Ohio State University's athletic training expertise, typically the domain of student-athletes, has found new ground within the school's ROTC participants and at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, according to a recent article by the university. Notably extending its reach, the initiative is cultivating a healthier and more informed group of cadets, midshipmen, and law enforcement personnel.
The program, led by Ohio State athletic trainer Sam Wagner, who first cut her teeth with track and field participants at Oklahoma State University and the University of Iowa has seamlessly transitioned; she now applies her knowledge to support the ROTC and those at the sheriff's office, recognizing that "they require, from a physical standpoint, a similar effort to a student-athlete, but they don’t have the same resources as a student-athlete," Wagner told Ohio State News. This expansion reflects a broader understanding of the physical demands placed on individuals in these roles and the tangible health risks associated with their daily activities.
Wagner's training regimen covers a spectrum of preventative measures from picking the right footwear to the timely replacement of running shoes to avoid bone and joint issues, a notion third-year midshipman Yasmine Moukadam echoed, surprised at how vital such simple choices are, stating, "Well, I didn’t and I don’t think I ever would have if it weren’t for the athletic training staff team educating us on self-care," in an interview with Ohio State News. Such insights highlight the program's emphasis on the importance of nuance and practical knowledge for injury prevention.
Recognizing potential long-term health implications is part of Wagner’s approach, where she doesn’t just look at treating minor injuries, she looks at preventing any future, lingering effects; "One concussion may not have an impact now, but we ... do the best that we can to make sure this doesn’t affect you later on–in and outside of the military," she explained, according to Ohio State News. Wagner's commitment to early treatment is about more than just immediate recovery—it's an investment in the future health and career longevity of those serving in the military and law enforcement.
Moreover, the collaboration has thus far yielded significant advantages, with Kevin P. Cullen, Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Military and Veteran Services, lauding the program for its remarkable contributions to injury prevention, rapid recovery, and overall performance enhancement in military exercises. "Our ROTC departments have an amazing relationship with the Wexner Medical Center and Health and Rehabilitation Services," Cullen stated through Ohio State News, underpinning the foundational role of such programs in fostering both physical and mental resilience. Meanwhile, Wagner's connections with fellow athletic trainers at universities such as Auburn, Texas A&M, and the University of South Carolina speak to a growing network of professionals prioritizing the well-being of our nation's future military leadership and those who ensure local safety.
The inclusion of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office signifies not only a proactive approach towards reducing medical expenses, but also an acknowledgment of the unique physical strains placed on law enforcement officers, which are exacerbated by their duty gear. Sam Wagner, expanding on the nature of these injuries with deputies often coping with shoulder impingement from wearing vests, suggests a nuanced touch is as crucial to this demographic as it is within ROTC. This effort aligns closely with Wagner’s professional sentiments, having once considered a military path, only to now serve those in uniform through her athletic training acumen, as described in the university's coverage of this interdisciplinary outreach.
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