Free Communications Abstract submission instructions

1. Original Research: Abstract should present research findings pertaining to healthcare issues related to the athletic training profession. Original Research abstracts may include systematic reviews and meta-analyses but not critically appraised topics (CATs).
2. Clinical CASE Study (Level 1-4): There are four types of clinical CASE study abstracts: Levels 1-3 are submitted in one format, and Level 4 is submitted in a different format (see “Abstract Templates” below). Please use the following reference to determine the appropriate level (1-4) of your CASE study: Mckeon JM et al. J Athl Train. 2016. *Authors must have patient(s) permission for all clinical CASE study abstract submissions.
3. Critically Appraised Topic (CAT): Abstract should present the best available evidence to answer a focused clinical question using publications from the prior 5 years (summarizing 3 to 10 articles).
4. Literature Review: Abstract should present a synthesis of available evidence relative to a specific clinical question, including the uniqueness and clinical applications of the review.

Templates & Formatting

1. Templates: Abstract content and formatting must follow the appropriate category using the associated abstract template linked here. Abstract templates are in alignment with the NATA Foundation Free Communications Program.
2. General Formatting: Apply to all abstract submissions
   1. 11 pt, Arial font, Single-spaced with 1” margins
   2. Bold abstract headers (see templates for required headings)
   3. Author Names & Institutions: Provide the names of all authors, with the author who will make the presentation listed first. Enter the last name, then initials (without periods), followed by a comma, and continue the same format for all secondary authors (if any), ending with a colon. On the same line following the colon, indicate the name of the institution (including the city and state) for each author using the following consecutive symbols (*, †, ‡, §, ?, ¶, #, **, etc.).
3. Tables & Figures: Abstracts may include one (1) table or figure directly related to the abstract included in the same document file on the next page after the abstract. Inclusion of a table or figure is optional.
   1. Tables & figures MUST include a title and be referenced in the abstract text. Any legends, captions, or footnotes should be succinct. Text in tables or figures do not count towards the abstract word limit.
   2. Table & figures must include original material (created by the authors) that is not duplicating materials presented in the abstract text
   3. The maximum size of the figure or table is 6.5 inches wide and 4 inches high. The minimum size is 2 inches wide and 2 inches high. Formatting of tables or figures should follow instructions for authors in the Journal of Athletic Training.
   4. Figures showing participants or patients in any image must conceal the person’s identity.

Abstract Submission Instructions

• Abstracts will be submitted through the Free Communications Abstract Submission Portal by Oct 15th at 11:59pm EST.
• Please do not submit an abstract if you are unable to attend the VATA Annual Meeting to present the abstract.
• Authors will upload two (2) ‘.PDF’ documents containing their abstract submissions. *Please name abstract files: “Nonblinded_Abstract Title.pdf” & “Blinded_Abstract Title.pdf”