Dr. James Farnsworth is an Associate Professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a specialization in athletic training and sports medicine. His research focuses on evaluating measurement issues and test construction assumptions in clinical healthcare practices, assessing existing health outcome instruments using modern test theory methods, and developing new measures to enhance treatment efficacy. Specifically, Dr. Farnsworth is passionate about improving the accuracy of concussion assessments and patient-reported outcome measures, with the goal of translating research into practical tools that enhance athlete safety and care.

With specialized training in Kinesmetrics, Dr. Farnsworth is dedicated to advancing the field of sports medicine through rigorous academic research and practical application. He is also deeply committed to educating and mentoring future healthcare professionals. In the classroom, Dr. Farnsworth emphasizes the value of lifelong learning and actively engages students through project-based learning and interactive tools like Kahoot. His teaching approach is designed to improve critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for successful careers.

Outside of work, Dr. Farnsworth enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing video games, and exploring new subjects. He also loves spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Henry.

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Chapters in Books:

Farnsworth JL, Myers NL. Chapter 9: Research and evidence-based practice. In DV Knudson Introduction to Exercise Science. 1st ed. Human Kinetics; 2023: 211-233.

Articles:

Thomas A, Puymbroeck MV, Crowe BM, Townsend J, Farnsworth JL. Identifying the relationship between recreation engagement, bullying, and suicidality in high school students. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2024;0(0). doi:/10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107857

Myers NL, Farnsworth JL, Kennedy S, Knudson DV. Upper extremity musculoskeletal profiles in tennis players: a systematic review. Sports Health. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/19417381231223540

David S, Farnsworth JL, Theige M. Content validity of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire in a college-age patient population. J Shoulder Elbow Surg Int. 2022; 6(3):512-517. doi: 10.1016/j.jseint.2022.01.014  

Myers NL, Morrow R, Farnsworth JL. Modeling the relationship between relative load measurements and match outcomes in youth tennis players. J Human SportExerc. 2022; 17(4):740-749. doi:10.14198/jhse.2022.174.03  

Myers NL, Farnsworth JL, Knudson DV. Different external workload models show no association with injury in competitive junior tennis players. Ger J Exerc and Sport Res. 2022; 52:97-104. doi: 10.1007/s12662-021-00751-5

Anderson BL, Bartlett OC, Osborne R, Downey D, Farnsworth JL. Optimism, but not locus of control, moderates burnout in Professional Master’s Athletic Training Students. Athl Train Edu J. 2022; 17(1):28-36. doi: 10.4085/1947-380X-20-102  

Farnsworth JL, Marshal A, Myers N. Mental toughness measures: a systematic review of measurement properties for practitioners. J Appl Sport Psychol. 2022; 34(3):479-494. doi: 10.1080/10413200.2020.1866710   

Bartlett OC, Farnsworth JL. The association of kinesiophobia, pain perception, and perceived disability in patients with an upper extremity injury: a critically appraised topic. J Sport Rehabil. 2021; 30(5):818-823. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2020-0179   

Anderson BL, Harter RA, Farnsworth JL. The acute effect of foam rolling and dynamic stretching on athletic performance: a critically appraised topic. J Sport Rehabil. 2021;30(3): 501-506. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2020-0059  

Farnsworth JL, Evans T, Binkley H, Kang M. Evaluation of knee-specific patient-reported outcomes measures using Rasch analysis. J Sport Rehabil. 2021;30(2):278-285. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2019-0263  

Farnsworth JL, Evans T, Binkley H, Kang M. Development and validation of a novel knee-specific patient-reported outcomes measure. J Sport Rehabil. 2021; 30(2):267-277. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2019-0264

Myers NL, Aguilar KV, Mexicano, G, Farnsworth JL, Knudson D, Kibler WB. Response to “Is ACWR related to injury risk in junior tennis players? [Letter to the editor] Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021; 53(1):245. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002457   

Myers NL, Aguilar KV, Mexicano G, Farnsworth JL, Knudson D, Kibler WB. The acute to chronic workload ratio is associated with injury in adolescent tennis players. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2020; 52(5):1196-1200. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002215  

Larson T, Schoenherr, J, Farnsworth JL. Navicular height low-dye and fan-arch support medial longitudinal arch taping applications and a 20-min exercise protocol. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2019; 11(6):280-286. doi: 10.3928/19425864-20190207-02  

