All WSU MSAT students complete a master's thesis research project. Students (individually or in small groups) are closely mentored by their faculty thesis chair to develop and conduct research studies. Research Methods I (MSAT 6080) provides a foundation of research concepts, while Research Methods II and III (MSAT 6085 and 6090) are used to develop the project, collect and analyze the data, and prepare the final manuscript.
Below are the master's thesis research projects that have been conducted recently. Many of these projects have been presented at the National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Clinical Symposium, other regional, national, or international conferences, and/or published in research journals.
2023 MSAT Graduates
Stephanie Aeschlimann
Project Title: The Effect of Kinesiology Tape at the Ankle on Biomechanics and Muscle Activation in People with CAI
Jessica Avila
Project Title: Comparing the effects of unilateral leg press exercises on restoring neuromuscular function after short-term knee immobilization.
Madison Bland
Project Title: The Effects of the GameReady 2.0 and Hyperice X on Skin Temperature
Abigail Chirco
Project Title: The Effect of Movement Coaching on Movement Competence Among Collegiate Athletes
Hyunjeong (Alice) Choi
Project Title: Acute and Residual Effects of IASTM and Percussion Massager on Hamstring Passive Range of Motion and Patient Satisfaction
Jonah Diaz
Project Title: Chronic Injuries in Mountain Biking: A Descriptive Survey
Taylor Goldsberry
Project Title: Sport-Specific Movements and Performance on Artificial Turf and Natural Grass
Yoshihito Kinouchi
Project Title: Acute and Residual Effects of IASTM and Percussion Massager on Hamstring Active Range of Motion
Jacob Ness
Project Title: Coping with Chronic Ankle Instability; Differences in Kinetics and Muscle Activation during a drop landing task.
McKenzie Padovich
Project Title: Comparing the effects of unilateral leg press exercises on restoring quadriceps cross-sectional area after short-term knee immobilization.
Rachel Perkins
Project Title: Comparing the effects of unilateral leg press exercises on limb composition after short-term knee immobilization.
Brooklynn Probert
Project Title: The Working Relationships between Athletic Trainers and Coaches and Perceived Job Satisfaction
Hannah Ramsey
Project Title: A Survey of the Effect of Body-Weight Only Movement Training Program on Sport Readiness, Confidence, and Body Awareness
Tyler Rupe
Project Title: Correlation Between Subcutaneous Fat Thickness and Intramuscular Cooling for the GameReady 2.0 and Hyperice X
Lucas Venegas Vasquez
Project Title: Comparing the effects of unilateral leg press exercises on anabolic and catabolic blood biomarkers after short-term knee immobilization.
Brookelyn Watkins
Project Title: The Effects of the GameReady 2.0 and Hyperice X on Intramuscular Temperature
Mindi Zaugg
Project Title: Building Better Healthcare Through Improved AT and Athlete Relationships
2022 MSAT Graduates
Amanda Bates
Project Title: Anxiety and COVID-19 Among Student-Athletes and College Students
Marissa Brunner
Project Title: The Impact of Head Position on Muscle Activation During the Back Squat
Yabrei Butts
Project Title: Movement Competence and Athletic Injury Occurrence Among College Athletes
Matthew Castiana
Project Title: The Effects of the Game Ready® vs. a Frozen Elastic Bandage on Skin Temperature
Naoya Fujii
Project Title: The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Dynamic Stretching on Dynamic Balance
Nolan Hardiman
Project Title: Comparison of Active and Passive Recovery Strategies Between Repeated Bouts of Submaximal Exercise
Logan Matthews
Project Title: The Effects of the Game Ready® vs. a Frozen Elastic Bandage on Intramuscular Temperature
Yoko Nohara
Project Title: The Effect of The Effect of Static and Dynamic Cupping on Dorsiflexion Range of Motion, Pain,
and Hemodynamics
Mekha Omarimuhammad
Project Title: College Major Declaration in Relation to Athletic Identity Among Student-Athletes
Yuta Ozawa
Project Title: The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Dynamic Stretching on Range of Motion
and Vertical Jump Performance
Samantha Schiess
Project Title: A Survey of College Athletes Readiness to Perform Weightlifitng: Confidence and Body Awareness
Chaerin Yeom
Project Title: The Effects of Compression Garments and Head Down Tilt Position for Immediate Recovery
during Submaximal Running
2021 MSAT Graduates
Breana Cutler
Project Title: Alternative Cooling Methods for Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia
Bailee Dopp
