Collegiate Athletic Population Research Articles

Collegiate Athletes’ Perceptions of the Connection Between Mental Health and Sport Performance: A Qualitative Investigation

Prevalence of mental health (MH) concerns among young adults is high and continues to increase. As a specific subset of young adults, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes seem to experience these concerns at a similar or greater prevalence rate than their nonathlete, age-matched peers. Yet, how MH affects sport performance has not been robustly studied, and existing studies have not included the diversity of identities present in the collegiate athlete population. Thus, via online survey, this study explored the beliefs of 249 collegiate athletes representing diverse identities and sports regarding how MH affects sport performance. Regardless of demographic variable, 96.4%–100.0% of participants believed that MH affects sport performance. Three themes were identified: (a) collegiate athletes affirm that MH affects sport performance, (b) collegiate athletes’ perceptions of how MH affects sport performance, and (c) collegiate athletes believe that being a collegiate athlete exacerbates their MH concerns. The universality of endorsement and the themes represent novel findings that warrant further exploration of the MH–sport performance connection.

Playing surface and sport contact status modulate time to lower extremity musculoskeletal injury at a greater level than concussion history among collegiate student-athletes

ObjectivesWhile previous investigations have demonstrated a positive correlation between previous concussion and risk of subsequent lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (LEMSKI), the effect of sport- and patient-specific factors on time to injury has not been thoroughly described. This study's main objective was to evaluate the relationship between prior concussion and time to LEMSKI among a population of collegiate student-athletes. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the relationship between playing surface, sport contact status, and biologic sex on time to LEMSKI. We hypothesized that those with previous concussions, those competing on synthetic surfaces, and those competing in collision sports would experience decreased latency to LEMSKI overall. MethodsA retrospective observational analysis of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student-athletes was conducted utilizing a mixed linear model analysis with contrasts. Inclusion criteria included participation in the Pac-12 Health Analytics Program with a documented LEMSKI between 2017 and 2020. Exclusion criteria included concurrent concussion and LEMSKI, injury resulting in serious morbidity or mortality, and incomplete medical record. Participants were classified by whether they sustained a concussion prior to LEMSKI in each athletic season. ResultsOf 1179 athletes included, 1140 had no previous concussion and 37 had a previous concussion. There was no observed effect of previous concussion (F ​= ​0.038; p ​= ​0.846) on time to LEMSKI overall. Student-athletes competing on constructed surfaces sustained a subsequent LEMSKI 14.5 days sooner (SE ​= ​5.255; p ​= ​0.045), and those competing on organic surfaces sustained a subsequent LEMSKI 23.5 days sooner (SE ​= ​4.018; p ​< ​0.001) in the season than those competing on synthetic surfaces. Contact sport student-athletes sustained a subsequent LEMSKI 52.1 days sooner than collision sport student-athletes (SE ​= ​5.248; p ​< ​0.001), and limited contact sport student-athletes sustained a subsequent LEMSKI 42.29 days sooner than collision sport student-athletes (SE ​= ​4.463; p ​< ​0.001). There was no observed effect of biologic sex (F ​= ​0.602; p ​= ​0.438) on time to LEMSKI overall. ConclusionThere was no observed impact of concussion on time on LEMSKI overall in this collegiate athletic population. Contact sports were associated with decreased time to LEMSK, while synthetic surfaces were associated with increased time to LEMSKI in this population. There was no observed impact of biologic sex on time to LEMSKI. Level of evidenceCase-control, level of evidence III.

Utility of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms Screen in a Collegiate Athlete Population.

