Albertin, E. S., Miley, E. N., May, J., Baker, R. T., & Reordan, D. (2019). The effects of hip mobilizations on patient outcomes: a critically appraised topic. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 28(4), 390-394. (link)

Albertin, E. S., Walters, M., May, J., Baker, R. T., Nasypany, A., & Cheatham, S. (2020). An exploratory case series analysis of the use of primal reflex release technique™ to improve signs and symptoms of hamstring strain. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 15(2), 263. (link)

Miley, E., May, J., Albertin, E., Takahashi, E., Goodman, C., & Pettaway, A. (2019). Reliability and validity for measuring active hip rotation with the clinometer smartphone application™. Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research, 6(4), 193-199. (link)

Albertin, E. The Pelvic Girdle Guide: An Evidence Based Approach. GLATA 2020.     Podium presenter. 

Albertin ES, Miley EN, Buboltz S, Le’Beau N, O’Kane R, May J, Baker R, Warren L. Nerves have feelings too: Treatment of the upper extremity using neurodynamics. Learning Lab at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, Houston, TX. June 2017. Podium presenter

Albertin, E. Trauma Releasing Exercises: Learning Lab. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, New Orleans. June 2018. Lab assistant

Research Agenda

A problematic gap in time exists between data collection in the clinical setting and translation to disseminated research among athletic trainers and kinesiology practitioners. Practice based evidence takes many years to translate to evidence based practice. The use of practice based evidence helps improve a local practice by identifying a weakness, implementing novel treatment techniques, recording outcomes, and reflecting on the process. Given the current lag in translation from practice to research, I plan to add to the clinically applicable research available for the kinesiology field. 

The broad objective of my research agenda is to generate new knowledge on the clinical effects of novel treatment techniques. Specifically, I plan to investigate patient and clinician outcomes in athletic training. Outcome evidence is crucial in providing optimal patient care and increasing cost benefits of the profession. To advance this objective, my research centers around two goals: 1) investigating novel treatment techniques, 2) examining outcome success of practicing medical professionals.  

To achieve the goals, I use translational research methods informed by action research. The recent transition of athletic training towards evidence-based practice places emphasis and meaning on randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Clinicians can not always translate best practices into their settings because clinical care does not account for set variables but rather is a fluid process with many factors. Therefore, I strive to continue researching in a translational manner in order to provide evidence for practice in clinical settings. 

Over the next several years, I have plans for three major research areas. First, the investigation novel treatment techniques in athletic training collegiate settings. Second, the investigation of manual therapy outcomes specific to the lumbo-pelvic region. Third, the study of specific recovery therapies following activity. In the paragraphs below, I outline these three areas of study and provide a timeline of goals for both conventions and my research agenda. 

Novel Treatment Techniques 

Implementing novel treatment techniques, recording outcomes, and reflecting on the process are necessary steps for incorporating action research into the athletic training profession. Researchers in the collegiate setting can target specific manual therapy concepts such as Mulligan Concept, Primal Release Reflex Technique, Total Motion Release, Energy Medicine, Positional Release Therapy, and more. 

Lumbo-pelvic region

Researchers identify hip joint range of motion (ROM) asymmetry as a leading cause of predisposing patients to hip pathologies such as hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, patellofemoral pain, or chronic adductor strains. The acetabulofemoral joint must be able to achieve equal ROM with the absence of asymmetries for optimal functionality. However, a paucity of research exists on novel techniques to treat hip asymmetries. Hip asymmetries can be asymptomatic yet problematic when active internal rotation (IR) differs by 15% or more bilaterally. Therefore, healthcare providers must develop prevention strategies for assessing and correcting asymptomatic asymmetries in hip IR. 

Recovery Techniques

Collegiate level athletes commonly practice recovery training techniques in order to improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury. Different forms of training recovery may improve adaptation and performance, prevent cumulative fatigue, and avoid overtraining setbacks. Researchers have studied recovery techniques including cold water immersion, intermittent pneumatic compression, active recovery, and rest. There is, however, a paucity of research on the various physiological and psychological effects of acute training recovery. The implications of efficient and effective recovery techniques may improve the quality of life of patients.