Training & Conditioning 15.7

October 2005 Vol. XV, No. 7, $5.00

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Circle No. 100

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October 2005, Vol. XV, No. 7

CONTENTS

14 5

10

50

Comeback Athlete Lamont Robinson Salem (N.J.) High School, University of Oklahoma

Special Focus

Labels 14 Reading Complying with NCAA bylaw 16.5.2.g, which restricts what supplements Division I schools can distribute to its athletes, is complicated. Understanding the ingredients and the 30-percent protein rule are key.

By Greg Scholand

Nutrition Roundup ACSM Review

By Dr. Christopher Mohr Sideline Hydrating for Basketball

Optimum Performance

Lot of Talent 23 ACoaching great, natural athletes is not as easy as it seems. They often need to be challenged and communicated with in unique ways.

By Vern Gambetta

56 Advertisers Directory 46 51 52 53 57

Product Pages Pain Management Hot & Cold Catalog Showcase Sports Massage More Products

60

CEU Quiz For NATA and NSCA Members

41

23

Treating The Athlete

The Limit 28 To In the NBA, players are often pushed to their physical limits.

When one player complained of hamstring pain, it took a specialized reconditioning program to get him back to full strength.

By Dr. Micheal Clark and Aaron Nelson Leadership

35 Today’s parents are more protective, vocal, and involved when Here Come the Parents

it comes to their kids. And today’s high school athletic trainers need to deal with them.

By Abigail Funk

Cover Photo: © Getty Images

Sport Specific

41 ATHLETICBID.COM

Peaking for the Postseason A meticulously planned, year-long strength program helped Arizona State finish third in the College World Series last spring.

By Rich Wenner T&C OCTOBER 2005

1

There are plenty of good things to say about water. It’s easily available, often free, it quenches thirst and it’s definitely better than nothing at all. There are even some occasions when water is good enough – at meals, while studying, or during a light workout. But when your team is working hard and sweating hard, a scientifically formulated sports drink like Gatorade beats water hands down.

Hydration from a sweat gland’s point of view: Exercise increases an athlete’s core body temperature, thereby triggering the production of sweat. Beyond this “sweat threshold,” as exercise intensity increases, so does the rate of sweat production. Furthermore, the increased rate of production limits the reabsorption of electrolytes.

Water is a good thirst quencher for those times when you only need to quench your thirst. ®

The case for drinking Gatorade during exercise.

So, when your team is working hard and sweating hard, they’re losing more sodium, chloride and potassium. Water doesn’t replace these electrolytes, which is one reason why a scientifically formulated sports drink like Gatorade beats water hands down.

Now you know,

water is fine for reading the playbook, not for reading the defense.

Š2005 S-VC, Inc.

Learn more at gatorade.com/ athletictrainers Circle No. 101

Great Ideas For Athletes...

Editorial Board Marjorie Albohm, MS, ATC/L Director of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Research, Orthopaedics Indianapolis Jon Almquist, ATC Specialist, Fairfax County (Va.) Pub. Schools Athletic Training Program Brian Awbrey, MD Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Instructor in Orthopaedics, Harvard Medical School Jim Berry, MEd, ATC, SCAT/EMT-B Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer, Myrtle Beach (S.C.) High School

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www.cho-pat.com 1-800-221-1601 Circle No. 102

4

T&C OCTOBER 2005

Gary Gray, PT, President, CEO, Functional Design Systems Maria Hutsick, MS, ATC/L, CSCS Head Athletic Trainer, Boston University Christopher Ingersoll, PhD, ATC, FACSM Director, Graduate Programs in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training University of Virginia Jeff Konin, PhD, ATC, PT Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, James Madison University Tim McClellan, MS, CSCS Director of Perf. Enhancement, Makeplays.com Center for Human Performance

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD Director, Sports Medicine Nutrition Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Ctr. Health System

Michael Merk, MEd, CSCS Director of Health & Fitness, YMCA of Greater Cleveland

Christine Bonci, MS, ATC Asst. A.D. for Sports Medicine, Women’s Athletics, University of Texas

Jenny Moshak, MS, ATC, CSCS Asst. A.D. for Sports Medicine, University of Tennessee

Cynthia “Sam” Booth, ATC, PhD Manager, Outpatient Therapy and Sportsmedicine, MeritCare Health System

Steve Myrland, CSCS Owner, Manager, Perf. Coach, Myrland Sports Training, LLC Instructor and Consultant, University of Wisconsin Sports Medicine

Debra Brooks, CNMT, LMT, PhD CEO, Iowa NeuroMuscular Therapy Center Cindy Chang, MD Head Team Physician, University of California-Berkeley Dan Cipriani, PhD, PT Assistant Professor, Dept. of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State Univ.

Gray Cook, MSPT, OCS, CSCS Clinic Director, Orthopedic & Sports Phys.

Ther., Dunn, Cook, and Assoc.

Bernie DePalma, MEd, PT, ATC Head Athl. Trainer/Phys. Therapist, Cornell University Lori Dewald, EdD, ATC, CHES Athletic Training Program Director and Associate Professor of Health Education, University of Minnesota-Duluth Jeff Dilts, Director, Business Development & Marketing, National Academy of Sports Medicine David Ellis, RD, LMNT, CSCS Sports Alliance, Inc. Boyd Epley, MEd, CSCS Asst. A.D. & Dir. of Athletic Perf., University of Nebraska Peter Friesen, ATC, NSCA-CPT, CSCS, CAT, Head Ath. Trainer/ Cond. Coach, Carolina Hurricanes Lance Fujiwara, MEd, ATC, EMT Director of Sports Medicine, Virginia Military Institute Vern Gambetta, MA, President, Gambetta Sports Training Systems Joe Gieck, EdD, ATC, PT Director of Sports Medicine and Prof., Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia Brian Goodstein, MS, ATC, CSCS, Head Athletic Trainer, DC United

October 2005 Vol. XV, No. 7 Publisher Mark Goldberg Editorial Staff Eleanor Frankel, Director R.J. Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Abigail Funk, David Hill, Dennis Read, Greg Scholand, Laura Smith Circulation Staff David Dubin, Director John Callaghan Art Direction tuesdaythursday Brand Advertising Production Staff Kristin Ayers, Director Adam Berenstain, Jonni Campbell, Jim Harper IT Manager Mark Nye Business Manager Pennie Small

Mike Nitka, MS, CSCS Director of Human Performance, Muskego (Wisc.) High School

Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Bruno Pauletto, MS, CSCS President, Power Systems, Inc.

Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell

Stephen Perle, DC, CCSP Associate Prof. of Clin. Sciences, University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic

Advertising Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend

Brian Roberts, MS, ATC, Director, Sport Performance & Rehab. Ctr. Ellyn Robinson, DPE, CSCS, CPT Assistant Professor, Exercise Science Program, Bridgewater State College Kent Scriber, EdD, ATC, PT Professor/Supervisor of Athletic Training, Ithaca College Chip Sigmon, CSCS Strength and Conditioning Coach, Carolina Medical Center Bonnie J. Siple, MS, ATC Coordinator, Athletic Training Education Program & Services, Slippery Rock University Chad Starkey, PhD, ATC Associate Professor, Athletic Training Educ. Program, Northeastern University Ralph Stephens, LMT, NCTMB Sports Massage Therapist, Ralph Stephens Seminars Fred Tedeschi, ATC Head Athletic Trainer, Chicago Bulls Terrence Todd, PhD, Co-Director, Todd-McLean Physical Culture Collection, Dept. of Kinesiology & Health Ed., University of Texas-Austin

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Marketing/Sales Assistant Danielle Catalano Advertising Sales Associates Diedra Harkenrider (607) 257-6970, ext. 24 Rob Schoffel (607) 257-6970, ext. 21 T&C editorial/business offices: 2488 N. Triphammer Road Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970 Fax: (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com Training & Conditioning (ISSN 1058-3548) is published monthly except in January and February, May and June, and July and August, which are bimonthly issues, for a total of nine times a year, by MAG, Inc., 2488 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. T&C is distributed without charge to qualified professionals involved with competitive athletes. The subscription rate is $24 for one year and $48 for two years in the United States, and $30 for one year and $60 for two years in Canada.

The single copy price is $5. Copyright© 2005 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved. Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Training & Conditioning, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, NY 14852-4806. Printed in the U.S.A.

ATHLETICBID.COM

Comeback

Sponsored by

Athlete

efisportsmedicine.com

Lamont Robinson Salem (N.J.) High School It was the homecoming football game at Salem (N.J.) High School, and the school’s athletic trainer, Heidi Bower, ATC, was holding her breath. As Bower looked on, Lamont Robinson, the school’s blue-chip linebacker and running back, made his 2004 season debut.

It’s a tense moment for any athletic trainer when a rehabbed athlete returns to play. But this case was special. Robinson had a bright future as one of the most sought-after college football prospects in the country when he fractured four vertebrae in a car accident the spring of his junior year. He doggedly rejected the prognosis that he would never play again and his road back included detours and numerous doctors’ visits in search of a physician who would clear him to play.

In the process, Bower became not just Robinson’s athletic trainer, but his de facto case manager.

On that October night last year, six games into the season, Robinson was anxiously trying to adapt to the game’s speed, looking to find the rhythm that had made him one of the topranked players in the country. After a few missed tackles, the senior finally made his presence felt, slamming an opposing running back to the turf. “I’m back!” Robinson yelled.

But, it wouldn’t be until the end of the season that Bower could completely exhale. “The nerves for the first game were tremendous,” she says. “Most athletic trainers have never dealt with a kid who broke his neck and wanted to come back and play football, let alone one who actually did. Other athletic trainers asked me, ‘How did you make it through the practices and games given what his injury was?’ I told them, ‘The doctors cleared him and put their names on the line for Lamont, and I followed all the legal avenues that I could. And then, I just hoped for the best.’

“Would I want to be put in that situation again? Heck no!” she continues. “I hope this was a one-time deal.”

Five months before Robinson’s return, it was hard to envision him hitting anybody. On May 19 of his junior year, Robinson was driving home from a family member’s house when he swerved to miss a dog in the road. He lost control of his vehicle and crashed through a chain link fence. Robinson was ejected upon impact and landed in a lake. He was unconscious and severely injured.

A passerby who witnessed the accident quickly came to ATHLETICBID.COM

A linebacker and running back, Robinson scored six touchdowns in the last five games of his high school career.

Robinson’s aid, pulling him from the water and initiating life-saving procedures, after which Robinson regained consciousness. He was then taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital in New Castle, Del., where he underwent surgery the next day to repair a partially dislocated right eye, fractures to his nasal bone and zygomatic arch, and open facial wounds requiring 60 stitches. A round of MRIs and X-rays revealed fractures to cervical vertebrae five and six (C-5 and C-6) and thoracic vertebrae eight and nine (T-8 and T-9). Because of the nature of Robinson’s spinal injuries, doctors at Christiana told him his football career was finished.

The news hit him like a ton of bricks. “After God and my family, football is third on my priority list,” says Robinson. “To tell me I would never be able to play again was unacceptable.

I knew I had to find another opinion.” The prognosis was especially hard to accept because other than his facial injuries, Robinson wasn’t in very much pain. In fact, from the neck down, he felt perfectly normal.

Eight days after the accident, Robinson was transferred to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where he was treated

by Patrick O’Leary, MD, a spinal surgeon who works with the New York Jets and New York Giants. O’Leary told Robinson T&C OCTOBER 2005

5

Athlete

Comeback

■ Lamont Robinson Injury: Fractures to cervical vertebrae five and six (C-5 and C-6) and thoracic vertebrae eight and nine (T-8 and T-9) as well as various facial fractures resulting from a car accident.

Rehab Hurdle: Obtaining the medical and legal clearance to participate in his final high school season.

Result: Rejoined team halfway through season and obtained a scholarship to play football at the University of Oklahoma.

Quote: “I asked Dr. O’Leary if there was anything more I could do to get back on the field—see another doctor or something like that. That’s when he told me that if ‘Dr. Torg’ cleared me, he would go along with the decision.”

and his family that there were three or four options for treating his spinal injuries—one of which might allow him to play football again. For Robinson, the decision was a no-brainer. On June 1, his C-5 and C-6 vertebrae were fused with a graft taken from his right ilium. O’Leary determined that the fractures to the T-8 and T-9 were minor, and could heal on their own. The surgery was a success, and two days later Robinson was issued a hard neck collar and released from the hospital.

Robinson recovered quickly, going to a soft neck brace after a month. Five days later, O’Leary determined that he had regained enough strength in his neck to perform everyday functions, and he removed the soft brace. However, he was not allowed to participate in any physical activity, and Robinson spent the next month doing little more than sitting around watching television. The inactivity caused him to drop nearly

Robinson decided to take matters into his own hands and began self-imposed (and self-supervised) rehab, secretly doing 100 to 200 pushups and calf raises a day.

30 pounds, and his muscular 6’2”, 220-pound body was losing bulk and definition.

After a few weeks, Robinson began to get antsy. Though O’Leary hadn’t cleared him for any physical rehabilitation, he felt as though his body could withstand some conditioning.

He decided to take matters into his own hands and began self-imposed (and self-supervised) rehab, secretly doing 100 to 200 pushups and calf raises a day.

“The doctor told me I was healed, but at the same time he didn’t want me to do any work,” says Robinson. “But I know my body—at that point I felt good. And believe me, I started off very slowly and didn’t do anything that involved my neck.”

At Robinson’s third visit with O’Leary, he learned that all the 6

T&C OCTOBER 2005

fractures, including the fusion, had healed. O’Leary cleared Robinson to begin physical activity, but advised against participating in contact football. However, the 17-year old heard a different message.

“When Dr. O’Leary released me at the end of August, I thought I was released to play, but he really meant I could start working out again—running and lifting weights,” says Robinson, who immediately joined his teammates for preseason practices. “I started team drills and conditioning because camp had already begun.” Practicing without equipment, Robinson and his teammates were hitting blocking sleds and doing contact-free conditioning drills.

Three days after his appointment with O’Leary, Robinson met with his family physician for a mandatory preseason physical. The physician told Robinson he would clear him only if O’Leary faxed him a note saying that he had already done so. When the note arrived, it said Robinson could attend school and do just about anything except play football.

Though devastated by this setback, Robinson continued working out on his own. He was determined to somehow get back on the field.

A month later, on Sept. 27, Robinson visited O’Leary again and had another round of X-rays, which confirmed his injuries had fully healed. Robinson reported no difficulties with conditioning activities or with hitting the blocking sleds. Despite this, O’Leary still felt uncomfortable releasing Robinson to play football that soon after surgery. He said he would have no problem releasing him six months post-surgery, but that was two months away and would only allow Robinson to play in one or two games.

“He came from the standpoint of what decision he would make if he were my father,” says Robinson. “I understood where he was coming from, but I was desperate to get back on the field. So I asked him if there was anything more I could do—see another doctor or something like that. That’s when he told me that if ‘Dr. Torg’ cleared me, he would go along with the decision.”

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REHAB | PILATES | WELLNESS | ATHLETIC TRAINING | POST-REHAB Circle No. 103

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Circle No. 104

Athlete

Comeback After conducting a fruitless Internet search to find Torg’s address and phone number, a frustrated and depressed Robinson paid a visit to Bower. “He came into my office and said, ‘I need your help to find Dr. Joseph Torg,’” Bower says.

“At that point, I told him he first needed to come clean with me about what he had been doing on his own for conditioning. That’s when he told me everything.

“When I found out he was doing exercises on his own, I cringed,” she continues. “I told him he was very lucky that he hadn’t undone something the doctor did to fix him. I also told him that I wasn’t trying to make it more difficult for him to play. I wanted him to play, but I wanted him to be completely healthy when he did.”

Bower went on to tell Robinson that not only did she know who Dr. Torg was, but that he did, too. “He said, ‘I’ve never met this man,’ and I said, ‘No, but you’ve watched his video before every football season,’” says Bower. Joseph Torg, MD, a well-respected neck and spine specialist, hosts the video “Prevent Paralysis: Don’t Hit With Your Head,” which is required viewing for the Salem football team.

Bower obtained Torg’s office number from a colleague who warned her that she might have a hard time getting an appointment. Torg was semi-retired and seeing patients only three days a week. In her call to his office, Bower explained Robinson’s situation, and Torg agreed to see him five days later. Bower accompanied Robinson and his mother to Torg’s office at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

“Between the doctors’ concerns, an athlete who wanted to play now, and coaches who wanted him yesterday, I was being pulled in a lot of directions,” Bower says. “But I knew that I had to go through the proper channels to make sure the athlete was safe. I also knew that we needed a paper trail, and that took work—it didn’t happen overnight.”

On Oct. 5, after looking at Robinson’s collection of MRIs, X-rays, and CAT scans and performing a physical evaluation that included lateral and forward flexion and extension of the spine, Torg gave Robinson a complete medical release with no restrictions—including football. “Lamont left the office dancing through the hallway, screaming at the top of his lungs that he was going to play football again,” says Bower with a laugh.

However, Robinson’s elation was short-lived. His return to the field still faced several obstacles.

On Oct. 7, at Bower’s urging, the school’s athletic director held a meeting with Robinson, his parents, and Bower to discuss what needed to happen for Robinson to resume his career at Salem. They concluded that the school’s insurance provider would have to check off on Robinson’s injury before he could return and that as a stipulation of his return, Robinson would consult with Bower after each practice and game.

It was also decided that Salem’s Team Physician, Joseph LaCavera, MD, would have the final say on whether Robinson could suit up.

The next day, Robinson, his parents, and Bower met with LaCavera, who told them that Robinson would be cleared upon the arrival of the paperwork from O’Leary, as long as it agreed with Torg’s assessment. Four days later that paperwork arrived, but O’Leary still maintained he would prefer ATHLETICBID.COM

Robinson wait six months post-surgery to return. Because of the conflicting opinions, LaCavera delayed his decision until he could speak with each of the doctors. On Oct. 15, nearly five months post-surgery, after consulting with both O’Leary and Torg, LaCavera released Robinson to play football.

Even though the process of getting cleared to play frustrated him, Robinson is thankful for the treatment and care he received from the doctors and from his athletic trainer.

“Although I wasn’t always getting the answers that I wanted, I knew that I was in the best hands,” he says. “And Heidi was very instrumental in everything. She made sure I did everything I needed to do and was always there with words of encouragement if I had any problems.”

Weighing 217 pounds at the time of his release, Robinson hadn’t regained all of the weight and strength he had lost, but he was close. There were also some equipment adjustments.

Robinson would have to get used to the addition of shock pads, a cowboy collar, and a visor on his helmet to protect the injuries to his face and eye. After a week of pain-free practice, Robinson played his first game of the season.

With its captain back on the field, Salem earned a trip to the state playoffs, losing in the first round. Despite playing in only

“I knew that I had to go through the proper channels to make sure the athlete was safe. I also knew that we needed a paper trail, and that took work—it didn’t happen overnight.” four and a half games, Robinson notched 40 tackles, forced two fumbles, and had two fumble recoveries. On offense, he scored six touchdowns and six two-point conversions on his way to earning second team all-conference honors at linebacker and running back and first team all-area as a linebacker.

Robinson was equally dedicated in the classroom, earning a 4.27 GPA and graduating seventh in his class. And his ordeal failed to scare off college recruiters. In December, Robinson signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he is playing linebacker.