Mental health screening as a part of collegiate athletic preparticipation evaluations is becoming increasingly common, but effective and efficient screening depends on a screening tool that can accurately identify mental health symptoms and the need for mental health intervention. Case-control study. Archival clinical records review. Two cohorts of incoming National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I collegiate athletes (N = 353). Athletes completed the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) Screen as a part of their preparticipation evaluation. These data were then matched with basic demographic data and mental health treatment history from clinical records, and the utility of the CCAPS Screen in determining a future or ongoing need for mental health services was analyzed. Score differences for each of the 8 CCAPS Screen scales (Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Academic Distress, Eating Concerns, Frustration, Family Distress, and Alcohol Use) were found based on several demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex, team sport participation, and the Generalized Anxiety scale score predicted future participation in mental health treatment. Decision tree testing of the CCAPS scales showed low utility in classifying those who received mental health treatment versus those who did not. The CCAPS Screen did not appear to differentiate well between those who eventually received mental health services and those who did not. This should not be taken to mean that mental health screening is not useful but rather that a 1-time, state-based screening is not sufficient for athletes who experience intermittent but recurring stressors in a dynamic environment. A proposed model for improving the current standard of practice for mental health screening is provided as a focus of future research.

Demographic Factors and Instantaneous Lower Extremity Injury Occurrence in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Population.

Temporal prediction of the lower extremity (LE) injury risk will benefit clinicians by allowing them to better leverage limited resources and target those athletes most at risk. To characterize the instantaneous risk of LE injury by demographic factors of sex, sport, body mass index (BMI), and injury history. Descriptive epidemiologic study. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletic program. A total of 278 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I varsity student-athletes (119 males, 159 females; age = 19.07 ± 1.21 years, height = 175.48 ± 11.06 cm, mass = 72.24 ± 12.87 kg). Injuries to the LE were tracked for 237 ± 235 consecutive days. Sex-stratified univariate Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between time to first LE injury and sport, BMI, and LE injury history. The instantaneous LE injury risk was defined as the injury risk at any given point in time after the baseline measurement. Relative risk ratios and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated. Variables identified in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate Cox regression model. Female athletes displayed similar instantaneous LE injury risk to male athletes (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.29; 95% CI= 0.91, 1.83; P = .16). Overweight athletes (BMI >25 kg/m2) had similar instantaneous LE injury risk compared with athletes with a BMI of <25 kg/m2 (HR = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.84, 1.82; P = .29). Athletes with previous LE injuries were not more likely to sustain subsequent LE injury than athletes with no previous injury (HR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.76, 1.54; P = .64). Basketball (HR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.51, 6.44; P = .002) and soccer (HR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.46, 5.31; P = .002) athletes had a higher risk of LE injury than cross-country athletes. In the multivariate model, instantaneous LE injury risk was greater in female than in male athletes (HR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.00, 2.39; P = .05), and it was greater in male athletes with a BMI of >25 kg/m2 than that in all other athletes (HR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.00; P = .05), but these findings were not significantly different. In a collegiate athlete population, previous LE injury was not a contributor to the risk of future LE injury, whereas being female or being male with a BMI of >25 kg/m2 resulted in an increased risk of LE injury. Clinicians can use these data to extrapolate the LE injury risk occurrence to specific populations.

Retrospective analysis of whole-body cryotherapy adverse effects in Division I collegiate athletes

Although the physiological effects and the performance of athletes after utilizing whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) have been widely studied, there is a lack of data on its adverse effects. It is important to be aware of the adverse effects of any treatment for its use to be properly recommended. This study aims to provide insight to any adverse effects that collegiate athletes experienced after utilizing WBC to better utilize this therapeutic modality. After the Institutional Review Board (IRB) deemed exemption, all 457 Division 1-A varsity athletes were recruited via email to participate in a retrospective survey. Participants consented to the study by continuing to the questions. The inclusion criteria were that they must be 18 years of age or older, had completed WBC at that university, and were a student-athlete. The survey was six questions long, and if any of the inclusion criteria was not met, they were redirected to end the survey. The data were analyzed utilizing odds ratios. Of the 457 student-athletes, 11.2% (n=51) responded and 6.3% (n=29) met the inclusion criteria. Responses were obtained from women's lacrosse (27.6%; n=8), women's gymnastics (24.1%, n=7), field hockey (17.2%, n=5), wrestling (6.9%, n=2), football (6.9%, n=2), women's cross country (3.5%, n=1), men's basketball (3.5%, n=1), women's volleyball (3.5%, n=1), softball (3.5%, n=1), and baseball (3.5%, n=1). Among the responses, 79.3% (n=23) were females and 29.7% (n=6) were males. Within 1h of WBC, the most frequently reported adverse effects were skin rash (27.6%, n=8), itching (13.8%, n=4), and fatigue (6.9%, n=2). More than 1h after WBC, the most frequently reported adverse effects were skin rash (20.7%, n=6), itching (10.3%, n=3), and increased energy (6.9%, n=2). When stratified by female and male athletes, for both within 1h and more than 1h after WBC, there were increased odds for females reporting adverse effects; however, neither were statistically significant (OR 4.58, p=0.19, 95% CI 0.46 to 45.61) (OR 3.84, p=0.25, 95% CI 0.39 to 38.36). Within 1h of WBC, 58.6% (n=17) of subjects reported no adverse effects, and more than 1h after WBC, 65.5% (n=19) subjects reported no adverse effects. The mean satisfaction level rating was 6.34 (range 0-10, n=29). When asked if they would do WBC again, 65.5% (n=19) responded "yes" and 34.5% (n=10) responded "no." In this collegiate athlete population, negative adverse effects of WBC commonly included skin burns and itching while potentially proving a beneficial adverse effect of increased energy. Subjects commonly reported no adverse effects after WBC treatment as well.

