With a broad knowledge of sports injuries and quality work, one ISU physical therapist has been able to get his passion published in a peer-review journal.Michael Shaffer, physical therapist at Cyclone Sports Medicine in the Lied Recreation Center, wrote the “Effects of Immobilization on Plantar-Flexion Torque, Fatigue Resistance and Functional Ability Following an Ankle Fracture,” which was featured in the August 2000 issue of Physical Therapy journal.Shaffer said he felt honored at the opportunity to get his work published in that particular publication. “All physical therapists receive the Physical Therapy journal,” he said. “It’s one of the best in the field.”The research report focused on the effect of producing a force through rotation of the feet, termed torque, on muscle performance following an ankle fracture.Everyday, Shaffer said he deals with a variety of orthopedic sports injuries.”I deal with all kinds of physical therapy regimens,” he said. “I specialize in orthopedic sport injuries dealing with knees, shoulders, ankles and backs.”In 1997, Shaffer came to Iowa State after working at the University of Pennsylvania.”Shaffer has a good background in areas we see here dealing with orthopedic sports injuries,” said Jim Nespor, Cyclone Sports Medicine chief physical therapist. Shaffer said he works with injured students, student athletes and faculty and staff who have referrals from doctors to receive physical therapy.”I love this atmosphere,” he said. “The people here tend to be young and healthy, so I get to see them get better quickly.”Jessica Hanchett, sophomore in exercise and sport science and undergraduate athletic trainer, said Shaffer is on a first-name basis with all of his patients.”I learn a lot from Mike. He’s really outgoing, and he puts all perspectives in an issue,” she said.In addition to the informal atmosphere, Shaffer said he liked the diversity of patients he sees at Iowa State.Nespor said Shaffer often researches information on sports injuries to strengthen his knowledge and background.”He gets better at his job day-by-day,” he said.Shaffer says his next published article will be a case report about rehabilitation and recovery of muscle function entitled, “A Middle Distance Runner with Chronic, Bilateral, Multicompartment Syndrome.” It will be published in the June issue of Current Topics in Musculoskeletal Medicine: A Case Study Approach.