ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5359-3776
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-08-2019
DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2018.1505958
Abstract: This study investigated whether male runners improve running performance, running economy, ankle plantar flexor strength, and alter running biomechanics and lower limb bone mineral density when gradually transitioning to using minimalist shoes for 100% of weekly running. The study was a planned follow-up of runners (n = 50) who transitioned to minimalist or conventional shoes for 35% of weekly structured training in a previous 6-week randomised controlled trial. In that trial, running performance and economy improved more with minimalist shoes than conventional shoes. Runners in each group were instructed to continue running in their allocated shoe during their own preferred training programme for a further 20 weeks while increasing allocated shoe use to 100% of weekly training. At the 20-week follow-up, minimalist shoes did not affect performance (effect size: 0.19 p = 0.218), running economy (effect size: ≤ 0.24 p ≥ 0.388), stride rate or length (effect size: ≤ 0.12 p ≥ 0.550), foot strike (effect size: ≤ 0.25 p ≥ 0.366), or bone mineral density (effect size: ≤ 0.40 p ≥ 0.319). Minimalist shoes increased plantar flexor strength more than conventional shoes when runners trained with greater mean weekly training distances (shoe*distance interaction: p = 0.036). After greater improvements with minimalist shoes during the initial six weeks of a structured training programme, increasing minimalist shoe use from 35% to 100% over 20 weeks, when runners use their own preferred training programme, did not further improve performance, running economy or alter running biomechanics and lower limb bone mineral density. Minimalist shoes improved plantar flexor strength more than conventional shoes in runners with greater weekly training distances.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2020
Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe and undertake an initial evaluation of a student-led assessment service for children with possible motor-skill difficulties. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional descriptive clinical data collected from 2015 to 2016 was undertaken. Children ( N = 102) were assessed in preschools by physiotherapy students (supervised by qualified physiotherapists). Key outcomes included the following: Children’s Activities Scale, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2, and demographic/service-usage/onward referral statistics. The results highlighted that for every five children referred/assessed, two were at risk of motor-skill difficulties (∼43%). About 66% of children were subsequently referred on or monitored (40% requiring multidisciplinary follow-up). Conversely 34% of children did not require further services. In conclusion, a student-led assessment service may be a sustainable and feasible option to assist children at risk of motor-skill difficulties, enabling onward referral. Additional evaluation is required to garner stakeholder feedback.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-10-2022
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2148051
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between postural control and fundamental motor skills in girls. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 47 girls, aged 8-10 years. Postural control (postural sway centre of pressure) was evaluated during tandem stance, leading with dominant and non-dominant limbs with eyes open and closed, using an AMTI force platform. Fundamental motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development 2nd Edition, examining total, locomotor and object control scores. Data were analysed using linear regression, adjusted for body mass index percentile and household income. For locomotor skills, significant relationships were found with a number of postural sway outcomes for adjusted and unadjusted analyses (r - 0.287 to r - 0.425, p ≤ 0.042). Total motor skill score was significantly related to postural sway in the tandem dominant eyes closed condition for unadjusted and adjusted analyses (r ≥ -0.294, p ≤ 0.04). In conclusion, our findings indicate that postural control may be important for fundamental motor skill proficiency and movement quality in pre-adolescent girls, particularly for locomotor skills. Our study provides evidence supporting the clinical practice of assessing postural control in girls presenting with motor skill deficits.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12037
Abstract: Obese children are typically less physically active than their normal-weight peers and are often assumed to be 'unfit'. Investigate the relationships between adiposity, physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in obese and normal-weight children. A secondary aim was to examine obese/normal-weight differences in CRF. Obese (N = 107) and normal-weight (N = 132) 10-13-year-olds participated. Fat-free mass (FFM), percent fat, physical activity and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak ) were assessed. Analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic status (SES). Higher percent fat was inversely associated with VO2peak normalized for mass (r = -0.780, P < 0.001) even after controlling for physical activity (r = -0.673, P < 0.001). While higher percent fat was also inversely associated with VO2peak normalized for FFM, this was only significant in males (r = -0.247, P = 0.004) and did not persist after controlling for physical activity (r = -0.059 P = 0.526). Compared with normal-weight children, obese children had higher absolute VO2peak , lower VO2peak corrected for mass (P ≤ 0.009) and lower VO2peak corrected for FFM (P = 0.041) that did not persist after controlling for SES (P = 0.086). Obesity-related inefficiencies in CRF were evident. Higher adiposity was associated with poorer CRF relative to mass, irrespective of physical activity levels. However, low physical activity levels may be responsible for associations between adiposity and CRF relative to FFM seen in boys, indicating the importance of encouraging physical activity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-12-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S13679-021-00463-9
