Unit 1 Introduction to Sports Medicine

What is an athletic trainer? An athletic trainer is concerned with the well being of the athlete and generally assumes responsibility for overseeing the total health care for the athlete

HISTORY Athletic training came into existence in the late 19 th century Hypocrites – father of medicine Early 1920’s Cramer family started a chemical company and began producing products to treat ankle sprains

Late 1930’s NATA was established, but ended with WWII Between trainers organized themselves into regional conferences – would later become districts 1950 – NATA was officially formed

Evolution of the Athletic Trainer –Training – act of coaching or teaching –Athletic training – field concerned with the athlete’s health and safety –Trainer – someone who trains dogs, horses, or functions in coaching areas –Athletic trainer – specialist of athletic training

SPORTS MEDICINE A field that uses a holistic, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach to health care for those engaged in sports

Sports Medicine Team PhysicianCoach Athletic Trainer Athlete

Roles of the Coach 1 st responder Should know basic conditioning procedures Maintenance and fitting of protective equipment Taping and wrapping techniques 1 st aid CPR/AED Recognize injuries Teach proper techniques for activity

Roles of the Team Physician Know common risk factors associated with sports injuries and the physical demands of specific sports Plan and organize pre-participation physical examination Review PPE results and determine readiness for sports participation Review preseason conditioning programs

Assess the quality, effectiveness, and maintenance of protective equipment Provide on-site medical coverage at athletic events Diagnose injuries and direct rehabilitation programs Dispense medicine Facilitate referrals to other medical specialists Provide educational counseling to sport participants After rehab, determine readiness to return to play Protect confidentiality of medical history Review all medical forms, policies, and procedures Provide in-service training

Roles of the Athletic Trainer 1991 AMA recognized athletic training as an allied health profession ATC is recognized as allied health care professional Have a bachelor’s degree and possibly a master’s degree “highly educated and skilled professional specializing in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries” Pass NATABOC –Used to be 3 sections – written, oral, & written simulation –Now it’s all computer based

Must go through a CAATE accredited program –Core subject areas Prevention of athletic injuries Evaluation of athletic injuries 1st aid/emergency care Therapeutic modalities Therapeutic exercises Administration of AT programs Human anatomy Human physiology Exercise physiology Kinesiology/biomechanics Nutrition Psychology Personal/community health –Master > 500 skills –At least 800 clinical hours

Performance domains “universal competencies” Prevention Recognition, evaluation, & assessment Immediate care Treatment, rehabilitation, & reconditioning Organization & administration Professional development

Personal Qualities of an Athletic Trainer Stamina and ability to adapt –Not 9-5 –Extremely demanding –Burnout – exhaustion, don’t enjoy work Empathy –Enter into feeling/spirit of another person – ability to sense distress Sense of humor –Humor and wit help with relieving tension –Provide a relaxing atmosphere Intellectual curiosity –Why???? Ethics –Conduct and integrity –1993 NATA established the Code of Ethics –5 principles

NATA Code Of Ethics Members shall respect the rights, welfare, and dignity of all individuals Members shall comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of athletic training Members shall accept the responsibility for the exercise of sound judgment Members shall maintain and promote high standards in the prevision of services Members shall not engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest or that adversely reflects on the profession

Employment Settings Secondary schools School districts Colleges & universities Professional sports Sports medicine clinics Industrial settings