Amateurism as a Narrative of Control

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) uses amateurism as a narrative to control college athletes, which affects how scholars conduct research with these athletes. This article speaks to issues that arise among qualitative researchers at different institutions when universities control access to athletes under the guise of the ‘amateurism’ narrative. Drawing on Bourdieu, we provide insight into the habitus of athletics departments through vignettes from each of the authors to highlight issues of access to the collegiate athlete population. We simultaneously speak against amateurism as a controlling narrative and argue that there is a need for more immersive research among college athletes to better understand athlete lived experiences within these institutions. From our different disciplinary perspectives, we offer three solutions to this issue that involve the integration of qualitative researchers and practitioners to inform programming that directly impacts the athletes on college campuses across the country.

Poster 127: Vitamin D levels and Musculoskeletal Injuries in Collegiate Athletes

Objectives:Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency has been identified as a global epidemic, sparking numerous studies into its more detailed effects on the body. In orthopedics, Vit D deficiency has been found to correlate with an increase in a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. Although current evidence suggests a connection between the number of musculoskeletal injuries sustained and an athlete’s vitamin D level, this correlation has not yet been thoroughly investigated in the collegiate athlete population. We hypothesized that lower levels of serum vitamin D would be associated with an increased number of musculoskeletal injuries and increased recovery time.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on 285 student athletes at the authors’ institution, a Division I university (Table 1). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels obtained on each athlete via chart review in conjunction with the athletic department and categorized into normal (≥32 ng/mL), insufficient (20 to 31 ng/mL) and deficient (≤19 ng/mL). Additional data collected included demographics, athletic performance, injury history and bone density.Results:139/285 (48.8%) of athletes were Vit D insufficient, with an additional 50/285 (17.5%) being deficient (Table 2). For football players specifically (our largest cohort of athletes), 71/91 (78%) had a Vit D level below normal, with the average value falling at 24.5 ng/mL. For injury susceptibility, there was a 7% increase in injuries for those with a below normal Vit D. (40% vs 33%). For recovery length, athletes with a below normal Vit D took twice as long to recover (23.7 days vs 10.2 days).Conclusions:A large percentage collegiate athletes have insufficient or deficient levels of Vit D. Our results also suggest that a lower Vit. D level correlates to an increase in the number of musculoskeletal injuries sustained and an increase in recovery length.

Minimum detectable change and false positive rates of the vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS) tool: an NCAA-DoD care consortium analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To derive minimum detectable change (MDC) across individual Vestibular-Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) items and VOMS overall score in 17–25 years old collegiate athletes and to examine false positive rates. Method Participants (n = 378) completed VOMS pre-season for two consecutive years. MDC was identified for individual VOMS symptom items and NPC distance (cm). Both total and change methods of VOMS scoring were included in analysis. Results Regarding total scoring, MDC for ocular VOMS symptom items was 1 and MDC for vestibular VOMS symptoms items was 2. MDC for NPC was 4 cm and for VOMS overall score was 10. Regarding change scoring, MDC for each VOMS symptom item was 1, and for VOMS overall score was 8. False positives ranged from 5.3% to 15.9%. Conclusions This study presents MDCs for each VOMS item and overall VOMS score, using total and change scoring. These values can be considered true change outside measurement error with 95% confidence in a 17–25 year old collegiate athlete population.