Abstract: The study aims to highlight the clinical importance of assessing and managing neuromusculoskeletal health in pediatric obesity and to support translation of evidence into practice. A growing evidence base suggests that children with obesity experience neuromusculoskeletal impairments and physical complications including increased pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired balance and motor skill, gait deviations, postural malalignment, greater fatigue, and potentially reduced flexibility and sub-optimal bone health. Such evidence supports the need to screen, assess, and optimize neuromusculoskeletal health as part of pediatric obesity management. The likelihood of children with obesity experiencing neuromusculoskeletal impairments is high and can impact the way a child moves, and their interest or capacity to engage in physical activity and exercise. Barriers to movement should be minimized to promote optimal development of the neuromusculoskeletal system and to support engagement in sufficient physical activity for weight management. Healthcare professionals should screen for neuromusculoskeletal impairments as well as personalize interventions and modify standardized exercise interventions to optimize obesity treatment. Further research should explore whether neuromusculoskeletal impairments influence the success of obesity treatment or whether they improve following obesity treatment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.GAITPOST.2015.12.006
Abstract: The presence of long-range correlations (self-similarity) in the stride-to-stride fluctuations in running stride interval has been used as an indicator of a healthy adaptable system. Changes to footfall patterns when running with minimalist shoes could cause a less adaptable running gait. The purpose of this study was to investigate stride interval variability and the degree of self-similarity of stride interval in runners wearing minimalist and conventional footwear. Twenty-six trained habitual rearfoot footfall runners, unaccustomed to running in minimalist footwear, performed 6-min sub-maximal treadmill running bouts at 11, 13 and 15 km·h(-1) in minimalist and conventional shoes. Force sensitive resistors were placed in the shoes to quantify stride interval (time between successive foot contacts). Footfall position, stride interval mean and coefficient of variation (CV), were used to assess performance as a function of shoe type. Long-range correlations of stride interval were assessed using detrended fluctuation analysis (α). Mean stride interval was 1-1.3% shorter (P=0.02) and 27% of runners adopted a midfoot footfall (MFF) in the minimalist shoe. There was a significant shoe effect on α and shoe*speed*footfall interaction effect on CV (P<0.05). Runners that adopted a MFF in minimalist shoes, displayed reduced long-range correlations (P<0.05) and CV (P<0.06) in their running stride interval at the 15 km·h(-1) speed. The reduced variability and self-similarity observed for runners that changed to a MFF in the minimalist shoe may be suggestive of a system that is less flexible and more prone to injury.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-11-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-014-0283-6
Abstract: The effect of footwear on running economy has been investigated in numerous studies. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis has synthesised the available literature and the effect of footwear on running performance is not known. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of footwear on running performance and running economy in distance runners, by reviewing controlled trials that compare different footwear conditions or compare footwear with barefoot. The Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), EMBASE, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), CINAHL and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception up until April 2014. Included articles reported on controlled trials that examined the effects of footwear or footwear characteristics (including shoe mass, cushioning, motion control, longitudinal bending stiffness, midsole viscoelasticity, drop height and comfort) on running performance or running economy and were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Of the 1,044 records retrieved, 19 studies were included in the systematic review and 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. No studies were identified that reported effects on running performance. In idual studies reported significant, but trivial, beneficial effects on running economy for comfortable and stiff-soled shoes [standardised mean difference (SMD) <0.12 P < 0.05), a significant small beneficial effect on running economy for cushioned shoes (SMD = 0.37 P < 0.05) and a significant moderate beneficial effect on running economy for training in minimalist shoes (SMD = 0.79 P < 0.05). Meta-analysis found significant small beneficial effects on running economy for light shoes and barefoot compared with heavy shoes (SMD < 0.34 P < 0.01) and for minimalist shoes compared with conventional shoes (SMD = 0.29 P < 0.01). A significant positive association between shoe mass and metabolic cost of running was identified (P < 0.01). Footwear with a combined shoe mass less than 440 g per pair had no detrimental effect on running economy. Certain models of footwear and footwear characteristics can improve running economy. Future research in footwear performance should include measures of running performance.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-02-2021