As for his experience last season, Robinson feels it has only made him stronger. “It was tough, but I think it’s going to make me a better person, a better man, and a better athlete,” he says. “To have something prematurely taken away from me at a time when I wasn’t ready to give it up, and the experience of having to come back, makes me appreciate my abilities and the opportunity I have in front of me.” ■

Send Us Your Success Stories!

To nominate an athlete to be featured in this Comeback Athlete section, please send your name, the athlete’s name, his or her rehab story, and contact information to: 2488 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 ef@MomentumMedia.com, fax: 607-257-7328 or call us at: 607-257-6970, ext. 18 T&C OCTOBER 2005

9

Nutrition

Roundup

Sponsored by

by Dr. Christopher Mohr

ACSM Review Each year, the largest sports medicine organization in the world gathers to discuss the latest research in a variety of areas, including exercise physiology, medicine, rehabilitation, and nutrition. With thousands of attendees from around the world, the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) proved to be another exciting gathering. In the following, we report on three research presentations from the convention that focus on nutrition and competitive athletes.

vs. the placebo group. There were no significant differences seen, however, in repeated anaerobic cycling performance in the two groups.

Take home message: Considering there were no differences in performance outcomes, it is recommended that athletes not rely on Red Bull or similar energy drinks when looking for performance assistance. Because such drinks raise athletes’ heart rates and respiratory exchange ratios, they should especially be avoided by athletes exercising in extreme heat.

Testing High-Energy Drinks Supplementing Soccer Players Energy drinks seem to be all the rage. They are popular across many age groups and sometimes used in athletics for a performance boost. Most beverages in this category include similar ingredients: hefty doses of caffeine and sugar, some B-vitamins, and a sprinkle of amino acids. This particular study tested Red Bull, the self-described “original” drink in this category. Red Bull contains taurine, glucoronolactone, caffeine, niacin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-12, sucrose, and glucose.

The purpose of this study (“The Effects of a Commercial Energy Drink on Repeated High Intensity Anaerobic Cycling Performance,” by Stefan M. Pasiakos, Robert Petrancosta, John Wygand, and Robert M. Otto) was to measure the effects of Red Bull on anaerobic cycling performance. The study was a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial in which 13 male subjects participated. Trials consisted of a modified Wingate Anaerobic Power Test after consumption of either Red Bull or a Red Bull-flavored placebo drink. The Wingate Anaerobic Power Test used in this trial consisted of six bouts of 15-second supramaximal cycling with a load equal to 0.1 kg/body weight with 45 seconds of recovery time between bouts. The data from this test can be extrapolated to other high intensity sports, such as sprinting, basketball, and soccer.

The results showed that some of the resting metabolic variables, including heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio, were significantly higher in the group that consumed Red Bull vs. the placebo group. In addition, exercising heart rate and lactate levels were significantly higher in the experimental Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD, is the President of Mohr Results, Inc., based in Louisville, Ky., where he provides nutrition and training consultations for individuals and corporations. He can be reached through his Web site at: www.MohrResults.com.

10

T&C OCTOBER 2005

Soccer is considered a power-endurance sport, and in preseason and in-season training, soccer players’ bodies are under a great deal of stress as they attempt to maintain high levels of both strength and endurance. This maintenance is obviously crucial so that athletes can perform near maximal capacity in season. This study (“The Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Performance and Muscle Breakdown in Collegiate Soccer Players,” by Shawn M. Arent, Joseph Pellegrino, David DiFabio, John Greenwood, and Carey A. Williams) was conducted to examine the physiological changes and metabolic parameters in collegiate soccer players in preseason training if a particular dietary supplement was introduced.

The subjects in the study included 24 NCAA Division I male soccer players. VO2max, the onset of blood lactate accumulation (which could determine onset of fatigue), the time to fatigue, and the creatine kinase (CK) response (which is a marker of muscle damage) were all measured.

Athletes were given either a dietary supplement containing three ingredients—superoxide dismutase, coenzyme Q10, and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs)—or an isocaloric placebo. Superoxide dismutase can act as an antioxidant.

Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) is produced endogenously and used in an energy pathway in the body—some suggest additional COQ10 is useful as an antioxidant and for energy production. BCAA are amino acids that are often recommended for recovery.

Results showed significant changes from the beginning to end of preseason in all the measurements across groups.

This is not surprising since the athletes are in much better shape after intense training. CK levels also increased significantly, meaning muscle breakdown was higher, so the improvements in the first three outcome parameters came ATHLETICBID.COM

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Circle No. 105

NutritionRoundup despite the increased muscle breakdown.

In terms of the use of dietary supplements, there did appear to be modest differences between the experimental and control groups—better cardiovascular capacity, increased VO2max, and longer time to fatigue for the experimental group—but these differences were not significant. The researchers drew the conclusion that this particular combination of ingredients may enhance some of the parameters measured. But the short-term effects were moderate.

Take home message: More research is necessary with this particular concoction of ingredients, as the effects were only moderate, and the study was completed on a small test group. The best advice for enhancing recovery from highintensity training is still to eat a varied diet, drink plenty of fluids, and ensure adequate rest.

Caffeine & Agility Caffeine is a known ergogenic aid. It has been shown through numerous studies to enhance endurance performance and increase mental focus. This study (“The Effects of Caffeine on Athletic Agility,” by Andrew J. Lorino, Lisa K. Lloyd, Sylvia H. Crixell, John L. Walker, and Jack W. Ransone) was conducted to examine whether caffeine also has an effect on athletic agility and, therefore, on overall anaerobic performance.

Sixteen adult men performed two trials of two drills with two to three days of rest in between. They participated in a proagility run test (to measure agility) and a 30-second Wingate test (to measure anaerobic power). Subjects were not blinded for this study. They all received six mg of caffeine per kg of body weight before one of the testing days, and a placebo on the other. The order in which they received the supplement was random.

The researchers found no significant differences between either the placebo or caffeine trials in either of the outcome measurements. They suggested a number of possible limitations to this study, however. The caffeine dosage may have been too low, habitual caffeine use by some of the athletes may have hindered the results, and training status of subjects could have influenced the results.

Take home message: Caffeine does work for many outcome parameters, but this study did not prove it affects agility and anaerobic performance. Most researchers suggest that athletes be very careful before using caffeine as an ergogenic aid, and this study reiterates that view. ■ ■ All three of these studies were also published in the May 2005 issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, the official journal of the ACSM. It can be accessed at: www.ms-se.com.

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Circle No. 107

SPECIAL FOCUS

SPECIAL FOCUS

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BY GREG SCHOLAND

Reading W Labels Complying with NCAA bylaw 16.5.2.g, which restricts what supplements schools can distribute to their athletes, is complicated.

Understanding the ingredients and the 30-percent protein rule are key.

hen the NCAA implemented bylaw 16.5.2.g in August of 2000, restricting which nutritional supplements Division I institutions could distribute to their athletes, the University of Texas was confident it had taken all the necessary steps to comply. Athletic department staff members evaluated every supplement they gave out to make sure it fit the requirements. They even submitted breakdowns of the productsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; nutritional content to NCAA Membership Services to verify that everything was acceptable. And all the supplements had been cleared through the National Center for Drug Free Sport to ensure that

Greg Scholand is an Assistant Editor at Training & Conditioning. He can be reached at: gs@MomentumMedia.com.

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SPECIAL FOCUS they contained no banned substances.

Then, this spring, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram revealed that Texas had spent $90,000 on impermissible supplements since the rule took effect. “We had no idea we were doing anything wrong,” says Tina Bonci, MS, ATC, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine at Texas. “We absolutely believed we had done everything the legislation required.”

Indeed, the NCAA acknowledged that Texas had not intentionally broken any rules. But the association also agreed with the Star-Telegram report concluding that the purchases were in violation.

ing trend of institutions providing dietary supplements to student-athletes, despite the fact that the supplement industry is not very well regulated,” explains Mary Wilfert, NCAA Assistant Director of Education Outreach and Chief Liaison to the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport, which recommended the proposal to the Management Council in 1999. “So, first of all, we wanted to restrict dietary supplement distribution.”

The second concern, Wilfert says, was competitive balance. Before the bylaw was implemented, schools with deeper pockets were able to offer supplements

The specific products varied from school to school, but many of the incidents shared a common thread: a misunderstanding of exactly what is not permissible, combined with uncertainty about how to properly evaluate the supplements being given out.

Despite all its precautions, the university had been distributing impermissible supplements for several years—and until an outside investigation uncovered the problem, the athletic department was completely unaware of it.

The Longhorns are hardly alone in having struggled with the rule—Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Indiana University, Purdue University, San Diego State University, and the University of Minnesota have all learned this year that they were distributing at least one supplement that ran afoul of 16.5.2.g. The specific products varied from school to school, but many of the incidents shared a common thread: a misunderstanding of exactly what is not permissible, combined with uncertainty about how to properly evaluate the supplements being given out.

None of the schools have been sanctioned, but the NCAA released a clarification of its supplement rules in May and warned that future violations could result in penalties. It also noted that institutions need to do a better job of evaluating the supplements they provide to athletes. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the now five-year-old legislation and talk to athletic trainers about how to keep your program in compliance.

LETTER OF THE LAW Bylaw 16.5.2.g was put in place for two very specific reasons. “The primary concern that drove this rule was an escalat16

T&C OCTOBER 2005

that helped athletes build muscle, gain weight, and increase their energy level.

In the NCAA’s view, this gave them a competitive advantage over programs with less money to spend.

The bylaw places strict limitations on what types of products schools can distribute to student-athletes. “It essentially allows institutions to provide things that will replace the calories, electrolytes, and fluids lost during athletic participation,” Wilfert says. “They are not allowed to hand out any supplements that contribute to performance enhancement or promote weight gain.”

According to the NCAA’s guidelines, a supplement must satisfy three separate tests to be permissible. First, it must fall into one of four general categories:

carbohydrate/electrolyte drinks, energy bars, carbohydrate boosters, or vitamins and minerals. These were identified as acceptable by the NCAA because they typically don’t contribute to performance enhancement. In addition, they are generally accepted and widely used by the public at large.

If a supplement fits into one of the categories, the next step is determining the percentage of its calories that come from protein. By rule, no more than 30 percent of calories can come from protein, a figure the association says represents a calories-from-protein ratio comparable to a typical balanced meal. Wilfert also notes that protein ratios above 30 percent are frequently found in muscle-building and weightgain supplements. To calculate the percentage of calories from protein in any product, multiply the protein content (in grams) by four, then divide by the total calories. For example, a product with six grams of protein and 100 calories per serving is permissible because according to the formula, 24 percent of its calories come from protein (6 x 4 = 24, 24 / 100 = .24, or 24 percent).

A supplement that fits an accepted category and falls below the protein limit must also meet one more test: It may not contain any ingredient specified by the NCAA as impermissible (see “Not Allowed” on page 18). The impermissible list includes several popular supplements and compounds considered to be performance enhancing, such as ginseng, tribulus, and ginkgo biloba. It also includes protein powders, because any product containing added protein from non-whole-food sources cannot be distributed to athletes. Such sources are often referred to on labels as a “protein blend” or “proprietary

II AND III RULES

N

CAA bylaw 16.5.2.g applies only to Division I institutions, but the other divisions have their own restrictions. In Division II, bylaw 16.5.1.h contains nearly identical language, and the intent and application are the same as in Division I. A recent update to the Division II version, which took effect on Aug. 1, was for clarification only and did not make any substantive change to the rule. In Division III, no supplements of any kind may be provided to student-athletes.

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SPECIAL FOCUS protein.” Products that contain added amino acids or amino acid chelates are also impermissible.

Wilfert emphasizes that the impermissible list is not exhaustive, and that schools must understand the spirit of the legislation rather than focus exclusively on the names that appear on the list. “Our list contains examples of things that aren’t allowed. It does not include every impermissible substance and ingredient, because it’s practically impossible to keep up with all the new products on the market,” she says.

“Unless something creates such a level of danger that it comes to the attention of the FDA, there’s no real oversight of supplement ingredients. If an institution is unsure about a specific ingredient that’s not on the list, they should contact Membership Services for further clarification.”

It’s also important to remember that a label may call an impermissible ingredient by a different name than that found on the list. For example, L-lysine and L-proline are both specific amino acids that make a product impermissible, though the list only identifies “amino acids” as a general category.

LEARNING FROM MISTAKES Passing the impermissible ingredients test has proven to be the biggest stumbling block for athletic programs. In Texas’s case, its supplements were in violation of the bylaw’s prohibition on added amino acids (also known as free-form amino acids). As the building blocks of protein molecules, amino acids are naturally present in any product containing protein, but when they’re added artificially—that is, when they show up on a product’s ingredient list—that product cannot be distributed to athletes.

Before the noncompliance was uncovered, Texas believed it was following all the right steps in analyzing its supplements. The sports-medicine staff calculated the protein content of each supplement and sent the information to NCAA Membership Services for verification. But focusing on the 30-percent provision of the rule, and not the ingredient list, turned out to be a critical oversight.

“When we sent our product information to the NCAA, we had already evaluated the products ourselves, and we were looking for an interpretation that considered the entire legislation,” 18

T&C OCTOBER 2005

Bonci says. “But the NCAA didn’t see the ingredients, so they were just looking at the breakdowns we provided in which we calculated the protein percentages. They said we had interpreted that part correctly, and we took that to mean the supplements were okay to distribute.”

As soon as the sports-medicine staff learned otherwise, they re-evaluated the supplements that had been found impermissible and immediately stopped distributing them. The compliance office then self-reported the violation.

“We also submitted the products to the

NCAA a second time,” Bonci says, “just to verify and document that the supplements were in fact impermissible.”

Purdue’s run-in with 16.5.2.g began in much the same way Texas’s had.

Just over a month after the first StarTelegram article, the Indianapolis Star reported that its own investigation had uncovered a combined $47,000 in impermissible supplement purchases by the athletic departments at Purdue and Indiana. Among the culprits at Purdue were a recovery drink that contained “branched chain amino acids” on the ingredient list, and a supplement that

NOT ALLOWED

T

he following ingredients are impermissible in any supplement that an NCAA Division I institution distributes to its student-athletes. The list is not exhaustive and contains substances that may be found on product labels under different names. The NCAA advises schools that are unsure about the permissibility of any supplement or specific ingredient to contact Membership Services for additional guidance.

Amino acids (including amino acid chelates) Chondroitin* Chrysin CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) Creatine and compounds containing creatine Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) Gingko biloba Ginseng Glucosamine* Glutathione Glycerol** Green tea HMB (hydroxy-methybutyrate) Melatonin MSM (methylsulfonyl methane) Protein powders St. John’s wort Tribulus Weight gainers Yohimbe * Chondroitin and Glucosamine may be provided by an institution to a student-athlete for medical purposes if prescribed by a medical doctor to treat a specific, diagnosed medical condition. ** Glycerol or glycerine is permissible as a binding ingredient in a supplement product.

ATHLETICBID.COM

SPECIAL FOCUS had an ingredient identified as a “protein blend.”

Dennis Miller, ATC, PT, Head Athletic Trainer at Purdue, says his department took what it believed were all the necessary steps to ensure that nothing unsafe or illegal was being provided to student-athletes. “We felt then, and we still feel, that we complied with the spirit of the legislation completely,” he explains. “When we originally evaluated our supplements, we looked at several things to make sure they fit within the rules and determined that they were alright.”

Like Texas, Purdue had focused on the 30-percent provision and did not recognize that the words “protein blend” on an ingredient list meant that a supplement was impermissible. The supplement in question had a total protein content, including the protein blend, under 30 percent of its calories, and the athletic department even found out from the manufacturer that the source of the protein was natural—it came from beef, whey, and eggs. Nonetheless, since the label did not specify the nature of the protein additive, the

NCAA ruled the supplement to be impermissible.

Purdue’s case also raised a separate question: Can the name of a product render it impermissible? One of the supplements purchased by the athletic department had the words “Heavyweight Gainer” in its name, even though its protein content and ingredients did not appear to make it a weight gainer based on the NCAA’s criteria. According to Wilfert, that posed a bit of a riddle.

“We placed ‘weight gainers’ on the impermissible list because products that are marketed that way are usually high in protein and contain a lot of amino acids,” she says. “But in continuing to review this rule, we realized that some products called ‘weight gainers’ really aren’t weight gainers. Technically, if it meets all of our criteria, even something that’s sold as a weight gainer could be considered permissible.”

The bottom line, says Miller, is that correctly interpreting the rules on supplement distribution can be tricky, and the key is closely scrutinizing anything that your department gives out. “We understand that as a member institution

it’s our job to evaluate all the products we use, and that’s certainly what we try to do,” he says. “We really look hard at the labels on all the products that we consider, and we won’t order anything without giving it a close look to make sure it won’t create a problem.”

TEAM APPROACH Giving everything that “close look” means athletic trainers or strength coaches should not be trying to comply with this rule by themselves. Because it can take a trained eye to recognize an individual amino acid or a specific impermissible compound among a long list of ingredients, Texas has assembled a team of trained eyes to review supplements before they make it onto the athletic department’s shelves.

All the school’s supplement purchases are supervised by a panel that includes members of the sports-medicine and strength and conditioning staffs, the head team physician, a consulting nutritionist, the director of compliance, and the chair of the pharmacology department. After a product has been checked for banned substances

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SPECIAL FOCUS tact one of the sport coaches, and give them a pitch about a new product that they claim can have amazing results,” says Carolyn Peters, MA, ATC, CSCS, Assistant Athletic Trainer at San Diego State University. “They’ll sometimes offer a free or reduced-price trial, and if that coach isn’t fully aware of all the details of the NCAA rules, they may ac-

when it comes to distributing the supplement, so there needs to be good communication among the compliance director, every sport’s coaching staff, directors of operations, strength and conditioning coaches, and athletic trainers about any supplements that may come in. All those people need to be kept updated about what is not allowed.”

“Many times the marketers of a supplement will contact one of the sport coaches and give them a pitch about a new product that they claim can have amazing results … If that coach isn’t fully aware of all the details of the NCAA rule, he or she may accept it because at first glance it doesn’t throw up any red flags.”

THE SAFE ROUTE If the potential for confusion and the time-consuming evaluation of product labels sounds unappealing, there is one simple way to steer clear of supplement distribution problems: Don’t distribute supplements. At Butler University, this strategy has kept the athletic department from having to worry about breaking rules, not to mention any concern about the safety of supplements being handed out.

The only substance that student-athletes at Butler can ever expect to receive from someone on staff is a sports drink, according to Bruce Willard, ATC, Director of Sports Medicine. “So many supplements are really unproven, not only in terms of their effectiveness but

using the National Center for Drug Free Sport’s Resource Exchange Center, its ingredients and nutritional content are reviewed by the panel to ensure that it is permissible under 16.5.2.g. If it fails, it is not purchased. If it passes, the panel documents its findings and the supplement is approved for distribution. If questions arise, the director

of compliance seeks a specific interpretation from the NCAA. It’s also important that everyone in the athletic department—not just the athletic trainers and strength and conditioning staff—understands the limits on what can be distributed. “Many times the marketers of a supplement will con-

cept it because at first glance it doesn’t throw up any red flags.

“Also, just because a marketer says a product doesn’t contain anything that is banned by the NCAA, that doesn’t mean it’s okay for the institution to distribute,” Peters continues. “Obviously the institution has to follow stricter rules

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SPECIAL FOCUS own, which can pose even greater risks.

Willard recognizes this, so all Butler student-athletes are strongly encouraged to consult an athletic trainer whenever they are considering a supplement—to determine whether it’s safe, to check for banned substances, and to discuss potential effects and side-effects.

