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School of Health & Human Performance
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Dr Siobhán O'Connor and Dr Aoife Burke who took part in a panel session at WFATT.

DCU Experts Shine at 13th WFATT World Congress in Maynooth

Dublin City University (DCU) made a significant impact at the 13th World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT) World Congress, held this year in Maynooth from October 16th to 18th.

Faculty, researchers, and graduates from DCU’s School of Health and Human Performance (HHP) showcased their leadership and research across topics in sports and exercise medicine.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Sport

DCU's Dr. Siobhán O'Connor and Dr. Aoife Burke were central to a panel session titled "Breaking Barriers: Navigating a Career in Sport and Exercise Medicine as a Woman." Leading the DCU HHP perspective, the multidisciplinary panel offered practical strategies to empower the next generation of female professionals. Discussions focused on key themes including resilience, self-advocacy, mentorship, and career progression within clinical and sporting environments often dominated by men.

Global Leadership and Strategy

The congress also provided a platform for shaping the future of the profession, with Dr. Sinéad O'Keeffe, a member of the WFATT Executive Committee, participating in the Leadership Summit. This key event brought together leaders from global athletic therapy and training organisations to discuss WFATT’s current strategic plan and chart the course for the profession's future.

Research by DCU Graduates

DCU graduates presented vital research findings:

  • Breeanna Fenlon, an MSc in Athletic Therapy and Strength & Conditioning graduate and current Clinical Research Assistant at UPMC SSC and DCU, presented on Mental Health in Irish Collegiate Athletes. Her preliminary analysis revealed that almost 9 in 10 Irish collegiate athletes presented with at least one mental health issue, strongly advocating for proactive mental health screening and tailored well-being interventions.
  • Alannah Reville, another MSc graduate, presented her work with Dr. Siobhán O'Connor on fall and injury rates in Irish professional and amateur horseracing from 2016-2023. The research provided positive news, indicating an overall reduction in injuries within professional racing.

Concussion and Injury Prevention

The DCU team also focused on clinical skill development:

  • Dr. Enda Whyte and Martin Sweeney led a practical workshop for early career clinicians on utilising sports-related concussion physiological, vestibular, and ocular assessments to inform rehabilitation planning. This session aimed to assist clinicians in developing advanced assessment skills to improve clinical outcomes following a concussion.
  • The congress culminated with a critical keynote address on the ACL injury epidemic delivered by Professor Brian Devitt, alongside DCU PhD researcher Ryan Alexandar and a Clinical Specialist, both affiliated with DCU HHP and UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic.

DCU’s presence amplified the university's role as a leader in advancing athletic training, therapy, and sports medicine research both nationally and internationally.