Abstract: Identifying and describing children’s play behaviours is an important component of evaluating child development. The Behaviour Mapping Schedule is a direct observational tool which aims to describe and quantify children’s play behaviours but is yet to undergo reliability testing. This study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Behaviour Mapping Schedule. Twelve children aged 3–5 years were each video recorded for one 20-minute playtime period at a purposively selected Community Children’s Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. The video recordings were coded independently by two raters against 23 behaviour codes. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Intra-rater ICCs for nearly 70% of the behaviour codes were considered ‘excellent’ likewise, for inter-rater ICCs on more than 50% of the behaviour codes. Overall, the Behaviour Mapping Schedule is a reliable tool for observing children’s play behaviour however, additional training resources may be useful to further strengthen inter-rater reliability.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12371
Abstract: Sedentary behaviour has emerged as a unique determinant of health in adults. Studies in children and adolescents have been less consistent. We reviewed the evidence to determine if the total volume and patterns (i.e. breaks and bouts) of objectively measured sedentary behaviour were associated with adverse health outcomes in young people, independent of moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity. Four electronic databases (EMBASE MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed and Scopus) were searched (up to 12 November 2015) to retrieve studies among 2- to 18-year-olds, which used cross-sectional, longitudinal or experimental designs, and examined associations with health outcomes (adiposity, cardio-metabolic, fitness, respiratory, bone/musculoskeletal, psychosocial, cognition/academic achievement, gross motor development and other outcomes). Based on 88 eligible observational studies, level of evidence grading and quantitative meta-analyses indicated that there is limited available evidence that the total volume or patterns of sedentary behaviour are associated with health in children and adolescents when accounting for moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity or focusing on studies with low risk of bias. Quality evidence from studies with robust designs and methods, objective measures of sitting, examining associations for various health outcomes, is needed to better understand if the overall volume or patterns of sedentary behaviour are independent determinants of health in children and adolescents.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-09-2013
DOI: 10.1111/J.2047-6310.2012.00083.X
Abstract: What is already known about this subject? Compared with their healthy-weight peers, children with obesity have impaired physical health-related quality of life reduced physical activity levels reduced capacity to perform certain weight-bearing tasks in field-based fitness tests What this study adds? First investigation of obesity-related disability in children using the International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health framework for Children and Youth. Obesity in children appears to be associated with disability impacting basic locomotor skills and physical health-related quality of life. Children's participation in key life areas related to physical functioning appears to be minimally impacted by obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether obesity is related to impaired day-to-day physical functioning and disability in children. An observational case-control study was conducted in three Australian states. Obese (n = 107) and healthy-weight (n = 132) 10- to 13-year-olds (132 male, 107 female) were recruited via media advertisements. Assessment of body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), locomotor capacity (six-minute walk test [6MWT], timed up and down stairs test [TUDS] and timed up and go [TUG]) and child-reported physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were undertaken. Participants wore an accelerometer for 8 days and completed two use-of-time telephone interviews to assess participation in key life areas. Compared with their healthy-weight counterparts, obese children had lower physical HRQoL scores (P < 0.01) and reduced locomotor capacity (TUDS z-score, TUG and 6MWT P < 0.01). Higher percent body fat was significantly related to lower physical HRQoL scores (r = -0.48, P < 0.01), slower performance times for the TUDS and TUG (r = 0.59 and 0.26 respectively, P < 0.01), shorter 6MWT distances (r = -0.51, P < 0.01) and reduced time spent in community participation activities (r = -0.23, P < 0.01). As anticipated, obesity appears to undermine physical functioning in children, including the capacity to perform basic locomotor skills yet, unexpectedly, participation in key life areas related to physical functioning appeared largely unaffected.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.13121
