Posters in the Rotunda features research from athletic training students

Athletic training students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point are shared research findings during the 12th annual Posters in the Rotunda event Wednesday, April 22, at the State Capitol in Madison.

Studies show that undergraduate research leads to better job readiness, encompassing a broad range of student talents, interests and skills across academic disciplines. UW leaders believe broader participation in undergraduate research will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need for 21st century jobs, preparing graduates to succeed in a world that values innovation, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration.

Posters in the Rotunda is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the exciting research going on throughout the state and to support Wisconsin students and faculty members who contribute to the state’s strong economic future. The University of Wisconsin System is a national leader in undergraduate research, which contributes to the state’s priorities, including retention, graduate rates, workforce and economic development.

20150422postersat2b — Rachel Popelka, Paige Albrecht, Cassandra Salmen and Danae Daellenbach

Rachel Popelka, Cassandra Salmen, Danae Daellenbach, Paige Albrecht – School of Physical Education & Athletic Training
“Exercise Programming and its Effects with Balance in the Aging Population”

Project Abstract: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “One out of three older adults (those aged 65 or older) falls each year…falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.” The purpose of this research project is to investigate the effects of exercise – both seated and standing – on fall risk. The subjects will include members of the community over the age of 65 and will be assigned to one of three groups – standing exercise, seated exercise, or the control group. The data collected will include: postural sway and a confidence survey related to fall risk. The hypothesis is that one or both of the exercise programs will have increase confidence in postural stability and improve overall balance in the aging/geriatric population, thus decreasing fall risk. Since many elderly individuals are unable to stand for an extended period of time, it is important to study the effectiveness of seated exercise programs compared to the more traditional standing exercise programs. Researching different types of fall prevention programs will add to the current research on fall prevention. With more information about fall prevention in the aging/elderly population, additional methods will be discovered to prolong a higher quality of life due to a decrease in injuries caused by falls.

Amber DeWitt, Michael Hovde, Allison Kanaman, Taylor Weuve – School of Physical Education & Athletic Training
“The Correlation Between FMS Scores and Athletic Injuries in Collegiate Athletes”

20150422postersat1b — Allison Kanaman, Taylor Weuve, Michael Hovde and Amber DeWitt

Project Abstract: The purpose of our study is to determine if there is a correlation between a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score and athletic injury occurrence. FMS is a ranking and grading system used to identify a participant’s ability to complete a series of seven functional movement patterns. Participants FMS scores will be determined through the utilization of a FMS screening prior the beginning of their collegiate athletic season. Upon completion of the athletic season, statistical analysis will be completed to determine if there is a correlation between a participant’s FMS score and injury incidence. If the results show a positive correlation between FMS scores and injury occurrence, at-risk individuals can be identified and a preventative program will be implemented to decrease injury prevalence. This research will be beneficial in athletics by identifying and preventing injury risk and decreasing time loss due to injury in all levels of sports.