February/March 2026 (Vol. XXXVI, No. 1)
A multi-pronged and periodized approach to athlete recovery
The approach we take to recovery is intentionally multi-pronged. Rather than viewing recovery as a single intervention or a collection of isolated modalities, we organize recovery around three guiding principles: building up the recovery pyramid, being specific with the type of recovery required, and periodizing recovery across the training year. This framework enables recovery to […]
A tactical approach to utilizing sleep to enhance performance
Sleep as a performance multiplier is a significant factor in the overall readiness of soldiers, police officers, firefighters, first responders and sport athletes. In essence, it is a contributing factor to the health of warfighters and first responders. Regardless of the career you choose, prioritizing healthy sleep is critical for optimal human performance. Optimal sleep […]
How AI can help athletic trainers
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, has been around for a few years now and is becoming incorporated into our everyday lives. There are news reports every day on the ins and outs of AI and how it is used. As for use by athletic trainers, it is becoming necessary to use or at least become familiar […]
Integrating biometric data safely and effectively
Participation in high school sports continues to rise. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), athletic participation increased by 200,000 in the 2024-25 school year. This totals 8,266,244 over the past year alone, underscoring the growing need for safe participation and optimal performance (NFHS, 2025). Participation in sports has many positive […]
Lower extremity return to play testing protocols
The athlete has had a lower extremity injury that required either surgery, extensive rehab and reconditioning and is ready to return to play. But are they ready to compete without hesitation? Are they trained to competent levels of starting, elastic and stopping strength? These questions always concerned me when one of my athletes sustained a […]
Preventing Achilles tendon sprains, strains, and tears
Achilles tendon injuries, particularly tears, are a common problem for athletes, affecting their ability to play and their daily lives. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is crucial for activities such as running, jumping, and turning. Athletes, especially those […]
Protecting your athletes from the reality of the supplement industry
Walk into the health food section of the grocery store or scroll through Instagram for five minutes, and you will be bombarded with supplements claiming to build muscle faster, recover quicker and perform better. The supplement industry has exploded into a $50+ billion global market, and athletes remain the prime targets. What most people do […]
