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Professor Shawn Williams Presents Research at EATA Convention

Congratulations to Dr. Shawn Williams, who recently presented research at the EATA 77th Convention in Philadelphia, where he reported that "well over 1,000" clinicians and practitioners attended.

According to Dr. Williams, associate professor and academic chair of the Department of Health Professions, “The work is part of a larger research project in collaboration with the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, under the title ‘Holistic Approach to Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation.’” Dr. Williams presented the research in his own words:

“Musculoskeletal injuries represent one of the most common health conditions in tactical athletes, with consequences not only in the lowering of performance or withdrawal from competitions, but also in economic costs. Given the multifaceted nature of musculoskeletal injuries and the complex interplay of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial factors involved in their etiology, a greater understanding of the mind-body relationship in tactical athletes is warranted.

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the interactive and multi-domain deficits of tactical athletes with chronic musculoskeletal injuries and offer evidence-based lifestyle interventions for preventing and managing such complex cases.

Noninvasive techniques, nonsurgical and nonpharmacological treatment plans, regenerative medicine, and a holistic approach to rehabilitation are all promising new perspectives that can help overcome current challenges and improve patient outcomes. Holistic treatment approaches that consider the patient’s lifestyle, preferences, mental health, and coexisting conditions are reviewed.

The presentation underscores the importance of understanding and managing musculoskeletal injuries in the tactical athlete population, and contributing to improved evaluation and management strategies in the future. By continuing to explore and develop innovative approaches, we can ensure that patients receive the best possible care and achieve the highest levels of function and quality of life.”

Professor Williams says, “Musculoskeletal rehabilitation is a constantly evolving field that requires innovative approaches and close collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients. For the physical medicine and rehabilitation professions, there is a need to understand the mind-body relationship in the tactical athlete population suffering from chronic musculoskeletal injuries, specifically the interaction between central sensitization, cortical activity, musculoskeletal characteristics, and sensorimotor characteristics. Identifying the involvement of central sensitization and its relationship with musculoskeletal, sensorimotor, interoceptive, and emotional characteristics offers an opportunity to develop specific and holistic interventions and prevent recurrent pain and severity.”

Learn more about the EATA Convention: Convention Information - Eastern Athletic Trainers Association.