Shelby Baez
· Assistant Professor - Athletic TrainingVerifiedUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Human Movement Science
Active 2017–2026
About
Shelby Baez, Ph.D., ATC, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a certified and licensed athletic trainer with expertise in the psychology of sport injury. Dr. Baez is an approved non-certified mentor for aspiring Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPCs) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Prior to joining UNC in 2022, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and was the Director of the Behavioral Research & Athletic Injury Neuroscience (BRAIN) Laboratory at Michigan State University. Dr. Baez's research focuses on examining the impact of psychosocial factors on health outcomes following sport-related injuries, particularly after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Her lab investigates how psychosocial factors influence biological outcomes such as neurocognitive function, biomechanical alterations, and secondary injury risk. She also seeks to identify clinically feasible and innovative psychosocial interventions, including graded exposure therapies and virtual reality mindfulness meditation, to improve health outcomes. Her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and other regional and national foundations. Dr. Baez is a member of AASP, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). She received the AASP Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2020 and the ACSM New Investigator Award in 2023.
Research topics
- Medicine
- Physical therapy
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Internal medicine
- Clinical psychology
Selected publications
Open MIND · 2026-01-29
dataset1st authorCorrespondingThe Data Management and Sharing Plan describes the scientific data to be generated and/or used in the research and outlines a strategy for managing and sharing project data.
International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training · 2026-02-18
articleClinical Scenario: Individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) frequently experience difficulty sleeping, and insomnia in this population has been associated with elevated levels of systemic inflammation. Cognitive behavioral therapy designed to treat insomnia is a nonpharmacological intervention that may reduce inflammation by improving sleep quality. Clinical Question: In patients with comorbid knee OA and insomnia, does implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), compared to control interventions, reduce systemic inflammation as measured by blood biomarker concentrations? Summary of Key Findings: Two randomized controlled trials were included. The two identified studies assessed the impact of CBT-I on inflammatory markers among adults with knee OA and insomnia disorder. Both studies measured inflammation using blood biomarker concentrations to evaluate systemic inflammation. Although neither study found that CBT-I significantly reduced systemic inflammation overall, both reported improvements in sleep and pain-related outcomes, suggesting that the intervention may offer clinical benefits even in the absence of measurable changes in inflammation. Clinical Bottom Line: There is currently inconsistent, limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence that does not support the use of CBT-I to reduce systemic inflammation in patients with knee OA and insomnia compared with the standard of care group. Future research should explore the long-term effects of CBT-I on systemic inflammation and pain outcomes in individuals with comorbid knee OA and insomnia to strengthen clinical applicability. Strength of Recommendation: The grade of B is recommended by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy for inconsistent, limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence.
International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training · 2026-01-01
articleFocused Clinical Question : How does motivation mediate the perfectionism–athlete burnout relationship in junior and collegiate athletes? Clinical Bottom Line : There is currently moderate-quality, patient-oriented evidence demonstrating the divergent nature of motivational pathways mediating the perfectionism–athlete burnout relationship in junior and collegiate athletes. Specifically, the evidence from this Critically Appraised Topic indicates that fostering autonomous motivation and perfectionistic strivings while lessening feelings of controlled motivation and perfectionistic concerns can decrease the likelihood of athlete burnout. Members of the athlete support team (e.g., athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches) working with junior and collegiate athletes should encourage self-determined behavior by emphasizing satisfaction of psychological needs. Future research should examine the role of specific motivational pathways in the perfectionism–athlete burnout relationship in different age groups of junior and collegiate athletes to develop effective self-determination-based interventions. Due to the consistent but limited patient-oriented evidence included in this Critically Appraised Topic, a grade of B is recommended by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy.
Impact of Insomnia Treatment on Systemic Inflammation in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Critically Appraised Topic
Open MIND · 2026-01-01
article<strong>Clinical Scenario:</strong> Individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) frequently experience difficulty sleeping, and insomnia in this population has been associated with elevated levels of systemic inflammation. Cognitive behavioral therapy designed to treat insomnia is a nonpharmacological intervention that may reduce inflammation by improving sleep quality. <strong>Clinical Question:</strong> In patients with comorbid knee OA and insomnia, does implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), compared to control interventions, reduce systemic inflammation as measured by blood biomarker concentrations? <strong>Summary of Key Findings:</strong> Two randomized controlled trials were included. The two identified studies assessed the impact of CBT-I on inflammatory markers among adults with knee OA and insomnia disorder. Both studies measured inflammation using blood biomarker concentrations to evaluate systemic inflammation. Although neither study found that CBT-I significantly reduced systemic inflammation overall, both reported improvements in sleep and pain-related outcomes, suggesting that the intervention may offer clinical benefits even in the absence of measurable changes in inflammation. <strong>Clinical Bottom Line:</strong> There is currently inconsistent, limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence that does not support the use of CBT-I to reduce systemic inflammation in patients with knee OA and insomnia compared with the standard of care group. Future research should explore the long-term effects of CBT-I on systemic inflammation and pain outcomes in individuals with comorbid knee OA and insomnia to strengthen clinical applicability. <strong>Strength of Recommendation:</strong> The grade of B is recommended by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy for inconsistent, limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence.