Anxiety-related concussion perceptions of collegiate athletes

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify collegiate athletes' anxiety-related concussion perceptions and examine factors that may be related to increased anxiety injury beliefs. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsMale and female Division I, II and III NCAA collegiate athletes (n = 482) completed a 10- to 15-minute survey examining their demographics, diagnosed concussion history, concussion knowledge, and public media sources they have previously acquired concussion information from. The survey also included the Perceptions of Concussion Inventory for Athletes (PCI-A) which results in six outcome variables (anxiety, effects, control, clarity, treatment, and symptom variability). Univariable and a backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression model were utilized to identify variables that were associated with greater (above median) negative anxiety-related concussion perception scores. ResultsCollegiate athletes displayed moderate anxiety-related concussion perceptions (12.8 ± 3.2; scores ranged from 4 — low anxiety to 20 — high anxiety). The majority of participants reported that concussions are upsetting to them (60.7%), with a sizable proportion being worried (46.7%), fearful (40.7%), or anxious (25.0%) about sustaining a concussion. In the multivariable regression, higher perception that concussions have long-term effects (OR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.79–4.12), greater beliefs of internal control to influence concussion outcomes (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.15–2.75), and female sex (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.15–2.71) were associated with higher anxiety beliefs. ConclusionsThis study for the first time establishes that negative, anxiety-related perceptions about concussions are prevalent in a collegiate athlete population. Addressing these perceptions through evidence-based, educational and management initiatives, such as highlighting that concussions are treatable and most do not result in long-term negative consequences with early diagnosis and proper management, are critical to improve emotions surrounding concussion. This may be particularly important for female athletes in this population.

Immediate Effects of Limb Rotational Kinesio Tape Application on Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test Scores.

Rounded shoulder posture is a common problem in the athletic population. Recently Kinesio tape has been utilized to improve balance, proprioception, and posture. However, the literature has been unable to provide definitive answers on the efficacy of Kinesio tape use. To determine the immediate effect of the limb rotational Kinesio tape application on the dynamic balance and proprioception of the shoulder measured by the Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test (YBT-UQ) in male collegiate athletes. Cross-sectional. Sports medicine research laboratory. Nineteen healthy male collegiate National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics athletes (including rodeo, baseball, football, and soccer) with a mean age of 19.8 (1.4)years. Subjects were randomized into Kinesio tape and non-Kinesio tape groups. The limb rotational Kinesio tape application was applied to the Kinesio tape group, while the non-Kinesio tape group received no intervention. Each group performed the YBT-UQ, which requires reaching in 3 directions in a push-up position, before and after the randomized intervention on a single day. The variables of interest included the maximum reach distance in each of the 3 directions and the composite score for both trials between the Kinesio tape and non-Kinesio tape groups. Each score was normalized against the subject's limb length. No statistically significant improvements in any YBT-UQ scores were observed following either the Kinesio tape or non-Kinesio tape intervention. Applying the limb rotational Kinesio tape technique did not improve immediate YBT-UQ scores in a male collegiate athletic population with rounded shoulder posture. The use of Kinesio tape to improve immediate closed kinetic chain function in male collegiate athletes with rounded shoulder posture cannot be supported.

Effectiveness of Two Frequently Used Screening Tools in Identifying Depression and Anxiety in Collegiate Athletes

Introduction: To determine whether the Electronic Pre-participation Physical Examination (EPPE), a proprietary and frequently used tool, is an effective method for depression and anxiety screening in the collegiate athlete population as compared to the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4).

Competitive Sports, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, and Big Ten Athletics.

Competitive Sports, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, and Big Ten Athletics.

