ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5229-7489
Current Organisation
James Cook University
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Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.2174/1573404816999201012193342
Abstract: Exercise has many physiological and psychosocial benefits for postmenopausal women. Previous research has shown that sedentary postmenopausal women of North Queensland perceive a number of barriers to exercise however, when they are given the right opportunity, they perceive it as a positive experience. This study aimed to determine whether an 8-week aerobic and resistance group-based exercise intervention had an effect on the physiological and psychosocial health of postmenopausal women living in North Queensland. A secondary aim was to explore the participatory experiences of women. A total of thirty-three postmenopausal women volunteered for the intervention, which consisted of group-based circuit style sessions three times per week, incorporating aerobic and resistance exercises. Primary outcome measures included blood pressure, blood lipids, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness, peripheral bone density, and strength. Secondary measures included exercise self-efficacy and menopausal quality of life using the Menopause- Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Focus groups were conducted post-intervention to discuss participants’ exercise experiences. A total of twenty-six women completed the eight-week program. Significant increases were found in cardiorespiratory fitness (p=0.00), upper body strength (p=0.00), lower body strength (p=0.00), exercise self-efficacy (p=0.00), and the MENQOL psychosocial (p=0.01), physical (p=0.00) and sexual (p=0.01) domains. Waist girth (p=0.01) and triglycerides (p=0.02) were significantly decreased. Participants also reported that they had more motivation and confidence, increased strength, and improved functional activities, and also experienced the disappearance of pain and positive feelings from the intervention. Participants mostly enjoyed the social effect, the lack of feeling self-conscious, the friendly competitiveness, and the facilitator. An 8-week group-based exercise intervention can improve the physiological and psychosocial health of postmenopausal women. Sedentary postmenopausal women can have a positive exercise experience, which may increase the likelihood of future exercise participation.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 26-05-2011
Abstract: This study examined the influence of cycle ergometer type and sex on assessment of 30-s anaerobic capacity and power. 41 healthy adults performed a 30-s anaerobic cycle test using a mechanically- (ME) and air-braked (AE) ergometer in a randomised order, approximately 7 days apart. Peak heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion were similar between tests with peak HR greater for females compared to males (187.0 ± 9.1 vs. 180.8 ± 9.9 bpm, p<0.05). Peak power (1 100 ± 330 vs. 802 ± 225 W), mean power (793 ± 223 vs. 587 ± 156 W) and total work (23.8 ± 6.7 vs. 17.6 ± 4.7 kJ) were greater for AE compared to ME (p<0.001) and greater for males compared to females (p 0.05). Peak lactate was greater for AE compared to ME (16.1 ± 3.4 vs. 14.8 ± 2.9 mmol·L (-1) p<0.05) and greater for males compared to females (16.2 ± 3.5 vs. 14.6 ± 2.7 mmol·L (-1) p<0.05). The current study demonstrated that anaerobic power and capacity were substantially greater when assessed using AE compared to the traditional ME with the difference between ergometer types unaffected by sex. Ergometer type should be considered when comparing anaerobic results across populations and/or studies.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 19-05-2009
Abstract: This study examined the reliability of an incremental arm ergometry (AE) protocol during peak aerobic power (VO2(peak)) determination in healthy females. Fifteen females completed two incremental AE tests to exhaustion, seven to eleven days apart, using a mechanically braked arm ergometer. The initial work rate was 16W and increased by 16W every two minutes until exhaustion. Significant differences between tests were determined by repeated measures ANOVA, and paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, where appropriate. Reliability was determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), typical error, coefficient of variation (CV) and measurement bias/ratio and 95% limits of agreement (LOA). Peak cardio-respiratory responses were similar between tests, except for tidal volume (1.95 +/-0.47 vs. 1.81 +/- 0.41 L, P<0.05). Reliability for peak variables was moderate to high (ICC=0.659-0.941 CV< or =10%) while LOA were considerable for most variables including VO2(peak) (LOA=0.57 L.min(-1)). Similar peak cardio-respiratory responses, low CV and moderate-high ICC confirmed the reliability of the current incremental AE protocol to be similar to that of prior reported protocols for VO2(peak) determination. Substantial within-participant variability (LOA) for respiratory rate and tidal volume was common during the AE protocol and possibly reflects the influence of respiratory entrainment on reliability that requires further investigation.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1080/02640410802056484