Project Title: The Effect of Plain Compression on Skin and Intramuscular Temperature after Treatment with a
Frozen Elastic Bandage
Baylee Houston
Project Title: Self-Myofascial Release and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Megan Larkins
Project Title: Self-Myofascial Release and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Shayde LeClair
Project Title: Intra-Rater Reliability of a Custom-Made Arch Height Device
Minsub Oh
Project Title: Assessing the Neuromuscular Effects of Localized Vibration at the Tendon Compared to
the Muscle Belly
Jenessa Richins
Project Title: Alternative Cooling Methods for Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia
Sydney Taylor
Project Title: The Effect of Plain Compression on Skin and Intramuscular Temperature after Treatment with a
Frozen Elastic Bandage
2020 MSAT Graduates
Baylie Crank
Project Title: The Effectiveness of Kinesio Tape® on EMG Activation of Lateral Ankle Dynamic Stabilizers
Mercedes Ealey
Project Title: Evaluation of Ankle Joint Space and Ligament Thickness Using Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Noah John Erb
Project Title: Comparison of Acute Heat Exposure and Exercise on Measures of Cardiovascular Health
Sarah Giddens
Project Title: Cortisol and Lactate Levels During a Track Workout Versus a Pool Workout
Katherine Hamill
Project Title: Effectiveness of Tissue Flossing on Quadriceps Strength, Flexibility, and Functional Performance
Destiny Lalaguna
Project Title: The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Upper Body Strength of Collegiate Softball Athletes
Alexa Martin
Project Title: Evaluation of Ankle Joint Space and Ligament Thickness using Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Danielle McCormick
Project Title: Effects of Collegiate Cross-Country Training on Body Composition and Markers of Bone Remodeling
Ryo Nakazono
Project Title: The Effect of a Vibrating Foam Roller on Range of Motion and Pressure Pain Threshold
John Ogden
Project Title: Effectiveness of Muscle Vibration on Quadriceps Strength, Flexibility, and Functional Performance
Ryanne Richey
Project Title: Effectiveness of Cupping on Quadriceps Strength, Flexibility, and Functional Performance
Whitney Russell
Project Title: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Evaluation of Chronic Ankle Instability in Dancers
Ryosuke Sakai
Project Title: Do Bone Remodeling Biomarkers and Heel-Pad Thickness change in Runners during the Collegiate
Cross-Country Season?
Taylor Stapleton
Project Title: Positive Laxity Tests and Risk of Injury in Division I Female College Athletes
Tayley Stoddart
Project Title: The Effect of Kinesio Tape on Perceived Ankle Stability During Lower Extremity Dynamic Activity
Kelsey Warren
Project Title: Heart Rate and Perceived Exertion Levels During a Track Workout Versus a Pool Workout
2019 MSAT Graduates
Guillermo Arbeloa
Project Title: Comparison of a Bag of Crushed Ice and a Double-length Frozen Elastic Bandage on Skin Temperature
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Sara Ellefson
Project Title: The Effect of an Anti-Cramping Supplement on Cramp Frequency in Collegiate Football Players
Committee Chair: Conrad Gabler, PhD, ATC
Krysta Fryer
Project Title: The Effect of an Anti-Cramping Supplement on Cramp Duration and Intensity in Collegiate Football Players
Committee Chair: Conrad Gabler, PhD, ATC
Krizzel Galvez
Project Title: The Effects of Unanticipated Cutting in Shod vs Non-Shod in Individuals with or without CAI
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Karly Gifford
Project Title: The Effect of Ankle Taping Techniques on Lower Extremity Landing Kinematics in Collegiate Football Players
Committee Chair: Conrad Gabler, PhD, ATC
Ruriko Hosaka
Project Title: Comparison of a Bag of Crushed Ice and a Double-length Frozen Elastic Bandage on Intramuscular Temperature
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Tyran Jones
Project Title: A Pilot Study on the Effects of Eccentric Versus Concentric Strengthening on Shoulder Force and Range of Motion
Committee Chair: Chad Smith, PhD
John Lee
Project Title: The Acute and Residual Effects of IASTM and Roller Massage Stick on Active Hamstring Range of Motion
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Courtney Miller
Project Title: The Effects of Peristaltic Pulsed Pneumatic Compression on DOMS Recovery in Active Individuals
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Brandon Shapiro
Project Title: The Effects of Peristaltic Pulsed Pneumatic Compression on DOMS Recovery in Active Individuals
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Jacob Sherer
Project Title: The Effect of Ankle Taping Techniques on Landing Error Scoring System Ratings in Collegiate Football Players
