Why Athletic Trainers Do Not Use Squat Based Gradable Movement Screens

Abstract

Background/Introduction

The use of movement screening has grown in popularity. The purpose of movement screening is to uncover variables that may increase an individual’s opportunity for injury, that with rehabilitation intervention may be reduced. Previously completed research shows that the majority of participants (athletic trainers practicing at the collegiate and university setting) do not use squat based gradable movement screens (SBGMS) in their clinical practice.

Purpose

To discover why participants do not use SBGMS clinically

Design/Methods

This qualitative study was completed using open ended responses to an electronically delivered survey. Qualitative data collected in the open-ended questions of a survey was analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach, which is simple and useful when studying a new phenomenon.¹

Results/Outcomes

Participants were given a fill-in box to further explain their lack of SBGMS use. There were 97 participant responses to this question, with a total of 125 different comments. Reviewing for themes in these responses, the investigator found the following: 63 (50.4%) responded they had some kind of “lack of knowledge” that affects their use of SBGMS. Nineteen participants (15.2%) responded they had some kind of “lack of time” while 16 (12.8%) responded with “miscellaneous” reasons. Further responses include the participants use some kind of different methods, 14 (11.2%), other athletic staff personnel completed screening, and observation of athletes during conditioning exercises. Eight participants (6.4%), responded they had some kind of lack of resources which includes a lack of equipment, not enough staff, too many athletes, and not a large enough budget. Finally, 5 (4%) participant responses were related to research and evidence being a to explain their lack of SBGMS use.

Discussion/Conclusions

One of the questions related to this project relates to why athletic trainers were not using SBGMS in their clinical practice. The majority of these responses are related to some kind of lack of supportive resource.² This can include lack of knowledge or credentialing, lack of time, or lack or resources. Collectively these responses when open coded for themes represent 90 out of 97 total responses (93%). The most frequently used theme discovered from this simple qualitative analysis was SBGMS use is limited when there is a lack of knowledge.

Reference List

1. Elo S, Kyngas H. The qualitative content analysis process. J Adv Nurs. 2008;62(1):107-115. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x

2. Clifton DR, Grooms DR, Onate JA. Overhead deep squat performance predicts Functional Movement Screen score. Int J Sport Phys Ther. 2015;10(5):622-627.

Video Link: deti-media.ung.edu/media/Kinesiology+-+Ryan+Hipp++-+Lack+of+SBGMS+Use/1_1k0op6up