Abstract: Graded exercise tests are commonly used to assess peak physiological capacities of athletes. However, unlike time trials, these tests do not provide performance information. The aim of this study was to examine the peak physiological responses of female outrigger canoeists to a 1000-m ergometer time trial and compare the time-trial performance to two graded exercise tests performed at increments of 7.5 W each minute and 15 W each two minutes respectively. 17 trained female outrigger canoeists completed the time trial on an outrigger canoe ergometer with heart rate (HR), stroke rate, power output, and oxygen consumption (VO2) determined every 15 s. The mean (+/- s) time-trial time was 359 +/- 33 s, with a mean power output of 65 +/- 16 W and mean stroke rate of 56 +/- 4 strokes min(-1). Mean values for peak VO2, peak heart rate, and mean heart rate were 3.17 +/- 0.67 litres min(-1), 177 +/- 11 beats min(-1), and 164 +/- 12 beats min(-1) respectively. Compared with the graded exercise tests, the time-trial elicited similar values for peak heart rate, peak power output, peak blood lactate concentration, and peak VO2. As a time trial is sport-specific and can simultaneously quantify sprint performance and peak physiological responses in outrigger canoeing, it is suggested that a time trial be used by coaches for crew selection as it doubles as a reliable performance measure and a protocol for monitoring peak aerobic capacity of female outrigger canoeists.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2011.654270
Abstract: The current study explored the effects of short haul air travel within the same country on elite Australian rugby league (RL) players (n=12) during two away and two home games of elite competition. Physiological tests of handgrip strength and leg power were assessed along with psychological tests and perceptions of leg soreness and tiredness on the day before the game (Time 1 and Time 2) and on game day (Time 3). Game statistics of tackles and metres gained were assessed for the games analysed. Significant differences were found for daily analyses of life demands for athletes (DALDA) worse than normal responses at Time 2 (2.50 ± 3.23 vs. 3.50 ± 3.93 P=0.04), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) at Time 2 (2.88 ± 1.51 vs. 3.71 ± 1.37 P=0.011) and leg tiredness at Time 3 (3.38 ± 1.66 vs. 2.35 ± 1.70 P=0.004) between home and away games. The analysis of game statistics identified that more metres were gained during home games (83.6 ± 49.1 vs. 63.0 ± 30.1 P=0.02) and more tackles made while playing away (18.4 ± 9.2 vs. 14.3 ± 6.7 P=0.016). The results suggest that short haul air travel without crossing time zones results in symptoms of travel fatigue but does not appear to negatively impact on elite RL players ability to perform strength and power tasks. Different game tactics (attacking vs. defensive) occurred between home and away games however, it is unclear whether travel fatigue or a home advantage (HA) is associated with this finding.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 23-09-2013
DOI: 10.1108/IJWHM-04-2012-0008
Abstract: – There has been considerable interest in worksite health programmes to improve employee health and productivity with programme effectiveness possibly influenced by employment category and gender. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current quality of life (QOL), physical activity (PA) levels, sitting times, and barriers/motivators to undertaking PA between academic and professional, and male and female staff within a university workplace. – Participants (105 males, 192 females, n =297) employed as full-time staff of a regional university completed an online survey with differences between staff categories (academic vs professional) and genders identified via ANCOVA using sitting time and working hours as covariates. Relationships between variables were assessed using Spearman's Rank correlations. – Academic and male staff reported greater working hours (∼7-25 per cent, p .05) but similar QOL, seven-day total PA (∼3,600 MET-minutes per week) and sitting times (∼6-7 hours per day) compared to professional and female staff. The most common barriers for PA were lack of time or energy, with motivators including to feel good or improve health. Male staff reported these less frequently compared to females (∼13-25 per cent, p .05). Significant correlations between working hours and QOL (=−0.157 to −0.220, p .05), sitting time and QOL (=−0.195 to 0.171, p .05), and PA levels and QOL (=0.141-0.192, p .05) were identified for all staff. – The current study has demonstrated significant employment and gender differences in working hours with staff exhibiting similar QOL, PA and sitting levels. Gender differences in working hours, and PA barriers/motivators may provide important foci for the development of worksite health programmes to improve staff health and well-being.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.ARCHGER.2009.11.005
Abstract: What effect does body position have on cardio-respiratory variables in active older people? An experimental laboratory study was undertaken measuring heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation when 26 active people aged 60 years and over adopted five standardized body positions. Measurements were taken every 2 min over a 10-min period in sitting, right side lying, left side lying, supine and supine with the head 20° below the level of the body. Rate pressure product and mean arterial pressure were calculated. Smoking history, medication use, health conditions and activity level were recorded. Height, weight and body fat were measured. Left and right side lying produced significantly lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure, rate pressure product and mean arterial pressure than supine with the head down. Excluding oxygen saturation mean values for all variables remained within recommended normal limits in all positions. Significant differences in cardio-respiratory variables occur when active older people change body position. Positioning as a treatment intervention appears safe in supine, side lying and sitting for this population. Head down supine position should be adopted with caution.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2007.10.008
