

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jessica Wallace, PhD, MPH, LAT, ATC

    Dr. Jessica Wallace is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Science & Athletic Training Program at The University of Alabama. Dr. Wallace holds degrees in Athletic Training (University of Miami), Physical Education (Univ of Central Florida), Kinesiology (Michigan State University), and Public Health/Epidemiology (Harvard University), and her research foci centers around understanding concussion in the context of health disparity and health inequity. Her community-based participatory research approach aims to build relationships and close the disparity gap.

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  • A Systematic Approach for Return to Sport Testing and Management Following Lower Extremity Injury

    History of prior injury is the strongest risk factor for future lower extremity injury. In addition, a large portion of secondary injuries occur during the first 2-3 months following return to sport. Thus, there is a gap in determining when an individual is ready to safely return to sport following initial injury. Individuals who pass a comprehensive return to sport testing battery are at lower risk for subsequent injury once returning to sport. As such, the development and utilization of a comprehensive return-to-sport testing battery can help determine one´s readiness to safely return to sport. This presentation will discuss the key components of…

    This presentation is a replay from NATA 2019 in Las Vegas, offering a second chance to experience the event's valuable content and insights.


    Abstract:
    History of prior injury is the strongest risk factor for future lower extremity injury. In addition, a large portion of secondary injuries occur during the first 2-3 months following return to sport. Thus, there is a gap in determining when an individual is ready to safely return to sport following initial injury. Individuals who pass a comprehensive return to sport testing battery are at lower risk for subsequent injury once returning to sport. As such, the development and utilization of a comprehensive return-to-sport testing battery can help determine one´s readiness to safely return to sport. This presentation will discuss the key components of an evidence-based return to sport testing battery following lower extremity injuries.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to describe the changes in injury rates following initial lower extremity injury and subsequent return to sport., 
    • Participants will be able to describe the known risk factors for secondary injury following initial lower extremity injury., 
    • Participants will be able to utilize validated return to sport testing that can determine an individual´s readiness to return to sport., 
    • Participants will be able to discuss the role of training load monitoring and management in the return to sport process following lower extremity injury.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy, Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis

    CEUs: 1.0 Category A

    Keywords: knee, injury, lower extremity, return to sport, ankle, leg, testing

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Darin Padua, PhD, ATC

    Darin A. Padua is the Associate Provost for Academic Operations of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an academic leader, he works to listen, collaborate, and empower others to work as a team towards our shared mission, vision, and priorities.

    The Joseph Curtis Sloane Distinguished Professor of Exercise and Sport Science, Padua has been a member of UNC’s faculty since 2001. He teaches courses in biomechanics, human anatomy, and kinesiology with a focus on injury risk mitigation and optimizing human performance. Throughout his career, Padua has mentored fellow faculty, along with hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students. He served as chair in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science from 2013 to 2023.

    With more than 25 years of experience, Padua is an internationally recognized scholar and is the Co-Director of the Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention (MOTION) Science Institute. His research revolves around prevention of musculoskeletal injuries, such as ACL rupture, by studying the role of movement quality and biomechanics as injury risk factors and intervention targets. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, and his work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He

    He received the Young Investigator Award by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (2006) and was later awarded the O’Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award for the most outstanding sport injury related research paper by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (2008). He attained Fellow status in the National Academy of Kinesiology, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and received the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. His career research achievements were recognized by the by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association with receipt of the Medal for Distinguished Research (2017).

    Padua earned a B.S. in athletic training from San Diego State University, M.A. in exercise and sport science/athletic training from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and PhD in sports medicine from the University of Virginia. Born and raised in Visalia, California, he lives with his wife Jody and three daughters in Durham, NC.

  • Diagnostic Testing Series: Knee

    Knee pathologies are common complaints for athletes and active patients presenting to athletic trainers for assessment and intervention, and though often not as complex as other joints in the body (ie, shoulder or hip), can present significant diagnostic challenges when imaging techniques are not readily or immediately available. Common traumatic disorders of the knee include forces that impact the menisci, ligaments, bones, and associated joints (ie, patellofemoral, tibiofemoral), while overuse injuries involving the patellofemoral joint, surrounding tissues (ie, IT Band), patellar tendon and tibiofemoral joint can challenge the unsuspecting diagnostician, as well. Undiagnosed, or improperly diagnosed knee conditions can also lead to lifelong disability and/or profound decreases in…

