1. Construction of Protective and Supportive Devices
An athletic trainer should be able to design and construct protective devices
Must have knowledge of theoretical basis of padding construction
Art form based on science
A variety of materials is available
Hard and soft materials

2. Soft materials
Gauze: versatile, can be used for protection or absorption
Cotton: cheapest and more widely used (absorbent, holds emollients and offers mild padding
Adhesive felt (moleskin, spongy rubber):
Felt: matted wool fibers, pressed in a variety of thicknesses
Semi-resilient providing firm pressure
Absorbent and clings to skin (less tendency to move)
Must be replaced daily due to absorbent qualities

3. Non-yielding Materials
Foam: many uses with many densities
Resilient, non-absorbent material that protects against compressive force
Open vs. closed cells (return to shape)
Thermomoldable
Some have viscoelastic polymers and are energy absorbent
Non-yielding Materials
Thermomoldable plastics
Used in orthotics, braces, splints and for shielding body parts
Casting, support for foot, protect contusions

4. Casting Materials Three types
Heat forming - heat and can be molded (Orthoplast)
Heat setting - rigid and difficult to form and may require a mold
Heat plastic foams- different densities due to the addition of liquids, gas, or crystals
- Commonly used in shoe inserts
Casting Materials
Casting has long been a practice in sports medicine
Fiberglass is the material of choice which uses resin and catalytic converter, plus water to produce hardening
Effective shell for splinting and padding