Abstract: A paucity of empirical research exists into surf lifesaving competition from which coaches and athletes may formulate training and recovery strategies. Seventeen (male=9 female=8) high-performance surf lifesavers (21.2+/-3.9 years) contested multiple rounds of team and in idual events at a 2-day surf lifesaving competition. In idual events consisted of the multi-discipline ironman (IRON), paddle board (BOARD) and surf swim (SWIM). Blood lactate (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were determined following heats, semi-finals and final. IRON HR and RPE following semi-finals (153.0+/-21.6beatsmin(-1) and 14.4+/-1.5) and final (171.0+/-9.1beatsmin(-1) and 19.1+/-0.2) were greater than heats (141.8+/-17.2beatsmin(-1) and 12.0+/-1.9 p<0.05) and final BLa (10.5+/-2.8mmolL(-1)) was greater than heats (5.8+/-3.6mmolL(-1) p<0.05). BOARD BLa and HR were greater after the final (9.0+/-2.8mmolL(-1) and 159.0+/-19.9beatsmin(-1)) compared to heats (4.7+/-2.4mmolL(-1) and 133.0+/-17.1beatsmin(-1) p<0.05). No significant differences were identified for SWIM. RPE-HR relationships were identified for pooled IRON and BOARD results following semi-finals (0.668 p<0.05) and finals (r=0.741 p<0.05). In conclusion, high-performance surf lifesavers employ race strategies with all-out maximal exercise limited to semi-finals and finals.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-03-2014
DOI: 10.3109/09593985.2014.900835
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity and reliability of the Simple Goniometer (SG) iPhone® app compared to the Universal Goniometer (UG). Within subject comparison design comparing the UG with the SG app. James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Thirty-six volunteer participants, with a mean age of 60.6 years (SD 6.2). Not applicable. Thirty-six participants performed three standing lunges during which the knee joint angle was measured with the SG app and the UG. There were no significant differences in the measures of in idual knee joint angles between the UG and the SG app. Pearson correlations of 0.96-0.98 and intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.97-0.99 (95% confidence interval: 0.95-1.00) were recorded for all measures. Using the Bland-Altman method, the standard error of the mean of the differences and the standard deviation of the mean of the differences were low. The measurements from the SG iPhone® app were reliable and possessed concurrent validity for this s le and protocol when compared to the UG.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 08-2008
Abstract: This study examined the relationships between body composition, peak oxygen consumption and 1000-m time trial performance of female outrigger canoeists. Female outrigger canoeists (n = 17) completed anthropometric profiling and a 1000-m outrigger ergometer time trial, during which expired air was measured continuously and analysed at 15-s intervals for determination of peak oxygen consumption. Heart rate, stroke rate and power output were also recorded at 15-s intervals. Blood lactate was measured immediately and at 3-, 5- and 7-min post-exercise. Mean power output, peak power output and progressive split times were highly correlated (r > 0.80) to 1000-m performance. Arm girths, humerus breadth, mesomorphy, peak oxygen consumption, ventilation, mean heart rate and peak lactate were moderately correlated (r > 0.50) to 1000-m performance. Stepwise multiple regression analysis verified that mean power output and to a lesser extent flexed arm girth, humerus breadth, waist girth and sitting height can predict 1000-m performance. Enhanced 1000-m performance of female outrigger canoeists appears to be achieved through a combination of greater power production and maintenance, a muscular stature and to a lesser extent, a higher aerobic capacity. These characteristics should be considered when selecting crews.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2006.9628224
Abstract: The aims of the study were to determine those variables that significantly affect push-in execution and thereby formulate coaching recommendations specific to the push-in. Two 50 Hz video cameras recorded transverse and longitudinal views of push-in trials performed by eight experienced and nine inexperienced male push-in performers. Video footage was digitized for data analysis of ball speed, stance width, drag distance, drag time, drag speed, centre of massy displacement and segment and stick displacements and velocities. Experienced push-in performers demonstrated a significantly greater (p < 0.05) stance width, a significantly greater distance between the ball and the front foot at the start of the push-in and a significantly faster ball speed than inexperienced performers. In addition, the experienced performers showed a significant positive correlation between ball speed and playing experience and tended to adopt a combination of simultaneous and sequential segment rotation to achieve accuracy and fast ball speed. The study yielded the following coaching recommendations for enhanced push-in performance: maximize drag distance by maximizing front foot-ball distance at the start of the push-in use a combination of simultaneous and sequential segment rotations to optimise both accuracy and ball speed and maximize drag speed.
