Nicholas E. Grahovec, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS

Associate Professor and Program Director, Athletic Training

Department

School of Rehabilitation and Performance Sciences

Research Interests

Athletic training intervention effectiveness
Innovative practices in healthcare education

Education

Ph.D. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Health Science
M.S. University of Findlay, Athletic Training
B.A. Augustana College, Biology
B.A. Augustana College, Psychology

Recent Publications

Wood TA, Grahovec NE, Harris A, Wilson M. Student-athletes’ perceptions of serial 7s dual-task concussion testing paradigm. Journal of Athletic Training. 2026;61(5)322-328. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0597.25
Gonzalez N, Grahovec NE, Wood TA. Effects of Functional Ankle Instability on Muscle Activity in Ice Hockey Athletes. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 11(3):1. https://doi.org/10.25035/jsmahs.11.03.01
Wood TA, Grahovec NE. Modified Gait Support in Adults Three to Eighteen Months After Concussion.Sensors. 2026; 26(14):4346. https://doi.org/10.3390/s26144346
Elsava CPV, Haga M, Rohl B, Grahovec NE, Wood TA. An examination into factors that impact hip and groin pain in ice hockey players. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2025;45:295-298.
Needham R, Grahovec NE, Prange N, Wood TA. Frequency and attributing factors to food insecurity experienced by professional athletic training students. Journal of Athletic Training – Education and Practice. 2025;20(1):33-37.
Puga J, Grahovec NE, Wood TA. The qualitative investigation into current return-to-activity protocols, persistent effects, and the perceived feasibility of exercise interventions in individuals who have sustained a concussion. Journal of Rehabilitation Practices and Research. 2025;6(1):167.
Wood TA, Kamari M, Grahovec NE, Wilson M. Long-term neurodegenerative sequelae of concussion: implications for musculoskeletal injury risk and neuromuscular interventions. Frontiers in Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025;3:1567611.
Wood TA, Casas R, Hill CM, Grahovec NE. Gait initiation alone may be insufficient to identify a neuromuscular mechanism underlying concussion-related kinematic alterations. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Jun 26;22(3), Article 3.

Recently Funded Projects

Wood TA, Grahovec NE, Harris AM. Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of Three Dual Task Concussion Testing Paradigms. 2025 – 2026. Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association Professional Research Grant. Awarded $1,700.
Grahovec NE, Wood TA. Lifesaving 101: Using Emergency Care Skills to Protect the Community. Northern Illinois University College of Education Dean’s Instructional Innovation Grant. November 22, 2024. Awarded $5,000.00.
Grahovec NE, Wood TA. Overcoming Negative Stereotypes of Esports Athletes Through Quantification of Performance. Northern Illinois University Research and Artistry Opportunity Grant. 2024-2025. Awarded $14,990.00.
Wood TA, Grahovec NE. Translating Principles of Clinical Pilates to Decrease Concussion-Related Disability. Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association Pilot Grant. 2023. Awarded $500.
Wood TA, Hill CM, Grahovec NE, Sebastiao E. Examining Impaired Long-Term Neuromuscular Control Mechanisms Following Concussion. Northern Illinois University Research and Artistry Opportunity Grant. 2021 - 2022. Awarded $15,000.

Courses Taught

ATTR 500 – Principles of Athletic Injury and Illness Management
ATTR 502 – Clinical Physical Examination and Diagnosis in Athletic Training I
ATTR 503 – Clinical Physical Examination and Diagnosis in Athletic Training I LAB
ATTR 504 – Clinical Physical Examination and Diagnosis in Athletic Training II
ATTR 505 – Clinical Physical Examination and Diagnosis in Athletic Training II LAB
ATTR 619 – Athletic Training Clinical Administration

Honors and Awards

Outstanding Educator Award, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association, 2026
Outstanding Manuscript Award, Journal of Athletic Training-Education and Practice, 2025
Emerging Educator Award, National Athletic Trainers Association, 2024
Rich Carey Dedicated Service Award, Illinois Athletic Trainers Association, 2023
Excellence in Service Award, NIU College of Education, 2022