Assessment of sleep health in collegiate athletes using the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire

The objective of this study was to characterize sleep health in a large, diverse population of college athletes. The study utilized the Athletic Sleep Screening Questionnaire, a clinically validated questionnaire, designed to screen athletes for a clinically significant degree of poor sleep health, and to determine if they require intervention. College athletes from 4 different National College Athletic Association institutions were surveyed using the Athletic Sleep Screening Questionnaire. Descriptive information including sex, sport, and college year was also collected. The Athletic Sleep Screening Questionnaire was scored according to prior clinically validated methods to determine a sleep difficulty score, clinical sleep problem category (none, mild, moderate, or severe), and need for assessment by a physician due to poor sleep health. A total of 1055 surveys were collected with a 95% response rate. Respondents were 36% female, 64% male, and included athletes competing in 15 different sports. Approximately 25% of participants were found to have a clinically meaningful problem with their sleep. Athletes entering their second or higher year of college were more likely to report worse sleep compared to those entering their first year (one-way analysis of variance, Kruskall-Wallis P < .001). A substantial portion of college athletes experience poor sleep health and would benefit from interventions aimed at improving sleep. The Athletic Sleep Screening Questionnaire appears to be a cost- and time-efficient way to evaluate sleep health in a large athletic population.

Predictors of postoperative opioid use in NCAA Division 1 collegiate athletes

BackgroundWith the growing severity of the opioid epidemic in the United States, it is increasingly important for surgeons to understand the opioid requirements of their patients, especially in the population of collegiate athletes. The purpose of this study is to determine variables influencing the quantity of total morphine milligram equivalents (TMEs) and percent of prescribed TMEs used following surgery in Division 1 collegiate athletes. MethodsA consecutive cohort of 25 Division 1 collegiate athletes from one institution undergoing knee or shoulder surgery at a single hospital for sport-related injuries between December 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified. A regional prescription drug monitoring program was used to verify discharge medications. Patients were instructed to bring their unused pills to a follow-up visit 2–4 days after surgery. The amount of opioids prescribed and used was standardized using morphine conversion factors to determine milligram morphine equivalents. TMEs Used was determined by summing the amount of morphine equivalents the patients used of their discharge opioids. The Percent of TMEs Used was determined by dividing the amount of TMEs used by the amount of TMEs prescribed at discharge. Demographic variables and other regulated prescriptions were also recorded. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine variables that influence and/or predict the amount of TMEs Used and Percent of TMEs Used. ResultsMultivariable regression found that a history of non-analgesic controlled substance use (p = 0.027) and the amount of TMEs prescribed at discharge (p < 0.001) were both independent predictors of the amount of TMEs Used. Operative site (p = 0.047) and number of prior orthopaedic surgeries (p = 0.016) were independent predictors of the Percent of TMEs Used. ConclusionsProviders for Division I collegiate athletes should carefully consider a patient’s nonanalgesic controlled substance history, comorbidities, and prescribed opioid burden when planning a postoperative pain management course.

An Analysis of Desirable Attributes for Strength and Conditioning Coaches as Perceived by Male and Female Population of Collegiate Athletes

The present study aimed to suggest desirable attributes and characteristics for strength and conditioning coaches as perceived by the male and female population of collegiate athletes and statistically evaluate differences of perception between genders. Participants were 99 NCAA division I student-athletes (Male=56, Female=43) aged between 18-22 years of age, with a mean of 2.98 S&amp;C sessions per week. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire to rank the importance of 17 research-based attributes through a 5-point Likert-type-scale. Descriptive statistics revealed that overall, “knowledgeable” and “communicative” were considered the most important attributes, whereas “overall size/muscularity” and “male gender” were the least desirable. With regards to perceived importance, attributes were ranked in the following order: knowledgeable, communicative, motivator, trustworthy, give positive feedback, approachable, organised, supportive, positive, honest, confident, role model, intense, physical fitness, sense of humour, overall size/muscularity, male gender. “Male gender” as an attribute was identified as the only significant difference in perception between genders (p = .017). The observed results are consistent with previous research that highlighted how several attributes and characteristics are important for strength and conditioning coaches. Thus, these results might foster reflection and guide personal and professional development of strength and conditioning coaches.