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-01-2016
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1136071
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if minimalist shoes improve time trial performance of trained distance runners and if changes in running economy, shoe mass, stride length, stride rate and footfall pattern were related to any difference in performance. Twenty-six trained runners performed three 6-min sub-maximal treadmill runs at 11, 13 and 15 km·h(-1) in minimalist and conventional shoes while running economy, stride length, stride rate and footfall pattern were assessed. They then performed a 5-km time trial. In the minimalist shoe, runners completed the trial in less time (effect size 0.20 ± 0.12), were more economical during sub-maximal running (effect size 0.33 ± 0.14) and decreased stride length (effect size 0.22 ± 0.10) and increased stride rate (effect size 0.22 ± 0.11). All but one runner ran with a rearfoot footfall in the minimalist shoe. Improvements in time trial performance were associated with improvements in running economy at 15 km·h(-1) (r = 0.58), with 79% of the improved economy accounted for by reduced shoe mass (P < 0.05). The results suggest that running in minimalist shoes improves running economy and 5-km running performance.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-08-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00256-015-2227-0
Abstract: To investigate the reliability of a simple, efficient technique for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) in the metatarsals using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BMD of the right foot of 32 trained male distance runners was measured using a DXA scanner with the foot in the plantar position. Separate regions of interest (ROI) were used to assess the BMD of each metatarsal shaft (1st-5th) for each participant. ROI analysis was repeated by the same investigator to determine within-scan intra-rater reliability and by a different investigator to determine within-scan inter-rater reliability. Repeat DXA scans were undertaken for ten participants to assess between-scan intra-rater reliability. Assessment of BMD was consistently most reliable for the first metatarsal across all domains of reliability assessed (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥0.97 coefficient of variation [CV] ≤1.5% limits of agreement [LOA] ≤4.2%). Reasonable levels of intra-rater reliability were also achieved for the second and fifth metatarsals (ICC ≥0.90 CV ≤4.2% LOA ≤11.9%). Poorer levels of reliability were demonstrated for the third (ICC ≥0.64 CV ≤8.2% LOA ≤23.6%) and fourth metatarsals (ICC ≥0.67 CV ≤9.6% LOA ≤27.5%). BMD was greatest in the first and second metatarsals (P < 0.01). Reliable measurements of BMD were achieved for the first, second and fifth metatarsals.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000861
Abstract: Children with obesity experience musculoskeletal pain and reduced physical function and well-being, which collectively impact their fitness, strength, motor skills, and even their ability to undertake simple tasks, like walking and climbing stairs. Disrupting obesity-related disability may be critical to increasing children's physical activity. Thus, barriers to movement should be considered by health practitioners to improve the efficacy of prescribed physical activity. This applied clinical review highlights key subjective and objective findings from a hypothetical case scenario, linking those findings to the research evidence, before exploring strategies to enhance movement and increase physical activity.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2017
Abstract: Stride-to-stride fluctuations in running-stride interval display long-range correlations that break down in the presence of fatigue accumulated during an exhaustive run. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether long-range correlations in running-stride interval were reduced by fatigue accumulated during prolonged exposure to a high training load (functional overreaching) and were associated with decrements in performance caused by functional overreaching. Ten trained male runners completed 7 d of light training (LT 7 ), 14 d of heavy training (HT 14 ) designed to induce a state of functional overreaching, and 10 d of light training (LT 10 ) in a fixed order. Running-stride intervals and 5-km time-trial (5TT) performance were assessed after each training phase. The strength of long-range correlations in running-stride interval was assessed at 3 speeds (8, 10.5, and 13 km/h) using detrended fluctuation analysis. Relative to performance post-LT 7 , time to complete the 5TT was increased after HT 14 (+18 s P .05) and decreased after LT 10 (–20 s P = .03), but stride-interval long-range correlations remained unchanged at HT 14 and LT 10 ( P .50). Changes in stride-interval long-range correlations measured at a 10.5-km/h running speed were negatively associated with changes in 5TT performance ( r –.46 P = .03). Runners who were most affected by the prolonged exposure to high training load (as evidenced by greater reductions in 5TT performance) experienced the greatest reductions in stride-interval long-range correlations. Measurement of stride-interval long-range correlations may be useful for monitoring the effect of high training loads on athlete performance.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.AUCC.2021.12.007
