The Vestibular System - A Clinical Focus for Athletic Trainers and Healthcare Providers
-
Register
- Non-member - $31.25
- Member - Free!
- Student - Free!
- Staff - Free!
- Certified Student - Free!
- Retired - $18.75
Abstract:
Athletic trainers are often exposed to patients or clients who exhibit symptoms indicative of dysfunction to the vestibular system such as unsteadiness or instability. Unfortunately, current educational competencies are not specifically directed at anatomy or physiology of the inner ear, nor do current competencies address vestibular-based medical conditions. Whereas these vestibular symptoms could be cortical (i.e. brain) or vestibular (i.e. labyrinth) in nature, it is important for athletic trainers to be familiar with not only the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system, but also be able to recognize the more common vestibular conditions so as to be able to differentiate true vestibular-based disorders from other medical conditions (e.g. concussion) that may exhibit similar symptoms yet require vastly different treatment protocols. In that the field of athletic training continues to expand into non-traditional settings such as geriatrics and/or family practice that deal with patients who are likely to suffer from vestibular-based conditions, it is vital that athletic trainers be able to recognize these conditions as well as understand the most effective treatments for these relatively common conditions.
Objectives:
- Participants will be able to identify and discuss the major structures and associated physiology of the peripheral vestibular system.,
- Participants will be able to differentiate the major signs and symptoms of the most common vestibular disorders.,
- Participants will be able to justify how vestibular therapy can be utilized to reduce or even eliminate symptoms in patients suffering from vestibular disorders.
Level:
Essential
Domains:
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention
CEUs:
1.25 Category A
Keywords: vestibular, dysfunction, unsteadiness, instability, inner ear, cortical, peripheral vestibular system, vestibular disorder
On-Demand (Enhanced Access) Course Expiration:
Courses registered for after February 5, 2025, must be completed by December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
Mark Knoblauch, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Mark Knoblauch PhD LAT ATC CSCS was named program director for the Master of Athletic Training program in 2023 after serving nearly 10 years as clinical coordinator. He has been a certified athletic trainer since 1996, licensed athletic trainer in Texas since 1999, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist since 1997, and is a former EMT.
Dr. Knoblauch received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Wichita State University, his master’s degree in kinesiology from UNLV, and his doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Houston where his dissertation project involved the study of how chronic high cholesterol influences skeletal muscle damage after strenuous activity. He then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in molecular physiology and biophysics at Baylor College of Medicine where his primary research project revealed how statin drugs can negatively influence myofiber signaling mechanisms.
Prior to receiving his doctorate, Dr. Knoblauch worked clinically as the head athletic trainer at Pratt Community College (KS) and Lamar University. He has chaired multiple national and regional committees and has served as a site visitor for the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). He has also served as editor for multiple academic textbooks in professional writing and nutrition and has published numerous consumer health books on the topic of vestibular disorders.