Can High Intensity Interval Training Effect Division I College 800/1500m Runner’s Performance

HITT is a common training method incorporated for all fitness levels and been shown to improve athlete performance. However, these results were shown in sedentary and recreationally active populations and little research has been done with the Division I collegiate athlete population. PURPOSE: This study questioned whether HIIT could increase performance within this level of athletes, specifically middle distance runners (800/1500 m). METHODS: A total of six Division I Collegiate level (800/1500 m) runners completed the study (three males, three female). The participant completed four weeks of HIIT, consisting on two HIIT workouts per week. The HIIT consisted of four 20-s Wingate tests with 4-min recovery between each. Both pre- and post- performance tests were completed, consisting of a run to volitional exhaustion, RPE, HR, which were collected on a treadmill. Stride length and stride frequency, were also measure during a 1500 m time trial on the track. RESULTS: Significant differences were not found for performance pre- and post- training intervention, with respect to time to completion of the 1500 m time trial (pre-intervention: 5.0 ± 0.7 min; post-intervention: 4.8 ± 0.5 min; p = 0.23), and time to volitional exhaustion (pre-intervention: 20.1 ± 1.2 min; post-intervention: 19.7 ± 1.3 min; p = 0.14). RPE (p = 0.64), HR (p = 0.09), stride length (p = 0.09), and stride frequency (p = 0.78), showed no significant changes pre- and post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT did not impact 800/1500 m middle distance runner’s performance, suggesting it can maintain performance, providing alternative training methods.

Examination of Anger Prevalence In Ncaa Division I Student-athletes

Anger may have an impact on performance. Once anger is triggered, it may not allow an athlete to move beyond whatever prompted the anger and in turn may decrease their concentration and focus on continued performance. Research is limited in the collegiate athletic population. PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of anger in collegiate NCAA Division I athletes; and to investigate differences between sex, academic status (i.e., freshman, senior) and sport type (e.g., football, soccer, cheerleading). METHODS: As part of a larger study, collegiate athletes (N=616, age: 19.5±1.3 years; males: n=234, height: 183.5±14.3 cm, weight: 91.2±19.5 kg; females: n=382, height: 168.6±7.4 cm, weight: 63.4±9.8 kg) were recruited over a 3-year period from a NCAA Division I Institution. Demographic information (e.g., age, self-reported height and weight, sex, academic status, sport type) and the Anger Index Self-Test were collected via SurveyMonkey. RESULTS: Chi-squared analysis revealed a significant difference between the anger index and sex [Χ2(2, N=613) = 20.3, P ≤ 0.01]. Overall 37.7% (N=232/616) reported high risk for anger with males 47.9% (n=112/234) and females 31.4% (n=120/382). Chi-squared analysis revealed a significant difference between the anger index and sport type [Χ2(42, N=616) = 61.3, P ≤ 0.03], with the highest percentages reporting high risk for anger within football 55.2% (n= 64/116) and baseball 50% (n= 19/38). Overall, 54.7% (N=337/616) revealed moderate risk for anger and sport type. No significant differences were found for anger risk and academic status [Χ2(10, N=616) = 5.220, P > 0.88]. CONCLUSIONS: Male collegiate athletes demonstrated a higher risk for anger than female collegiate athletes; however, most athletes displayed moderate risk for anger across different sports. Anger across academic status was not significant, therefore, this may imply anger management and/or coping skills were not learned or taught throughout college. Further examination is necessary to investigate the prevalence of risky behaviors in combination with anger among this population. Considering the high prevalence of anger among collegiate athletes; institutions should work to establish a screening for all student-athletes and direct those at risk to a qualified mental health professional for intervention.

Description and Comparison of Preseason and Postseason Blood Pressure Measures Among Collegiate Athletes: A Prospective Observational Study

