Comparison of selected physical fitness and performance variables between NCAA Division I and II football players.

The purpose of this study was to compare selected physical fitness and performance variables between National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and II football players. The subjects included offensive and defensive starters, excluding kickers and punters from 26 NCAA Division I and 23 Division II teams. Offensive players were grouped and compared by the following positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and line. Defensive players were grouped and compared by the following positions: line, linebackers, and backs. Division I players were better in 58 of 117 comparisons (p < or = 0.01). Division II players were not found to be better in any of the variables studied.

Prevalence of migraines in NCAA division I male and female basketball players. National Collegiate Athletic Association.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the overall prevalence of migraines within National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's and women's basketball players. In addition, the prevalence of migraines was determined across gender and ethnic groups for the same sample. BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have assessed the prevalence of migraines within the general population, college students, professional groups, industrial/work place settings, and overseas populations, little has been done with athletes. To the best of our knowledge, no study of the incidence of migraines in athletes has been previously conducted. It has also been reported that migraines cause depression, insomnia, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, all of which might hinder athletic performance. Sports medicine clinicians and researchers also agree that migraines in athletes are probably underreported and often misdiagnosed. METHODS: Seven hundred ninety-one Division I men and women basketball players representing 51 colleges and universities were mailed a previously validated survey asking questions about headaches. All surveys were analyzed with a validated diagnostic algorithm consistent with the International Headaches Society's (IHS) criteria for headache diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to report the prevalence rate for gender and ethnic groups, as well as the entire sample. Chi-square tests were performed (P = 0.05) to determine if there were any differences in the prevalence of migraines among gender and ethnic groups. RESULTS: Results showed that 2.9% (n = 23 of 791) of the total sample was classified as having migraines meeting IHS guidelines. In addition, 0.9% (n = 3 of 332) of men and 4.4% (n = 20 of 459) of women were classified as having migraines meeting IHS guidelines. Additionally, results showed that women reported migraines (chi2 = 8.140, P = 0.004) more often than men. When comparing the prevalence rates of migraines between ethnic groups, results showed that Caucasians had a rate of 3.3% (n = 14 of 429), whereas African Americans had a rate of 3.1% (n = 9 of 287). There was no significant difference found between ethnic groups in migraine prevalence (chi2 = 2.491, P = 0.2888). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it was found that the prevalence of migraines in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's and women's basketball players was generally less than in the general population, that women showed an increased prevalence of migraines when compared with men, and that Caucasians and African Americans did not differ in prevalence of migraines.

A Survey of Physical Activity Levels of Certified Athletic Trainers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the self-reported physical activities of certified athletic trainers (ATCs), both at work and at leisure. DESIGN AND SETTING: We used the Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity and also asked for demographic information, including employment setting, years of experience, education level, and position. SUBJECTS: The questionnaire was sent to 1200 randomly selected ATCs in the Mid-America Athletic Trainers' Association; the return rate was 53%. MEASUREMENTS: We used means, standard deviations, and ranges to describe the age, total fitness index, work, and leisure and sport indexes of men and women subjects. Independent t tests were used to compare the mean total activity index between men and women within this study and with previous studies. We examined differences in activity indexes by employment setting, position, and age with one-way analysis of variance and Fisher pairwise comparison tests. Two-way chi(2) analysis was used to determine the relationship between activity level and employment setting and position. Statistical significance was set at P =.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: Certified athletic trainers who work in a clinical setting had the highest mean total activity score at 9.1 points. Clinic ATCs scored significantly higher than high school ATCs and college ATCs. When compared by position, there were no significant differences among the mean total activity indexes; however, the mean work index of program directors was significantly lower than all other positions and the mean work index of high school and clinic ATCs was significantly higher than all other employment settings. CONCLUSIONS: Female ATCs scored significantly higher in total activity levels on the Baecke Questionnaire than their male counterparts. This is in contrast to the general population, investigated by other authors, in which men scored significantly higher than women on the same scale. Additionally, we compared the total activity levels by age, position, and employment setting. There was a significant difference by position only in the work index. The mean total index activity of the over-36-years-old group was significantly lower than all other age categories. There was no significant difference in mean total activity levels by employment setting.

Self-Perceived Continuing Education Needs of Certified Athletic Trainers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the self-perceived continuing education needs of current certified athletic trainers and the factors that affect those needs. DESIGN AND SETTING: Self-reporting surveys using a Likert-type scale were sent to 2000 certified athletic trainers. SUBJECTS: All subjects were certified athletic trainers working in the United States. MEASUREMENTS: A 3-part survey of continuing education participation, continuing education needs, and demographic data was developed. Continuing education items were based on the domains of athletic training as defined by the Athletic Training Role Delineation Study, 3rd edition. RESULTS: The response rate was 52% (1040/2000). Athletic trainers in this study perceived "some to moderate need" for continuing education within each of the domains. Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries (domain 3) was the area in which athletic trainers saw the most need for continuing education. The back and neck were specific anatomical areas perceived by the athletic trainers as needing the highest level of continuing education. Sex was a significant factor in the perceived importance of continuing education within all but domain 5, Professional Development and Responsibility. Other factors included employment setting and years of experience. CONCLUSIONS: Athletic trainers in this study perceived each of the tasks within the domains to be at least "somewhat important," with rehabilitation and specific continuing education programs for the back and neck being the most important. Sex, employment setting, and years of experience may influence what athletic trainers think is important. Therefore, continuing education providers should attempt to vary programs and tailor them to various audiences.