Journal of athletic training
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Athletic trainers (ATs) are often the first health care providers to conduct concussion assessments and carry out postinjury management. Best practices for concussion evaluation and management have changed rapidly in recent years, outdating previous reports of ATs' concussion practices. ⋯ Athletic trainers were using the clinical examination, standardized assessment tools, and a 3-domain concussion-assessment-battery approach more frequently in clinical practice than previously reported. However, despite practice improvements, nearly half of ATs were not using a 3-domain minimum concussion-assessment battery. Clinicians should strive to implement multidimensional concussion assessments in their practices to ensure optimal diagnosis and management.
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Vitamin D status has been associated with performance, health, and well-being in athletic populations. The measurement of vitamin D status via 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] testing has increased in the general population, as has vitamin D supplement use. It is unclear if similar patterns exist in collegiate athletics programs. ⋯ A great deal of variability was present in vitamin D-related clinical practices among NCAA Division I athletics programs, which reflects existing contradictions and uncertainty in research, recommendations, and guidelines. Knowledge of current practice patterns is important in evaluating and establishing best practices, policies, and procedures for sports medicine and sports nutrition professionals in the collegiate setting.