UNC Libraries · 2026-03-05
articleOpen access<strong>Clinical Scenario:</strong> Individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) frequently experience difficulty sleeping, and insomnia in this population has been associated with elevated levels of systemic inflammation. Cognitive behavioral therapy designed to treat insomnia is a nonpharmacological intervention that may reduce inflammation by improving sleep quality. <strong>Clinical Question:</strong> In patients with comorbid knee OA and insomnia, does implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), compared to control interventions, reduce systemic inflammation as measured by blood biomarker concentrations? <strong>Summary of Key Findings:</strong> Two randomized controlled trials were included. The two identified studies assessed the impact of CBT-I on inflammatory markers among adults with knee OA and insomnia disorder. Both studies measured inflammation using blood biomarker concentrations to evaluate systemic inflammation. Although neither study found that CBT-I significantly reduced systemic inflammation overall, both reported improvements in sleep and pain-related outcomes, suggesting that the intervention may offer clinical benefits even in the absence of measurable changes in inflammation. <strong>Clinical Bottom Line:</strong> There is currently inconsistent, limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence that does not support the use of CBT-I to reduce systemic inflammation in patients with knee OA and insomnia compared with the standard of care group. Future research should explore the long-term effects of CBT-I on systemic inflammation and pain outcomes in individuals with comorbid knee OA and insomnia to strengthen clinical applicability. <strong>Strength of Recommendation:</strong> The grade of B is recommended by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy for inconsistent, limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence.
British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2026-02-19
articleOpen accessSenior authorJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology · 2025-01-01
articleSenior authorMilitary training provides a psychologically and physically demanding environment with the potential for negative outcomes including emotional dysregulation, injury, and mental health diagnoses. Psychological skills training may help enhance cadets’ resilience, positive stress responses, and physical fitness, while reducing harmful outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare physical fitness testing scores before and after a psychological skills education intervention during Basic Cadet Training (BCT) and evaluate the appropriateness of the intervention. Cadets in the graduating class of 2026 who underwent 6 weeks of BCT in the summer of 2022 were included in a retrospective cohort study comparing them to surrounding classes who received no intervention. Cadets received education on eustress, distress, and optimal zones of performance and skills, including mindfulness, tactical pauses, and breathing exercises. Qualitative survey results showed an increase in knowledge and acceptability of psychological skills application. Physical fitness test scores improved significantly from preintervention to postintervention (mean difference = 52.42, p < .001). The 2026 class had the highest mean physical fitness test score of the four surrounding years with available data. Qualitative data revealed 84% felt they were better prepared for BCT, 94% said they would continue to use mindfulness, and 91% would recommend Warrior’s Edge training for future iterations of BCT. The data indicate a need for developing practical guidelines on the content and timing of psychological skills training for those entering military service. Specifically, integrating skills training in early career moments and prior to acute stress has the potential to significantly enhance performance.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2025-09-16
articleSenior authorIndividuals with slower reaction time (RT) are at greater risk of sustaining a lower extremity (LE) injury. However, it is unclear whether RT may be associated with other pertinent outcomes, like self-reported knee function, in patients with a LE injury, such as ACL reconstruction (ACLR). PURPOSE: To examine the association between simple RT (SRT) and self-reported knee function via the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). We hypothesized that slower SRT is associated with lower self-reported knee function. METHODS: 20 participants (15 female; age = 26.4 ± 6.2 years; time since surgery = 21.2 ± 15.2 months) were recruited from local clinics and the community. Participants were included if between the ages of 14 and 35 and at least 4 months post-ACLR. A computerized sensorimotor assessment of SRT (ms) was performed using a tablet. Participants were instructed to keep each index finger on green circles displayed on the tablet screen. Once the circle changed to red, the participant lifted the corresponding finger as quickly as possible to measure SRT. Participants also completed the KOOS to examine self-reported knee function. This contains 5 subscales for pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sport and recreation function, and quality of life. Pearson product correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between SRT and KOOS scores. R-values were interpreted as weak (0.00-0.39), moderate (0.40-0.69), and strong (>0.70). Significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics are presented in Table 1. A significant, moderate, negative association was identified between SRT and all KOOS subscales (r = -0.45 to -0.67, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Individuals post-ACLR with worse self-reported knee function exhibit slower SRT. This is concerning as it implies global neuroplastic changes that may increase the risk of repeat or future injury. Future research should be targeted to examine these changes post-ACLR. Table 1. - Correlation Matrix between Simple Reaction Time and KOOS subscales RT (ms) KOOS-QOL KOOS-ADL KOOS-Pain KOOS-Sport KOOS-Symptoms RT 1.0 KOOS-QOL -0.4971*(0.026) 1.0 KOOS-ADL -0.6461*(0.002) 0.4910*(0.01) 1.0 KOOS-Pain -0.6734*(0.001) 0.6171*(0.008) 0.7770*(<0.001) 1.0 KOOS-Sport -0.4493*(0.047) 0.6440*(0.0004) 0.6944*(0.0001) 0.7482*(<0.001) 1.0 KOOS-Symptoms -0.6614*(0.002) 0.5738*(0.002) 0.5098*(0.008) 0.7113*(<0.001) 0.5059*(0.008) 1.0 Mean 340.55 63.75 96.18 88.54 78.75 80.54 SD 38.21 17.98 6.44 11.33 17.46 11.90 Supported by: GB is supported by NIH CCIH under award number 5T32AT003378-18
