Welcome to JAT Chat, presented by the Journal of Athletic Training, the official journal of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. In this episode, co-host Dr. Shelby Baez speaks with Dr. Brett Pexa (High Point University) about the recent publication, "Throwing Load Does Not Affect Musculoskeletal Measures Around Competitive Pitching in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers".

This episode explores a study testing whether external load (pitch count), internal load (RPE), or their product (ARM PE) predict changes in shoulder and elbow musculoskeletal measures in adolescent baseball pitchers. Researchers measured range of motion, shoulder strength, and infraspinatus ultrasound before and after pitching and found no consistent correlation between loading metrics and the observed musculoskeletal changes.

Key takeaways: pitch counts alone may not reflect total arm load; clinicians should consider total shoulder actions and monitor ROM and strength to assess recovery and injury risk.

Article: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0052.25

Welcome to JAT Chat, presented by the Journal of Athletic Training, the official journal of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. In this episode, co-host Dr. Kara Radzak speaks with Dr. Dana Golden about her recent publication, "Gait Biomechanics Among Female Endurance Runners: Comparing Days With and Without Menstrual Cycle–Related Symptoms".

The study used RunScribe wearables and daily symptom surveys and found no significant differences in gait mechanics between symptomatic and asymptomatic days, though runners logged fewer runs on symptomatic days.

Dr. Golden explains practical implications for athletic trainers—normalizing symptoms, offering reassurance, and using accessible wearable tech to monitor athletes in real-world settings.

Article: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0634.24

Welcome to JAT Chat, presented by the Journal of Athletic Training, the official journal of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. In this episode, co-host Dr. Shelby Baez speaks with Dr. Rachel Geoghegan (A.T. Still University) about her recent publication, "Advancing Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Athletes: A Call to Action for Athletic Trainers". This episode explores the limited evidence around exercise and injury in pregnant and postpartum athletes and emphasizes the vital role athletic trainers play in monitoring health, modifying training, recognizing complications, and supporting mental well-being.

Dr. Rachel Gohagan issues a clear call to action: integrate perinatal health into education and research, develop clinical guidelines, and promote interprofessional, individualized return-to-play care so athletes receive evidence-informed and dignified support throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Article: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0060.25