Will AI Replace Athletic Trainers?

Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Plan or implement comprehensive athletic injury or illness prevention programs.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Inspect playing fields to locate any items that could injure players.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Advise athletes on the proper use of equipment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Confer with coaches to select protective equipment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Develop training programs or routines designed to improve athletic performance.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, or bruises.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Accompany injured athletes to hospitals.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Lead stretching exercises for team members prior to games or practices.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Conduct research or provide instruction on subject matter related to athletic training or sports medicine.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Recommend special diets to improve athletes' health, increase their stamina, or alter their weight.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

File athlete insurance claims and communicate with insurance providers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Teach sports medicine courses to athletic training students.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Perform team support duties, such as running errands, maintaining equipment, or stocking supplies.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.