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of daily screening for medical readiness to participate in early mobilisation in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), on reducing time to mobilisation and to explore the safety-, feasibility-, and patient-level barriers to the practice. An interventional study with a historical control group was conducted in a PICU in a tertiary teaching hospital in Australia. The Early Mobilisation Screening Checklist was applied at 24-48 h of PICU stay with the aim to reduce time to commencing mobilisation. All patients aged term to 18 years admitted to the PICU for >48 h were included in this study. Data on time to mobilisation and patient characteristics were collected by an unblinded case note audit of children admitted to the PICU over 5 months in 2018 for the baseline group and over a corresponding period in 2019 for the intervention group. A total of 71 children were enrolled. Survival analysis was used to compare time to mobilisation between groups, and a cox regression model found that children in the intervention group were 1.26 times more likely to participate in mobility, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.391, log rank test for equality of survival functions). Early mobilisation was safe, with no adverse events reported in 177 participant mobilisation days. Feasibility was demonstrated by 62% of participants mobilising within 72 h of admission. Mechanical ventilation during stay (P = 0.043) and days receiving sedation infusion (% of days) (P = 0.042) were associated with a decreased likelihood of participating in mobility. Implementation of routine screening alone does not significantly reduce time to commencing mobility in the PICU. Early mobilisation in the PICU is safe and feasible and resulted in no adverse events during mobilisation. Patient characteristics influencing participation in mobility warrant further exploration.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 07-06-2023
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0286468
Abstract: Nature play is growing in popularity, with many early childhood settings transforming their outdoor play environments to incorporate more natural elements. Current research highlights the benefits of engaging in unstructured nature play for children’s health and development yet little is known about the experiences of key nature play end-users such as parents and early childhood educators, even though they directly impact the application of nature play within early childhood settings. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring parent and early childhood educator (ECE) perspectives to gain an understanding about their experiences with nature play. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, semi-structured in-person and telephone interviews were conducted with 18 ECE and 13 parents across four early childhood centres (from various socio-economic regions) across metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia during 2019–2020. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis identified five main themes positive affirmations of nature play, factors influencing nature play engagement, defining nature play, outdoor play space design and risky play. Children’s connection to the natural world, learning about sustainability, emotional regulation, and children discovering their own capabilities were perceived advantages of engaging in nature play. Despite the benefits, ECE’s described institutional barriers such as resourcing, adhering to policies and scheduling conflicts, whereas, parents described time, getting dirty and proximity to nature play spaces as barriers to nature play engagement. Parents and ECEs alike described adults as gatekeepers for play, especially when other daily tasks compete for their time, or when faced with weather-imposed barriers (cold, rain, extreme heat in summer). The findings suggest that parents and ECEs may need additional resources and guidance on how to engage with nature play and how to overcome barriers within early childhood settings and the home environment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Journal of Athletic Training/NATA
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.05
Abstract: Context: Minimalist shoes have been suggested as a way to alter running biomechanics to improve running performance and reduce injuries. However, to date, researchers have only considered the effect of minimalist shoes at slow running speeds. Objective: To determine if runners change foot-strike pattern and alter the distribution of mechanical work at the knee and ankle joints when running at a fast speed in minimalist shoes compared with conventional running shoes. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-six trained runners (age = 30.0 ± 7.9 years [age range, 18−40 years], height = 1.79 ± 0.06 m, mass = 75.3 ± 8.2 kg, weekly training distance = 27 ± 15 km) who ran with a habitual rearfoot foot-strike pattern and had no experience running in minimalist shoes. Intervention(s): Participants completed overground running trials at 18 km/h in minimalist and conventional shoes. Main Outcome Measure(s): Sagittal-plane kinematics and joint work at the knee and ankle joints were computed using 3-dimensional kinematic and ground reaction force data. Foot-strike pattern was classified as rearfoot, midfoot, or forefoot strike based on strike index and ankle angle at initial contact. Results: We observed no difference in foot-strike classification between shoes (χ21 = 2.29, P = .13). Ankle angle at initial contact was less (2.46° versus 7.43° t25 = 3.34, P = .003) and strike index was greater (35.97% versus 29.04% t25 = 2.38, P = .03) when running in minimalist shoes compared with conventional shoes. We observed greater negative (52.87 J versus 42.46 J t24 = 2.29, P = .03) and positive work (68.91 J versus 59.08 J t24 = 2.65, P = .01) at the ankle but less negative (59.01 J versus 67.02 J t24 = 2.25, P = .03) and positive work (40.37 J versus 47.09 J t24 = 2.11, P = .046) at the knee with minimalist shoes compared with conventional shoes. Conclusions: Running in minimalist shoes at a fast speed caused a redistribution of work from the knee to the ankle joint. This finding suggests that runners changing from conventional to minimalist shoes for short-distance races could be at an increased risk of ankle and calf injuries but a reduced risk of knee injuries.