Butler’s athletic trainers also discuss with athletes whether the goals they’re looking to achieve with a supplement could be reached instead through dietary changes. That argument can be a tough sell sometimes, particularly with athletes who want to gain weight or strength, but it’s a message Willard strongly believes in.

“One thing we’ll do is have them keep a journal for a couple of weeks, and then talk to them about foods they can substitute to accomplish a goal that they might otherwise turn to a supplement for,” he explains. “For instance, if someone wants to gain weight and we find out that they’re ingesting a lot of empty calories, we’ll suggest some specific alternatives that can put them on the right track. We would always rather talk to athletes about nutrition and eating the

right things than talk to them about supplements.”

THE RIGHT FOCUS For schools that do choose to distribute supplements, Wilfert suggests focusing on the intent behind the NCAA rule, and remembering that basic nutrition should always be the top priority.

“The first thing to do when evaluating any supplement for distribution is to see if it meets the intent of calorie, fluid, and electrolyte replacement,” she says.

“Those are the types of products that this legislation has no problem with.

For anything besides replenishment, we want to emphasize that student-athletes should get their nutrition through whole foods, and that’s what this bylaw is really about.”

Bonci, for one, has taken that advice to heart. “We want to make sure that we understand the rules and that we are following them completely,” she says. “But above all, we never want to do anything that could endanger the health and safety of our athletes in any way. That alone is enough reason to be very, very careful.” ■

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also in terms of unanticipated effects they may have,” he explains. “Our policy was established primarily for the welfare of our athletes. It’s difficult to know exactly what some of these supplements do—both in the short term and the long term—and we didn’t want to be a part of distributing something that was potentially harmful.”

Butler’s staff also promotes the philosophy that eating a balanced diet and working hard in the weightroom are the best ways to achieve optimum performance, and the athletic department supplying any kind of supplements would contradict that ideal. “In college athletics we don’t spend enough time telling kids to work harder and eat better and do the simple things to be more successful,” Willard says. “At Butler, we say that if you work hard and take care of your body, good things will happen. Do some athletes enjoy positive gains from certain things they take? Of course. But at what cost? That’s the big question, and it’s one we can’t answer.”

The downside of not distributing any supplements is that some athletes may choose to seek out products on their

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OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE

Coaching great, natural athletes is not as easy as it seems. They often need to be challenged and communicated with in unique ways.

BY VERN GAMBETTA

W

GETTY IMAGES

A Lot of Talent

hen we start our coaching careers, our dream is often to work with great athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;those gifted individuals who can naturally run, jump, and move better than everyone around them. I know that was my mindset. And, in a sense, I had my dream come true in my first coaching assignment.

I was hired as an assistant coach for a high school track and field team, and the best athlete in the school, in fact one of the best athletes in southern California, was a shot putter in the group that I was coaching. Initially I remember being slightly intimidated, but the head coach told me to just be myself and coach him.

It was a great experience. The athlete was very cooperative and worked to fine tune his technique and improve his strength. He even helped with the younger shot putters. He was everything a coach could hope for. He won the state championship in spite of my coaching.

It is not always like this, however.

In fact, in the many years since, I have found that working with a gifted athlete rarely turns out to be an easy endeavor. More typically, exceptional athletes have achieved their success because they have superior ability and have not had to work hard at strength and conditioning. When you challenge them to pay attention to their foot angles in agility drills or dig down for that last rep, they are not really interested.

They are not worried about losing their starting position. They can get Vern Gambetta is the President of Gambetta Sports Training Systems in Sarasota, Fla. A frequent contributor to Training & Conditioning, he can be reached through his Web site at: www.gambetta.com.

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OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE

REACHING THE ALL-STAR

E

ven at the professional level of sports, working with superstar athletes can be a struggle. I recently worked with a professional baseball player who was coming off of a rehab and getting ready to go back on the field. He was an all-star player and a veteran, and the biggest roadblocks were his sport coaches, who were intimidated by his natural abilities. They didn’t want to introduce anything new to the athlete for fear he would not be receptive.

In this situation, I tried to work closely with the athlete to figure out what would work for him. First, I asked him what he had done in the past and what he had found successful in the past.

I worked hard to relate to him and uncover what his fears might be.

Then, I was honest with him about his deficiencies and gave him specifics on what he could do to improve. I presented my ideas to him, then sought his input on them. From there, we were able to move forward and get him back on the field with success.

I found that with this approach the athlete was very receptive to the program. I treated him as an equal, not a superstar, and he appreciated my honesty and my confidence in my own ability to help him improve.

the team-best time in the agility drill without paying attention to their foot angles. Their ability and performance have always been good enough.

Yet it is still our job as strength and conditioning coaches to make them better. How do we do this? We need to understand this athlete—both physically and psychologically. We need to com-

And this is even more important for the athletically gifted. To get them interested in their off-field work, I’ve found they must take some ownership of it.

And having them involved in their athletic assessment is a great place to start.

Most important, the self assessment can show them that there is room for improvement. Because none of their

This challenge should not be public, but a one-on-one contract between you and the athlete that sets the bar higher. Show that there is room for improvement, what it will take to improve, and the benefits of accepting the challenge. municate with him or her more. And we need to challenge him or her in different ways.

OWNING THE ASSESSMENT I believe that every athlete we work with should be involved in a complete self assessment as a starting point to a strength and conditioning program.

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teammates may be able to challenge them in drills, they may not have much motivation to improve their performance in strength and conditioning.

But if we ask them to assess themselves against another standard, we introduce a new motivation.

For example, you can ask them to perform a test and show them how their

scores compare to those of higher-level or more accomplished athletes. Get a scouting report and let them know how other people objectively view them— this can be a huge wake-up call. Show them a videotape of themselves performing, and point out a deficiency. Or compare the athlete to herself or himself—test a movement from both the dominant and nondominant side, then challenge him or her to improve their nondominant side score.

This challenge should not be public, but a one-on-one contract between you and the athlete that sets the bar higher.

Show that there is room for improvement, what it will take to improve, and the benefits of accepting the challenge.

Sell the athlete on assuming ownership of their program.

WHO ARE THEY? Along with testing the athlete physically, it’s important to take the time to assess the athlete psychologically. This does not mean any formal psychological evaluation, but just taking the time to get a sense of where they are coming from, their insecurities, and their hesitations.

To start, find out the role of any past coaches in their lives. Often, the gifted athlete has had a dominant coach at some stage in their development to whom they ascribe much of their success. It is very tough if your ideas about training conflict with the ideas of that coach. It may not have been the best training, but the athlete thinks it is.

In this case, you’ll need to take things slowly and find a way to get the athlete to trust your ideas.

Ask about their training background.

Many gifted athletes transitioning from high school to college have never taken part in a weight lifting program before and may be embarrassed to see that their new teammates all know how to properly position themselves and lift weights. For this type of athlete, some one-on-one instruction away from teammates may be needed.

Get a sense of whether they like to stand out as the best or not. More often than not the exceptional female athlete prefers to blend in. This type of athlete wants to get along with teammates and not be put on a pedestal. In this situation, group pressure is a good motivator, but asking her to perform in a way that shows up her teammates will not work, and you’ll have to find another ATHLETICBID.COM

OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE strategy, such as one-on-one work.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the athlete who has no problem showing proficiency. In fact, he or she thrives on being the best at everything the coaches ask the team to do. This athlete could care less what teammates think and will not be motivated by peer pressure. But he or she may rise to a challenge that puts them in the spotlight.

It’s also important to understand the psychology of the gifted athlete who appears lazy by your standards. The average athlete who is a little less physically gifted learns the value of work early on.

He or she learned perseverance because it was the only way he or she could succeed. The gifted athlete missed this aspect of development. In a sense, he or she was denied this self discovery and character-building process.

Their success exceeds the effort they have exerted, but they don’t know it. In their eyes they may be putting out the effort, but you see an athlete coasting on raw ability while slacking off when it comes to work. I have found this common with the young college athlete who had great success in high school

and expects to step into college competition and dominate as they did in high school.

As coaches, we can clearly see the folly of their ways, but for the athlete to admit that they must now work on their deficiencies is a bitter pill to swallow.

We must understand where they have come from. Because they were so good

especially true for the gifted athlete who is a perfectionist. Our job is to get them to understand and accept their limitations without thinking that we expect less from them. Sometimes we need to set up the conditioning program as a time to take the pressure off. It can be a time to take a risk and try new things where there is little or no consequence

It’s also important to understand the psychology of the gifted athlete who appears lazy by your standards. The average athlete who is a little less physically gifted learns the value of work early on … The gifted athlete often misses this aspect of development. no one has confronted them with the reality of being objective about their abilities. You may be the first person to challenge them on this, which can take patience and perseverance from you.

Furthermore, remember that this athlete may have never experienced failure.

And they may be scared to face it. This is

for not being able to reach their perfectionist standards.

SPORT COACH ON BOARD With the athlete’s buy-in and your understanding where he or she is coming from, the next step is to get on the same page with the sport coach regarding

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OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE the athlete. Unfortunately, many times the sport coach’s attitude with the gifted athlete is: Don’t mess them up. The coaches are satisfied to see the athlete stay put.

This attitude backfires time and again. The athlete does not get stronger or faster and is eventually passed by someone with a shade less ability but a superior work ethic. Frankly, I have never met an athlete who could not get better, regardless of their physical gift.

I have seen how hard Michael Jordan worked each off-season to keep improving his skills and get stronger even after he was already considered one of the best to ever play the game.

In these cases, talk with the sport coach about how to improve the athlete without compromising anything.

Explain how your program will prevent injuries and make them better, not change their athletic prowess. It is truly critical to have the coach’s support if you are to motivate the gifted athlete.

Without it, the athlete can more easily take the easy route if things get tough.

With it, the athlete understands that playing time may be affected by what

he or she does in strength and conditioning sessions.

Also, talk to coaches about the challenge of motivating this athlete so you’re in agreement. Discuss the psychological hurdles you both face in working with this athlete and how to use consistent strategies. Agree on what is needed and how to get there, together.

Strength coaches should also explain to the sport coach that even though the gifted athlete is a great performer, he or she may not be the best athlete in the weight room. And the sport coach needs to have patience with this. He or she must be realistic about the athlete’s performance and help them develop the right perspective.

NEW STRATEGIES Once you have the athlete and sport coach on board, think about what strategies will work with this particular athlete, keeping in mind where they are coming from. The areas I concentrate on are communication, how to challenge them, and how to approach their deficiencies.

As with the athlete at any level, the

key to good coaching is communicating your expectations. Also remember that communication is not just telling the athlete what to do, but listening to their feedback. The athlete may have things that he or she feels have contributed directly to their success, and while you may not necessarily agree, it may be best to work that into your program for them.

Communication will also help uncover any fears or reservations exceptional athletes have with your program.

They may not be able to admit to anyone fears of failing a certain aspect of the off-field work, or they may not want to tell you they are completely unmotivated by the program because it is too easy. Either way, asking them how things are going will reveal any problems they are encountering.

Of course, many gifted athletes will excel in your strength and conditioning program without much effort and need to be challenged differently than their teammates. This is where you need to look closely at their self assessment and your psychological evaluation of them and determine what will work best.

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OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE For example, if the athlete is motivated by making it to the next level, then base his or her program on what athletes at the next level are accomplishing.

If the athlete’s weakness is the nondominant side, then challenge him or her with drills to improve that side. If a big ego is part of the athlete’s personality, motivate them by showing the athlete videotape of themselves and pointing out areas ripe for improvement. Show that they aren’t perfect, but that they have potential.

The third area I concentrate on is improving the athlete’s deficiencies. A good idea here is to make them part of a group. They may appreciate not being singled out. If the athlete has a glaring deficiency they may not want to admit it, but if they are put in a group where everyone is working on the same deficiency they will not stand out.

I also give the gifted athlete a lot of positive reinforcement when they are working on a deficiency. This athlete probably has never failed, and now you are asking them to do things they are not good at. To them this is failure, not an opportunity for improvement. So

you’ll need to continually remind them of the big picture—how the drill will help them reach new levels on the field or court.

What do you do when none of these strategies work? It is important to not let the star become a distraction to the other athletes and you. If they refuse to comply sometimes the best action is no

to motivate. Others may get easily frustrated with your program because they fear failure. And of course some are going to be the best athletes you’ve ever worked with and embrace your program with gusto.

The key is to understand each particular athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, fears, and motivations. Understand

I also give the gifted athlete a lot of positive reinforcement when they are working on a deficiency.

This athlete probably has never failed, and now you are asking them to do things they are not good at. To them this is failure, not an opportunity for improvement. action. Ignore them. I have seen this be quite effective. Their teammates also ignored them. Pretty soon they figure out that their behavior is not appreciated and they come around to the program.

BIG PICTURE The gifted athlete usually does not fit into a cookie cutter. Some are going to be bored with your program and tough

what challenges them, and then challenge them to challenge themselves.

Remind them of the big picture to get them through the daily obstacles, whether that is playing at the next level or winning a championship. And remind yourself of the big picture as a coach: to teach them, challenge them, and bring them to a level they didn’t know they could reach. ■

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© GETTY IMAGES Note: athlete pictured is not the athlete profiled in this story.

TREATING THE ATHLETE

To the Limit

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TREATING THE ATHLETE

In the NBA, players are often pushed to their physical limits.

When one player complained of hamstring pain, it took a specialized reconditioning program to get him back to full strength.

BY DR. MICHEAL CLARK & AARON NELSON

T

he initial diagnosis was simple: a strained left hamstring. The athlete was a nine-year veteran in the NBA, no stranger to physical play, and eager to get back on the court.

He complained of left proximal hamstring pain during all functional activities. There was pin-point tenderness in the proximal attachment of the hamstring complex near the sacrotuberous ligament. And the athlete had severe limitations in ROM, strength, and function.

A traditional course of rehab was initiated, including modalities, stretching, and strengthening, but the athlete was not showing improvement. He had missed six games during the traditional rehabilitation before being referred to us for further treatment.

In the NBA, players are pushed to their physical limits. Games almost every night, physical play, and a long season leave bodies sometimes in need of specialized rehab and reconditioning.

This athlete fit that description to a tee.

His hamstring pull was affecting many more muscles, joints, and ligaments in his body than just his hamstring, and he needed a full body analysis and rehab program to get back on the court.

THE APPROACH Our philosophy in treating athletes is to take into account the interrelated workings of the human body to identify the underlying factors that might be causing pain. Before we tell you more about this athlete’s case study, let us explain our rationale: Movement represents the integrated functioning of many systems within the human body, primarily the muscular, articular, and nervous systems. These systems form an interdependent triad which, when operating correctly, allows for optimum structural alignment, neuATHLETICBID.COM

romuscular efficiency (coordination), and movement. Each of these outcomes is important in establishing normal length-tension relationships, which ensure proper length and strength of each muscle around a joint, known as muscle balance.

Muscle balance is essential for optimal recruitment of force couples to maintain precise joint motion and ultimately decrease excessive stress placed on the body. All of this translates into efficient transfer of forces to accelerate, decelerate, and stabilize the interconnected joints of the body—what many refer to as the kinetic chain.

However, for many reasons, such as repetitive stress, impact trauma, or immobilization, dysfunction can occur in the muscular, articular, or nervous systems. And if one or more of these systems are altered, muscle balance, muscle recruitment, and joint motion will follow suit, leading to changes in structural alignment, neuromuscular control (coordination), and movement patterns. The result is a human movement system impairment.

When a human movement system impairment exists, some muscles are overactive, some muscles are underactive, and joints are affected. The terms “overactive” and “underactive” refer to the activity level of a muscle relative to another muscle or muscle group, not necessarily to its own normal functional capacity.

Any muscle, whether in a shortened or lengthened state, can be underactive or weak. Underactive muscles exhibit less than optimal force production capabilities. This results in an altered recruitment strategy and ultimately an altered movement pattern. Alterations in muscle activity will change the bio-

mechanical motion of the joint and lead to increased stress on the tissues of the joint, which eventually results in injury.

When a muscle is overactive, it is working harder than it should and fatigues more easily. It can then cause tenderness, which decreases performance.

This may add stress to the tissues and lead to the joint being pulled out of position. (See “Under & Over” on page 30 for a look at muscles prone to overand underactivity.)

COMPLETE ASSESSMENT To begin our evaluation of the injured NBA athlete, we gave him a comprehensive “Human Movement System” assessment. The aim of this is to reveal any underlying muscle imbalances, joint dysfunctions, and neuromuscular inefficiency that could be causing the lack of progress and persistent complaints of pain and stiffness.

The player first underwent an Integrated Movement Assessment (Body Map) to determine transitional movement efficiency, integrated flexibility, and neuromuscular efficiency. This evaluation required the athlete to perform an overhead squat while we watched and analyzed his ability to perform integrated kinetic chain movements.

In most cases, if an athlete has proper flexibility, balance, core strength, functional segment strength, and neuromuscular efficiency, he or she should be able to squat to a parallel position or below without compensating at the foot/ankle, knee, lumbar spine, or upper extremity. However, if the athlete has altered length-tension relationships (overactivity of a muscle or muscle group), altered force-couple relationships (underactivity of a muscle or muscle group with compensation from a secondary synergist), or joint hypomobility/hypermobility, we will see abnormal movements. We carefully look at three areas when assessing these problems: Foot/ankle: We look for any signs of pronounced eversion, which may be caused by overactive peroneals and lateral gastrocnemius and underactive posterior tibialis, anterior tibialis, and medial gastrocnemius. It may also be a result of decreased mobility of the talus. In addition, we check for excessive external rotation, which can be caused

Micheal Clark, DPT, MS, PT, NASM-PES, is the President and Aaron Nelson, MS, ATC, NASM-PES, is an Athletic Trainer at the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Nelson is also Head Athletic Trainer for the Phoenix Suns. They can be reached at: www.nasm.org.

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TREATING THE ATHLETE by overactivity in the soleus, lateral gastrocnemius, and short head of the biceps femoris and underactivity in the medial gastrocnemius, medial hamstring complex, gracilis, and sartorius. It can also be linked to decreased mobility of the talus and proximal tibio-femoral joint.

Knee: Here, we assess any problems with abduction, which may be caused by overactivity in the piriformis, gluteus medius, and biceps femoris and underactivity in the adductor complex and medial

Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex: We evaluate for excessive extension, which can be caused by overactivity in the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, and psoas and underactivity in the rectus abdominus, external obliques, and intrinsic spinal stabilizers. It can also be caused by decreased mobility in the lumbar facet joints. Problems with flexion can be a result of overactivity in the rectus abdominus, external obliques, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus and un-

Most concerning to us, to start, was the left foot eversion, limited ankle dorsiflexion, and decreased muscle activation of the medial gastrocnemius and posterior tibialis. This combination can have a far reaching effect throughout the human movement system. hamstring complex. Another cause is decreased mobility in the hip (iliofemoral) joint. We also look for problems with the knee’s adduction, which can be caused by overactivity in the adductor complex, medial hamstring complex, gluteus minimus, and tensor fascia latae (TFL) and underactivity in the gluteus medius and maximus. It also can be caused by decreased mobility in the talo-tibial joint and the iliofemoral joint.

deractivity in the erector spinae, psoas, latissimus dorsi, and intrinsic spinal stabilizers.

We also tested ROM through a goniometric assessment, performed manual muscle testing, and conducted positional kinematics to test relative joint position.

