Kansas State University

Vardiman selected as one of National Athletic Trainers' Association's sponsored speakers for Madrid conference

Submitted by College of Human Ecology

Phillip Vardiman, associate professor of athletic training, was one of two speakers chosen to represent the National Athletic Trainers' Association, or NATA, at the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy's eighth World Congress in Madrid, Spain.

The World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy, or WFATT, is an organization that was developed to cultivate the profession of athletic training around the world.

Vardiman presented, "Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Research and Treatment Techniques," to physicians, physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors and university faculty from more than 15 countries.

"Dr. Vardiman's presentation was significant in that his research thus far has shown that the very positive effects of manual therapy may not be due to mechanical changes in the physical attributes of injured tissue," said Mark Gibson, chair of the association's International Committee. "His research agenda is important to the science of treating patients with manual therapy techniques. In a field that can rely heavily on anecdotal evidence, Dr. Vardiman's area of expertise is especially important to the health care of patients and athletes."

Vardiman described the experience as an amazing opportunity.

"I am honored to have been asked to represent the NATA and be a part of a great conference," Vardiman said. "It was excellent opportunity to engage with practitioners from other countries and see the similarities and unique research initiatives from another part of the world. The hosts and live interpreters really worked hard to ensure that everyone’s presentations were shared completely and the Spanish or English speaking attendees were able to keep up in real time through wireless headsets. A special thanks to the NATA for their sponsorship, the WFATT for the invitation and support for the presentation, the Board of Certification and Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education for their support and attendance to the conference."