Free Communications

Free Communications Poster Abstract Submission Form

Please read all instructions before preparing and submitting your abstract. Individuals may submit only one abstract as the primary (presenting) author, but may submit unlimited abstracts as a secondary author. All abstracts will undergo a blind review. All presentations must be of original work (not previously presented). This restriction includes any electronic/internet postings. Exceptions to this restriction are limited to state and district meetings of athletic training organizations. If accepted, posters should not exceed 4’ x 6’ in size.

Detailed information about poster types can be found here.

It is highly recommended your review the detailed information prior to submitting to ensure a complete submission. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Additional Requirements for Student Submissions:

a. Mentor’s name and email address must be provided.

c. Failure of mentor review & approval of the abstract will result in an automatic rejection.

ALL Abstracts will fall into one of the following categories: Experimental Design, Clinical CASE Reports, Critically Appraised Topics (CAT):

• Experimental Design

  • Abstract word limit: 450 words, not including headings

  • Studies which are Basic Research, Qualitative, or Survey research

• Clinical CASE Reports

  • Abstract word limit: 600 words, not including headings

  • There are 4 evidence levels for Clinical CASE Reports based upon the evidence generated and the case design. For PAATS, only levels 1-3 (described below) will be considered. Levels 1-3 more broadly contribute to clinical practice. Level 4 CASE Reports, which are used to describe rare events, will not be considered. Authors will have to identify which level their CASE Report falls within. For a more in-depth presentation of the Clinical Case Reports, see Clinical Contributions to the Available Sources of Evidence (CASE) Reports

    • Level 1: The purpose of a Level 1 CASE is to test or validate the results of previously published research

    • Level 2: The purpose of a Level 2 CASE is to report on several unique cases with a similar defining feature that links the cases together.

    • Level 3: The purpose of a Level 3 CASE is to report on a unique case.

• III. Critically Appraised Topic (CAT)

  • Abstract word limit: 450 words, not including headings

  • Critically Appraised Topics are brief systematic reviews of the most current and best available evidence to answer a focused clinical question related to the recognition, rehabilitation, and prevention of sport-related injuries. While large-scale systematic reviews and meta-analyses involve an exhaustive search of the literature, CATs involve similar elements but on a smaller scale (typically 3-8 sources of peer-reviewed evidence).