Committee Chair: Conrad Gabler, PhD, ATC
Jessica Vlisides-Henry
Project Title: Stationary Dry Cupping Effects on Quadriceps' Function Immediately Following and 24 Hours after a Fatigue Protocol
Committee Chairs: Saori Hanaki, PhD, ATC, Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Annie Michelle Young
Project Title: The Acute and Residual Effects of IASTM and Roller Massage Stick on Passive Hamstring Range of Motion
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
2018 MSAT Graduates
Andrew Birschbach
Project Title: Kinematics and Kinetics During Running Gait in Patients in Chronic Ankle Instability Compared to Healthy Controls
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Samantha Boehm
Project Title: The Effects of a Resistance Training Protocol on Acute Hormonal Responses in Women
Committee Chair: Chad Smith, PhD
Carly Breitweiser
Project Title: The Reliability of Diagnostic Ultrasound for Assessing Patellar Position under Various Extrinsic Conditions
Committee Chair: Conrad Gabler, PhD, ATC
Kayden Burbank
Project Title: Kinematics and Kinetics During Running Gait in Chronic Ankle Instability Compared to Ankle Sprain Copers
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Zachary Carey
Project Title: The Effect of a Frozen Elastic Bandage on Skin Temperature
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Byrnadeen Farraye
Project Title: The Effect of Kinesiology Tape on Balance in Dancers with Ankle Instability
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Cameron Hein
Project Title: Force Development and Muscle Activation; An Examination Using Three Variations of the Deadlift
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Jordawn Jones
Project Title: Stress, Quality of Life, and Social Support in Athletic Training Students
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
HoWon Kim
Project Title: Kinematics and Kinetics During Running Gait Before and After Cryotherapy in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Theresa Kindsvogel
Project Title: Stress, Quality of Life and Social Support in Collegiate Student Athletes
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Benjamin Reeves
Project Title: The Effect of Compression Socks on Blood Lactate after Endurance Running
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Danielle Schabowsky
Project Title: The Effects of McConnell Tape and High-Intensity Exercise on Patellar Position using Diagnostic Ultrasound
Committee Chair: Conrad Gabler, PhD, ATC
Taylor Spencer
Project Title: Force Development and Muscle Activation; An Examination Using Three Variations of the Deadlift
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Jamie Stein
Project Title: Characterization of Drum Corps Hydration Practices and their Effect on Athletes’ Hydration Status
Committee Chair: David Aguilar-Alvarez, PhD
Kaleen Trout
Project Title: The Effect of a Frozen Elastic Bandage on Intramuscular Tissue Temperature
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Jaap van Gaalen
Project Title: Prospective Study of Injuries Sustained in an Active Mountain Community
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Satoshi Yamakage
Project Title: The Effects of a Novel Anti-Cramping Supplement on Anaerobic Power and Spinal-Reflexive Excitability
Committee Chair: Conrad Gabler, PhD, ATC
Odessa Yazzie
Project Title: The Effects of a Resistance Training Protocol on Acute Hormonal Responses in Women
Committee Chair: Chad Smith, PhD
2017 MSAT Graduates
Danvirg Breton
Project Title: Is Thermostim an Effective Heating and Cooling Modality?
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Tyler Clonts
Project Title: The Effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on Achilles Tendon Cross-Sectional Area
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Marissa Cook
Project Title: Seasonal Variations of Anthropometric and Physiological Measurements in Collegiate Female Soccer Players
Committee Chair: Matt Denning, PhD
Danielle Dearden
Project Title: Effects of a Five-Week Supervised Training Program on Static and Dynamic Balance in Subjects with CAI
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Joseph Ferguson
Project Title: Effects of Ferritin on Hemoglobin and Inflammatory Markers in Division I Cross-Country Runners
Committee Chair: David Aguilar-Alvarez, PhD
Kendra Gilmore
Project Title: The Effect of a Five-week Supervised Training Program on Core Endurance in Subjects with CAI
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Teraka Gonzalez
Project Title: Is Thermostim an Effective Heating and Cooling Modality?