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.04.013
Abstract: This study investigated if gradually introducing runners to minimalist shoes during training improved running economy and time-trial performance compared to training in conventional shoes. Changes in stride rate, stride length, footfall pattern and ankle plantar-flexor strength were also investigated. Randomised parallel intervention trial. 61 trained runners gradually increased the amount of running performed in either minimalist (n=31) or conventional (n=30) shoes during a six-week standardised training program. 5-km time-trial performance, running economy, ankle plantar-flexor strength, footfall pattern, stride rate and length were assessed in the allocated shoes at baseline and after training. Footfall pattern was determined from the time differential between rearfoot and forefoot (TD The minimalist shoe group improved time-trial performance (effect size (ES): 0.24 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.48 p=0.046) and running economy (ES 0.48 95%CI: 0.22, 0.74 p<0.001) more than the conventional shoe group. There were no minimalist shoe training effects on ankle plantar-flexor concentric (ES: 0.11 95%CI: -0.18, 0.41 p=0.45), isometric (ES: 0.23 95%CI: -0.17, 0.64 p=0.25), or eccentric strength (ES: 0.24 95%CI: -0.17, 0.65 p=0.24). Minimalist shoes caused large reductions in TD Gradually introducing minimalist shoes over a six-week training block is an effective method for improving running economy and performance in trained runners.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-02-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-03-2009
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2009.42
Abstract: This review addresses the effect of overweight and obese weight status on pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, AMED and PubMed were searched for peer-reviewed studies in English reporting HRQOL and weight status in youth (<21 years), published before March 2008. Twenty-eight articles were identified. Regression of HRQOL against body mass index (BMI) using pooled data from 13 studies utilizing the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory identified an inverse relationship between BMI and pediatric HRQOL (r=-0.7, P=0.008), with impairments in physical and social functioning consistently reported. HRQOL seemed to improve with weight loss, but randomized controlled trials were few and lacked long-term follow-up. Little is known about the factors associated with reduced HRQOL among overweight or obese youth, although gender, age and obesity-related co-morbidities may play a role. Few studies have examined the differences in HRQOL between community and treatment-seeking s les. Pooled regressions suggest pediatric self-reported HRQOL can be predicted from parent proxy reports, although parents of obese youths tend to perceive worse HRQOL than children do about themselves. Thus, future research should include both pediatric and parent proxy perspectives.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ORCP.2019.06.003
Abstract: This study aimed to examine associations between postural control and body composition in 8-10-year-old girls. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 47 girls who were healthy-weight/overweight/obese [body mass index (BMI) percentile]. Girls participated in six postural control conditions of varying difficulty (standing with malleoli touching, tandem stance leading with dominant and non-dominant foot, repeated with eyes open and closed). Postural control outcomes included Centre of Pressure (COP) sway area, COP principal and minor axis length and COP maximum velocity. Data were analysed using linear mixed modelling. BMI percentile was positively associated with COP sway area (p=0.034) and principal axis (p=0.030) during tandem stance non-dominant foot leading with eyes closed and COP principal axis during tandem stance dominant foot leading with eyes open (p=0.045). BMI percentile significantly interacted with postural control conditions of varying difficulty to predict postural control outcomes (p≤0.035), notable for tandem stance positions [all four COP sway outcomes in tandem stance non-dominant foot leading eyes closed tandem stance dominant foot leading with eyes open and closed (two COP sway outcomes each)]. Girls with greater adiposity may have impairments in postural control, but only during more challenging postural control conditions. In contrast, BMI has little role to play in girls' postural control in easier postural control conditions (standing with feet together). These findings may suggest potential functional or safety considerations when girls with overweight/obesity are performing demanding postural control tasks (such as during sport or physical activity).
