A Generalizability Theory Study of Athletic Taping Using the Technical Skill Assessment Instrument

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Clinical Skills Assessment
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Athletic taping is a crucial skill for athletic therapists and trainers.
• The Technical Skill Assessment Instrument (TSAI) has demonstrated content validity and intrarater reliability.
• Generalizability theory offers a robust framework for evaluating the reliability of skill assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability of the TSAI using generalizability theory.
• To determine the optimal number of raters and scenarios for reliable athletic taping skill measurement.
• To provide data-driven recommendations for improving athletic taping skill assessment.

Main Methods:

• An observational study was conducted with 29 university students in an Athletic Therapy Program.
• Participants completed taping for two standardized scenarios (ankle sprain, hyperextended thumb).
• Two raters assessed performance using the TSAI, and generalizability coefficients were calculated.

Main Results:

• The study design yielded a generalizability coefficient of 0.67, indicating moderate reliability.
• Decision study analysis projected that four scenarios are needed for reliable skill measurement.
• Variance components for raters, participants, and scenarios were analyzed.

Conclusions:

• The current assessment design provides moderate reliability for athletic taping skills.
• Increasing the number of scenarios is crucial for enhancing the reliability of the TSAI.
• Future research should focus on developing evidence-based taping guidelines and validating assessment instruments.