Athletic Training student conducts research at Special Olympics World Games in Berlin
This summer, athletes and Unified partners from 190 countries converged in Berlin, Germany to compete at the Special Olympics World Games.
The athletes were supported by coaches, volunteers, providers and researchers – including Ryan James, a current student in the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at the WVU School of Medicine.
The WVU Athletic Training program allows students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and goals by choosing their own research opportunities. For James, that was the Special Olympics. He traveled to Berlin to conduct research at the World Games on athlete nutrition.
How did you get involved with this research project?
I have always had a passion for working with special needs individuals. In high school, I worked with the local Special Olympics. I reached out to Dr. Scarneo-Miller about doing research and while speaking to her, realized that the WVU Athletic Training program allowed me to pick what I wanted to do research on. She was able to connect me with someone who worked with the Special Olympics. I also registered for the research class, and Dr. Scarneo-Miller was my mentor. I met with her regularly to check in and receive guidance.
What was your research focused on at the World Games?
I worked with the fitness committee in a program called FIT ATHLETES. We asked a set of survey questions that focused on key concepts such as: how much sleep the athlete got each night, how much water they drink daily, what was their vegetable and fruit intake and how many hours of exercise. We also went to track and field and swimming events to look at the nutrition and hydration stations that were located there. We examined the food and drink choices that were presented and observed what was popular with the athletes. We also looked at how athletes utilized the nutrition stations while alone compared to if they had a coach with them guiding their choices. This was a relatively new program, and the fitness committee wanted to see how they could make improvements for upcoming events to encourage healthier options and opportunities.
What was your favorite part of the Special Olympics?
Easily the opening ceremony. It was in the Olympiastadion, which is the same stadium where the 1936 Olympics were held. It was amazing to see the outpouring of support from locals and each country being there. The stadium was so electric, and each country brought water from their country to pour into a pool bringing each country together in unity.
What other internship opportunities have you had?
I worked on an emergency action plan policy review for Kentucky High schools, ensuring that they are all up to standard, and that they encompass all the necessary qualities to ensure proper care in provided case of a sports-related emergency.
Why did you choose the WVU Athletic Training program?
When I interviewed for the program, what really excited me was that all of the faculty seemed to have a burning desire for the program and for the profession. I had interviewed at other institutions, but I had a feeling that WVU had the best program for me to be able to launch myself into a career.
What has been the best part of your experience so far in the program?
The diversity of the program both in academia and in my classmates. The professors take a holistic approach ensuring that we use evidence-based practices and become the best clinicians that we possibly can. They challenge us to think differently and adapt with new information and new breakthroughs that occur each year. Also, with my classmates we are the most unlikely group of friends that you would expect. We all came from different backgrounds, states and undergraduate experiences – students from Japan, California, Texas, amongst the rest of the United States. I have enjoyed getting to know each of them and seeing their backgrounds in the profession.
How do you think the WVU Athletic Training program has prepared you for a career in the field?
The WVU Athletic Training classes have aided me in pushing myself further than I thought I could go. The classes and the professors challenge us daily to think critically and to apply evidence-based practice as well as the newest research in our field. As athletic training is an ever-evolving field, the program has taught us to be ever-evolving as well. Additionally, the professors have taught us to make an impact wherever you go; to not only rise up to the challenge but to excel past.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at https://medicine.wvu.edu/athletic-training/.