Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences

Department

Athletic Training

Committee Chair

Michelle A. Sandrey

Committee Co-Chair

Benjamin Moorehead

Committee Member

Vanessa Shannon

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge of Sickle Cell Trait among head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists within all three NCAA Divisions. Additionally, a second purpose is to identify whether or not head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists present awareness and confidence to provide the proper treatment and/or referral for an athlete suffering from an exercise-related event due to Sickle Cell Trait. Design: This study is a descriptive prospective questionnaire analysis of the knowledge and awareness of Sickle Cell Trait among collegiate head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists. Results: Of the 959 total emails sent to NCAA head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists, 71 began the survey and 59 completed the knowledge section for a return rate of 6.2%, while only 49 (5.1%) completed the demographic section. There were twenty (40.8%) head football coaches and twenty-nine strength and conditioning specialists (59.2%). The majority of participants (40.8%, n=21) were from NCAA Division III and the least (14.3%, n=7) were from NCAA Division I FBS. Sixty-eight of the 71 participants who began the survey reported they had heard of SCT previously. The top three sources selected for where participants obtained knowledge of SCT were 1) certified athletic trainer (67.8%, n=40); 2) experience with an athlete (47.5%, n=28); and 3) college course (39.0%, n=23). The top three signs and symptoms selected that may be associated with SCT were 1) muscle weakness (72.9%, n=43); 2) sensation of cramping muscles (64.4%, n=38); and 3) sudden collapse (50.8%, n=30), which were all correct responses. Participants ranked confidence in recognizing signs and symptoms of and SCT event on a scale of 1-10 (1=not at all confident, 10=very confident), reporting a mean rank of 5.37 +/- 3.13. Participants also ranked confidence in making appropriate referral decisions in the event of a SCT event, reporting a mean rank of 6.12 +/- 3.19. Strength and conditioning specialists ranked confidence in recognizing signs and symptoms and making appropriate referral decisions significantly higher than head football coaches (P=.002 and P=.005, respectively). Significant results were seen between divisions for ranking confidence in recognizing signs and symptoms. Individuals in Division I FBS ranked confidence significantly higher than individuals in Division II (P=.048) and Division III (P=.02). Subjects from Division I FCS ranked confidence significantly higher than individuals in Division III (P=.02). No significant results were found in ranking between Division I FBS and Division I FCS. Three scenarios, two of which resembled a SCT event were scored and combined to create a total scenario score (9 correct responses). No significant results were found between groups or divisions regarding scenario scores. Collectively, individuals in Division I and strength and conditioning specialists, overall, scored higher on the scenarios. A significant correlation (P=.05) suggested that the higher the participants ranked confidence in signs and symptoms, the higher they scored on the scenarios. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, although overall knowledge levels of SCT were low to moderate, strength and conditioning specialists reported more knowledgeable of SCT than head football coaches. A more confident than not confident ranking in signs and symptoms and referral decisions did not reflect high overall scores on scenarios, nor selecting all of the proper signs and symptoms of SCT. Knowledge levels of SCT among head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists are what was expected, but are not as high as they should be. Proper education should be sought by these individuals and possibly provided by certified athletic trainers to raise knowledge and awareness levels in order to provide optimal safety for NCAA football athletes. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

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