Theses and Dissertations Collection

A dissertation of clinical practice improvement (DoCPI) describes use of an action research philosophy to improve clinical practice and documents progress in an area of advanced clinical practice. This DoCPI describes development of clinical skills and scholarly practice through evaluating and treating injuries in recreational dancers, in particular through targeted use of the Mulligan Concepts, and outlines critical reflection and elucidation of philosophies for clinical practice and for teaching. A Plan of Advanced Practice (PoAP) was developed to define specific steps needed to develop into an advanced practitioner and a strong educator. An action research strategy was used to clinically assess application of the Mulligan Concept for evaluation and treatment of patellofemoral pain in recreational dancers. Research outcomes were disseminated through conference presentations and, for initial research on use of the Mulligan Concept to treat sacroiliac joint pain in dancers, through publication of a case series. This DoCPI provides evidence of scholarly development and progress toward advanced clinical practice in athletic training.