What is Sports Medicine/Athletic

Training?Athletic Medicine I

Sports Medicine refers generically to a broad field of health care related to physical activity and sport.◦ “…mulitdiciplinary, including the physiological,

biomechanical, psychological, and pathological phenomena associated with exercise and sports.”

Includes areas of specialization (i.e. Athletic training, physical therapy, psychology, etc.).

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine

Athletic Training is a field that is concerned with the athlete’s health and safety.

A Certified Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in health care for the physically active.

Athletic Training

Early Hx◦ AT came into existence during the late 19th

century when intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics were formed in the U.S.

◦ Didn’t actually do very much. Contemporary Athletic Trainers

◦ The evolution of contemporary athletic trainers occurred after WWI.

◦ S.E. Bilik wrote the first major text on AT; “The Trainer’s Bible (1917)”

Brief Hx of Athletic Training

1920s◦ Cramer family started a chemical company and

produced a liniment to treat ankle sprains 1930s

◦ Cramer family produced First Aider in effort to enhance communication and facilitate and exchange of ideas between coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes.

◦ Several university athletic trainers established a national organization (NATA), but it only lasted from 1938-1944.

Brief Hx of AT

1950s◦ In 1950, 101 Athletic Trainers met in Kansas City,

MO and officially formed the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA). Primary purpose was to establish professional

standards for the athletic trainer. Today, there are over 34,000 NATA members.

Brief Hx of AT

2003-2014◦ Role of Athletic Trainers has evolved into one that

is more aligned with that of a health care provider.

◦ 40% work in clinics/hospitals.◦ Employment opportunities have skyrocketed.

Brief Hx of AT

Clinics and Hospitals◦ Physician Extenders

Industrial/Occupational Settings Corporate Settings (Marketing) Colleges/Universities Secondary Schools Professional Sports

Employment Settings for Athletic Trainers

Amateur/Recreational/Youth Sports Performing Arts Military/Law Enforcement

Employment Setting for Athletic Trainers

Athletic Trainer Team Physician(s) Coach School Nurse Physical Therapist

Sports Medicine Team

Domains of Athletic Training Injury/Illness prevention Clinical Evaluation/Diagnosis Immediate and emergency care Treatment/rehabilitation Organizational and Professional Health and Well-

being

Roles of the Athletic Trainer

Conducting Pre-participation physical examinations

Developing training and conditioning programs

Ensuring a safe playing environment Selecting, fitting, and maintaining

protective equipment

Prevention

Understanding the pathology of injury/illness

Referring to medical care Referring to support services Immediate and emergency care

Clinical Evaluation/Diagnosis

On-the-Field injury assessments Acute judgment CPR/AED Emergency action plans

Immediate and Emergency Care

Developing rehabilitation programs Supervising rehab programs Incorporating therapeutic modalities Counseling

Treatment/Rehabilitation

Record keeping Ordering equipment/supplies Supervising personnel Continuing education

Organizational and Professional Health and Well Being

Stamina and ability to adapt Empathy Sense of humor Ability to communicate Intellectual curiosity Ethical

Personal Qualities of Athletic Trainers

Must be certified by the Board of Certification.

BOC sets requirements for Certification:◦ Successful completion of an entry-level athletic

training program accredited by CAATE.◦ Endorsement of the exam application by the

CAATE accredited Program Director.◦ Proof of current CPR/AED certification.

How Does Someone Become an Athletic Trainer?

Consists of 175 questions (only 100 count). Tests for knowledge in the 5 major domains.

Continuing education◦ All ATCs must document a minimum of 50

continuing education units attained during each 2-year recertification term.

Certification Exam