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-06-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0252572
Abstract: Despite targeted efforts globally to address childhood overweight/obesity, it remains poorly understood and challenging to manage. Physiotherapists have the potential to manage children with obesity as they are experts in movement and physical activity. However, their role remains unclear due to a lack of physiotherapy-specific guidelines. This scoping review aims to explore existing literature, critically appraising and synthesising findings to guide physiotherapists in the evidence-based management of childhood overweight/obesity. A scoping review was conducted, including literature up to May 2020. A review protocol exists on Open Science Framework at osf.io/fap8g/ . Four databases were accessed including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Medline via OVID, with grey literature searched through google via “file:pdf”. A descriptive synthesis was undertaken to explore the impact of existing interventions and their efficacy. From the initial capture of 1871 articles, 263 intervention-based articles were included. Interventions included qualitative focused physical activity, quantitative focused physical activity and multicomponent interventions. Various outcome measures were utilised including health-, performance- and behaviour-related outcomes. The general trend for physiotherapy involvement with children who are obese appears to favour: 1) multicomponent interventions, implementing more than one component with environmental modification and parental involvement and 2) quantitative physical activity interventions, focusing on the quantity of bodily movement. These approaches most consistently demonstrated desirable changes across behavioural and health-related outcome measures for multicomponent and quantitative physical activity interventions respectively. When managing children with obesity, physiotherapists should consider multicomponent approaches and increasing the quantity of physical activity, given consistent improvements in various obesity-related outcomes. Such approaches are well suited to the scope of physiotherapists and their expertise in physical activity prescription for the management of childhood obesity. Future research should examine the effect of motor skill interventions and consider the role of environmental modification arental involvement as factors contributing to intervention success.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-11-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ORCP.2018.09.001
Abstract: The importance of different constructs of sedentary behaviours in relation to childhood obesity is uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to investigate relationships between volume, patterns and types of sedentary behaviour and adiposity in children. A case-control study was undertaken involving 234 children aged 10-13years who were either of a healthy-weight (74 boys, 56 girls) or classified as obese (56 boys, 48 girls). Percent body fat (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and waist-to-height ratio were assessed. Time, type (television, videogame, computer, eating, passive transport) and bout length of sedentary behaviours were measured using accelerometry and the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents. Time use (total daily energy expenditure, sleep, physical activity), age, household income and Tanner stage were covariates in sex-stratified partial least squares analyses. Daily energy expenditure and income were negatively associated with adiposity for both sexes. Television time was consistently positively associated with adiposity. In boys only, prolonged bouts of sedentary behaviour and time spent playing video games/computer were positively linked with adiposity. Non-screen sedentary behaviour was negatively associated with adiposity in girls. Independent of total energy expenditure, total sedentary time was only inconsistently associated with fatness. These data suggest that (1) characteristics of sedentary time other than duration are associated with adiposity in children, and (2) associations may be sex-specific.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-07-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-017-1639-9
Abstract: To investigate associations between aspects of time use and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in youth. 239 obese and healthy-weight 10- to 13-year-old Australian children completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) quantifying their health-related quality of life. Time use was evaluated over four days using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents (MARCA), a validated 24 h recall tool. The average number of minutes/day spent in physical activity ( ided into sport, active transport and play), screen time ( ided into television, videogames and computer use), and sleep were calculated. Percent fat was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, Tanner stage by self-report, and household income by parental report. Sex-stratified analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares regression, with percent fat, Tanner stage, household income, and use-of-time as the independent variables, and PedsQL™ total, physical and psychosocial subscale scores as the dependent variables. For boys, the most important predictors of HRQoL were percent fat (negative), videogames (negative), sport (positive), and Tanner stage (negative). For girls, the significant predictors were percent fat (negative), television (negative), sport (positive), active transport (negative), and household income (positive). While body fat was the most significant correlate of HRQoL, sport was independently associated with better HRQoL, and television and videogames with poorer HRQoL. Thus, parents and clinicians should be mindful that not all physical activity and screen-based behaviours have equivocal relationships with children's HRQoL. Prospective research is needed to confirm causation and to inform current activity guidelines.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-10-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00421-022-05047-6
