Phillip Vardiman

Phillip Vardiman, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Athletic Training Program at Kansas State University's College of Health and Human Sciences. His roles include teaching, research, and leadership in athletic training education. He holds certifications as a Licensed Athletic Trainer (Kansas, Missouri, Iowa) and strength and conditioning specialist.

Education:

• PhD in Kinesiology (Exercise Science), University of Arkansas (2006)
• M.S. in Health/Exercise Science, Oklahoma State University (1998)
• B.S. in Athletic Training, Park University (1996)

Research Interests: Focuses on exercise physiology, immunology, and musculoskeletal biology. Key areas include:

• Exercise-induced immune responses
• Therapeutic modalities (e.g., instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization)
• Muscle damage and recovery mechanisms
• Military and athletic performance optimization
• Neuromuscular control and motor unit behavior

Recent Article Trends: His work bridges exercise physiology with clinical applications, emphasizing immune modulation, muscle mechanics, and rehabilitation techniques. Notable studies explore T-cell activation post-exercise and the effects of martial arts training on moral cognition.

Awards:

• 2019 National Athletic Trainers Association Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer
• 2019 Mid America Educator of the Year
• 2021 Nominee for Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer

Advising & Grants: Supervised 18+ graduate students and secured over $1 million in external funding, including海军研究办公室资助的项目 on optimizing Marine Corps martial arts training. Co-authored 40+ peer-reviewed articles and 80+ presentations.

Labs/Teams: Leads KSU's Athletic Training Program and collaborates with military and Olympic teams as a certified athletic trainer. Co-directs the Institute of Health and Safety of Military Families at KSU.