Injury Prevention & Wellness Promotion Flashcards

An AT notices a gymnast consistently bracing with a Valsalva maneuver during core exercises. Which risk is associated with this breathing pattern in athletes with undetected cardiac conditions?

Answer: Sudden elevation in blood pressure and reduced venous return

The Valsalva maneuver acutely spikes intrathoracic pressure, dramatically raises blood pressure, and transiently reduces cardiac output, posing risk in athletes with underlying cardiac pathology.

Which OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard requires athletic trainers to use personal protective equipment when treating open wounds?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogens Standard)

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates use of PPE, exposure control plans, and training when workers may contact blood or other potentially infectious materials.

A strength and conditioning program is being designed to reduce stress fracture risk in distance runners. Which variable is MOST important to control?

Answer: Weekly mileage progression rate (the 10% rule)

Rapid increases in training volume are the primary risk factor for bone stress injuries; limiting weekly mileage increases to ≤10% allows bone remodeling to keep pace with load.

Which psychological framework BEST describes the readiness of an athlete who acknowledges a substance use problem and is actively researching treatment options?

Answer: Preparation stage of the Transtheoretical Model

The preparation stage is characterized by acknowledgment of the problem plus active planning and information-gathering in anticipation of behavioral change.

Which component of a comprehensive wellness program MOST effectively targets mental health stigma in a collegiate athletic population?

Answer: Peer leadership programs where athletes share personal mental health experiences

Peer-led destigmatization, where respected athletes model help-seeking behavior, is more effective at reducing mental health stigma than passive or coercive interventions.

During a sport-specific movement screen for a lacrosse defender, the AT observes medial knee collapse during a single-leg squat. Which muscles are MOST likely underactive?

Answer: Gluteus medius and external hip rotators

Medial knee collapse (dynamic valgus) is primarily driven by weak hip abductors and external rotators (gluteus medius), allowing femoral adduction and internal rotation.

A track and field program wants to implement an evidence-based injury prevention initiative. Which framework provides the BEST structured approach for translating research findings into practice?

Answer: The van Mechelen sequence of prevention model

The van Mechelen sequence (establish incidence → identify etiology → introduce measures → assess effectiveness) is the gold-standard public health framework for sports injury prevention programs.