As Fall Sports Return, Athletic Trainers Help Athletes Navigate More Than Injuries

As fall sports ramp up, Athletic Trainers are helping student-athletes manage much more than injuries. From conditioning and heat to hydration, nutrition and recovery, preparing athletes for a new season requires looking at the whole athlete.

UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine experts say athletes who reduced their activity over the summer should gradually rebuild fitness, strength and endurance rather than immediately returning to maximum-intensity training.

“Attempting to hit a personal record or even manage the same load after months of not as intense training can cause serious injury,” said Amit Momaya, MD, chief of UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine.

Heat adds another challenge as outdoor practices get underway. Momaya emphasized that conditioning alone doesn’t eliminate the risk, noting that “heat can still take a toll” and hydration supports both performance and safety. Nutrition also plays a role in performance, injury prevention and recovery, according to UAB clinical dietitian Caroline Cohen, PhD.

In Birmingham City Schools, that whole-athlete approach is being taken a step further.

James Jones, head Athletic Trainer for UAB Orthopaedic Surgery and Birmingham City Schools, serves as the medical liaison for a nutrition partnership that includes the FuelED: Eat for Performance 2.0 program. The initiative provides student-athletes, coaches and parents with online education covering nutrition, hydration, sleep and athletic performance.

“The new online format allows us to track participation and better evaluate program impact,” Jones said.

Schools successfully completing FuelED can also receive support to establish an Athletic Food Pantry, providing access to nutritious snacks and appropriate storage equipment.

As another busy season begins, the program illustrates how Athletic Trainers can contribute to athlete health well beyond the traditional athletic training room.