Boise State Athletic Training students presented research and participated in competitions at the Northwest Athletic Trainers Association annual symposium on March 31 in Boise.
Igor Jozeli, Tyler Murray, and Adrian Sanchez were selected by peer institutions throughout the region to present a student research project titled, “The Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy in Superficial Wound Care.” The students’ oral presentation described the effects of low level laser therapy on soft tissue wound healing. Low level laser therapy is a form of phototherapy which involves the application of a continuous, single wavelength of light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing. The group compared the effects of a class 3B laser and the higher powered class 4 therapeutic laser on a standardized soft tissue abrasion to a control group. While the higher powered class 4 laser demonstrated a quicker onset to healing, there was no observed difference in healing over a 21 day period.
Alyssa Enger and Kristin Smith were chosen by a similar selection process for a poster presentation titled, “Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) in Rehabilitation.” The students’ poster presentation described how BFRT involves restricting blood flow during resistance training through partial venous occlusion (partial closing of veins) supposedly enhances strength gains in healthy individuals. Through a case study, the students demonstrated how BFRT with low load resistance increased both muscle strength and muscle size.
Finally, Laura Haun, Todd Johnston, and Heidi Leonard formed the Boise State quiz bowl team where they finished in the top four among other regional athletic training educational programs.