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Background: Ankle sprains are a common and potentially disabling injury. Successful prediction of susceptibility to ankle sprain injury with a simple test could allow ankle sprain prevention protocols to be initiated and help prevent disability in the athletic population. Objective: To investigate the ability of the single leg balance (SLB) test, carried out at preseason physical examination, to predict an ankle sprain during the autumn sports season. Design: Prospective cohort study Setting: High school varsity athletics and intercollegiate athletics. Main outcome measure: Ankle sprains in athletes with positive SLB tests. Results: The association between a positive SLB test and future ankle sprains was significant. Controlling for confounding variables, the relative risk for an ankle sprain with a positive SLB test was 2.54 (95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 6.03). Athletes with a positive SLB test who did not tape their ankles had an increased likelihood of developing ankle sprains. The relative risk for ankle sprain for a positive SLB test and negative taping was 8.82 (1.07 to 72.70). A history of previous ankle injury was not associated with future ankle sprains in this study. The κ value for interrater reliability for the SLB test was 0.898 (p<0.001). Conclusions: An association was demonstrated between a positive SLB test and ankle sprain. In athletes with a positive SLB test, not taping the ankle imposed an increased risk of sprain. The SLB test is a reliable and valid test for predicting ankle sprains.

Aims To assess the knowledge of certified athletic trainers (ATs) on the presenting signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods We conducted a 31‐question survey of secondary school ATs recruited from the National Athletic Training Association that established demographic information, knowledge of presenting signs and symptoms of T1D, and previous personal or professional exposure to individuals with T1D. We report descriptive statistics and univariate analyses evaluating the characteristics associated with T1D knowledge. We then report a multivariable model incorporating age, gender, years of experience and education level with T1D knowledge as the dependent variable. Results 128 participants (92f:34m) met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. The majority of participants correctly identified frequent thirst (96.1%, n = 123) and frequent urination (85.9%, n = 110) as common presenting signs and symptoms of T1D, while fewer participants identified weight gain (58.6%, n = 75) or joint pain (39.1%, n = 50) as incorrect presenting signs and symptoms of T1D. Participants with over ten years of experience or previous exposure to individuals with T1D had increased T1D knowledge. Participants with advanced education (Master's degree or Doctorate) had no statistically significant difference in T1D knowledge compared to those with a Bachelor's degree. The only factor that demonstrated a significant association with T1D knowledge on multivariable analysis was the female gender. Conclusions Educational awareness campaigns of T1D symptoms to reduce the rate of DKA at diagnosis of T1D have never included ATs. This study illustrates the importance of targeting future educational interventions on newly trained ATs. Educational interventions on presenting symptoms of type 1 diabetes (T1D) to childhood contacts have successfully reduced the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of T1D. No previous educational interventions have included athletic trainers (ATs) and no literature reported ATs knowledge of the presenting symptoms of T1D and characteristics associated with increased knowledge. We report experienced ATs (>10 years) or previous exposure to an individual with T1D was positively associated with T1D knowledge in univariate analysis, while the only factor that demonstrated an association in multivariable analysis was the female gender.

To present guidelines for the recognition, prophylaxis, and management of asthma that lead to improvement in the quality of care certified athletic trainers and other heath care providers can offer to athletes with asthma, especially exercise-induced asthma. Many athletes have difficulty breathing during or after athletic events and practices. Although a wide variety of conditions can predispose an athlete to breathing difficulties, the most common cause is undiagnosed or uncontrolled asthma. At least 15% to 25% of athletes may have signs and symptoms suggestive of asthma, including exercise-induced asthma. Athletic trainers are in a unique position to recognize breathing difficulties caused by undiagnosed or uncontrolled asthma, particularly when asthma follows exercise. Once the diagnosis of asthma is made, the athletic trainer should play a pivotal role in supervising therapies to prevent and control asthma symptoms. It is also important for the athletic trainer to recognize when asthma is not the underlying cause for respiratory difficulties, so that the athlete can be evaluated and treated properly. The recommendations contained in this position statement describe a structured approach for the diagnosis and management of asthma in an exercising population. Athletic trainers should be educated to recognize asthma symptoms in order to identify patients who might benefit from better management and should understand the management of asthma, especially exercise-induced asthma, to participate as active members of the asthma care team.

OBJECTIVE: To apply a policy-analysis framework to the athletic training educational reform policy that will be fully implemented by January 2004. DATA SOURCES: Policy analysis is not a specific science. No one framework exists for conducting all policy analyses. I used literature from the education, policy analysis, and athletic training fields as data sources to provide background and to create a framework from which to conduct the policy analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Once the policy-analysis framework was selected, I began data synthesis, using several athletic training sources in support of the findings. The tension among the myriad stakeholders in this policy is clear. Although many see the benefits of accreditation, some experience hardships from the imposed policy. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS: Of the 4 possible alternatives suggested, following the route currently under implementation (Committee on Accreditation of Health Education Programs accreditation) was the most agreeable solution. The goals as stated by the policy makers are attained by the policy. However, issues within the accreditation process itself need to be addressed. Of the many stakeholders in the reform effort, some will see little gain and have many hardships imposed on them. As the policy is implemented, unintended implications will likely arise, as with any new policy. Thus, I recommend that the National Athletic Trainers' Association develop a system dedicated solely to reducing the hardships faced by many of its members as the policy is implemented.

This chapter looks at the limited evidence to support early intervention by an orthodontist as a preventative measure, the need to educate athletes, coaches, and managers about the dental implications of a high carbohydrate diet and mouth guards. Concussions were reported most frequently to a certified athletic trainer. The ultimate concern associated with unreported concussion is an athlete's increased risk of cumulative or catastrophic effects from recurrent injury. Schools have a responsibility to prevent injuries to students whilst in their care. The wearing of a helmet is not compulsory, but is associated with reduced risk of head injury among snowboarders and alpine skiers. There is little scientific evidence to support the idea that early intervention orthodontics to reduce a severe overjet is beneficial in preventing sporting trauma. There is evidence that a well constructed mouth guard will protect the temporo mandibular joint from trauma.