    Abstract:
    Knee pathologies are common complaints for athletes and active patients presenting to athletic trainers for assessment and intervention, and though often not as complex as other joints in the body (ie, shoulder or hip), can present significant diagnostic challenges when imaging techniques are not readily or immediately available. Common traumatic disorders of the knee include forces that impact the menisci, ligaments, bones, and associated joints (ie, patellofemoral, tibiofemoral), while overuse injuries involving the patellofemoral joint, surrounding tissues (ie, IT Band), patellar tendon and tibiofemoral joint can challenge the unsuspecting diagnostician, as well. Undiagnosed, or improperly diagnosed knee conditions can also lead to lifelong disability and/or profound decreases in health-related quality of life and functional enjoyment. Unsuspecting or inexperienced clinicians in all branches of sports medicine, if not careful can naively rely on special test results in isolation, or upon medical imaging for a working or final diagnosis, which includes false positive and negative results, increases overall healthcare costs, and/or cause unnecessary delays in treatment or return to participation. Experts in medical research have confirmed that accurate diagnoses come from the history portion of the exam in over 80 to 90% of cases and that individual physical exam test results should be viewed with suspicion in isolation. The focus of this presentation is to present the athletic training profession a review of physical examination special tests for common knee injuries and conditions, while also introducing or reviewing the evidence behind each test's respective diagnostic accuracy. In so doing, an overview of diagnostic accuracy terms and principles will be presented, followed by available diagnostic accuracy dates for each test presented in order for clinicians to become more aware of the strengths and limitations of tests commonly used to help assess athletic injuries of the knee.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to state the fundamental principles and terms associated with diagnostic accuracy of physical examination tests, including sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values, and overall utility scores., 
    • Participants will be able to identify the most useful, evidence-based physical examination tests for assessing various conditions of the knee., 
    • Participants will be able to recognize and incorporate the best-evidence tests in times of acute and chronic assessment of common knee injuries., 
    • Participants will be able to apply use of pooled tests in order to more accurately assess various orthopedic conditions of the knee in athletes and active patients.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis

    CEUs:
    1.25 Category A

    Keywords: knee, orthopedic, menisci, ligaments, bones, joints, patellofemoral, tibiofemoral

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Paul Geisler, EdD, AT Ret.

    Associate Dean Geisler is a native of Lakeville, MA and current resident of Boston, MA. A certified athletic trainer since 1987 with over 15 years of varied clinical practice and 23 years' experience directing athletic training education programs at Georgia Southern University and Ithaca College. He is deeply interested in the development and assessment of the medico-clinical thinking processes of novice and experienced clinicians, the development of adaptive expertise in clinicians, progressive curriculum design, capability-based education, and meaningful programmatic assessment. He has over 170 national and international presentations and publications on clinical and educational based subjects in athletic training and health professions education to his credit. He is a member of the European Board of Medical Assessors, and past member of the Association of Medical Education, Europe.

    As a scholar, he is the recipient of two manuscript awards from the Journal of Athletic Training and the Athletic Training Education Journal. For his many professional contributions, he has been the recipient of the NATA Athletic Training Service Award and NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. As an educator, he was awarded the NATA Executive Council on Education's Sayers "Bud" Miller Distinguished Educator Award in 2021 and has received two Dean's Awards for Excellence & Innovation in Teaching, a Dean's Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching and Learning, and the all college Faculty Excellence Award, all from Ithaca College.

    He admits to being an enthusiastic but slow road cyclist, an amateur shutterbug of nature and wonder, an aspiring wine snob and amateur foodie, and an unabashed promoter of equal rights, freedom, justice, and authentic democracy for all living beings. Susan, his life partner and wife of 34 years and he are fulfilled parents of two amazing young men – Nicholas, a writer living in Los Angeles, CA and Benjamin, a photographer and artist living in Brooklyn, NY.

  • Diagnostic Testing Series: An Evidence-Based Approach to Lateral Ankle Sprain Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis

    The focus of this presentation is to present the most current clinical recognition strategies for evaluating ankle sprains and linking these strategies to the identification of those who are at the highest risk for developing CAI.

    Abstract:
    The focus of this presentation is to present the most current clinical recognition strategies for evaluating ankle sprains and linking these strategies to the identification of those who are at the highest risk for developing CAI.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to summarize the recommendations of the NATA Position Statement on the Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes within the context of Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis., 
    • Participants will be able to identify the most important evidence-based key features associated with lateral ankle sprain recognition., 
    • Participants will be able to incorporate the emerging evidence of patient- and clinician-oriented outcome measures for identifying those at risk for developing chronic ankle instability., 
    • Participants will be able to make use of the outcome measures discussed in the presentation, including the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, the weight-bearing lunge test, the single limb balance test, and the star excursion balance test, within their clinical practice.


