Theses and Dissertations Collection

The Dissertation of Clinical Practice Improvement (DoCPI) is a culmination of clinical practice growth and scholarly development. Doctorate of Athletic Training (DAT) students are encouraged to examine not only their patient care, but also reflect upon themselves in a meaningful and practical manner. Reflection upon patient outcomes and clinical strengths and weaknesses combined to contribute to the chapters that are contained within this DoCPI. The final research multi-site study reflects the philosophy of the DAT in its mission to emphasize collection and use of patient outcomes to drive clinical decision-making. The examination of the effects of the Mulligan “Squeeze” Technique on the symptoms of meniscus tears has preliminarily provided a means to treating a very common and cost intensive injury with manual therapy. Thoughtfully identifying common injuries and seeking out viable and effective treatments is the foundation of action research in clinical practice and research. The following DoCPI provides evidence of how action research can be implemented and utilized in a systematic and clinically meaningful way as well as detail my student journey to from novice athletic trainer to advanced practitioner.