Examining Therapeutic Ultrasound Manufacturer Brands, Models, and Common Treatment Parameters Amongst Clinically Practicing Athletic Trainers

Context: Textbook parameters for thermal ultrasound are based on research using the Omnisound 3000 unit. No study has been performed to observe common brands of ultrasound (US) units available to athletic trainers (ATs), or the US parameters they commonly use. Objective: Determine commonly reported US units and heating parameters used by ATs. Design: Digital survey. Setting: Online survey database ? Qualtrics. Participants: 21 responding ATs (mean 12.5 ?10.6 years ATC) Results: Chattanooga brand is the most available brand US unit by respondents. Respondent parameters tended to reach 1 and 2?C heating thresholds, but mostly failed to achieve 4?C threshold. Parameters did not differ between more experienced (?10 years ATC) and less experienced ATCs (?10 Years ATC). Conclusions: Parameter guidelines need to be updated for clinically effective US use. Key words: therapeutic ultrasound, heating rates, parameters