By: James Farnsworth, PhD, LAT, ATC
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming athletic training, offering exciting opportunities to enhance care. However, with these advancements come important ethical considerations that must be addressed to ensure responsible integration.
Benefits of AI in Athletic Training
AI can significantly expand the capabilities of athletic trainers. For instance, AI-powered tools can analyze a patient's movement patterns in real-time, identifying subtle biomechanical issues that might increase the risk of injury. By predicting injuries before they happen, AI can help athletic trainers implement preventive strategies, such as tailored exercise programs or adjustments in technique, to keep patients healthy. AI can also streamline rehabilitation by tracking a patient's progress with precision, offering data-driven insights into when a patient is ready to return to activity. Additionally, AI in concussion management can assess cognitive function and symptom progression more objectively, aiding in safer return-to-activity decisions.
Several Tennessee universities and healthcare institutions, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Tennessee's Health Science Center and Knoxville campus, are exploring AI-driven sports medicine, offering collaboration, and learning opportunities. For instance, the University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a certificate in AI in Medicine, focusing on AI's role in medical imaging, diagnostics, predictive analytics, patient monitoring, and personalized treatment plans.
Risks and Ethical Concerns
While AI brings these benefits, it also raises ethical concerns. One major issue is data privacy, as AI systems often require large amounts of personal health information. Ensuring this data is secure and used ethically is crucial. There’s also the risk of over-reliance on AI, which could undermine the clinical judgment of athletic trainers. AI systems may also reflect biases in their programming or data, leading to unequal treatment outcomes. For example, an AI tool developed with data from a specific population might not be as effective for patients from different backgrounds.
As we embrace AI, it’s our responsibility to ensure that these technologies are used in ways that uphold the integrity of our profession. This includes safeguarding patient data, maintaining unbiased care, and ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces human judgment.
Recommendations for Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers interested in AI should start by educating themselves on its potential uses and limitations. Explore online courses on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, or check out the NATA EducATe platform, which offers targeted resources for athletic trainers. Engaging in local workshops or online forums to discuss the ethical implications of AI in athletic training can also be valuable. Start by using AI-driven tools for injury prevention or rehabilitation tracking and share your experiences with your colleagues.
We encourage you to explore how AI can enhance your practice and share your experiences or questions with peers. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or have already integrated it into your practice, your insights can help shape the future of athletic training. How will you integrate AI into your practice while ensuring that you maintain the highest ethical standards? Reflect on this as you explore the possibilities AI offers.