    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: ankle, sprain, instability, diagnosis, lateral ankle sprain, balance test

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Patrick McKeon, PhD, ATC, CSCS

    Dr. Patrick McKeon is a BOC certified athletic trainer who joined the Ithaca College Athletic Training faculty in 2013. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Springfield College in Springfield, MA;  his Master of Science degree in Sports Health Care from the Arizona School of Health Sciences in Phoenix, AZ (now in Mesa, AZ); and his PhD in Sports Medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He has held several positions as a clinical athletic trainer including Pearl River High School, Canisius College, and Marist College in New York, as well as Phoenix College and Brophy College Preparatory in Arizona.

    SCHOLARLY/RESEARCH INTERESTS
    Dr. McKeon’s research focuses on functional alterations associated with lower extremity joint injury. He incorporates patient-, clinician-, and laboratory-oriented outcomes to evaluate these alterations due to injury. Dr. McKeon also seeks to develop a greater understanding of the restoration of function associated with rehabilitation.  He aims to provide insight into effective clinical interventions for the sports medicine clinician to improve functional outcomes and enhance prevention strategies for patients who suffer lower extremity injury.  

    EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS
    Dr. McKeon's educational focus centers on evidence-based practice concepts and clinical reasoning theory. Within the courses he teaches, Dr. McKeon strives to instill a strong foundation in the integration of internal and external evidence for enhancing decisions related to the recognition, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries/illnesses associated with athletic training clinical practice.

    PERSONAL
    Dr. McKeon enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends seeking out great life experiences. His wife, Dr. Jennifer McKeon is the IC Athletic Training Program Director and a faculty member in the Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training. They have two children (Bobby and Mallory) who are also proud to be Bombers!

  • Diagnostic Testing Series: Special Testing of the Shoulder - Establishing a Core Set of Maneuvers

    The complex design of the glenohumeral joint, which is comprised of multiple structures with varying orientations and attachments, makes it challenging to provide an accurate diagnosis in an injured shoulder. Adding to the difficulty, there are many components within the clinical shoulder examination that provide important information on both a macro (history, range of motion, manual muscle testing, special/stress testing, etc.) and micro (specific questions, directions, movements, and maneuvers within each macro component) level. Research has been scattered regarding the value of the shoulder examination components for diagnosing specific injuries with information being simultaneously supportive and…

    Abstract:
    The complex design of the glenohumeral joint, which is comprised of multiple structures with varying orientations and attachments, makes it challenging to provide an accurate diagnosis in an injured shoulder. Adding to the difficulty, there are many components within the clinical shoulder examination that provide important information on both a macro (history, range of motion, manual muscle testing, special/stress testing, etc.) and micro (specific questions, directions, movements, and maneuvers within each macro component) level. Research has been scattered regarding the value of the shoulder examination components for diagnosing specific injuries with information being simultaneously supportive and critical of similar components. Of greater importance, a comprehensive approach has been advocated as the superior method of examination suggesting that no one area provides concrete information for diagnosticians. Although a comprehensive approach has been recommended, there is conflicting information regarding the effectiveness of special testing maneuvers for diagnosing specific types of shoulder injury. Practicing clinicians currently perform a comprehensive examination to varying degrees, comprised of a multitude of tests and maneuvers but there is no established set of core components for the special testing component. Thus, it would be beneficial for practicing clinicians to be provided a summary detailing the shoulder special tests that can provide reasonable information which can assist clinicians in making diagnoses of common injuries.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to list the definitions of diagnostic accuracy statistics (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, accuracy, and predictive values), 
    • Participants will be able to identify the special tests that have the best clinical utility for diagnosing rotator cuff injury, labral injury, acromioclavicular joint injury, and glenohumeral instability, 
    • Participants will be able to identify the special tests that have stronger clinical utility when combined with other examination components (patient history, range of motion, manual muscle testing, etc.)

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis

    CEUs:
    0.75 Category A

    Keywords: shoulder, range of motion, rotator cuff, labral injury, glenohumeral, instability, diagnostic, testing, examination

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Aaron Sciascia, PhD, LAT, ATC, PES

    Aaron is the Clinical Outcomes and Research Director at Lexington Clinic. He previously served as an associate professor for Eastern Kentucky University's CAATE-accredited Master’s in Athletic Training program and spent 13 years as the coordinator of the Shoulder Center of Kentucky. He received a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science in Kinesiology degree, graduate certificate in Clinical and Translational Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science, all from the University of Kentucky. He has been previously honored as Clinical Athletic Trainer of the Year and with the Award of Merit from the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society and the Founders' Award from the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists (ASSET). Aaron has previously served ASSET as President and holds the distinction of Fellow within the Society. He is also an Affiliate Member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and a Distinguished Fellow of the Athletic Training Academy within the National Academies of Practice. Aaron has produced multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters related to function, evaluation, and treatment of the shoulder and scapula, and he speaks at various venues annually. He has co-edited 2 textbooks and serves as an associate editor for the International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training.