Abstract: To determine the validity and test–retest reliability of using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) elicited during a submaximal 20-m Shuttle Run Test (20mSRT) to predict VO 2peak in children and investigate acute affective responses. Twenty-five children (14 boys age, 12.8 ± 0.7 years height, 162.0 ± 9.3 cm mass, 49.9 ± 7.7 kg) completed four exercise tests (GXT, 2 submaximal 20mSRT, maximal 20mSRT). The Eston–Parfitt RPE scale was used, and affect was measured with the Feeling Scale. Submaximal 20mSRT were terminated upon participants reporting RPE7. The speed-RPE relationship from the submaximal 20mSRTs was extrapolated to RPE9 and 10 to predict peak speed and then used to estimate VO 2peak . Repeated measures ANOVA to examine the validity of using submaximal RPE to predict VO 2peak resulted in a Gender main effect (boys = 46.7 ± 5.1 mL kg −1 min −1 girls = 42.0 ± 5.1 mL kg −1 min −1 ) and Method main effect ( p 0.01). There were significant differences between measured and estimated VO 2peak from the maximal 20mSRT, but not between measured and estimated VO 2peak at RPE9 and RPE10. Intraclass correlation analysis revealed excellent reliability (~ 0.9) between the two submaximal 20mSRTs. Significant differences ( p 0.05) in end-test affect were reported between submaximal and maximal trials in girls, but not in boys, with girls feeling less negative at the end of the submaximal trials. The results of this study provide evidence that RPE reported during a submaximal 20mSRT can be used to predict VO 2peak accurately and reliably. In this study, the submaximal 20mSRT ending at RPE7, provided better predictions of VO 2peak while minimising aversive end-point affect, especially in girls.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-03-2019
DOI: 10.1093/PTJ/PZZ016
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 04-2016
Abstract: This study examined relationships between adiposity, physical functioning, and physical activity. Obese (N = 107) and healthy-weight (N = 132) children aged 10-13 years underwent assessments of percent body fat (%BF, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) knee extensor strength (KE, isokinetic dynamometry) cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, peak oxygen uptake by cycle ergometry) physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and worst pain intensity and walking capacity [six-minute walk (6MWT)]. Structural equation modelling was used to assess relationships between variables. Moderate relationships were observed between %BF and (1) 6MWT, (2) KE strength corrected for mass, and (3) CRF relative to mass (r -0.36 to -0.69, p ≤ 0.007). Weak relationships were found between %BF and physical HRQOL (r -0.27, p = 0.008) CRF relative to mass and physical HRQOL (r -0.24, p = 0.003) physical activity and 6MWT (r 0.17, p = 0.004). Squared multiple correlations showed that 29.6% variance in physical HRQOL was explained by %BF, pain, and CRF relative to mass while 28.0% variance in 6MWT was explained by %BF and physical activity. It appears that children with a higher body fat percentage have poorer KE strength, CRF, and overall physical functioning. Reducing percent fat appears to be the best target to improve functioning. However, a combined approach to intervention, targeting reductions in body fat percentage, reductions in pain, and improvements in physical activity and CRF may assist physical functioning.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S00431-007-0575-Z
Abstract: Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of obesity, and adolescent weight tracks strongly into adulthood. Previous reviews of treatment strategies have failed to discriminate between adolescents and children, thereby, disregarding the uniqueness of this population. Hence, this review aims to summarise the evidence for treatment approaches for adolescent obesity. Pubmed, OVID, EBSCOhost and Google Scholar were searched for randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews testing treatments for overweight/obese adolescents (aged 12-19 years), published from 1982-2006 in English. Eligible studies had to assess either weight, percentage overweight, body mass index (BMI) or body fat. Thirty-four randomised controlled trials were eligible. The results of this review indicate that the safety and efficacy of surgical and pharmacotherapy treatments for adolescent obesity is uncertain. Diet and physical activity approaches may improve obese status in the short term. However, obesity interventions appear more effective when strategies are combined, rather than when used in isolation. Psychological interventions, such as behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy, show promise in achieving the necessary lifestyle changes for obesity reduction however, long-term follow-up studies are needed. There were multiple limitations in appraising the literature. Inconsistent definitions of overweight/obesity make comparisons between studies difficult. Many studies have not used direct adiposity measures, have failed to assess pubertal status or have not used an exclusive adolescent s le. We conclude that, despite these limitations, current evidence indicates that behavioural and cognitive behavioural strategies combined with diet and physical activity approaches may assist in reducing adolescent obesity,although long-term follow-up studies are needed.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-12-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S00421-012-2561-Z
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate if obese children have reduced knee extensor (KE) strength and to explore the relationship between adiposity and KE strength. An observational case-control study was conducted in three Australian states, recruiting obese [N = 107 (51 female, 56 male)] and healthy-weight [N = 132 (56 female, 76 male)] 10- to 13-year-old children. Body mass index, body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), isokinetic/isometric peak KE torques (dynamometry) and physical activity (accelerometry) were assessed. Results revealed that compared with their healthy-weight peers, obese children had higher absolute KE torques (P ≤ 0.005), equivocal KE torques when allometrically normalized for fat-free mass (FFM) (P ≥ 0.448) but lower relative KE torques when allometrically normalized for body mass (P ≤ 0.008). Adjustments for maternal education, income and accelerometry had little impact on group differences, except for isometric KE torques relative to body mass which were no longer significantly lower in obese children (P ≥ 0.013, not significant after controlling for multiple comparisons). Percent body fat was inversely related to KE torques relative to body mass (r = -0.22 to -0.35, P ≤ 0.002), irrespective of maternal education, income or accelerometry. In conclusion, while obese children have higher absolute KE strength and FFM, they have less functional KE strength (relative to mass) available for weight-bearing activities than healthy-weight children. The finding that FFM-normalized KE torques did not differ suggests that the intrinsic contractile properties of the KE muscles are unaffected by obesity. Future research is needed to see if deficits in KE strength relative to mass translate into functional limitations in weight-bearing activities.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Margarita Tsiros.