Context Athletic trainers (ATs) must be equipped with evidence to inform their clinical practice. A systematic, inclusive, and continuous process for exploring research priorities is vital to the success of ATs and, more importantly, their patients' positive outcomes. Objective To identify research priorities and unify research with clinical practice to improve patient care and advance the profession. Design Mixed-methods study. Setting Focus groups and a Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 87 ATs (43 men [49.4%], 44 women [50.6%]; age = 40 ± 11 years; experience = 18 ± 11 years) participated in focus groups. Of the 49 332 e-mails sent, 580 were undeliverable, 5131 ATs started the survey (access rate = 10.5%), and 4514 agreed to participate (response rate = 9.3%). Main Outcome Measure(s) Our study consisted of 6 focus-group sessions, a content-expert review, and a Web-based survey. Themes from the focus groups were used to develop the research priorities and survey instrument. We used the 25-item validated survey to determine whether the research priorities and findings of the focus groups were generalizable. Endorsement of research priorities and recommendations was achieved when respondents indicated they agreed or strongly agreed. Results Respondents endorsed 5 research priorities: health care competency (n = 4438/4493, 98.8%), vitality of the profession (n = 4319/4455, 96.9%), health professions education (n = 3966/4419, 89.8%), health care economics (n = 4246/4425, 96.0%), and health information technology (n = 3893/4438, 87.7%). We also made the following recommendations: (1) develop funding initiatives that align with the agenda, (2) develop postdoctoral fellowships focused on clinical research, (3) facilitate collaborative relationships between clinicians and researchers, and (4) make research evidence more readily available and more applicable. Conclusions Using a systematic and inclusive process, we developed a prioritized research agenda for the athletic training profession. The agenda was endorsed by the leaders of each Strategic Alliance organization and adopted as the Athletic Training Research Agenda.

Clinical examination of the knee to determine the presence of ACL injury presents a challenge to many clinicians. The prone Lachman test offers many advantages in enhancing patient relaxation, improving psychomotor proficiency, and improving the clinician's interpretation of the results.

ATHLETIC THERAPY TODAYFactors involved in the accurate performance of the Lachman test and its interpretation are numerous and include examiner hand size, individual knee size, examiner psychomotor skill, relaxation, and examiner appreciation of anterior translation and end feel.The prone Lachman test has been shown to be an acceptable alternative in determination of ACL disruption and might have numerous advantages over the standard Lachman test.

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Editor's Note: There is a great deal to learn from our colleagues who have had critical and noteworthy contributions to athletic training education. We are pleased, therefore, to periodically include the Robert S. Behnke Keynote addresses from recipients of the Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Educator Award in the current and forthcoming issues of the Athletic Training Education Journal. In this issue's special section we present the speech from R.T. Floyd, EdD, ATC, CSCS who received the Distinguished Educator Award in 2007. The wide ranging contributions by Dr. Floyd are found at http://www.nata.org/DEAwinners#2007.