In addition, we performed soft tissue palpation and neuro-dynamic testing.

In evaluating this specific athlete, we found that his left foot everted and, at

UNDER & OVER The following shows which muscles are typically prone to under- and overactivity:

30

Underactive Muscles

Overactive Muscles

Anterior Tibialis Posterior Tibialis Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) Gluteus Maximus/Medius Transverse Abdominus Internal Oblique Multifidus Serratus Anterior Middle/Lower Trapezius Rhomboids Teres Minor Infraspinatus Posterior Deltoid Deep Cervical Flexors

Gastrocnemius Soleus Adductors Hamstrings Psoas Tensor Fascia Latae Rectus Femoris Piriformis Quadratus Lumborum Erector Spinae Pectoralis Major/Minor Latissimus Dorsi Teres Major Upper Trapezius Levator Scapulae Sternocleidomastoid Scalenes

T&C OCTOBER 2005

the knees, the left femur adducted and internally rotated. His ROM tests indicated a handful of positional problems with the left side of his lower torso: • Dorsiflexion was eight, with normal being 20.

• Hamstring 90/90 was 55 degrees, with normal being 10 degrees.

• Hip internal rotation was nine, with normal being 45.

• Hip extension was 19 with tightness, with normal being -5.

• All of the above tests were also inferior to his right side scores.

His manual muscle tests (using Daniels and Worthingham criteria) were at three/five for the left posterior tibialis, left medial gastrocnemius, and left gluteus medius. Normal would be at five.

Positional kinematics showed a decreased posterior and lateral glide of the talus and decreased flexion and rotation of the left sacral base. Our soft tissue palpation revealed tenderness greater than 7/10 in the left soleus, left short head of the biceps femoris, left gluteus minimus, left piriformis, and left adductor magnus. Neuro-dynamic testing showed a positive slump test, with problems indicated at the left sciatic nerve in the peroneal branch.

Most concerning to us, to start, was the left foot eversion, limited ankle dorsiflexion, and decreased muscle activation of the medial gastrocnemius and posterior tibialis. This combination can have a far reaching effect throughout the human movement system.

For example, when the ankle does not properly dorsiflex during functional movements (cutting, running, jumping, etc.), increased frontal and transverse plane movements occur throughout the human movement system. This can lead to increased femoral adduction and decreased internal rotation (which we did see during the assessment).

Lack of internal hip rotation of the iliofemoral joint causes increased frontal plane demand (femoral adduction).

This causes a greater demand on the eccentric function of the gluteus medius (and this muscle tested weak during muscle testing).

If the gluteus medius is underactive, then other muscles in the hip compensate for the lack of force production in the gluteus medius through load sharing or synergistic dominance. This compensation includes overactivity in the TFL (frontal plane hip abduction and eccentric control of adduction). Overactivity ATHLETICBID.COM

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of the TFL may then cause an anterior rotation of the iliosacral joint, which lengthens the gluteus maximus and may force the hamstrings (primarily the biceps femoris) to become more synergistically dominant. Since the bicep femoris attaches to the sacrum via the sacrotuberous ligament, an overactive biceps femoris can create unilateral extension and rotation of the sacrum. This chain reaction rang true for this particular athlete, as he had pain on the sacrotuberous ligament (ongoing back pain).

Underactivity of the gluteus medius may also lead to load sharing of the piriformis. An overactive piriformis decreases internal hip rotation and externally rotates the sacrum. Lack of iliofemoral internal rotation and lack of sacral flexion and right rotation may create increased mechanical tension through the sciatic nerve. This seemed to be the case, as the athlete had a positive slump test on the left sciatic nerve.

Therefore, lack of ROM (decreased hip

antagonist activation in the same muscles mentioned above. As an addition to this treatment, we used the athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voluntary contraction of the antagonist to stretch the tight muscle. For example, we had the athlete contract the anterior and posterior tibialis as we performed active release on the lateral gastrocnemius and soleus. This allowed us to develop improved neuromuscular control in the antagonist muscles in this new ROM. Joint Mobilization Techniques: To improve joint mobility in those segments with limited mobility we used basic joint mobilization techniques (Maitalind and Mulligan). The joints treated included the left talus (posterior mobilization), the left iliofemoral joint (lateral traction), and the left sacroiliac joint (flexion/rotation).

Neuromobilization: To increase neural tissue mobilization of the sciatic nerve, we conducted neural-flossing, which aims to stretch the connective tissue around the affected nerve. The ath-

To address the underactive muscles, we used muscle activation, which helps to improve neuromuscular efficiency by specifically focusing on intra-muscular coordination. Specific contraction of each muscle in the synergy helps prevent synergistic dominance from a stronger muscle in the synergy. extension overactive TFL, decreased hip internal rotation overactive piriformis, decreased knee extension overactive biceps femoris), lack of muscle activation (underactive gluteus medius), and altered joint arthrokinematics (decreased posterior glide of the talus, hip internal rotation, and sacral extension) may have lead to increased demand on this athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low back.

Circle No. 118

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T&C OCTOBER 2005

REHAB SOLUTIONS This athlete received a comprehensive manual therapy approach to correct joint and muscle imbalances. The techniques used included the following: Soft Tissue Release Therapy: The goal here was to increase soft tissue extensibility in those muscles that had been in an overactive, shortened position. The muscles treated included the left soleus, lateral gastrocnemius, short head of biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, TFL, piriformis, and adductor magnus.

Active Release Therapy: We used ART to increase soft tissue extensibility and

lete began in a sitting position while we put pressure on the left sacroiliac base.

He put his left leg onto a treatment table (hip flexion, knee extension, femoral adduction, femoral internal rotation). We then had the athlete extend his lumbar spine and dorsiflex his left foot as we applied force to his left sacroiliac base. We repeated this technique for 10 reps and held each rep for two seconds.

Along with manual therapy, this athlete was given a comprehensive corrective exercise program. The focus of the program was to inhibit and lengthen overactive muscles, activate underactive muscles, and then integrate the new ROM and muscle activation into functional movements.

We started the athlete with self myofascial release using a foam roll, which inhibits overactive muscles. He performed one rep of 30 seconds on each tender point in the left soleus, left lateral gastrocnemius, left biceps femoris, left TFL/ITB, and left piriformis. To lengthen overactive muscles, he did two ATHLETICBID.COM

TREATING THE ATHLETE reps for 30 seconds of static stretching on each of the same muscles.

To address the underactive muscles, we used muscle activation, which helps to improve neuromuscular efficiency by specifically focusing on intra-muscular coordination. Specific contraction of each muscle in the synergy helps prevent synergistic dominance from a stronger muscle in the synergy. It also serves as a form of active isolated flexibility and preparation for the integrated strength exercises that will follow. Each muscle activation exercise was performed for two sets of 20 reps on the left posterior tibialis, left medial gastrocnemius, and left gluteus medius.

Next, the athlete performed integrated neuromuscular training, including core, balance, and reactive training. For core training, he performed an iso-abdominal series (2x30second holds) prone with isometric holds and then sidelying. He also completed a stability ball core series (2x15) of bridges, crunches, and prone cobras.

For neuromuscular stabilization exercises, he did singleleg stability with multi-planar reaching (3x10 in each plane of motion). Exercises were performed following a progression using unstable surfaces to facilitate increased proprioceptive activity. We started with a foam roll, moved to an Airex pad, and then to a pivot plate. These exercises by themselves are not “functional,” but they prepare the athlete for transitional and dynamic movements.

We also included reactive neuromuscular stabilization exercises. The athlete performed multi-planar single-leg hops for balance. The protocol was 2x10 in each plane of motion (frontal, sagittal, and transverse).

Lastly, we gave him a total body integrated strength exercise program to perform. Included was a tube walking series in which we put tubes around the ankles and had him take 10 steps (2 reps). These tube exercises involved side-to-side walking in an athletic stance with an emphasis on perfect form (feet straight ahead and no hip-hiking) and front-toback walking straight and diagonal.

BACK ON TRACK The athlete progressed nicely and was able to return to full function with no pain by the end of the rehab program. On his left side, he increased his dorsiflexion to 20 (a 250 percent improvement), his hamstring 90/90 to 30 (a 150 percent improvement), his hip internal rotation to 45 (a 500 percent improvement), and his hip extension to 9 (a 211 percent improvement). In terms of strength, all muscle testing scores returned to 4+ or greater. All joint positions were restored to normal limits. And his slump test was negative.

After missing those initial six games following a traditional rehab progression, he was able to play within three treatment sessions of manual therapy and corrective exercise. The rehab process took us three weeks, and he continued the reconditioning phase throughout the rest of the season to prevent reoccurence of the injury.

Athletes often suffer from overuse injuries. This case study demonstrates that human movement impairments may cause tissue overload in an isolated anatomical location (e.g., hamstring) but the neuro-musculo-skeletal imbalances may need to be identified and corrected to fully rehabilitate, recondition, and return an athlete to the game.

If executed correctly, this type of approach can save the athletic trainer and athlete a lot of time and pain. ■ ATHLETICBID.COM

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33

Are you prepared for concussions?

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That’s why the NATA issued recommendations stating: Evaluating and Making the Return-to-Play Decisions For athletes playing sports with a high risk of concussion, baseline cognitive … testing should be considered.

Concussion Assessment Tools Formal cognitive … testing is recommended to assist in determining injury severity and readiness to return to play (RTP). Once symptom-free, the athlete should be reassessed to establish that cognition … (has) returned to normal for that player.

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Sign-up at www.concussionsentinel.com Circle No. 120

CURTISS P. CALLEO

LEADERSHIP

HERE COME THE

PARENTS

Today’s parents are more protective, vocal, and involved when it comes to their kids. And today’s high school athletic trainers need to deal with them.

BY ABIGAIL FUNK

D

uring football preseason a few years ago, Chris Snoddy, MA, LAT, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at Skyline Medical Center and Goodpasture High School in Madison, Tenn., received a phone call from the father of the team’s starting center.

The athlete had been ill and severely dehydrated the day before (he needed two bags of IV fluid) and Snoddy had determined he should not play in the annual football jamboree, a big crowd-drawing, two-quarter length game held the week before the season opener. But the father, who was also a physician, told Snoddy ATHLETICBID.COM

that he wanted his son back on the field for the event. He announced that he had cleared his son to play and expected that it would happen.

As a physician and the athlete’s parent, he did have the right to clear his son for competition. But Snoddy was determined to honor his professional commitment to the health of the athlete. He spoke with the football coach, explaining the importance of resting the athlete so he would be healthy for the season, and the coach agreed. The coach called the father and explained that he wanted to give the second-string center some more experience and that the son would

not play. The father didn’t like the decision, but accepted it, realizing that the coach determines playing time.

The athlete started in the season opener the following week, and ended up starting 15 games that year, including the state championship game. He also went on to play at the collegiate level.

There was a chance that the athlete would have been fine playing in the jamboree, but there was also a good chance he could have gotten sick again if he Abigail Funk is an Assistant Editor at Training & Conditioning. She can be reached at: afunk@MomentumMedia.com.

T&C OCTOBER 2005

35

LEADERSHIP pushed himself too hard too early. Snoddy was glad he stuck by his medical analysis of the situation. “Dad didn’t really like the decision,” he says. “But it ended up that the jamboree didn’t mean a thing later on.”

Whether they are orthopedic surgeons, stock brokers, or soccer moms, today’s parents can be pushy. They want what they feel is best for their son or daughter and often won’t let anyone stand in their way, even when it means

defying common sense and good judgement. If you work in a high school setting, dealing with parents is part of the job, and it can be frustrating. But, as the above story points out, there are ways to solve parent problems.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK Many problems with parents can be avoided before they start by making sure the entire athletic community understands your role in the department.

As Snoddy’s story illustrates, being on the same page as your coaches is critical. When the football player’s father wouldn’t listen to reason, the coach did, and his ability to decide who gets to play made the resolution easier for the father to accept.

Partnering with coaches is also important because parents will often go to the coach with a complaint before they approach the athletic trainer, even if it pertains to sports medicine. “If a parent

NO TALKING ALLOWED

A

t the high school level, the key to dealing with parents is figuring out an effective communication strategy. At the college level, however, the opposite is often true. You need to figure out an okay way to not communicate with them. Once a student-athlete turns 18, they have the right to not share their medical information with their parents, and that can be a source of major headaches for college athletic trainers.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule is a national law that protects medical records of individuals over the age of 18, and basically gives injured athletes more control over their health information. The Privacy Rule states that a “covered entity,” which includes most colleges and universities, may not disclose an athlete’s health care information without his or her permission, either verbally or through a HIPAA Information Release Form.

“It’s not up to us to talk to a parent,” says Jon Heck, MS, ATC, Coordinator of Athletic Training at Richard Stockton College. “If a kid is leaving on a stretcher, you have to get to him and ask, ‘Hey, can I call your parents and tell them you got hurt?’ It seems strange, but those are the kinds of things you have to do to cover yourself.”

At Western Michigan University, each athlete has the option to sign a HIPAA Information Release Form so their parents can stay apprised of any injury situation. If they don’t sign the form, however, the athletic trainer’s hands are tied when a parent calls wanting information.

“I once had a student-athlete who suffered a head injury and was also in the process of gaining emancipation from his parents,” says Jennifer O’Donoghue, MA, ATC, CSCS, Athletic Training Program Director at Western Michigan. “His father called and wanted to know all this information, but I said I couldn’t tell him. He threatened to sue the school and did see a lawyer about doing so, but because we were backed up by our protocol, there were no grounds for a lawsuit. It was a very tricky situation.”

Both Heck and O’Donoghue have found that most parents and student-athletes are oblivious to the law—that students just assume you would call their parents and don’t understand why you’d need their permission to do so. At Western Michigan, information is sent to both student-athletes and parents at the beginning of each season, explaining HIPAA and that unless the student-athlete signs the HIPAA Information Release Form, no medical information will be provided to parents. Nevertheless, some parents don’t read or understand the materials sent home.

In these situations, Heck tells the parents he will call them back once the athlete comes in for treatment.

“I tell them that way they’ll get the most updated information on how their child is doing,” he says. “And at the same time I can get the athlete’s okay when he or she comes in.”

O’Donoghue often has her athletes call their parents themselves. “It’s really important to put yourself in the parental role sometimes,” says O’Donoghue. “Sometimes it’s better to hear it from your own son or daughter that they suffered an injury. Just don’t give the athlete the worst case scenario of their injury, or that’s all they’ll tell their parents.”

■ For more information about how HIPAA’s privacy regulations affect college athletic departments, see “Honing in on HIPAA” in the April 2004 issue of Training & Conditioning. It can be accessed online by typing “HIPAA” into the search window at: www.AthleticSearch.com.

36

T&C OCTOBER 2005

ATHLETICBID.COM

LEADERSHIP goes to the coach instead of you as the athletic trainer, you want to make sure the coach will refer the parent to the right place,” says Jennifer O’Donoghue, MA, ATC, CSCS, Athletic Training Program Director at Western Michigan University. “It’s important to develop a hierarchy of communication, and tactfully define the boundaries of your role as a certified athletic trainer.”

From there, ask the coach if you can have 10 minutes to talk at the preseason parents’ meeting. At Charlottesville (Va.) High School, Head Athletic Trainer Ian Rogol, MEd, LAT, ATC, uses that time to talk about what his job entails, his athletic training experience, and his educational background.

“Many of today’s parents did not have athletic trainers when they were in high school,” says Rogol. “They don’t necessarily understand the role of a certified athletic trainer, so I talk about my education and experience, and that seems to put their minds at ease. Now they view me as more of a health care professional instead of a janitor that happens to know how to tape an ankle.”

At these meetings, Rogol says it’s

important to come across as a respected member of the athletic department staff. Have the coach introduce you at the meeting, and have him or her help explain your return-to-play procedure.

If parents can see that the coach values your expertise and medical opinion, you can more easily gain their trust.

At the same time, Ryan Schroeder, LAT, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at Muskego (Wis.) High School, suggests making it clear that you are a medical professional, not a coach who can tape ankles. “Communicating that to parents is important,” says Schroeder. “You have to convince them that you’re there because you know what you’re doing.”

CONTINUING COMMUNICATION Once you’ve established your credibility as a medical professional, you’ll need to gradually build trust with parents.

Schroeder not only makes himself available for questions before the season, but continues to make himself visible on the sidelines at games and practices.

Many athletic trainers follow the mantra that parents must always be kept in the loop, even when injuries are minor.

Rogol recommends that when a studentathlete suffers an injury, you call the athlete’s parents no matter what—even if the injury was just an ankle sprain and the student-athlete simply sat out of practice for 20 minutes to ice it. A follow-up call in the evening is also a good idea as parents will appreciate you taking the time to contact them, which fosters trust and respect.

Schroeder uses an injury sheet that each student-athlete who receives medical attention at school is required to take home to their parent, no matter how trivial the injury is. “It’s so that parents are aware of the situation in case the kid goes home and tells them nothing,” says Schroeder. “There is a list of signs and symptoms for the parent to look for, and they are encouraged to call if they have any questions.”

Snoddy spends a lot of time on his cell phone with parents. “I have every parent’s work, home, cell phone, and pager number, and that list never strays far from me, especially when we’re on the road,” he says. “Parents appreciate that you care enough to call and apprise them of any injury situation with their

Circle No. 121 ATHLETICBID.COM

T&C OCTOBER 2005

37

LEADERSHIP Once their child is injured, their mindset immediately changes and you’re back to square one. This is where your professionalism, patience, and people skills must come to the forefront.

O’Donoghue suggests putting yourself in the shoes of the parent to understand what they may be thinking.

child. Fostering trust is all about building relationships.”

When an athlete is in rehab, Rogol makes sure that the phone calls home are consistent. “We send home forms and call each day to let them know of any progress,” he says. “Some parents are more willing to talk on the phone

Ryan Schroeder brought in the athlete’s physical therapist, and between the two of them they were able to make the parents understand the reasons for their decision. “It’s just constant education ... The more the parents know about the injury and the rehab, the more comfortable they’ll be with you as an athletic trainer, the rehab process, and your return-to-play decisions.”

“From there you can develop a communication strategy that presents and reinforces information from a knowledgeable perspective while also calming the parent,” she says. “You also have to be careful to explain things in a way that parents will understand with-

than others, but usually your attempt to let them know what’s going on is appreciated.”

HIGH-MAINTENANCE PARENTS Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much effort you make to earn a parent’s trust.

out being belittling or self-promoting.

Talking down to parents only leads to distrust and anger.”

If a parent wants their child to return to play before you think they’re ready, take the time to communicate your return-to-play protocol and your concerns for the athlete. “When Mom or Dad wants their son or daughter back playing, and I know the athlete isn’t ready, I explain to them the demands of the particular sport,” says Rogol. “I’ll tell them, ‘If he or she can’t bear full weight, isn’t able to make a hard cut, and can’t land steadily after jumping, then he or she is not ready.’

“Sometimes you need a physician to back you up and say, ‘These are the eight or nine things they need to be able to do before they’re allowed back on the field,’” continues Rogol. “Then we proceed with rehab updates to parents every day.”

Last year, Schroeder was faced with parents of a student-athlete at Muskego High who were pushing their son to return to play after a rotator cuff injury.

“The athlete told me he was ready to go when I knew he wasn’t,” says Schro-

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When price and quality matter. eder. “I told him, ‘No, you know what the doctor’s orders are, and your parents also need to understand that.’”

