Welcome to JAT Chat, presented by the Journal of Athletic Training, the official journal of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. In this episode, co-host Dr. Shelby Baez speaks with Dr. Bree Baker as they explore the intricate case of a Division I heptathlete's journey through hidden injuries and the pivotal role of sleep in recovery. Dr. Baker's recent publication in JAT, "Don’t Sleep on Sleep: A Clinical CASE Report From a Division I Heptathlete" is available in the April 2025 issue. 

Article: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0537.24

In this episode, learn about the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary team, including athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals, who worked tirelessly to identify and address the root cause of the athlete's persistent pain. This in-depth discussion highlights the importance of sleep and holistic health in both preventing injuries and enhancing recovery, offering key insights for athletic trainers, coaches, and healthcare providers.

Guest Bio: Dr. Bree Baker is an assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation and Director of the Musculoskeletal Adaptations to Aging and eXercise lab (MAAX). Dr. Baker's research team regularly uses a DXA bone scanner, Biodex dynamometer, ultrasound, and surveys tools to help better understand bone and muscle health in healthy and clinical populations. They also use information from these tools to better test performance, sleep quality, dietary needs, endocrine function, and injury risk in athletes and first responders.