Evidence-based Comparison of Spine Motion Restriction (SMR) Techniques in Athletics

Course Description The presentation "Evidence-based Comparison of Spine Motion Restriction (SMR) Techniques in Athletics" will cover various learning objectives related to spinal motion restriction and immobilization in athletes. Attendees will learn the difference between spinal motion restriction and immobilization, and the decision-making process components between different healthcare providers for activating spinal motion restriction in spine-injured athletes. Additionally, the presentation will compare current evidenced-based best practices for on-field equipment removal and suggest future protocols. Attendees will identify evidence-based practices for selecting extrication equipment and transfers. Lastly, the presentation will compare current best practices for spine board use and potential future protocols. Overall, the presentation will provide a comprehensive understanding of SMR techniques in athletics, with a focus on evidence-based practices and recent research. BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain I - Risk Reduction, Wellness, and Health Literacy Domain II - Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis Domain Ill - Critical Incident Management Practice Gap: Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines on spinal motion restriction (SMR) techniques in athletics, there is a gap in knowledge and implementation of these guidelines among athletic trainers and other healthcare providers. Specifically, there is a need for improved understanding and decision-making processes related to activating SMR in spine-injured athletes, selecting appropriate extrication equipment and transfer methods, and on-field equipment removal. To improve outcomes for spine-injured athletes, it is essential for healthcare providers to prioritize evidence-based practices and stay up to date with the latest research in SMR techniques in athletics. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Explain the difference between spinal motion restriction and spinal immobilization. Assess and compare the components of the decision-making process between different healthcare providers for activating spinal motion restriction for the spine-injured athlete. Compare and contrast differences between current evidenced-based best practices for on-field removal of equipment for the spine-injured athlete and compose ideas that may add to future protocols. Identify evidence-based practices for the selection of the different types of extrication equipment and transfers (log roll, multi-person, straddle lift‐and‐slide, scoop stretcher, vacuum mattress). Compare differences between current evidenced-based best practices for the use of a spine board and potential future protocols. Clinical Bottom Line: After reviewing the current evidence-based practices and research related to spinal motion restriction (SMR) techniques in athletics, the clinical bottom line is that healthcare providers should prioritize evidence-based decision-making processes for activating SMR in spine-injured athletes. Best practices for on-field equipment removal and selection of extrication equipment are based on the latest evidence-based guidelines. It is also essential to compare current best practices for spine board use and consider potential future protocols. Healthcare providers should stay up to date with the latest research to ensure the highest level of care for spine-injured athletes. Summary Conclusions: Spinal motion restriction (SMR) is a critical technique for healthcare providers to use when treating spine-injured athletes, and evidence-based decision-making is essential to ensure the highest level of care. The selection of extrication equipment and transfer methods, such as log roll, multi-person, straddle lift-and-slide, scoop stretcher, and vacuum mattress, should be based on the latest evidence-based guidelines to improve outcomes for spine-injured athletes. On-field equipment removal is a challenging aspect of SMR, and healthcare providers must follow current evidenced-based best practices while considering potential future protocols. Understanding the differences between spinal motion restriction and immobilization is crucial to ensure that healthcare providers implement the correct technique for spine-injured athletes. Staying up to date with the latest research on SMR techniques in athletics is vital for healthcare providers to provide the highest level of care for spine-injured athletes.

BIOGRAPHY Dr. MaryBeth Horodyski has a long history of service to the athletic training profession. Dr. Horodyski has been an active member of the NATA for over 40 years with 30 of those years in both SEATA and ATAF.  Her extensive leadership roles include NATA Vice-President (2014 to 2016), NATA District IX Director (2012 to 2016), NATA Research and Education Foundation Vice-President of External Affairs (2009-2013), SEATA President (2006 to 2012), SEATA Secretary/Treasurer (5 years), SEATA Treasurer (4 years), and co-chair for the Research and Education Committee (2 years). She also served as the NATA Chair of the Executive Council for Education and is the incoming Vice-President of Research for the NATA Research and Education Foundation. She was most recently inducted to the National Academies of Practice-AT as a Distinguished Fellow. She graduated from Lock Haven University (PA) with a BS in HPERD and athletic training.  She completed her master’s degree in exercise physiology at Iowa State University while working as an athletic trainer for the Athletic Department.  She then worked at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY for eight years initially as an assistant athletic trainer and later as the head athletic trainer in the Department of Physical Education.  During her time at West Point she earned a master’s degree and doctorate in applied human physiology at Columbia University.  In 1992, Dr. Horodyski joined the University of Florida faculty as the Director of the Graduate Athletic Training Program and as the Director of the Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Education and Outreach Program, servicing 12 high schools, a community college, a community/industrial setting, and 2 campus locations. In August 2002, she became the Director of Research for the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Florida.  She also holds joint appointments in the College of Public Health and Health Professions (Department of Physical Therapy) and the College of Veterinary Medicine (Small Animal Sciences).  Dr. Horodyski has obtained research funding through numerous research and program development grants. She has over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals and is a frequent speaker for the Student SEATA Symposium, NATA symposiums, and numerous other professional national and international organizations.  Dr. Horodyski currently conducts research in orthopaedic trauma as she continues her research in care of the spine injured patient.  Due to her research successes, Dr. Horodyski was elected to become a member of the Cervical Spine Research Society, which is an organization of only 350 members.  Dr. Horodyski is one of only five non-physician members. Dr. Horodyski has been recognized for her contributions to athletic training and the community, including the Superior Civilian Service Award, a medal from the US Government (1992), the ATAF College/Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year Award (1997), the Bronze Gator Award for service to the community from the Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee (1997), the NATA Service Award (2000), SEATA District IX Award (2002), the ATAF Hall of Fame (2004), NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award (2004), SEATA Award of Merit (2006), SEATA Hall of Fame (2008), the recipient of the NATA Fellow Award (2011), the NATA Gail Weldon Award (2011), NATA Hall of Fame (2017), and the Tim Kerin Award (2022).    Dr. Horodyski and her husband, Bob, reside in Gainesville, FL.  They have three children: Nicole (a certified athletic trainer and PA; married to Casey Scott), Bobby (married to Laura Zdziarski-Horodyski, PhD, ATC), and Jonathan.  They were host parents of Christian and Frederik Benzon from Denmark.

Action Medicine Consultants, LLC (BOC AP#: P12095) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of 1.0 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. GENERAL DISCLAIMER: It is the responsibility of the participant, relying on the independent expertise and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best treatment and method of application for the patient. Participants must use discretion when using the information contained within this presentation.  The presenter has provided the following regarding disclaimers: The information and content provided in this course are for informational purposes only. The presenter nor Action Medicine Consultants, LLC bears no liability for your use of this information and content. The views expressed in this course are those of the presenter(s). CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all presenters must disclose any financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or product(s) under investigational use.  This presentation does not involve the unlabeled use of a product or product under investigational use.  During the presentation, the presenter provides disclosure of any relevant financial relationships or other associations.  Refund Policy:  Live (virtual or in-person) Courses - Full refunds (Minus 10% for handling fees) are given after completion of the course if cancellation request is received 14 days prior to the course date. No refunds will be given after this deadline, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course. This also applies to virtual courses if a technical issue occurred on the presenter side that prevented a full presentation from being performed. On-Demand Courses - No refunds will be given, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course if there is a technical issue in Action Medicine Consultant's delivery of the course and in which no certificate of completion was issued.