Schroeder brought in the athlete’s physical therapist, and between the two of them they were able to make the parents understand the reasons for their decision. “It’s just constant education,” says Schroeder. “The more the parents know about the injury and the rehab, the more comfortable they’ll be with you as an athletic trainer, the rehab process, and your returnto-play decisions.”

Parents can go the other way, too, and not want their child out on the field for fear of re-injury. “Some parents are very hesitant, or what you might call overprotective,” says Rogol.

“But if you sit down with them and explain what’s going on, I’ve found that it definitely puts their minds at ease.”

Snoddy once dealt with a case of a very cautious mother who didn’t want her “baby” to risk suffering another injury after rehabbing from a knee injury. Her baby was a 260pound lineman, one of the biggest and strongest players on the team, but also the youngest child at home.

“I talked to that mother every day about her son,” says Snoddy. “When I told her that myself, the coach, and the doctor thought he was all set and ready to get back on the field, she was still very hesitant. We talked more and eventually I asked her to talk to her son about how he was feeling.

That helped, and we continued to go slow, easing him into the rest of the season, respecting her reservations but not giving up on him.”

In the rare instance that a problem parent has become too much for you to handle on your own, don’t be afraid to ask others for help. “If it comes down to it, you can bring in your principal and your athletic director,” says Rogol. “I always try to deal with tough situations myself first and sit down with the difficult parent, but if they’re still off base, I will ask for help.”

THE FINAL SAY A final piece of advice from athletic trainers on dealing with parents is this: Know when to back off. Charles Henderson, LAT, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at Marcus (Texas) High School, makes sure to remember that parents have the final say in the end, no matter what. “I’m never going to stand in the way of a parent,” he says. “If a parent wants to take their kid to a doctor, even if I don’t feel it’s necessary, I’ll be the first one to agree with them. That’s an instance where you want to give them the best care you can, and if that means Mom and Dad are more comfortable bringing him to a doctor, then you have to be okay with that.”

Part of Charlottesville’s return-to-play policy includes talking to parents before clearing their child to get back on the field. “Most of them will say, ‘We trust your judgement, go right ahead,’” says Rogol. “But even if a doctor gave the athlete clearance and Mom and Dad don’t want their child on the field, then it’s simple—they don’t play. We have to remember that we’re dealing with minors, and their parents have the last word.”

The majority of parents will trust you and your return-toplay decisions. But, when they don’t, remember to see the situation from their perspective. “Parents are demanding because we’re dealing with their pride and joy,” says Rogol. “They just want to be sure that their children are taken care of properly.

They want to be 100-percent confident we have their best interests in mind.” ■ ATHLETICBID.COM

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SPORT SPECIFIC

SPORT SPECIFIC

Peaking for the Postseason Outfielder Colin Curtis connects for Arizona State during the semifinals of the 2005 CWS.

A meticulously planned, year-long strength program helped Arizona State finish third in the College World Series last spring.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

BY RICH WENNER

T

hanks to the Arizona State baseball team’s history of success, we receive numerous requests for our strength training program. While it would be easy to simply respond with some sample workouts of sets and reps, that wouldn’t provide the true picture of how we prepare our baseball players for competition. Just as students are often asked to “show their work” when solving math problems, we think the process we use to develop our strength schemes is at least as important as the final result.

We start by dividing the year into stages. Within each stage we employ multiple programs, each emphasizing a ATHLETICBID.COM

different aspect of training. The stages and programs are coordinated to bring the athletes to a peak at the end of the regular season and last through the playoffs.

Using this structure, which is common to most of our sports teams, we have developed a strength program that accomplishes our goals for this squad.

Our primary goal is to keep players healthy by strengthening any weak areas and keeping their bodies in balance so they can last an entire 60-plus game season without breaking down. The secondary goal is to increase performance.

Some may question this approach, but we firmly believe that if a player is hurt or beaten up, it won’t matter how

strong he is because that strength can’t be used.

ANNUAL PLAN The first step in developing our sports performance program is establishing the annual plan. Starting with the Sunday following the final game of the season, we list each of the next 52 weeks and pencil in the important milestone dates Rich Wenner, CSCS, is Head Strength Coach for Olympic Sports at Arizona State University. He is one of only 32 strength coaches to be inducted into the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Coach Practitioner Distinction Program.

T&C OCTOBER 2005

41

SPORT SPECIFIC

TABLE ONE:

GENERAL CONDITIONING This shows a typical week’s worth of strength exercises for the General Conditioning cycle.

Volume Strength Power

Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Db complex Leg press Med ball chest pass

Walking lunge Db bench Db squat jumps

Stability ball Db bench Vertimax Step-up

TABLE TWO:

STRENGTH This shows a typical week’s worth of strength exercises for the Strength cycle.

Strength Power Volume

Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Power pull Speed squat Db bench

Back squat Chain bench Db complex

Bench press Shrug pull Step-up

that the strength program is scheduled around.

This schedule includes dates such as the beginning of practice and our competition schedule, but it also includes “uncontrollable factor” dates. These are dates outside of athletics that will affect the training schedule, such as holidays, exams, and the starts of the semesters. We also include our testing dates, which occur at the beginning and end of the fall season.

we occasionally have to use three- or five-week cycles if we lose workout time to final exams or holidays. On the plus side, certain weeks such as Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July serve as natural downtime in a periodized plan.

During the season, competition dates will determine the content for each training week. A week with one or two home games, for example, will have much more lifting than a week with four or more road games.

As our players start fall classes, we return to General Conditioning cycle workouts. If a player has been training hard all summer, this serves as a new stimulus of training. For players new to the program or who have been training sporadically, it serves as a way to get into training shape.

All these dates are taken into account when we determine the length of the training cycles and the workload for specific weeks. For example, we typically use two- or four-week cycles because we find that gives athletes enough time to get used to exercises without physical and mental adaptation setting in. But 42

T&C OCTOBER 2005

STAGE COACHING Once we’ve established our milestone dates, we start filling in our program calendar. We first divide the year into three stages: rejuvenation, developmental, and competitive. Each stage is then divided into lifting cycles.

The rejuvenation stage is the shortest

stage, lasting from three to six weeks, depending on how far we go into the NCAA playoffs. The rejuvenation stage serves as a buffer between the end of the playing season and the beginning of our strength-development phase.

We start with a short (one or two week) postseason program, which varies by player. Starters who are run down by the demands of a full season may be given some time off while backup players may do simple active recovery work.

Players needing extra or specialized work will lift three times a week. This group includes players in injury rehab and those needing to add extra strength and bulk for the following season.

This is followed by two to four weeks of off-season work. Except for players already following a specialized plan, we use our General Conditioning cycle designed to prepare the players for the strenuous workouts they will encounter in the development stage.

Since we gear the General Conditioning cycle toward the individual athlete, it has several different looks. For most of our returning athletes, we use a highvolume circuit-type workout. Typically, this would consist of three or four sets of eight reps of seven to 10 exercises, alternating upper and lower body exercises along with conditioning work.

However, if the player is in serious need of strength or size gain, then we emphasize hypertrophy. In this case we would use more weight and do sets of 12 reps. (See “General Conditioning,” above, for a sample workout.)

The developmental stage is where most of the strength and power gains will be produced. It typically lasts 20 to 25 weeks, beginning four weeks after the start of the rejuvenation stage and continuing until the official start of practice.

During the developmental stage, most players will do strength work three times a week. Players in need of extra strength work or those rehabbing an injury may do one or two extra 20- to 30minute workouts each week.

We start the developmental stage with several weeks of the Strength cycle. Several different training methods may be used depending on the strength-training background of the athlete and the sequencing of the program in the developmental stage. For players experienced in weight training, we’ll use max-effort lifting. For less-trained players, we’ll stick with traditional strength-training ATHLETICBID.COM

SPORT SPECIFIC sets. (See “Strength” on page 42 for a sample workout.)

As our players start fall classes, we return to General Conditioning cycle workouts. If a player has been training hard all summer, this serves as a new stimulus of training. For players new to the program or who have been training sporadically, such as those who were unable to lift consistently while playing in a summer league, it serves as a way to get into training shape.

Three weeks of the General Conditioning cycle is followed by four weeks of the Strength cycle. We then switch to our Explosive Power cycle for four weeks. Once again, several different training methods will be used. Athletes with several years of strength training in their background will employ dynamic-type training using bands and chains. Complex-type training will be used for the athletes who have had less strength-training experience. (See “Explosive Power,” above, for a sample workout.)

All players also do a standard plyometric set, which usually consists of Vertimax work, tuck jumps, split jumps, and

TABLE THREE:

EXPLOSIVE POWER This shows a typical week’s worth of strength exercises for the Explosive Power cycle.

Power Strength Volume

Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Vertimax Back squat Db bench

Speed squat Bench press Db squat jumps

Med ball chest pass Power pull Step-up

skater jumps. We alternate the Strength and Explosive Power cycles through the fall before going into a maintenance mode with lesser loads in December to avoid overworking the players.

The competitive stage begins the day of our first official practice and runs through the end of the playoffs. We split this stage into three programs: preseason, in-season, and championship season. In all three programs, we use both Strength and Explosive Power cycles, but with work loads and exercises designed to maintain strength and pow-

er rather than increase it.

During the preseason, players will generally lift three times per week if they are not too broken down from practice. Since the strength workouts are conducted following practice, we often alter the planned workouts to compensate for fatigue.

In-season, we generally lift twice per week, but depending on the game and travel schedule we may get to perform three workouts in some weeks and only one in others. During the championship season, we try to complete two

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To learn more, call 888-206-7802 T&C OCTOBER 2005 43 or visit www.fernoperformancepools.com Circle No. 126

SPORT SPECIFIC

TABLE FOUR:

EXERCISE ROTATION Here's an example of how exercises are rotated through foundational, supplemental, and major assistant emphasis in a typical training week.

Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Foundational (5-8 sets)

Total Body

Lower Body

Upper Body

Supplemental (3-6 sets)

Lower Body

Upper Body

Total Body

Major Assistant (2-4 sets)

Upper Body

Total Body

Lower Body

workouts per week, but that depends on whether we host any playoff rounds or if we travel. We are less concerned about volume during the championship season because we often end up playing more games in a shorter amount of time than the regular season, and we don’t want to overwork the players.

CYCLING THROUGH As strength and explosive power cycles are repeated, the exercises, sets, and reps schemes are changed to avoid adaptation. We try to avoid making these changes during any week that contains a lengthy road trip, transition from preseason to in-season or from in-season to championship season play, or any big games. During the season, there may be no good time to change workouts, so we often just choose the least bad time to change.

Although we schedule in advance what cycles will be used for the entire season, we do not choose the exact exercises for that cycle until we write the workouts about a week before starting a new one. This way, we can base our selection on what kind of group we have and what has and has not worked before. For example, if the players have been doing great on their single-leg lifts in one cycle, we’ll move on to something else in the next. But if they’ve struggled with the single-leg lifts in one cycle, we’ll carry some over into the next cycle with some variations in sets and reps.

Ideally, our cycles are four weeks in length with three medium-heavy to heavy weeks and one light week. That way we can accommodate a week with a lot of road games with a light week, or we can use the light week as recovery time.

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T&C OCTOBER 2005

DAY PLANNER Generally, the weekly plan consists of three full-body workouts per week performed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each session will have three main exercises. We do five to eight sets of the primary exercise for each, which we also call our foundational exercise.

We do three to six sets of our supplemental exercise, and two to four sets of our major assistant exercise. Assuming an ideal week of three lifting days, we rotate total body, lower body, and upper body training through the foundational, supplemental, and major assistant positions. (See “Exercise Rotation,” above.)

Each exercise is also assigned to one of three rotating categories: volume, strength, or power. When done for volume, we use more reps per set and lower

weight loads. For strength, we use fewer reps and greater weight loads. Weights and reps for the power exercises fall between those used for strength and volume with an emphasis on performing the exercise as explosively as possible.

To determine each day’s workout, we follow a common template, no matter what cycle we’re in. The format is prework, foundational exercise, supplemental exercise, major assistant exercise, auxiliary circuit, and post-work. (See “Daily Workout,” below, for a full sample workout.)

The pre-work consists of mobility drills for the ankle, hip, and shoulder, along with exercises to get the abdominals, lower back, and glutes warmed up. These include partner ankle-mobility exercises, staggered-stance shoulder presses to open up the hip flexors and shoulder joint, supine leg-lowering exercises, hip bridges, single-leg Romanian dead lifts, and various crunches, with holds being our mainstays. Other exercises we occasionally rotate in are overhead squats, hurdle mobility drills, Supermans, back extensions, band good-mornings, and a lunge matrix.

Our foundational total body exercises are based off of a pull movement (shrug pull, power pull, etc.) during the developmental stage, and the Hammer Jammer during the competitive stage.

We avoid power cleans due to the stress they place on the wrist. Our supplemental and major assistant exercises for the total body usually involve a resisted jump-type movement.

The foundational lifts for the lower

TABLE FIVE:

DAILY WORKOUT This is an example of a daily workout in the Strength cycle.

Prework

Partner ankle stretches Shoulder press Crunch and hold

Strength-led heel touch Single-leg Romanian dead lift

Foundational

Power pull

Supplemental

Speed squat

Major Assistant

Db bench

Auxiliary Circuit

Walking lunge Db row

Glute ham raise Arnold press

Post Work

V-ups Reverse hypers

Internal/external rotations

ATHLETICBID.COM

SPORT SPECIFIC body are the squat in the developmental stage and step-ups or lunges in the competitive stage. We have found step-ups and lunges to be a little safer during the season, although some advanced players, especially catchers, will squat all season long. Supplemental lifts for the lower body are speed squats and front squats in the developmental stage and walking lunges or single-leg squats in the competitive stage. Major assistant lifts for the lower body are unilateral leg exercises such as single-leg squats, walking lunges, lunges, or step-ups in the developmental stage and unilateral multi-directional exercises in the competitive stage.

Upper body foundational exercises will be some type of upper back/lat exercise, such as pull-ups during the competitive stage and pressing movements, such as bench presses, in the developmental stage. The supplemental exercises will be a pressing movement in the competitive stage and an upper back/ lat movement during the developmental stage. The major assistance exercise will be a unilateral pressing movement during the developmental stage and a unilateral upper back/lat movement during

the competitive stage.

The auxiliary circuit generally consists of a unilateral leg exercise, an upper back exercise, a glute/ham exercise, and a shoulder exercise, but will vary greatly from player to player based on specific weaknesses that need to be addressed. The post work generally consists of abdominal and posterior chain

perienced lifters at risk. We do adjust the workouts slightly by position, with pitchers generally doing a little less upper body work and more explosive leg work and unilateral work. But we have found that differences between experienced and inexperienced lifters are far greater than the differing needs of position players and pitchers.

We adjust the workouts slightly by position, with pitchers generally doing a little less upper body work and more explosive leg work and unilateral work.

But we have found that differences between experienced and inexperienced lifters are far greater than the differing needs of position players and pitchers. exercises, rotator cuff work, partner stretching, and arm care.

During most workouts, we split our players into two groups: those who have substantial strength-training experience and those who don’t. We can then challenge the experienced lifters a little more without putting less ex-

This program probably won’t work everywhere, but it works for us. What can work anywhere, though, is the system we use to create our program. By splitting the year into stages and fitting the proper group of exercises into each stage, you can create a program that will work for your team. ■

“LET THE BODYGUARD PROTECT YOUR TEAM” BodyGuards are designed for the prevention and treatment of upper and lower-body soft tissue injuries using the theory of Stored Elastic Energy Transfer (“SEET”). BodyGuards: used by 19 of 32 NFL teams and numerous collegiate programs during the 2005 season in a wide variety of sports.

“We have used Antibody products for the past three years. During that time they have proven to be a valuable modality, allowing players to stay in the game when they otherwise couldn·t have.”

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“The BodyGuard made me feel like I had an extra layer of muscle that gave me the ability and the conÀdence to perform.

I recommend The BodyGuard for any athlete that has suffered an injury similar to mine.”

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INJURY

ANSWER

Groin strain: Hamstring: Quadricep: Hip Flexor: Shoulder subluxation: Shoulder dislocation: Shoulder separation:

The BodyGuard The BodyGuard The BodyGuard The BodyGuard The BodyGuard The BodyGuard The BodyGuard

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Antibody’s goal is to improve the Athletic Quality of life of all athletes.

To purchase and learn more visit us at www.antibodywear.com Circle No. 127

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T&C OCTOBER 2005

45

Introducing the QuadStar®Elite Complete Electrotherapy System Benefits for the Trainer: •One device to buy •One device to carry •Multiple Usages

Unique Features: •4 Channels/8 Electrodes •T.E.N.S., N.M.S., High-Volt, Interferential •Preprogrammed regimens •Programmable regimens can be saved in memory for ease of use.

•Sequence two or more modalities for complete treatment.

•Rechargeable battery pack and wall adaptor

Waveforms available: •Symmetrical Biphasic Square Wave •Asymmetrical Biphasic Square Wave •Sine Wave, •Monophasic High-Volt , Twin Peak

BioMedical Life Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 1360 Vista, CA 92085-1360 Tel: 800-726-8367 Fax: 760-727-4220

Website: www.bmls.com E-mail: information@bmls.com

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Pain Management Aircast, LLC 800-526-8785 WWW.AIRCAST.COM The AirHeel™ from Aircast® is specifically designed to relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis through dynamic functional treatment. With each step, the AirHeel provides intermittent compression through an aircell located under the plantar arch, which interacts with an aircell surrounding the Achilles tendon. The pulsating compression of these aircells helps minimize swelling and discomfort, and promotes fast pain relief.

Circle No. 500 Anodyne Therapy 877-832-8227 ANODYNETHERAPY.COM Anodyne Therapy is an FDA-cleared, infrared photo-energy therapy that is clinically proven to increase local microcirculation and reduce pain in many conditions.

Published studies have demonstrated that Anodyne Therapy restores nerve function, reduces pain, and speeds wound healing. Clinicians, ATCs, and even the U.S. Navy find that Anodyne Therapy rapidly reduces swelling, increases range of motion, reduces complication rates after surgery (such as scarring, adhesions, and infections), and facilitates faster returns to full activities.

Circle No. 501 Antibody, Inc. 301-782-3700 WWW.ANTIBODYWEAR.COM The BodyGuard compression shorts prevent and accommodate lower-body injuries to the groin, hamstring, quadriceps, hip flexors, and hip pointers.

Because of their inner surface and custom design, they attach to the ATHLETICBID.COM

wearer and transfer their stored elastic energy to the muscles, creating torque and assisting with muscle flexion and extension. The shorts also provide constant compression, strain distribution, impact absorption, heat circulation, and absorption of fatigue-inducing muscle vibrations caused by repetitive use.

Circle No. 502 The BodyGuard shoulder brace from Antibody is designed to accommodate shoulder injuries, including dislocations, subluxations, and slight separations.

Because of its inner surface and custom design, the BodyGuard actually attaches to the wearer and works with the entire muscle group, providing strain distribution over the entire garment and significant compression to the injured area. The BodyGuard is effective for a wide array of sports in which shoulder injuries occur, including baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, and volleyball.

Circle No. 503 Cho-Pat 800-221-1601 WWW.CHO-PAT.COM Cho-Pat’s patented Dual Action Knee Strap® provides an extra level of relief for painful and weakened knees. It applies pressure to the tendon below the knee to reduce patellar subluxation and improve tracking and elevation.