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 03-08-2021
DOI: 10.5204/SSJ.1933
Abstract: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced emergency pivot to online teaching and assessment, an Academic Safety Net was implemented at a regional Australian university to provide academic student support. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to compare student performance between 2019 and 2020. More students withdrew from subjects in 2020, while fewer students remained enrolled but failed. While there was no overall year effect for overall student achievement, exam achievement increased and on-course assessment achievement decreased in 2020. When achievement was analysed according to an assessment task change, a year effect emerged, with the magnitude and direction of the effect dependent on the task changes. The results indicate that the enrolment component of the Academic Safety Net was an effective equity measure that enabled students an extended opportunity to self-withdraw in response to general impacts of the pandemic while the results component protected the integrity of results awarded during the emergency pivot.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.12968/IJTR.2010.17.3.46746
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether a specialized exercise program, including vibration training, resistance exercise and stretching, improved health, fitness and quality of life in a patient suffering from chronic pain due to skin hypersensitivity, insomnia, irritability and depression, all associated with eosinophilic meningitis, with pain exacerbated during exercise. The 20-–30-minute program incorporated stretching, lower-body exercises performed on a vibration platform and upper-body resistance exercises, which were performed three times a week within an air-conditioned environment. The patient wore a tight-fitting long-sleeve shirt to minimize skin pain. Pre- and post-assessments included body mass index, girth, cholesterol, resting heart rate and blood pressure, mobility, strength, endurance and flexibility. The patient completed all 36 exercise sessions, resulting in an average 14% (2–25%) improvement in health, 42% (19–103%) improvement in functional fitness, and improved quality of life measures as stated by the patient. Despite experiencing chest skin pain during vibration training, the combination of the air-conditioned environment, as well as the short duration of the sessions, the use of a long-sleeved shirt and the proximity of the patient's house to the clinic, helped him control his pain. The set programme with pain-control measures was a successful exercise combination for the patient who was previously unable to undertake regular exercise due to pain associated with skin hypersensitivity from meningitis.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-05-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2007.00934.X
Abstract: To measure the effect of a combined aerobic and resistance exercise program on key cardiovascular disease risk factors (i.e. body composition or anthropometry and cardiorespiratory function) of Australian male, Vietnam War veterans living in the tropics. Twelve-month exercise program with assessments at commencement, 3, 6 and 12 months. North Queensland regional centre. Australian male, Vietnam War veterans (n = 164) resident in north Queensland. Measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, skinfold and girth measurements, exercise heart rate response and estimated aerobic capacity to determine whether the implementation of a simple aerobic and resistance exercise program could positively change selected cardiovascular disease risk factors in Vietnam Veterans. Significant improvements were reported for systolic blood pressure (131.1 (SD 15.7) reduced to 122.7 (12.4) mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (82.7 (9.1) reduced to 76.3 (10.3) mmHg), resting heart rate (73 (11) reduced to 69 (11) bpm), sum of skinfolds (127.5 (40.3) reduced to 99.5 (32.1) mm), waist girth (103.2 (12.0) reduced to 100.5 (12.1) cm), hip girth (105.3 (9.6) reduced to 103.7 (10.4) cm) and aerobic capacity (2.17 (0.39) increased to 2.36 (0.34) L min(-1)). Participation in a combined aerobic and resistance training program elicited significant anthropometric and cardiorespiratory benefits that might lead to a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease for male Vietnam War veterans resident in rural and regional areas.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-06-2013
DOI: 10.3109/13685538.2013.805320
Abstract: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week lifestyle program for changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge, health perceptions and body composition of middle-aged, overweight men. A participatory, action-based experimental design was employed with a convenience s le (n = 24) of middle-aged men who were supporters of either a local rugby league or rugby union club. Participants attended an introductory session and baseline testing in week one, participated in once-weekly group circuit exercise and lifestyle education sessions for 10 weeks and attended post-testing and project evaluation in week 12. Fourteen participants completed the project. Healthy lifestyle knowledge did not improve significantly. As a combined group there were significant improvements in both physical and mental components of the SF12 questionnaire and in waist girth. The rugby league cohort achieved significant improvement in the SF12 physical component, weight, BMI and waist girth. The rugby union cohort achieved significant improvement in the SF12 mental component and waist girth. Participants reported a variety of health improvement and lifestyle changes following the project and reported appreciation at the involvement of the sporting club. The men's lifestyle program resulted in significant improvement in body composition, resulting in a reduction in obesity-related disease risk in some participants.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2009.02.007
