Approximately half of the injuries experienced by firefighters consist of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs). Functional movement quality may be associated with MSKI risk within this tactical athlete population. Previous research indicates that measures of body composition change among firefighter recruits progressing from academy training through active-duty service, but similar changes in functional movement quality have yet to be examined. The purpose of this study was to describe longitudinal changes in functional movement quality of firefighter recruits. Body mass index (BMI), body fat (BF), and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) data were collected from 26 male firefighter recruits at the onset (W1) and completion (W14) of their training academy, and at the completion of their probationary period of active-duty service (W38). After adjusting for changes in BMI and BF across time, significant changes (ps < 0.05) in Composite FMS scores were identified, with significant increases in from W1 to W14 and from W14 to W38, as well as an overall increase from W1 to W38. These results suggest that the development of firefighter-specific skills can decrease the MSKI risk of firefighter recruits by facilitating enhanced functional movement competencies, particularly during tasks that require single-leg movement and core strength and stability.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the reliability and validity of the RESTQ-Sport-36 for use in the collegiate student-athlete population. A total of 494 collegiate student-athletes competing in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, or III sanctioned sport completed the RESTQ-Sport-36 and Brief Profile of Mood States (POMS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures were used to compare first order to hierarchical model structures. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis (χ²[528] = 1129.941, p < 0.001; SRMR = 0.050; CFI = 0.929) and exploratory structural equation modeling analysis (χ²[264] = 575.424, p < 0.001; SRMR = 0.013; CFI = 0.963) indicated that the first order 12-factor structure demonstrated the best fit of all models tested. Support was not observed for the fit of any hierarchical model. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between stress and recovery subscales and mood states, thus supporting the construct validity of the abbreviated RESTQ measurement model. The current findings provide support for the measure’s use in this population and give pause as it relates to the scoring and interpretation of hierarchical factors such as Total Stress and Total Recovery. Overall, the current results indicate that the RESTQ-Sport-36 may be a useful tool for collegiate student-athlete training load and competition monitoring.

Context: Although researchers have directed scholars toward investigating the effectiveness of the nonwork personal time of athletic trainers (ATs), no one has characterized the occupational recovery experiences of ATs. Objective: To examine the reliability and validity of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ) for use in AT populations. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 144 ATs (71 men, 73 women) working in a variety of National Collegiate Athletic Association sports across all levels of competition. Main Outcome Measure(s): The REQ was administered to assess the AT recovery experience. Results: Preliminary evidence emerged for the reliability (ω = 0.80–0.90) and validity of the REQ for use in AT populations. Weak linear relationships were identified between stress and perceptions of psychological detachment (r = −0.314, P < .001), mastery (r = −0.179, P = .32), control (r = −0.284, P = .001), and relaxation (r = −0.157, P = .06). Conclusions: Our results support measuring and applying occupational recovery for AT stress and work-life balance. Given that occupational recovery as a construct was only weakly related to stress, it is clearly a unique and distinct variable worth considering within the work-life balance line of inquiry.

The purposes of this study were to examine the factorial validity of the six-item Intragroup Conflict Scale (ICS) in athletic trainer (AT) and coach populations and to examine measurement invariance by gender and profession. A total of 195 ATs and 615 head or assistant coaches working at secondary schools or National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions completed the ICS. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis procedures in LISREL 10 (Student Edition). Results supported the reliability and validity of the two-factor ICS model among ATs and coaches. Strict measurement invariance was observed when comparing male to female AT responses. Strong measurement invariance was observed when comparing male to female coach responses, as well as AT to coach responses. These data not only support the reliability and validity of the ICS for use in AT and coach populations but also support direct comparisons of mean scores across gender or profession.

Informed by student needs and organizational goals, a dedicated group of students and faculty mentors founded a new peer-reviewed, student-centered journal supported by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and the AASP Foundation. The following paper outlines key factors that contributed to the actualization of this journal including an overview of the supporting organization, historical context relevant to the journal, and includes a brief overview of the student leadership positions at the center of the development of the journal. Additionally, we outline the three-year process of taking this journal from an idea, to a proposal, to full operation—as evidenced by this first issue. Our hope is that through a transparent reflection of our process, other students may be empowered by our learned experiences and gain confidence to advocate for lofty goals within their own organizations.