It also puts pressure on the tendon above the knee to provide added support and stability. The Dual Action Knee Strap allows full mobility.

Circle No. 504 Concussion Sentinel INFO@CONCUSSIONSENTINEL.COM WWW.CONCUSSIONSENTINEL.COM Concussion Sentinel is an easy-to-use computer-based cognitive testing system

employed by athletic trainers, coaches, and physicians for the management of concussions. The innovative use of familiar playing cards provides for a fun and interactive experience for athletes. Concussion Sentinel is different because it was developed specifically for use in youth, high school, and college settings. Concussion Sentinel takes the guesswork out of concussion management by providing an objective tool that allows coaches and athletic trainers to make confident return-to-play decisions.

Circle No. 505 Dynatronics 801-874-6251 WWW.DYNATRONICS.COM The Dynatron X3 is the most powerful light therapy device available, generating a total of 14,000 mW of light. It is engineered to deliver two light pad treatments and one light probe treatment simultaneously.

For speed and ease of treatment, the X3 comes equipped with a state-of-the-art interactive display that not only allows for simple touch-screen setup, but carries an on-board library containing treatment protocols assembled by one of the leading experts on light therapy.

Circle No. 506 The new Dynatron Xp Light Pad from Dynatronics reflects a tremendous advancement in the delivery of light therapy. The Xp is big: at 8” x 10” it’s over 100 times larger than competitive light probes.

It’s fast: with 6,500 mW of power per pad, the entire lower back can be treated in four to eight minutes. And it’s flexible: it easily treats any part of the body. This innovative light pad is compatible with any of the Solaris 700 Series devices when used with a Dynatron Booster Box. Circle No. 507 T&C OCTOBER 2005

47

Pain Management Exertools, Inc. 800-235-1559 WWW.EXERTOOLS.COM

Ferno Performance Pools 888-206-7802 WWW.FERNOPERFORMANCEPOOLS.COM

Extertools offers a safe and stable aerobic exercise alternative called the NexStep from Magnum Fitness Systems. The NexStep is a recumbent stepper, which simulates the movement of walking up a flight of stairs. Its linear patterning reduces excessive shearing, joint reaction, and compressive forces at the knee, hip, and back. Users control intensity by adjusting the seat, creating a variety of exercises for major muscle groups of the lower body. This allows patients to start their rehab earlier and keeps athletes from attaining an exercise plateau.

Circle No. 508

Ferno Performance Pools offers over 250 custom and fiberglass therapy, rehabilitation, fitness, and conditioning pools. Choose from in-ground, partially in-ground, and above-ground pools to maximize your athletes’ aquatic experience.

Ferno’s leading line of performance pools offers a system to fit in any space, large or small.

The optional swim-in-place swim current and underwater treadmill allow athletes to maximize their workout without the devastating physical effects of landbased conditioning.

Circle No. 509 MedZone® relief products from Ferno are formulated to target pain, swelling, scarring, and scabbing quickly and effectively with deep-penetrating, high-performance ingredients. With six

unique formulas available, you can treat pain immediately, and continue treatment as the athlete heals. The MedZone line can be applied individually, or as a complete system for more effective treatment. Over 90 professional sports teams use MedZone products to heal their athletes faster and more effectively.

Circle No. 510

Functional Design Systems 866-230-8300 WWW.FUNCTIONALDESIGN.COM Functional Video Digest is a comprehensive video series—available on a 12-month subscription basis or as individual monthly issues—that encompasses the most up-to-date and proven information for func-

Relief.

TurfCordz ProCordz... Safe, Strong and Reliable Progressive Resistance Training!

• Created for the extreme demands of professional resistance training!

MedZone™ includes a full line of topical relief products formulated specifically for athletes to enhance saturation and deep penetration through high performance ingredients.

• Made from high strength large diameter bungie with strong steel snaps!

• Available in a variety of resistance levels, kits and interchangeable accessories, with the safety and security features leading professional athletes demand!

• Relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints • Relieves pain from minor burns and skin irritations • Minimizes scarring and scabbing • Reduces swelling • Accelerates healing

TurfCordz are distributed by M-F Athletic Company

48

© 2005 NZ MFG LLC, Tallmadge, OH T&C0510

888-206-7802

800-556-7464 • www.performbetter.com

www.fernoperformancepools.com

Circle No. 129

Circle No. 130

T&C OCTOBER 2005

ATHLETICBID.COM

Pain Management tional analysis, injury prevention, physical rehabilitation, training, conditioning, and performance enhancement. Based on in-depth knowledge of human biomechanics, the series offers a clear understanding of all forms of function. The videos are CEU-accredited by the NATA, NASM, NSCA, and most APTA states.

This series provides a great opportunity for physical therapists, athletic trainers, physicians, strength and conditioning coaches, and personal trainers.

Circle No. 511 GNR 800-523-0912 WWW.REHABSHOPPER.COM Wonder-Roll™ by GNR is a self-inflating back support that converts any chair into an ergonomically correct and comfortable seat.

It counters poor posture, relieves strain, and helps to maintain a proper lumbar curve while seated.

The Wonder-Roll can be adjusted to fit all body shapes, sizes, and weights by simply leaning against the device, opening the valve to set correct density, and then closing the valve to maintain pressure. Custom logos are available.

Circle No. 512 Hymanson, Inc. 800-772-5233 WWW.BODYBLADE.COM Bodyblade® was scientifically designed by a physical therapist to engage the nervous system. This patented technology allows you to reshape your body effectively, completely, and in just a fraction of the time needed for traditional exercise.

It’s one piece of equipment with infinite potential.

“Bodyblade is fantastic in every way.

Exceptionally easy to use, exceptional benefits received, a reasonable price, and world-class customer service,” says M.S., a golf instructor.

Circle No. 513

ATHLETICBID.COM

Jump Stretch, Inc. 800-344-3539 WWW.JUMPSTRETCH.COM Jump Stretch founder Dick Hartzell has perfected a way of treating ankle sprains that gets the athlete up and running (literally) within minutes or hours, rather than weeks or months.

Hartzell contends that RICE is antiquated, and that rest and ice actually prolong the healing process. A video detailing his tractioning technique is available for $15. Three Flex Bands® (one average and two minis) are necessary to perform the treatment.

Circle No. 514 Kelly Kinetics 888-645-3559 WWW.KELLYKINETICS.COM Kelly Kinetics has introduced the Pivot Plate, which utilizes a patented Variable Offset Pivot (VOP) system. To increase or decrease neuromuscular demand, the fulcrum can be placed at varying arm lengths. The fulcrum can also be selectively placed in the best biomechanical position to target select musculature for strengthening. Unlike traditional balance boards, the Pivot Plate user is affixed to the platform, which allows the user to vary his or her center of gravity for a range of resistance levels.

Circle No. 515 Mueller Sports Medicine 800-356-9522 WWW.MUELLERSPORTSMED.COM The new Medi Kit™ Carry On from Mueller Sports Medicine is customdesigned to be an extremely functional trainers kit. A runner on the bottom helps protect and keep the kit off the ground.

Front and side pockets,

with clear pocket zipper liners and a removable clear lid zipper liner, allow easy access and storage. Elastic loop holders and removable dividers for the main compartment maximize organization. The padded shoulder strap can be removed or adjusted for comfort. The Medi Kit Carry On is available in black and red and is sold empty.

Circle No. 516 Keep important items close at hand with this convenient shoulder Sling Bag from Mueller, which can be easily moved from back to front. The bag, with a padded adjustable strap, can be worn over the shoulder or head.

Hook and loop closures on pockets keep items from falling out. The exterior pockets allow easy access to key items specifically made to fit: rolls of tape, cell phone/pager, and emergency shears/M-Cutter. Partitioned interior pockets and mesh pouches allow easy organization. The Sling Bag is sold empty.

Circle No. 517 Oakworks 800-916-4603 WWW.OAKWORKSPT.COM With a 500-pound dynamic load weight rating, the Portable Taping Table® from Oakworks is the strongest and most durable taping table on the market.

The Portable Taping Table is fully portable, so it provides an ideal sideline evaluation and taping station both at home and on the road.

With independently adjustable legs and unique field feet, the Portable Taping Table can handle any uneven surface or rugged terrain without a problem. Take control by using your own equipment at away games and events, because when you’re on the road, you never know what you’re going to get. Take Control, Take OakworksSM. Circle No. 518

T&C OCTOBER 2005

49

Pain Management Biofreeze 800-246-3733 WWW.BIOFREEZE.COM

Pro-Tec Athletics 800-779-3372 WWW.INJURYBEGONE.COM

The Biofreeze® family of pain relieving products includes a soothing gel, a convenient roll-on, and the new natural Cryospray™. Biofreeze effectively relieves pain from athletic injuries, muscle injuries, strains, sprains, and stiff joints. Apply before, during, and after workouts to reduce swelling and stiffness, and enable greater range of motion and flexibility. Biofreeze gel is available in 16-oz., 32-oz., and gallon professional pump bottles; 16-oz. spray bottles; and gravity dispenser boxes with 100 five-gram doses. The 4-oz. gel tubes, 4-oz. spray bottles, and 3-oz. roll-ons are for patient selfcare at home. Biofreeze is endorsed by the World Olympians Association of the Americas and the United States Taekwondo Union.

Circle No. 519

Once again, Pro-Tec Athletics has invented a product that helps a unique injury area: the popliteal region, or back of knee, region. The Back of Knee compression wrap offers highly effective relief from injuries such as popliteal tendonitis, peroneal nerve entrapment, and lower hamstring strains.

This wrap includes a compression pad that provides focused compression to stabilize the area. Call toll-free or visit Pro-Tec Athletic’s Web site for a free brochure.

Circle No. 520 SAM Medical Products 800-818-4726 WWW.SAMMEDICAL.COM Combining the best of science with the best of nature, the Blist-O-Ban™ uses a new technology, Bursatek™, to relieve friction and pain in order to prevent and treat blisters. Blist-O-Ban is the

Deep Muscle Stimulator Balance the Body Increase Endurance Increase Flexibility Increase Strength Reduce Soreness

only product on the market specifically designed to reduce the friction caused by rubbing, which can lead to hot spots and blisters.

The bandage is so thin you won’t even know it’s there.

Circle No. 521 The Soft Shell™ splint from SAM Medical Products is an economical alternative to the materials currently used to form simple hand and wrist splints. Your time, money, and materials are saved because no gloves, water, heat, or clean-up is required. Plus, the splint is lightweight and comfortable, and it can easily be remolded and held in position with a wrap of your choice.

For convenience, the Soft Shell splint can be hand-washed and air-dried.

Circle No. 522

GNR CATALOG 2005-2006 With over 3000 products and more than 10,000 customers worldwide, GNR is the one-stop source for all your rehabilitation and fitness needs. Our products are featured in annual and supplemental catalogs, as well as online at www.RehabShopper.com. Our history can be summed up as quality products, fair pricing and an outrageous committment to taking care of our customers.

Contact GNR Today for a FREE 2005-2006 Catalog!

Phone: 1-800-523-0912 Fax: 1-800-523-0914 Corporate: www.GNR-Inc.com

Shop Online at

Call 877-368-7523 to order or visit our website:

www.d-m-s.com Circle No. 131

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T&C OCTOBER 2005

www.RehabShopper.com Circle No. 132 ATHLETICBID.COM

Hot & Cold Aircast, LLC 800-526-8785 WWW.AIRCAST.COM The Aircast® Ankle Cryo/Cuff™ applies soothing cryo-compression to the ankle, helping to reduce swelling and pain plus the need for pain medication and rehab sessions—all the while quickly restoring an athlete’s range of motion.

The anatomical design of the cuff conforms to the ankle to provide complete coverage for optimal treatment. The Ankle Cryo/Cuff is easy to use in the training room, on the playing field, and at home.

Circle No. 523 The Aircast® Shoulder Cryo/Cuff™ applies soothing cryo-compression to the shoulder to help reduce swelling and pain, reducing the need for pain medication and rehab sessions, and quickly restoring range of motion.

The anatomical design of the cuff conforms to the shoulder to provide complete coverage for optimal treatment. The Shoulder Cryo/Cuff is easy to use in the training room, on the playing field, and at home. An extra-long strap is available to accommodate chest circumferences of up to 54 inches.

Circle No. 524

lable cold therapy and adjustable intermittent compression to help accelerate healing after acute or chronic injuries.

It also aids in post-operative recovery.

“The results have been outstanding and Game Ready has become our modality of choice for acute and chronic injuries,” says Chuck Barta, Head Athletic Trainer for the Minnesota Vikings.

Circle No. 525 Gebauer Co. 800-321-9348 WWW.GEBAUERCO.COM Gebauer’s first non-prescription topical skin refrigerant, Instant Ice™, is ideal for the temporary relief of minor pain and swelling from sprains, strains, bruising, contusions, and minor sports injuries. Available in either mist or medium stream spray cans, Instant Ice stream spray is also used for the temporary relief of muscle spasms. Call Gebauer or visit online for product and prescribing information and to find a local distributor.

Circle No. 526 Gebauer’s new Spray & Stretch® prescription skin refrigerant provides a fine stream spray and cooling effect equivalent to Gebauer’s Fluori-Methane®.

Spray and Stretch is available in a convenient aerosol but is nonflammable, so it can be used anywhere. Call Gebauer or visit online for product and prescribing information and to find a local distributor.

Circle No. 527

Game Ready 888-426-3732 WWW.GAMEREADY.COM

OPTP 800-367-7393 WWW.OPTP.COM

Used by athletic trainers from the high school level to the top pro teams in every league, the Game Ready™ Accelerated Recovery System simultaneously provides control-

The unique design of OPTP’s patented Cryopak Flexible Ice Sheets allows for flexibility when wrapping the ice sheet around various body parts. The ice sheet can be used in the clinic or on the field after

ATHLETICBID.COM

a sports injury. Simply cut the sheet between the cells to create the appropriate size and shape needed.

Customized ice packs fit correctly to provide a better efficient cooling effect to the injured area. For more information call OPTP, or visit online.

Circle No. 528 Prossage Heat 866-4-PROSSAGE WWW.PROSSAGE.US Prossage™ Heat is a uniquely blended, area-specific, non-slip, controllable-glide warming ointment that’s 100-percent natural. It’s formulated specifically for deep-tissue work, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Prossage Heat makes it easier to “hook” the deep fascia, allowing you to work faster and more efficiently, with less pain for the athlete. Heating the tissues with Prossage Heat reduces spasms in muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules.

Prossage Heat is available in 3-oz., 8oz., and 16-oz. bottles. Call Prossage today for a free sample.

Circle No. 529 Pro-Tec Athletics 800-779-3372 WWW.INJURYBEGONE.COM Experience the benefits of direct, active ice massage with Pro-Tec Athletics IceUp. Ice-Up provides quick deep-tissue relief for ligament, tendon, and muscular injuries in only five to seven minutes, as opposed to 15-20 minutes for conventional ice packs. Since Ice-Up is portable and stays frozen up to 10 hours within its carrying cooler, players will be able to increase their treatment effectiveness for a speedier recovery. Call ProTec Athletics, or visit its Web site for more information on portable ice massage treatments.

Circle No. 530

T&C OCTOBER 2005

51

Hot & Cold

Catalog Showcase

ThermoTek, Inc. 877-242-3232 WWW.PROTHERMO.COM Get out of the ice age and into the future with a ProThermo therapy unit.

ProThermo allows you to control the application of cold, heat, and compression therapy. Bring the temperature down to 37 degrees without ice, or up to 105 degrees.

Compression can be administered constantly or intermittently for the management of chronic or acute pain. The product is ideal for acute sports injuries, post-operative care, and chronic injuries. The attachments can be used to treat all areas of the body.

Circle No. 531 Whitehall Mfg., Inc. 800-782-7706 WWW.WHITEHALLMFG.COM Whitehall Manufacturing offers a complete line of moist heat-therapy treatment products that are convenient

and easy to use. Each heating unit is fabricated from heavy-gauge stainless steel and polished to a satin finish. Standard features include a snap-off thermal protector that prevents overheating and a rounded bottom that minimizes bacteria build-up. The heating units are available in various sizes and colors.

Circle No. 532

Creative Health Products, Inc. 800-742-4478 WWW.CHPONLINE.COM Creative Health Products has been in business since 1976 as a leading discount supplier of rehabilitation, fitness, exercise, and athletic equipment, as well as DISCOUNT CATALOG health, medical, and fitness testing and measuring products, all available at reduced prices.

The products offered include heart rate monitors, blood pressure testers, pulse oximeters, bodyfat calipers, scales, strength testers, flexibility testers, stethoscopes, pedometers, exercise bikes, ergometers, stopwatches, fitness books and software, exercise bands, step benches, hand and finger exercisers, heating pads, and more.

Circle No. 534 C R E AT I V E H E A LT H P R O D U C T S

2005 CATALOG #100 PRICE $2.00

Plymouth, Michigan

WE DO NOT MAKE REPEATED MAILINGS OF THIS CATALOG, SO BE SURE TO KEEP FOR REFERENCE. FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION SEE OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.CHPONLINE.COM

Health, Fitness, Exercise, Rehabilitation, Therapy and Sports Medicine Products.

Leaders since 1976

ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENT PAGE 4

BICYCLES & ERGOMETERS PAGE 21 & 22

BLOOD PRESSURE PAGES 6-10

BLOOD CHEMISTRY ANALYZERS PAGE 5

BODY FAT MEASURING PAGES 1, 2, 24 & 25 BOOKS & VIDEO’S PAGES 15 - 20

ERGOMETERS & BICYCLES PAGE 21 & 22

EXERCISE BANDS PAGE 18

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT PAGES 21 & 22

FITNESS APPRAISAL KITS PAGE 11

GONIOMETERS PAGE 3

HEART RATE MONITORS & PULSE OXIMETER PAGES 11-14

LUNG CAPACITY TESTERS PAGE 3

LUNG MUSCLE EXERCISERS PAGE 6

The ThermaSplint™, from Whitehall Manufacturing, features dual voltage, an illuminated on/off switch, and quick heat-up time. The unit operates on a solar-powered digital thermometer that allows the temperature to be adjusted with digital readouts for different splinting thermoplastics.

The ThermaSplint is constructed from heavy-gauge stainless steel.

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Anodyne Therapy ®

It’s not a miracle. It’s science.

Anodyne Therapy is an FDA-cleared, infrared photo-energy therapy that has been clinically proven to increase local microcirculation and reduce pain in many conditions.

METRONOMES PAGE 20

OTOSCOPES & OPHTHALMOSCOPES PAGE 10

REHABILITATION PRODUCTS PAGES 18-20

SCALES PAGES 23 - 25 SPIROMETERS PAGE 3

Creative Health Products

5148 Saddle Ridge Road • Plymouth, Michigan 48170

800-742-4478 Overseas orders 734-996-5900

You can order by phone, fax, e-mail or online. e-mail: sales@chponline.com

24-hour FAX Orders to:

Visit our Web Sites at:

734-996-4650

www.chponline.com www.polarservicecenter.com www.powerbreathe-usa.com

STOPWATCHES & COUNTERS PAGE 20 & 21

STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY TESTERS PAGES 2 & 3 See Detailed Index on Back Cover

HOW TO REQUEST OR RENEW A FREE SUBSCRIPTION: The easiest way to subscribe is to go to our website at www.momentummedia.com and fill out a subscription request form. Alternatively, a subscription request card is provided in every issue. If a request card is not available, then on your institution’s letterhead provide us with your: 1. request to receive or renew a free subscription 2. signature and date of request 3. title and school or company name 4. mailing address 5. brief description of your job and the type of institution for which you work

ARE YOU MOVING? The USPS will not forward your subscription. In order to keep receiving your free subscription, you must notify us of your new address.