Searles C, Farnsworth JL, Jubenville C, Kang M, Ragan BG. Test-retest reliability of the BrainFx 360 performance assessment. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2019;11(4):189-191. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20181005-01  

Mun J, Kim Y, Farnsworth JL, Suh S, Kang M. Association between objectively measured sedentary behavior and a criterion measure of obesity among adults. Am J Hum Biol. 2018; e23080. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.23080  

Farnsworth JL, Dargo L, Ragan BG, Kang M. Reliability of computerized neurocognitive tests for the evaluation and management of concussions: a meta-analysis. J Athl Train. 2017; 52(9):826-833. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-52.6.03   

Farnsworth JL, Kim Y, Kang M. Sleep disorders and physical activity among U.S. adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J Phys Act Health. 2015; 12(12):1567-1575. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2014-0251  

Cardinal BJ, Kang M, Farnsworth JL, Welk G. Historical context and current status of the intersection of physical activity and public health: Results of the 2015 American Kinesiology Association’s opportunities for Kinesiology survey. Kinesiology Review. 2015; 4(4):329-345. doi: 10.1123/kr.2015-0033

Farnsworth JL, Mc Elhiney D, David SD, Sinha G, Ragan BG. Objective assessment of function following head injury using Movement and Activity in Physical Space (MAPS) scores: a case report. J Athl Train. 2014; 49(4):568-575. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.07

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Select Presentations:

Farnsworth JL. Measuring and developing mental toughness in athletes. Invited presentation at the Virtual Applied Sport Psychology Summit. October 6, 2023.

Harter RA, Legendre JW, Farnsworth JL, Li Y. Functional movement assessments to evaluate dynamic postural control in persons with chronic ankle instability: a matched case-control study. Poster presented at the American College of Sports Medicine 69th Annual Meeting & World Congresses, San Diego, California, June 3, 2022.

Myers NL, Logoyda CM, Bense CW, Farnsworth JL. Out with the old, and in with the new: a Likert scale version of the KJOC. Poster Presented at the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists 29th Annual Meeting, Tampa, Florida, October 20-22, 2021.

Farnsworth JL, Marshall A, Myers NL. Clinical utility of mental toughness measures: a systematic review of measurement properties. Poster presented at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association 71st Clinical Symposia & Athletic Training Expo, Atlanta, Georgia, June 18, 2020. [Abstract published in the Journal of Athletic Training, 55(6) Supplement, S-339, 2020].

Farnsworth JL. Purpose of, how to use, and implementing patient-reported outcomes in Athletic Training. Invited presentation at the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society Annual Meeting & Clinical Symposia. Nashville, Tennessee, January 13, 2018.

Farnsworth JL, Evans T, Binkley H, Kang M. Rasch calibration of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score. Presented at the American College of Sports Medicine 63rd Annual Meeting & 7th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine. Denver, Colorado, June 2, 2017. [Abstract published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 49(5) Supplement, 952-953, 2017].

Farnsworth JL, Kang M, Ragan BG. Comparison of Item Response Theory models for analyzing Standard Assessment of Concussion data. Poster presentation at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association 67th Clinical Symposia & Athletic Training Expo. Baltimore, Maryland, June 22 – 26, 2016. [Abstract published in the Journal of Athletic Training, 51(6) Supplement, S-53, 2016]

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Dr. Farnsworth has taught numerous courses within Athletic Training and Exercise Science throughout his career at various institutions. Since joining the faculty at MTSU in Fall 2023, Dr. Farnsworth has taught the following courses at MTSU.

Undergraduate:

ATHT 3580 - Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries

ATHT 3960 - Evaluation and Assessment of Injuries to the Upper Extremities and Thorax

ATHT 4980 - Advanced Evidence-Based Medicine in Athletic Training

Graduate:

ATHT 5100 - Athletic Training Immersion Experience I

ATHT 5300 - Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine

ATHT 6300 - Advanced Evidence-Based Medicine

ATHT 6310 - Independent Research in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine

ATHT 6420/6421 - Evaluation/Assessment of Head, Spine, Thorax, Abdomen, and General Medical

ATHT 6430 - Practicum in Athletic Training

ATHT 6820 - Organization/Administration in Athletic Training: Health Care Delivery, Payor Systems, and Informatics

ATHT 6960/6961 - Sports Medicine Rehabilitation Techniques

ATHT 6970/6971 - Therapeutic Modalities

HHP 6700 - Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance

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