A survey of Fellows in the College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada): their intervention practices and intended therapeutic outcomes when treating athletes.

Objective: To compile baseline data regarding the treatment practices and therapeutic outcomes that fellows of the College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences Canada (CCSS(C)) strive for when treating athletes.

Design: Cross-sectional self-report mail out survey of CCSS(C) fellows.

Participants: Current registered fellows of the CCSS(C) as determined by the College at the time of survey distribution.

Results: The majority of questioned fellows believe that they can cause direct and specific improvements in an athlete's sport performance. The most commonly utilized therapeutic intervention was spinal joint manipulation/mobilization. The most anticipated outcomes following the treatment of athletes with the goal of affecting athletic performance were "changing or improving aberrant body mechanics," "restoring or improving aberrant muscle function," and "improving joint function or reducing joint dysfunction."

Conclusion: The majority of respondent fellows of the CCSS(C) believe their therapy to be effective in enhancing an athlete's sport performance.