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Stephanie Goth
Project Title: The Effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on two measurements of Ankle Dorsiflexion
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Amanda Jennings
Project Title: Is Thermostim an Effective Heating and Cooling Modality?
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Jordan Johnson
Project Title: The Effect of Kinesio Tape on Ankle Kinematics During a Functional Cutting Task
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Eni Kinikini
Project Title: Evaluation of the Effects of Three Training Protocols on Repeated Sprint Ability and VO2 Max
Committee Chair: Chad Smith, PhD
JungHa Lee
Project Title: Rate of Temperature Rise and Decay with 3-MHz Therapeutic Ultrasound Using Different Intensities
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Christine Lewis
Project Title: Psychological Strategies Effect on Rehabilitation of Patients with Knee Joint Injuries
Committee Chair: Collin Herb, PhD, ATC
Jason Meharry
Project Title: The Effect of White Tape on Ankle Kinematics During a Functional Cutting Task
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Chase Nelson
Project Title: Stretch Window Manipulation: Low vs. High Diathermy Treatment
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Daniel Rogers
Project Title: The Effect of Prolonged Static Stretching and Shortwave Diathermy on Hamstring Flexibility
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Charlene Wichman
Project Title: Lower Extremity Kinematic Differences in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI)
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
2016 MSAT Graduates
Maria Bartoletti
Project Title: Intramuscular and Skin Temperature Decreases with Direct Contact Cryotherapy vs. Cryo-Compression Units
Committee Chair: Jennifer Ostrowski, PhD, ATC
Matthew Berg
Project Title: Achilles Tendon Changes Over Time and Recovery with Therapeutic Modalities in Cross Country Athletes
Committee Chair: Justin Rigby, PhD, ATC
Rielly Byrd
Project Title: Effects of Unloaded Body Weight Supported Running on Physiological and Neuromuscular Factors
Committee Chair: Matthew Denning, PhD
Jennifer Corder
Project Title: The Effects of Vibration Training Program on Static Balance Compared to Airex Foam Pad
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Kayla Cunningham
Project Title: Cross Education Effect of Vibration and Airex Training Programs on Static Proprioception
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Stephen Escobar
Project Title: Kinematic Alternations in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability During a Cutting Task
Committee Chair: Matthew Donahue, PhD, ATC
Tyler Golden
Project Title: The Effects of Music Genre on Power Performance
Committee Chair: Rodney Hansen, PhD
Jolynn Leisinger
Project Title: Intramuscular and Skin Temperature Decreases with Direct Contact Cryotherapy vs Cryo-Compression Units
Committee Chair: Jennifer Ostrowski, PhD, ATC
Jayson Nielsen
Project Title: The Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Lower Extremity Static Balance
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Candace Perkins
Project Title: Achilles Tendon Changes Over Time and Recovery with Therapeutic Modalities in Cross Country Athletes
Committee Chair: Justin Rigby, PhD, ATC
Angelina Purchio
Project Title: Intramuscular and Skin Temperature Decreases with Direct Contact Cryotherapy vs Cryo-Compression Units
Committee Chair: Jennifer Ostrowski, PhD, ATC
Joshua Sponbeck
Project Title: Achilles Tendon Changes Over Time and Recovery with Therapeutic Modalities in Cross Country Athletes
Committee Chair: Justin Rigby, PhD, ATC
Raeann Stuart
Project Title: The Inter- and Intra-Rater Reliability of Functional Movement Screening among Novice Clinicians
Committee Chair: Valerie Herzog, EdD, ATC
Mikayla Thielges
Project Title: Comparison of an Active Warm-up vs. Passive Warm-up on Vertical Jump Performance
Committee Chair: Chad Smith, PhD
Laura Wind
Project Title: Ferritin Levels in Male and Female NCAA Division I Cross Country Athletes
Committee Chair: Rodney Hansen, PhD
