Abstract

Todays athletic trainers look for the most effective method to treat the athletes under their care. They stay current by reading professional journals and attending conferences and workshops. The dilemma for the athletic trainer is that the information presented is often contradictory. The purpose of this article is to present selected research principles that will help athletic trainers identify flawed conclusions. To illustrate the need for critical analysis of the literature, examples of anecdotal accounts and research results are presented regarding football injury rates associated with different playing surfaces and ankle supports. In an age of constant change, athletic trainers must arm themselves with the knowledge to identify flawed conclusions based on anecdotal accounts and/or misleading facts in order to best serve their athletes. Verf.-Referat