Theses and Dissertations Collection

The Dissertation of Clinical Practice Improvement (DoCPI) represents my development as a research professional and clinical practitioner. In addition, while developing the DoCPI, it provided an opportunity for me to disseminate evidence of my expertise within chosen areas of advanced practice. Pertaining to my DoCPI, Chapter 2 is a demonstration of my advanced-practice clinical knowledge presented in an a priori case study that was developed during my clinical residency. In the case study, I used a regional interdependence approach, a new concept in my clinical practice, to successfully categorize and treat a plantar fascia pain patient. Chapter 3 is an analysis of my patient care during my clinical residency. Throughout the chapter, I present the outcomes from my patient care and highlight my clinical development within three of my advanced practice areas. Chapter 4 contains two critically appraised topic (CAT) manuscripts and serves as evidence of my ability to identify valid methodology and evidence regarding the treatment of hamstring tightness. In my literature review, I found that neurodynamic sliders and stretching increase hamstring range of motion; however, due to methodological differences and low quality evidence, the most effective treatment could not be determined. Chapter 5 is a multisite research project where we examined apparent hamstring tightness and the immediate and short-term effects of the Total Motion Release® (TMR®) Forward Flexion Trunk Twist (FFTT) compared to a sham intervention. After one application of the technique, hamstring extensibility improved which indicates that the treatment may be used to immediately address apparent hamstring tightness. Cumulatively, the DoCPI represents my development as a researcher and advanced practice clinician who can adequately prepare athletic training students for their professional careers.