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine · 2025-07-01
articleOpen accessSenior authorBackground: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale is widely used after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but its 3 subscale domains of emotion, risk appraisal, and confidence are rarely considered when assessing readiness to return to sport (RTS). Current guidelines for ACL-RSI scores at time of RTS are derived from adult-only studies, and there is a need for age- and sex-specific data to guide RTS decision-making. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in ACL-RSI subscale scores by age and sex. It was hypothesized that males and teens would report higher scores on emotion, confidence, and risk appraisal subscales compared with females and adults. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: ACL-RSI data were obtained from a multisite clinical outcome registry. Participants were included if they were between 6 and 12 months after primary, unilateral ACLR. Sex subgroups (female, male) and age subgroups (teen: 14-18 years; adult: 19-30 years) were established and compared to identify potential sex- and age-related differences in the ACL-RSI scale (total, subscales, and item scores). Descriptive statistics were computed and multiple 2-way analyses of variance were used to determine main effects and interactions between sex and age group. The significance level (α) was set to .05. Results: A total of 154 participants (mean age, 20.2 ± 3.8 years; 53.9% female; mean time after ACLR, 8.7 ± 2.1 months) were included. The mean ACL-RSI total score across the cohort was 67.92 ± 24.65. A significant main effect of age group on ACL-RSI total score was found as teens exhibited significantly greater psychological readiness compared with adults (mean difference, 10.91 points). A significant main effect of age group on the confidence subscale score was found, with teens reporting significantly higher confidence in returning to sport compared with adults (mean difference, 14.05 points). The main effect of sex on ACL-RSI total score was not significant ( P = .337). Conclusion: Teens demonstrated significantly higher total scores and confidence on the ACL-RSI scale compared with adults. Therefore, when assessing a teen athlete's psychological preparedness to RTS, target scores determined from adult data may not be appropriate. Sex was not found to influence ACL-RSI scores. Future work should strive to create age- and sex-specific ACL-RSI cutoff scores for successful RTS after ACLR in teen athletes.
UNC Libraries · 2025-11-04
articleOpen accessPsychological readiness and kinesiophobia are important variables to consider for return to sport clearance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Both have been associated in adult populations; however, it is unknown if they are associated in teens after ACL reconstruction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between psychological readiness and kinesiophobia in teens and young adults after ACL reconstruction. A retrospective cohort design was used. Participants aged 13–30 years, who were 6–12 months post-ACL reconstruction, who completed the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and the ACL Return-to-Sport after Injury Scale were included from a multi-site registry. Two age groups were established (teen: <19 years, adult: ≥19 years), and psychological readiness was categorized using an ACL Return-to-Sport after Injury Scale cutoff of 77 (<77 = unacceptable). Independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlations, and binary logistic regression were performed to examine associations between kinesiophobia and psychological readiness, and the influences of age, sex, and months since surgery. 315 participants (54.3% female; 18.3 ± 3.3 years; 8.2 ± 1.9 months post-surgery) were analyzed. ACL Return-to-Sport after Injury Scale and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores were significantly correlated in both groups (teen: r = −0.59, p < 0.001; adult: r = −0.45, p < 0.001), with no significant difference in the correlation coefficients (z = −1.49). Overall, 47.9% scored below the ACL Return-to-Sport after Injury pass threshold. Each one-point increase in kinesiophobia was associated with a 28% higher likelihood of reporting unacceptable psychological readiness. Adults were twice as likely as teens to report unacceptable psychological readiness. Greater psychological readiness was associated with lower kinesiophobia in both teens and young adults. Additionally, nearly half reported poor psychological readiness, highlighting the need for interventions aimed at improving psychological readiness during ACL rehabilitation.
Frequent coauthors
- 26 shared
Johanna M. Hoch
University of Kentucky
- 22 shared
Francesca Genoese
Michigan State University
- 22 shared
Christopher Kuenze
University of Virginia
- 20 shared
Caitlin Brinkman
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 19 shared
Matthew S. Harkey
Michigan United
- 16 shared
Elaine Reiche
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 16 shared
Matthew C. Hoch
Auburn University
- 10 shared
Ashley Triplett
Michigan State University
Awards & honors
- AASP Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2020
- ACSM New Investigator Award in 2023
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