Purpose: Growing evidence suggests that suboptimal blood pressure (BP) measures among professional athletes parallel rates among nonathletes; however, BP measures among collegiate athletes of varied sports or the relationship of this measure to body mass index (BMI) has not been reported. The primary purpose of this study is to describe and compare preseason and postseason BP measures among collegiate athletes of varied sports and sexes. A secondary purpose is to describe correlations between a BP measurement and BMI during the course of a competitive season. Methods: A prospective observational study using a sample of convenience assessed resting BP and BMI of athletes from men's soccer, cross country, and swimming; and women's volleyball, cross country, and swimming at one Division I university. Blood pressure measures were further classified as elevated, stage 1, or stage 2 hypertensive (HTN) using previously established criteria. Descriptive statistics reported athlete demographics, BP, and BMI. A pairwise t test compared and determined differences in preseason and postseason BP. Correlations of BP with BMI were examined. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. Results: Seventy-four athletes met preseason and postseason inclusion criteria. Preseason and postseason right-sided BP assessment identified 10.8% (n = 8), 5.4% (n = 4), and 1.3% (n = 1) and then 17.6% (n = 13), 17.6% (n = 13), and 1.3% (n = 1) athletes to have Elevated, stage 1 HTN, and stage 2 HTN measures, respectively. All BP measures demonstrated significant preseason to postseason increases (P = .001) in all sports with significantly higher BP increases in men compared with women. Furthermore, positive correlations between systolic BP and BMI were identified. Conclusions: Elevated and HTN BP measures were identified among collegiate athletes. Although significant increases in BP over time were detected, causative factors warrant further examination; however, increase in BMI may be a contributing factor. Findings of this study support routine BP assessment by physical therapists serving the collegiate athlete population.

Initial Validation of a Multilevel Model of Job Satisfaction and Career Intentions Among Collegiate Athletic Trainers.

The constructs of job satisfaction and career intentions in athletic training have been examined predominantly via unilevel assessment. The work-life interface is complex, and with troubling data regarding attrition, job satisfaction and career intentions should be examined via a multilevel model. Currently, no known multilevel model of career intentions and job satisfaction exists within athletic training. To validate a multilevel model of career intentions and job satisfaction among a collegiate athletic trainer population. Cross-sectional study. Web-based questionnaire. Athletic trainers employed in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, or III or a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics college or university (N = 299; 56.5% female, 43.5% male). The average age of participants was 34 ± 8.0 years, and average experience as an athletic trainer was 10.0 ± 8 years. A demographic questionnaire and 7 Likert-scale survey instruments were administered. Variables were responses related to work-family conflict, work-family enrichment, work-time control, perceived organizational family support, perceived supervisor family support, professional identity and values, and attitude toward women. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed 3 subscales: (1) individual factors, (2) organizational factors, and (3) sociocultural factors. The scale was reduced from 88 to 62 items. A Cronbach α of 0.92 indicated excellent internal consistency. A multilevel examination highlighting individual, organizational, and sociocultural factors is a valid and reliable measure of job satisfaction and career identity among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting.

Season-Ending Shoulder Injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association: Data From the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program, 2009-2010 Through 2013-2014

Background: Examination of the incidence of shoulder season-ending injury (SEI) in the collegiate athlete population is limited. Purpose: To determine the incidence of shoulder SEI in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and to investigate the risk factors for a shoulder injury ending an athlete’s season. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: All shoulder injuries from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program database for the years 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 were extracted, and SEI status was noted. The incidences of SEI and non-SEI were calculated for athlete, activity, and injury characteristics and compared via univariable analysis and risk ratios to determine risk factors for an injury being season ending. Results: Shoulder injuries were season ending in 4.3% of cases. The overall incidence of shoulder SEI was 0.31 per 10,000 athlete exposures (AEs), as opposed to 7.25 per 10,000 AEs for all shoulder injuries. Shoulder instability constituted 49.1% of SEI, with an incidence of 0.15 per 10,000 AEs, while fractures had the highest rate of being season ending (41.9%). Men’s wrestling had the highest incidence of shoulder SEI (1.65 per 10,000 AEs), while men’s soccer had the highest proportion of shoulder injuries that ended a season (14.6%). Overall, men had a 6.3-fold higher incidence of SEI than women and a 2.4-fold increased likelihood that an injury would be season ending. Conclusion: Injury to the shoulder of an NCAA athlete, while somewhat infrequent, can have significant implications on time lost from play. Incidence of these injuries varies widely by sport and injury, with a number of associated risk factors. Athletes sustaining potentially season-ending shoulder injuries, with their coaches and medical providers, may benefit from these data to best manage expectations and outcomes.