Date of Graduation

5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Athletic Training (MAT)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

McDermott, Brendon P.

Committee Member

Vandermark, Lesley

Second Committee Member

Wagner, Casey

Third Committee Member

Wilkerson, Gary B.

Keywords

Injury; Musculoskeletal; Prediction; Vitamin D

Abstract

Context: Pre-season testing that includes the analysis of micronutrient serum levels in the blood has become a routine part of pre-participation examinations in collegiate football. Objective: Assess the predictability of vitamin D and iron serum levels as indicators of future injury during a subsequent competitive season for lower extremity sprains, strains, and fractures. Additionally, determine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation on increasing serum 25(OH)D levels and preventing injury. Design: Cohort Study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football program. Participants: Football athletes (n=349) who underwent pre-participation examinations and participated in at least one of three competitive football seasons. Main Outcome Measure(s): Vitamin D and Iron serum levels collected during pre-season testing and injury occurrence of the lower extremity or core was analyzed to determine if a predictive association existed. A vitamin D serum level cut-point for high-risk or low-risk athletes was established using a receiver operator characteristic analysis (ROC) for various injury associations including all injuries, fractures, and muscle strains. Cross-tabulation analysis produced sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and odds ratios for each cut-point. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the best combination of injury risk factors. Individuals supplemented with vitamin D were analyzed using a paired-samples T-Test to determine if supplementation procedures were effective. Results: Muscular injuries were significantly predicted by low vitamin D levels (

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