Collegiate Athletic Trainers’ Experiences Planning for Return-to-Sports During COVID-19: A Qualitative Research Study

Authors

Eric G. Post, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Justin S. DiSanti, A.T. Still UniversityFollow
Christianne M. Eason, Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut - StorrsFollow
Hayley J. Root, Northern Arizona UniversityFollow
Thomas E. Abdenour, Retired, San Diego State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of intercollegiate head athletic trainers in the process of planning to resume sport, as well as their experiences across the course of the pandemic to identify key strategies, challenges, and future considerations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: This exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted via one-on-one semi structured interviews through the Zoom video conference technology. Twenty-four head athletic trainers across NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions participated in the study. Results: Emerging themes included the development of detailed, institution-specific plans with shared elements such as policies for testing and screening, modifications to facilities and cleaning, and incorporation of coach and athlete education. Athletic trainers discussed the processes they used to create their return-to-sport policies, which included professional development and interprofessional collaborations. While participants were confident in their plans, they acknowledged the need to overcome logistical and psychosocial challenges, such as the recognition that the success of their plans relied on numerous variables that could not be completely controlled. Conclusion: It is clear that NCAA ATs have played – and will continue to play – an integral role in overcoming challenges to promote a safe return-to-sports amidst the COVID-19 pandemic via education, policy making, and delivery of healthcare services. The challenges imposed by the accompanying set of circumstances have strained these ATs’ practical tendencies and procedures. ATs have met these challenges through collaboration, information-seeking, and acceptance of the situation. NCAA ATs have embraced the opportunity to lead the way towards safe, successful campus reopening and resumption of competition.

Author Bio(s)

Eric G. Post, PhD, ATC is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation the program director for the Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Indiana State University. His research focuses on improving youth sports safety by examining the causes and consequences of early sport specialization.

Justin S. DiSanti, PhD, is a post-doctoral research fellow at A.T. Still University with a focus on the patient perspective of sport injury. His overarching research lines have examined the psychosocial aspects of sport injury, sport specialization, and patient mental health promotion, aiming to help athletes and practitioners in all contexts to thrive professionally as well as personally.

Christianne M. Eason, PhD, ATC is the Vice President of Sport Safety at the Korey Stringer Institute housed within the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on factors related to athletic training retention and attrition and the implementation of sports safety policies.

Hayley J. Root, PhD, MPH, ATC, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training at Northern Arizona University. Her research seeks to optimize dissemination and implementation of injury prevention strategies and physical literacy promotion in youth populations.

Thomas E. Abdenour, DHSc ATC is retired from clinical care after a career of service at the professional team and intercollegiate levels as a head athletic trainer. He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2021.2060

Recommended Citation

Post EG, DiSanti JS, Eason CM, Root HJ, Abdenour TE. Collegiate Athletic Trainers’ Experiences Planning for Return-to-Sports During COVID-19: A Qualitative Research Study. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2021 Oct 01;19(4), Article 14.