All subscription requests and changes of address must be made via our website, or by fax or mail.

Published studies demonstrate that Anodyne Therapy restores nerve function, reduces pain and speeds wound healing.

1-877-832-8527

anodynetherapy.com

TRAINING & CONDITIONING, SUBSCRIPTION DEPT., PO BOX 4806, ITHACA, NY 14852-4806 or www.momentummedia.com or faxed to: 607-257-7328 Attn: TRAINING & CONDITIONING, SUBSCRIPTION DEPT.

Circle No. 133

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T&C OCTOBER 2005

ATHLETICBID.COM

Sports Massage Deep Muscle Stimulator 877-368-7523 WWW.D-M-S.COM

Perform Better 800-556-7464 WWW.PERFORMBETTER.COM

Do you want to achieve faster recovery from soft-tissue injuries? Then you need to start using the DMS. It’s easy to operate, portable, and takes only three to five minutes per athlete. Use it for active release, soft-tissue release, integrated manual therapy, warm-ups, and tissue regeneration.

Circle No. 535

The new Foam Roller Plus lasts up to five times longer than other bio-foam rollers. The secret is the five-inch PVC core layered beneath one inch of foam.

The core prevents the foam from compressing, allowing the foam to provide a firm but comfortable feel.

The Foam Roller Plus has a two-year warranty and is shipped with exercise instructions and cover, all featured in the 2006 Perform Better catalog. For a copy of the catalog or product information, contact Perform Better.

Circle No. 538

Kelly Kinetics 888-645-3559 WWW.KELLYKINETICS.COM The SoloMax self-massage tool provides the user with three different options for easily massaging those hard-toreach spots on his or her own body. The user can choose from three snap-in attachments: the rolling wheel attachment, the traditional deep-tissue acupressure knob, and the three-finger scratcher attachment. The SoloMax is designed with a quick-release tab, so the unit can break down easily for convenient transport.

Circle No. 536 Lippincott Williams & Wilkin 800-638-3030 WWW.LWW.COM Since its release in October 2004, Clinical Mastery in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain, has been helping athletic trainers explore key differences in assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of common muscle and joint pain. This concise and easily referenced clinical text is organized by chief complaint, followed by an overview, an assessment, a history, and a planned rehabilitation program. A generalization of similar conditions and a treatment protocol are provided at the end of each chapter.

The retail cost is $69.95.

Circle No. 537 ATHLETICBID.COM

Oakworks 800-916-4603 WWW.OAKWORKSPT.COM As the strongest and most durable portable table on the market, The Boss™ is exceptional. It is dedicated to helping athletes get back into the game sooner, and is made for sideline treatments, evaluations, and other on-site interventions.

With sealed seams on the Tufflex™ upholstery and a water-resistant undercoating, The Boss is a solid performer, even under the harshest outdoor conditions. Plus, with independently adjustable legs, The Boss can tackle any uneven surface or rugged terrain without a problem. With The Boss from Oakworks, you can take control and take your own equipment to away games and events. It’s like home field advantage, to goSM. Circle No. 539 OPTP 800-367-7393 WWW.OPTP.COM Thera Cane® is a unique device that facilitates solo, deep-pressure massages of trigger points and sore muscles. The versatile Thera Cane is suitable for use in both clinical and

home treatment regimens to treat back, neck, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, chest, ribs, abdomen, and buttocks pain. Each Thera Cane comes with a user’s manual, which features stretches, myofascial trigger point information, and 39 illustrations. For more information or a free product catalog, call toll-free or visit the OPTP Web site.

Circle No. 540 Power Systems 800-321-6975 WWW.POWER-SYSTEMS.COM The Stick is an easy-to-use device designed to massage muscle tissue.

It encourages increased circulation to muscle fibers prior to exercise, it disperses lactic acid after workouts, and it diffuses muscle stiffness and knots. There are three sizes to choose from with varying rotating spindles: the 20inch Marathon Stick for those with leaner body masses, the 24-inch Original Body Stick for those with average body masses, and the 30-inch Big Stick for those with heavier body masses.

Circle No. 541 Achieve myofacial release and build a stronger more flexible body with Power System’s Premium EVA Foam Roller.

Balance training, alignment, and core conditioning are enhanced with the aid of the roller. This high-density, heat-sealed, closed-cell roller does not absorb moisture or trap odors and bacteria. Its unique characteristics will neither mat down nor cause the rollers to lose their shape.

The EVA Foam Rollers are available in two sizes, 6” x 12” and 6” x 36”.

Training and instructional DVDs are also available.

Circle No. 542

T&C OCTOBER 2005

53

BASKETBALL AND HYDRATION: NEW RESEARCH INDICATES FLUIDS ARE KEY TO MAINTAIN PERFORMANCE

www.gssiweb.org

Kris Osterberg, MS, RD, Senior Scientist, Gatorade Sports Science Institute

EFFECTS OF DEHYDRATION Dehydration negatively impacts performance. In fact, sweat losses of just 1.5% - or just 3 pounds in a 200-pound athlete – can impair performance.

During exercise, blood is diverted to the working muscle- delivering oxygen and nutrients -and to the skin to cool the body. As an athlete sweats and fails to replace their fluid losses, blood volume shrinks. Consequently, the heart has to work harder to meet the demands of the working muscles.

Ultimately, this reduction in blood volume compromises blood flow to the skin, causing an increase in core body temperature and decreases blood flow to the working muscles making exercise more difficult.

Data collected over the past two basketball seasons with two different NBA teams showed that players routinely arrive at practices and games inadequately hydrated. These results are consistent with other team-sport athletes, including one study that showed 70 percent of high school football players began practice hypohydrated1. Over the past two seasons, urine samples have been collected from various NBA players prior to practices and games. Of these samples, urine specific gravity measurements indicated that 63 percent of the NBA athletes tested were above the NATA threshold of 1.020, indicating they were not adequately hydrated. Starting the game dehydrated makes fluid replacement during the game that much more difficult and important.

SWEAT RESPONSE Sweating is the body’s natural response to an increase in body temperature.

As sweat evaporates from the skin, body heat is lost and core temperature is maintained at safe levels. The stop-and-go nature of basketball causes rapid increases in body temperature and, consequently, large sweat losses.

During 2004 summer league play, 15 NBA players from two teams were tested to determine sweat loss and fluid intake. The players were weighed in light shorts before and after their games and ingested fluid out of specific bottles in order to account for fluid consumed during the game.

Average sweat loss for the players was 2.4 quarts, ranging from 1.1 – 4.9 quarts, with a high sweat loss of 1.2 gallons. Most players did an adequate job drinking fluids and were only slightly dehydrated, with an average dehydration of 1.4 percent of their total body weight. However, one-infour players experienced losses above 1.5 percent of their total body weight, a level of dehydration that can negatively impact performance. In some extreme cases, players ended up losing more than 3 percent of their total body weight. This level of fluid loss coupled with inadequate hydration prior to the game may result in significant levels of dehydration2,3,4.

FLUID INTAKE Most athletes do not drink enough to match their sweat losses during practice and competition, even if fluid is available. This observation has been termed “voluntary dehydration” and occurs in virtually all athletes. A recent study allowed runners to drink as much as desired throughout a 10mile simulated race. During the study, the runners only replaced a fraction of fluids lost through sweat. Furthermore, when asked how much they perceived losing through sweat, they underestimated actual losses by an average margin of 46 percent5.

Similarly, the NBA players competing in summer league play replaced approximately 35 percent of what they were losing. The average fluid intake was only about 27 oz., with the average sweat loss being 2.4 quarts

(77 oz.). When conditions are dry, such as in a gymnasium or arena, sweat evaporates very quickly making it difficult to estimate how much is being lost. To combat this problem, keeping weight charts that track players’ weight before and after practices and games is advantageous in helping to monitor sweat loss. It also serves as an effective teaching cue to demonstrate how much sweat athletes are actually losing on the court. Easy access to fluids and ample time to drink those fluids will also help keep the players in better fluid balance.

COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AND PERCEPTIONS OF FATIGUE Hydration will inevitably play a role in the latter stages of a game when errors in judgment may be especially costly. Recent studies have found that dehydration can negatively impact cognitive performance. Research has revealed that as little as 1-2 percent dehydration leads to reductions in perceived alertness and ability to concentrate – a necessity when a player is standing at the free-throw line during the final moments of a game6.

Perceptions of fatigue are also higher when a player is inadequately hydrated. A study completed in France found that dehydration of 2.8 percent impaired cognitive abilities of perceptive discrimination and short-term memory, as well as, subjective estimates of fatigue7. In practical terms, this means that running the floor and playing defense will feel much more difficult when a player is not keeping up with his sweat losses.

Sport-specific skills may also be affected by dehydration. Scientists at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom studied highly fit soccer players who undertook an intermittent exercise protocol designed to mimic the demands of a soccer game8. In one trial, athletes were allowed to drink fluid. In the other, they competed without. After each trial, they performed a soccer skill test and a mental concentration test. They found that soccerskill performance deteriorated 5 percent after the “no fluid” trial, while performance was maintained in the fluid trial. Research continues to support that hydration is an essential ingredient to maintaining mental and physical performance, especially at the end of a game.

SUMMARY Basketball is physically and mentally demanding. Dehydration is easy to prevent but, if left unmonitored, will rob players of their edge. Recognize which players are at risk and educate them to help prevent this unnecessary lapse in performance. Players that are light sweaters and adequately hydrated prior to the game will likely not experience performance-impacting levels of dehydration. For some players, however, special care must be taken to ensure that they are meeting their fluid needs.

For more information, please visit www.gssiweb.org.

REFERENCES 1

Stover, E.A., Zachwieja, J.J., Stofan, J.R., Horswill, C.A., Murray, R. Sweat Rate and markers of hydration in high football players. Int J or Sports Med. In Press.

Osterberg, K., Sperber, T., Lacambra, M., Baker, L. Murray, R. Fluid balance, hydration status, and sweat electrolyte concentration in NBA basketball players during summer league games. Presented at the National Athletic Trainers Association’s annual conference. June, 2005.

3 Schoffstall JE et al. Effects of dehydration and rehydration on the one-repetition maximum bench press of weighttrained males. J Strength Cond. Res. 15(1):102-8. 2001.

4 Walsh RM et al. Impaired high-intensity cycling performance at low levels of dehydration. Int. J Sports Med. 15:392398, 1994 5 Horn, M., Stofan, J. Passe, D., Murray, R., Perceptions of fluid intake and sweat loss during a ten mile race. Med. Sci. Sports and Exerc. 33 (5) S256. 2001 6 Maughan, R.J. Impact of mild dehydration on wellness and on exercise performance. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 57 Suppl 2:S1923, 2003.

7 Cian, C. Barraud, P.A., Melin, B., Raphel, C., Effects of fluid ingestion on cognitive function after heat stress or exercise-induced dehydration. Int J Physcholphysiol 42(3): 243-51. 2001.

8 McGregor, S.J., Nicholas, C.W., Lakomy, H.K., Williams, C. The influence of intermittent high-intensity shuttle running and fluid ingestion on the performance of a soccer skill. J Sports Sci. 17(11): 895-903.1999.

2

Web News A60™ NOW FEATURED ON AIRCAST’S WEB SITE The A60 Ankle Support, the newest addition to the proven line of Aircast Sports Medicine products, is now featured on the Aircast Web site. It’s the first item listed on the homepage’s “product search” menu, linking to a detailed product page that includes A60 features and sizing and ordering information. Athletic trainers will be able to download an easy-to-read and well-diagramed instruction sheet. Visit www. aircast.com for the complete press release on the A60 Ankle Support. It can be found in the Web site’s “News” section.

www.aircast.com DM SYSTEMS LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE With an all-new look, the DM Systems’ Web site is streamlined to be more userfriendly, with lots of information on orthopedic, wound care, and rehabilitation products available from the company. The product line includes the original Heelift® and Heelift Smooth suspension boots, Elbowlift® suspension pads, Heelift traction boots, CastWalker® cast soles, GaitKeeper™ cast shoes, CastWedge™ cast adjusters, Adjusticizer™ exercise systems, Cadlow™ shoulder stabilizers, and AnkleTough® rehab systems. The site contains product information, usage guidelines, informational videos, clinician testimonials, and downloadable PDFs of product literature. A search function for national and international dealers and sales reps, a literature request form, and an e-mail contact link are also included.

Company News

New Training Systems Offered by Powering Athletics Powering Athletics® is a Ft. Wayne, Indiana-based manufacturing company leading the way in sport-specific training equipment. With many strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers emphasizing “to train movement, not muscles,” the popularity of these devices is quickly gaining momentum throughout the exercise and fitness industries.

www.dmsystems.com GNR HEALTH SYSTEM ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE CHANGES GNR’s online catalog, www.RehabShopper.com, has been updated with new products and features in its never-ending quest to provide athletes with the best and most convenient way to shop for quality GNR rehabilitation and fitness products.

While browsing and shopping online, visitors can log in and be entered in GNR’s new monthly drawings for gift certificates and prizes, or take the opportunity to read the company’s bimonthly articles.

www.RehabShopper.com POWER SYSTEMS MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW SITE. Power Systems marks its 20-year anniversary with the launch of a completely redesigned Web site. The new site is easier to navigate and provides more information and assistance in making sports performance, fitness, and health equipment decisions. In addition to featuring 1000 products and programs, the site now offers product news, related articles, and an RSS feed to subscribers so they receive exclusive Power Systems news. Visitors can also adjust the type size for easier onscreen reading. Visit www.power-systems.com for more information, to place orders, to take advantage of special Web offers, or to request a new 2006 catalog.

www.power-systems.com

Powering Athletics’ mission is simple: to evolve the company to be in the best position to capitalize on new concepts in training as they emerge, and to better serve its customers by listening to their ideas and staying connected to the leading trainers in the industry.

Its fast-growing product line consists of four new products. PowerSkater is an off-ice training and conditioning system for athletes playing dominant lower-body movement sports. PowerPlyos is a fourin-one plyometric jump training system.

The PowerVertex is a whole-body movement training system. The PowerWristor rehabilitates and strengthens forearms, hands, and wrists.

ENHANCED SITE FEATURES CEU TRACKING OPTION The NSCA Certification Commission has made several enhancements to its Web site, including the CEU PORT (Premier Online Record Tracking), which allows certified individuals to track and submit their CEUs online. An online Resource Center is also new, featuring information on a variety of programs, press releases, and testimonials. Individuals interested in taking the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) and/or NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCACPT®) exams can register for them and purchase review materials online. Other resources found at www.nsca-cc.org include sample exam questions, online practice exams, study suggestion documents, a CEU activity calendar, and an extensive downloads section.

www.nsca-cc.org

ATHLETICBID.COM

Several new products are under development. Visit Powering Athletics’ Web site to view all of its products, or call them directly toll-free.

Powering Athletics 6134 EAGLE CREEK DRIVE FORT WAYNE, IN 46814 866-672-1700 RBULLOCH@POWERINGATHLETICS.COM WWW.POWERINGATHLETICS.COM T&C OCTOBER 2005

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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

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CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

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111 . . . Aircast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

114 . . . Gebauer (Spray & Stretch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

133. . . Anodyne Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

132 . . . GNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

127 . . . Antibody (BodyGuards) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

134. . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

136. . . Athletes.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

106 . . Kelly Kinetics (Massage Tools) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

104 . . Biofreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

123. . . KettleBell Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

105 . . Biofreeze (Fall Promotion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

109 . . Lippincott Williams & Wilkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

128 . . . BioMedical Life Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

100 . . MET-Rx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

102. . . Cho-Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

125 . . . Mueller Sports Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

120. . . Concussion Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

110 . . . NASM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

131 . . . Deep Muscle Stimulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

137 . . . Oakworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

107. . . Dynatronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

112 . . . OPTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

108 . . EAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

116 . . . Perform Better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

103. . . efi Sports Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

135 . . . Perform Better (seminars) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

122. . . Exertools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

113 . . . PoweringAthletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

130. . . Ferno (MedZone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

119 . . . Pro-Tec Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

126 . . . Ferno Performance Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

117 . . . Prossage Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

115 . . . Functional Design Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

121 . . . SAM Medical Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

118 . . . Game Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

129. . . TurfCordz/NZ Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

101 . . . Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

124 . . . Whitehall Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

PRODUCTS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

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500 . . Aircast (AirHeel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

56

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514 . . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

523 . . Aircast (Ankle Cryo/Cuff) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

515 . . . Kelly Kinetics (Pivot Plate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

524. . . Aircast (Shoulder Cryo/Cuff) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

536 . . Kelly Kinetics (SoloMax) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

501 . . Anodyne Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

548 . . KettleBell Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

502 . . Antibody (compression shorts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

549 . . LifeWave Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

503 . . Antibody (shoulder brace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

537 . . LW&W (Myofascial Pain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

519 . . . Biofreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

550 . . LW&W (Sports & Exercise Nutrition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

504 . . Cho-Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

516 . . . Mueller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

505 . . Concussion Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

517 . . . Mueller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

534 . . Creative Health Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

552 . . NASM (Optimum Performance Training). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

535 . . Deep Muscle Stimulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

551 . . . NASM (workshop) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

506 . . Dynatronics (Dynatron X3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

518 . . . Oakworks (Portable Taping Table) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

507 . . Dynatronics (Dynatron Xp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

539 . . Oakworks (The Boss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

543 . . EAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

528 . . OPTP (Cryopak) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

544 . . Elrey Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

540 . . OPTP (Thera Cane) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

508 . . Exertools (NexStep) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

538 . . Perform Better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

545 . . Exertools (special program) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

542 . . Power Systems (Foam Roller) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

509 . . Ferno (custom pools) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

541. . . Power Systems (The Stick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

510 . . . Ferno (MedZone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

553 . . PoweringAthletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

546 . . Fitness First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

520 . . Pro-Tec Athletics (compression wrap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

547. . . Functional Design (TrueStretch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

530 . . Pro-Tec Athletics (Ice-Up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

511 . . . Functional Design (Video Digest). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

529 . . Prossage Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

525 . . Game Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

521. . . SAM Medical Products (Blist-O-Ban) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

526 . . Gebauer (Instant Ice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

522 . . SAM Medical Products (Soft Shell splint) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

527 . . Gebauer (Spray and Stretch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

531. . . ThermoTek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

512 . . . GNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

532 . . Whitehall Manufacturing (moist heat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

513 . . . Hymanson (Bodyblade) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

533 . . Whitehall Manufacturing (ThermaSplint) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

T&C OCTOBER 2005

ATHLETICBID.COM

More Products EAS 800-297-9776 WWW.EAS.COM

Elrey Enterprises 877-964-4537 WWW.REFITR.COM

Exertools, Inc. 800-235-1559 WWW.EXERTOOLS.COM

Convenient, great-tasting performance supplement Myoplex® is designed to take the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering the highest quality protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. One serving of Myoplex provides 28 vitamins and minerals and 42 grams of protein complex to support lean mass. Athletes can drink this Myoplex up to three meals per day as meal replacement shakes to maintain healthy metabolisms. Call or visit EAS online for more information.