Abstract: This study examined the pacing strategies utilised and the performance reproducibility during repeated outrigger canoeing ergometer time trials. Trained female outrigger canoeists (N=11) completed four 1000m outrigger canoe ergometer time trials. There was a significant 1.5% improvement in 1000m time in trial four compared to trial one. A fast start strategy was adopted in 36 of the 44 trials (82%) followed by a deceleration during the mid stages. As trials progressed there was an increased adoption of negative pacing (fast finish) between the last two splits, indicating a learning effect of pacing strategy across repeated trials. These results demonstrate that although some performance improvement was evident between the first and fourth time trials, the 1000m outrigger ergometer time trial is a reliable test that may be used as a tool to assist with crew selection and performance monitoring. Further, on account of the variation in pacing strategy noted in the fourth trial, the authors recommend utilising one familiarisation session and one test session when assessing performance such that learning or training adaptations resulting from multiple trials do not impact on results.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 30-03-2010
DOI: 10.1108/17538351011031920
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify health and physical activity status and prevalence of chronic diseases risk factors in a s le of Government office employees. Quantitative assessment of various health and physical activity measures including blood pressure, BMI, waist‐to‐hip ratio, cholesterol, blood glucose and physical activity in adult male ( n =66 age=42 ±9 years) and female ( n =262 age=40 ±10 years) Government office employees located in metropolitan, rural and remote areas of central and northern Queensland. It was found that 54 per cent of females and 77 per cent of males were classified as overweight or obese, while 38 per cent of all participants did not participate in sufficient weekly physical activity. Metropolitan females reported significantly higher blood glucose levels and diastolic blood pressure but significantly lower waist‐to‐hip ratio than rural and remote females. There was uneven s ling across geographical locations, however the s le size of each group was largely indicative of the workforce in each location. There is a large prevalence of chronic disease risk factors in male and female Government office employees working throughout metropolitan, rural and remote areas of central and northern Queensland. Workplace personnel should work to improve the health and physical activity status of employees, as this may have positive effects on workplace participation and productivity. This study provides insight into the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors in Government office workers undertaking similar work duties across a variety of geographical locations, and provides suggestions for workplace interventions.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 29-02-2012
Abstract: Whilst various studies have examined lower extremity joint kinematics during running, there is limited investigation on joint kinematics at steady-state running and at intensities close to exhaustion. Subsequently, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the reliability of kinematics in the lower extremity and thorax is affected by varying the running speeds during a running economy test. 14 trained and moderately trained runners undertook 2 running economy tests with each test incorporating 3 intensity stages: 70-, 90- and 110% of the second ventilatory threshold, respectively. The participants ran for 10 min during each of the first 2 stages and to exhaustion during the last stage. Kinematics of the ankle, knee, hip, pelvis and thorax were recorded using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), limits of agreement (LOA) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to calculate reliability. The ICC, LOA and CV of the lower extremity and thoracic kinematic variables ranged from 0.33-0.97, 1.03-1.39 and 2.0-18.6, respectively. Whilst the reliability did vary between the kinematic variables, the majority of results showed minimal within-subject variation and moderate to high reliability. In conclusion, examining thoracic and lower extremity kinematics is useful in determining whether running kinematics is altered with varying running intensities.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2010
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2008
DOI: 10.1080/02640410701791306
Abstract: The aim of this study was to establish a graded exercise test protocol for determining the peak physiological responses of female outrigger canoeists. Seventeen trained female outrigger canoeists completed two outrigger ergometer graded exercise test protocols in random order: (1) 25 W power output for 2 min increasing by 7.5 W every minute until exhaustion and (2) 25 W power output for 2 min increasing by 15 W every 2 min to exhaustion. Heart rate and power output were recorded every 15 s. Expired air was collected continuously and s led for analysis at 15-s intervals, while blood lactate concentration was measured immediately after and 3, 5, and 7 min after exercise. The peak physiological and performance variables examined included peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), minute ventilation, tidal volume, ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2, respiratory rate, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, power output, performance time, and time to VO2peak. There were no significant differences in peak physiological responses, ventilatory thresholds or performance variables between the two graded exercise test protocols. Despite no significant differences between protocols, due to the large limits of agreement evident between protocols for the peak physiological responses, it is recommended that the same protocol be used for all comparison testing to minimize intra-in idual variability of results.
No related grants have been discovered for Rebecca Sealey.