Circle No. 543

The Refit® is a revolutionary new product for strength and conditioning that emphasizes the development of balance, core strength, and core stabilization. With a variety of attachments, the Refit allows proprioception simultaneously with trunk rotation and weight transfer, making it great for strengthening or rehabilitation. Visit the company’s Web site or contact it for a DVD to discover “core harmony”, a new concept in fitness that focuses on what determines successful body movements and athletic performances.

Circle No. 544

Exertools is pleased to announce a special program for readers of Training & Conditioning. For a limited time, Exertools will provide T&C readers with a 20-percent discount for any non-capital equipment purchase they make on the Exertools Web site. For example, you can save on such products as Dyna Discs, Plyobacks, medicine ball racks, rocker boards, foam rollers, and gym balls. Furthermore, five percent of the cost for each order placed will be donated to Special Olympics. To receive the savings, go to the Exertools Web site and put in the coupon code “TC” in the appropriate box on their shopping cart page.

Circle No. 545

Do you have ENOUGH BANDS for your team?

WVU does! Shown here is just one of three rubber-band rooms at West Virginia University.

For information on setting up a band room in your facility, call us at 1-800-344-3539.

Stay ahead of your competition with Flex Bands...the best-kept secret in pro sports! Used by the Giants, Jaguars, Raiders, Ravens, Angels, Padres, Red Sox, and many more, Flex Bands have been improving athletic performance since 1980!

Jump Stretch, Inc. 1230 N. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, OH 44509 www.jumpstretch.com 1-800-344-3539 Fax: 1-330-793-8719 Circle No. 134 ATHLETICBID.COM JumpStretchAdForTC1505v3.indd 1

T&C OCTOBER 2005 7/14/05 10:59:42 AM

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More Products Fitness First Products 800-421-1791 WWW.FITNESS1ST.COM The new Yogacise Bench is an innovative product used for both yoga poses and strength training. Its unique design offers exercisers the choice of performing headstands and seated relaxation positions, or the chair serves as a weight bench for upper-body strength work.

The Yogacise Bench is lightweight and folds for easy storage. It includes two adjustable resistance tubes and an illustrated manual to assist athletes performing seated bench presses, arm curls, shoulder raises, and more.

Circle No. 546 Functional Design Systems 866-230-8300 WWW.FUNCTIONALDESIGN.COM The TrueStretch is a unique multipurpose stretching program designed to prepare the body for improved performance. By stretching the proper muscle groups in all three planes of motion, TrueStretch enhances stretching, strengthening, and manual therapeutic techniques to effectively decrease pain and immediately improve function. It prepares the body for specific movements and activities and will make the user feel better, play better, and work better.

Circle No. 547 KettleBell Concepts 800-876-6090 WWW.KETTLEBELLCONCEPTS.COM KettleBell Concepts (KBC) provides trained professionals for independent franchises of fitness facilities, such as Equinox, La Palestra Center for Preventative Medicine, and 02 Fitness. Instructors provide clients with a complete cardiovascular 58

T&C OCTOBER 2005

and strength-training workout in a very short period of time using small group, semi-private kettlebell training systems.

Training programs include: Kettlebells for General Performance and Health (Levels 1-3), Kettlebells for the Creative Mover (Levels 1-3), and the Kettlebell Group Fitness Program. All KBC’s courses are approved by NSCA, NASM, and ACE. Circle No. 548 LifeWave Products, LLC 614-519-5144 WWW.LIFEWAVEROCKS.COM University studies show a 30- to 40-percent increase in drug-free performance with the new, non-transdermal LifeWave Energy Patch.

Stanford and Olympic swim coach Richard Quick agrees with the findings: “I have had wonderful results with the LifeWave technology. We have already seen many lifetime best performances, including one world record.”

Richard Shaughnessey, NCAA Division One Football Strength Coach says, “Our guys had as much energy in the fourth quarter as they did in the first; the only difference was the patches.”

Circle No. 549 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 800-638-3030 WWW.LWW.COM Published in March, Sports and Exercise Nutrition, Second Edition, provides a strong foundation in understanding the science behind exercise nutrition and bioenergetics.

It explains how these principles work in the real world of human physical activity and sports competition. This edition has separate, detailed chapters on nutrition recommendations for physically active persons and recommendations geared specifically to those in intense training and sports competition. This book sells for $82.95.

Circle No. 550

NASM 800-460-NASM WWW.NASM.ORG A new OPT for Performance Enhancement™ Workshop is scheduled for this fall. Learn NASM’s Optimum Performance Training for Performance Enhancement in a new one-day workshop coming to your area.

In this comprehensive, hands-on workshop, participants will gain 0.8 NASM CEUs and learn the skills necessary to assess and design programs that enhance athletic performance and decrease the risk of injury in athletic clients. Call the NASM toll-free, or visit online to search for a workshop near you.

Circle No. 551 Learn NASM’s Optimum Performance Training for Performance Enhancement™ in a new one-day workshop coming to your area. In this comprehensive, hands-on workshop, you’ll earn 0.8 NASM CEUs and develop the skills necessary to assess and design programs to enhance athletic performance and decrease the risk of injury for just about any athletic client.

Circle No. 552 Powering Athletics 866-672-1700 WWW.POWERINGATHLETICS.COM The PowerVertex is the latest product introduced by Powering Athletics. The PowerVertex integrates whole-body strength with core power and balance to improve functional strength. It allows multiple users to strength-train with multi-joint, 3-D lifts for sport-specificity and functional movement patterns. Heavyduty resistance Rhino Cords™ allow for high-speed, fluid long-range motion executions, including: push, pull, core stability, rotation, squat, lunge, and stride-type movement patterns.

Circle No. 553 ATHLETICBID.COM

Case Study

Chicago White Sox Bats 1.000 with Total Gym “The training room is like a tool box and the Total Gym is the hammer—the one you use most frequently— and most effectively,” Herm Schneider Head Athletic Trainer for the Chicago White Sox

Herm Schneider, Head Athletic Trainer for the Chicago White Sox, says Total Gym has been a staple in his team’s training room for the past 15 years, serving as the functional training device for rehabilitation, maintenance, and plyometric workouts on an as-needed basis. Currently, one-third of the team does a Total Gym workout in their weekly training regimen.

Schneider, who has been with the White Sox organization for 28 years, was introduced to the Total Gym by another coach, and now only uses Total Gym for players going through rehabilitation.

We wouldn’t have been able to do the same if he had to first stand upright and walk. He was back on the field one month before he was projected to play,” says Schneider.

The Chicago White Sox uses Total Gyms in its training room and main club house in Chicago, and in its minor league training room at its training camp in Tucson, AZ. “The training room is like a tool box and the Total Gym is the hammer—the one you use most frequently—and most effectively,” says Scheider.

“When a player first looks at Total Gym, he doesn’t understand it. Once you explain the exercises and movements and they experience the machine first hand, they find it to be very functional,” explains Schneider. “Some guys use it for shoulders, others take it to another level for external rotation, diagonal PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) and push-and-pull.

That is one of the best attributes of Total Gym; you can do all these exercises on one unit.”

Athletes are progressing much faster with Total Gym than with other traditional rehabilitative methods. For example, one player who had surgery for a medial meniscectomy began training on the Total Gym within two-three days of surgery. Schneider had him perform Level One proprioceptive work, concentrating on recovering the range of motion and increasing the amount of weight applied on the knee.

efi Sports Medicine 7755 ARJONS DR. SAN DIEGO, CA 92126 800-541-4900 INFO@EFISPORTSMEDICINE.COM WWW.EFISPORTSMEDICINE.COM

ATHLETICBID.COM

Total Gym encourages “functional exercise,” the technique of recreating everyday movements with and against gravity.

The machine engages all muscle groups, allowing athletes to perform over 200 functional exercises on 10 calibrated levels of incline resistance. Total Gym is safe, easy to use, and facilitates the five key components of exercise: cardiovascular endurance (aerobics), muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.

“With Total Gym, 90 percent of his body weight was taken off and we were able to really focus on the leg. We moved him up to his own body weight pretty rapidly and did calf exercises.

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CEU QUIZ

T&C October 2005 Vol. XV, No. 7

Training & Conditioning is pleased to provide NATA and NSCA members with the opportunity to earn continuing education units through reading issues of the magazine. The following quiz is based on articles that appear in this issue of Training & Conditioning. By satisfactorily completing the quiz and mailing it back to T&C, readers can earn 2.0 BOC Athletic Training and 0.2 NSCA (two hours) continuing education units.

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the circle on the answer form (on page 62) that represents the best answer for each of the questions below. Complete the form at the bottom of page 62, include a $20 payment to Training & Conditioning, and mail it by November 15, 2005 to the following address: Training & Conditioning, ATTN: 15.7 Quiz, 2488 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Readers who correctly answer 70 percent of the questions will be notified of their earned credit by mail no later than December 31, 2005.

Nutrition Roundup (pages 10-12) Objective: Learning about some of the latest nutrition research presented at the ACSM convention.

1. The author recommends: a) Consuming four ounces of energy drink per 15 minutes of exercise. b) Avoiding consumption of Red Bull or similar energy drinks for performance assistance. c) Choosing Red Bull over other energy drinks. d) Storing energy drinks at 80 degrees.

2. Energy drinks may: a) Speed muscle fatigue. b) Raise an athlete’s heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio. c) Limit lactic acid buildup. d) Improve repeated anaerobic performance.

3. To enhance recovery from high-intensity training the article recommends: a) Taking dietary supplements that contain BCAA. b) Taking dietary supplements that contain Superoxide dismutase. c) Eating a varied diet, drinking fluids, and ensuring adequate rest. d) Ingesting moderate amounts of caffeine.

Reading Labels (pages 14-21) Objective: Understanding the criteria governing what types of supplements can be distributed under NCAA bylaw 16.5.2.g, and learning how to keep your program in compliance with the rule.

4. In 2000, the NCAA implemented bylaw 16.5.2.g: a) Restricting which nutritional supplements Division I institutions could distribute to athletes. b) Requiring schools to post a banned substances list. c) Requiring weekly drug testing. d) Identifying performance-enhancing drugs.

5. Bylaw 16.5.2.g essentially allows institutions to provide things that will: a) Increase an athlete’s energy level. b) Help athletes build muscle mass. c) Replace calories, electrolytes, and fluids lost during athletic activity. d) Promote weight gain.

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6. By rule, no more than ____________ of calories can come from protein in a supplement that is distributed to athletes. a) 20 percent b) 30 percent c) 40 percent d) 50 percent 7. Any product with added _____________ from non-wholefood sources is not permissible for distribution. a) animal products b) herbs c) protein d) carbohydrates 8. If an institution is unsure about a specific ingredient that’s not on the impermissible list, it should: a) Contact Membership Services for further clarification. b) Inform the athlete that the supplement is impermissible. c) Contact the manufacturer for clarification. d) Contact other institutions and inquire about their experience with the supplement.

A Lot of Talent (pages 23-27) Objective: Understanding how working with gifted athletes can create unique challenges for athletic trainers and strength coaches, and learning how to most effectively train these athletes.

9. This article suggests that for strength and conditioning coaches to make a talented athlete better, the coach needs to: a) Communicate with the athlete more and challenge the athlete in different ways. b) Develop a program for the talented athlete with the rest of the team. c) Isolate the talented athlete during practice. d) Inform the athlete of the intense program he or she will be participating in.

10. The author suggests improving the athlete’s interest in off-field work by having him or her: a) Keep a training log. b) Get involved in the assessment process. c) Set the program goals on his or her own. d) Get involved in only elite training techniques.

ATHLETICBID.COM

11. A talented athlete may have never experienced: a) Failure. b) Fatigue. c) Competition. d) Jealousy.

To the Limit (pages 28-33) Objective: Following the assessment and rehabilitation program that was employed to correct a hamstring injury in an NBA athlete.

12. Underactive muscles result in: a) Altered recruitment strategy and an altered movement pattern. b) Increased energy. c) Decreased speed. d) Decreased nutritional requirements.

13. An overactive muscle may: a) Cause twitching or spasms. b) Improve endurance. c) Cause repetitive stress. d) Fatigue more easily.

14. According to the article, an integrated movement assessment consists of: a) The athlete’s ability to perform repeated bench presses. b) Gait analysis. c) The athlete performing an overhead squat while his ability to perform the integrated movements is analyzed. d) Two types of endurance tests.

15. Pronounced eversion may be caused by: a) Overactivity in the peroneals and lateral gastrocnemius in addition to an underactive posterior tibialis and medial gastrocnemius. b) Overactivity in the posterior and anterior tibialis and underactive peroneals. c) Overactivity in the medial gastrocnemius and an underactive lateral gastrocnemius and posterior tibialis. d) An overactive soleus and medial hamstring complex.

Here Come the Parents (pages 35-39) Objective: Understanding how to effectively communicate with parents, particularly in situations involving injuries to student-athletes.

16. Ryan Schroeder requires that each student-athlete who receives medical attention: a) Perform 30 minutes of additional conditioning. b) Take an injury sheet home to his or her parents. c) Call his or her parents before leaving practice. d) Have limited participation the next day.

17. Ian Rogol deals with parents that want their children to return to play prematurely by: a) Listing the eight or nine things the athlete needs to be able to do prior to returning to participation safely. b) Informing the parents that the athletic trainer is ultimately responsible for such decisions. c) Presenting literature that outlines the timeframe for returning to play from the athlete’s injury. d) Identifying the athlete’s deficiencies.

ATHLETICBID.COM

18. Athletes 18 years of age and older have: a) To carry their own personal health insurance. b) To allow parents access to their medical information. c) The right to withhold their medical information from their parents. d) To inform their parents of all medical information.

19. HIPAA states that: a) Medical records of individuals under 16 years of age are protected. b) Only covered entities may release medical information. c) A covered entity may not disclose an athlete’s medical information without his or her permission. d) Colleges and universities are excluded.

Peaking for the Postseason (pages 41-45) Objective: Understanding the year-long strength training regimen followed by the Arizona State University baseball team to keep athletes in top physical condition while accommodating the demands of the season.

20. The rejuvenation stage is: a) The longest stage and serves as a buffer between the end of the playing season and the beginning of the strength-development phase. b) Where strength and power gains are produced. c) Where cross-training is performed and athletes are prohibited from participating in their sport. d) The shortest stage and serves as a buffer between the end of the playing season and the beginning of the strength-development phase.

21. The developmental stage is: a) When new techniques for one’s sport are introduced. b) Where an endurance baseline is established. c) The shortest stage. d) Where strength and power gains are produced.

22. The competitive stage consists of: a) Preseason, general conditioning, and in-season. b) Complex-type training, in-season, and championship season. c) Preseason, in-season, and championship season. d) Pre-season, post-season, and recovery time.

23. Each exercise is assigned to one of the following three categories: a) Volume, strength, or power. b) Volume, speed, or power. c) Strength, power, or endurance. d) Strength, speed, or endurance 24. According to the article, foundational total-body exercises are based off of: a) Squats. b) Pull movements. c) Lunges. d) Power cleans.

25. According to the article, the foundational lifts for the lower body in the competitive stage are: a) Squats. b) Step-ups or lunges. c) Pull movements. d) Power cleans.

ANSWER SHEET IS ON PAGE 62

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CEU QUIZ

ANSWER FORM

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the circle on the answer form below that represents your selection of the best answer for each of the previous questions. Complete the form at the bottom of this page, include a $20 payment to Training & Conditioning, and mail it to the following address: Training & Conditioning, ATTN: 15.7 Quiz, 2488 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, no later than November 15, 2005. Readers who correctly answer 70 percent of the questions will receive 2.0 BOC Athletic Training and 0.2 NSCA (two hours) CEU’s, and will be notified of their earned credit by mail no later than December 31, 2005.

To the Limit

Nutrition Roundup

1.

2.

3.

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B

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D

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Reading Labels

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

A Lot of Talent

9.

10.

11.

A

B

C

D

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Here Come the Parents

16.

17.

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19.

A

B

C

D

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Peaking for the Postseason

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

A

B

C

D

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Last Name______________________________________First Name________________________________MI______ Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________State_________________Zip Code________________ Daytime Telephone______________________________E-Mail Address____________________________________

Payment Information __ $20 check or money order (U.S. Funds only) payable to: Training & Conditioning __ Visa

__ Mastercard

__ Discover

__ American Express

Account Number_____________________________________________Expiration Date______________________ Name on Card_____________________________________Signature_______________________________________ 62

T&C OCTOBER 2005

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ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

EARN BOC CEUs

• Complete quizzes found in the Strength & Conditioning Journal • Complete online quizzes at www.nsca-cc.org Phone

402-476-6669

Toll Free

888-746-2378

E-mail

commission@nsca-cc.org

SETTING the STANDARD NATA CEU AD STRENGTH AND COND M 1

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Write, Fax – PERFORM BETTER, 11 Amflex Drive, P.O. Box 8090, Cranston, RI 02920-0090 • Toll-Free Fax 800-682-6950 • See Our Web Site: performbetter.com Circle No. 135 ATHLETICBID.COM

T&C OCTOBER 2005

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Association Corner The following associations offer services of interest to our T&C readers.

Keep your career in motion…

NSCA Educational Events for 2005 • NSCA s Performance Series Symposia ’ of Weight Training,Youth Fitness, Advanced Periodization, (Essentials

Strength and Conditioning Methods, Endurance Training)

For dates, locations, and session information call 800-815-6826, or visit www.nsca-lift.org

National Strength and Conditioning Association ECA/MIAMI2005

SPORTS TRAINING & FITNESS CONFERENCE, NOV. 11-12-13 1-888-MI A M I- E C A

The Voice of the Doctors who care for the Pros The PTP provides resources and services for all sports medicine professionals.

Visit www.proteamphysicians.com

516-432-6877 OR REGISTER ONLINE

www.ecaworldfitness.com

to find a PTP doctor, ask a question of a PTP doctor, or explore the educational materials from PTP regarding prevention, treatment and performance.

SPECIALIST IN SPORTS CONDITIONING ISSA Certification Program • • • •

Be the conditioning coach for your team.

Expand strength & conditioning programs.

Maximize earning potential as a coach.

Learn to enhance athletic performance.

CALL FOR FREE INFO:

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International Sports Sciences Association

Ide d[ i]Z a^cZ Zfj^ebZci [dg ndjg Vi]aZi^X igV^c^c\ XVgZZg# • Optimum Performance Training™ method • Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certiÀcation • OPT™ for Performance Enhancement workshops

Athletic Therapy. Rapid return to work and play.

Athletic Therapists are dedicated to the promotion and delivery of quality care through injury prevention and rehabilitation and emergency services.

In collaboration with other health care professionals, athletic therapists work to create a healthier environment that encompasses the needs of the active community, including the high-performance athlete.

For more information please visit us online at www.athletictherapy.org

All NATA certified athletic trainers are eligible to receive a free subscription to T&C.

• Continuing education for NASM, NATA and NSCA • Clinical Applications • Flexibility, core, balance, power, speed and strength training

NATA Bronze Corporate Partner

Call 1-800-460-6276 or visit www.nasm.org.

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ATHLETICBID.COM

Circle No. 136

Every Second Counts

Don’t miss the Golden Period.

“Any athlete with an acute injury should be seen immediately, on the field, later on the sidelines, or in the training or emergency room. There is a momentary golden period with sudden trauma, prior to the surrounding muscles going into spasm when information can be gathered.” ~ Orthopedic Physician Associates, www.opaortho.com

Portable Sideline Taping Table

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The

w w w. o a k w o r k s p t . c o m Circle No. 137