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0000-0001-7773-0253
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Bond University
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Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 08-03-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.4431
Abstract: Several water-based sports (swimming, surfing and stand up paddle boarding) require adequate thoracic mobility (specifically rotation) in order to perform the appropriate activity requirements. The measurement of thoracic spine rotation is problematic for clinicians due to a lack of convenient and reliable measurement techniques. More recently, smartphones have been used to quantify movement in various joints in the body however, there appears to be a paucity of research using smartphones to assess thoracic spine movement. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the reliability (intra and inter rater) and validity of the iPhone ® app (Compass) when assessing thoracic spine rotation ROM in healthy in iduals. A total of thirty participants were recruited for this study. Thoracic spine rotation ROM was measured using both the current clinical gold standard, a universal goniometer (UG) and the Smart Phone Compass app. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was determined with a Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Validation of the Compass app in comparison to the UG was measured using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and levels of agreement were identified with Bland–Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement. Both the UG and Compass app measurements both had excellent reproducibility for intra-rater (ICC 0.94–0.98) and inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.72–0.89). However, the Compass app measurements had higher intra-rater reliability ( ICC = 0.96 − 0.98 95% CI [0.93–0.99] vs. ICC = 0.94 − 0.98 95% CI [0.88–0.99]) and inter-rater reliability ( ICC = 0.87 − 0.89 95% CI [0.74–0.95] vs. ICC = 0.72 − 0.82 95% CI [0.21–0.94]). A strong and significant correlation was found between the UG and the Compass app, demonstrating good concurrent validity ( r = 0.835, p 0.001). Levels of agreement between the two devices were 24.8° (LoA –9.5°, +15.3°). The UG was found to consistently measure higher values than the compass app (mean difference 2.8°, P 0.001). This study reveals that the iPhone ® app (Compass) is a reliable tool for measuring thoracic spine rotation which produces greater reproducibility of measurements both within and between raters than a UG. As a significant positive correlation exists between the Compass app and UG, this supports the use of either device in clinical practice as a reliable and valid tool to measure thoracic rotation. Considering the levels of agreement are clinically unacceptable, the devices should not be used interchangeably for initial and follow up measurements.
Publisher: Bowling Green State University Libraries
Date: 08-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2017
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001707
Abstract: Schram, BL, Hing, WA, Climstein, M, and Furness, JW. A performance analysis of a stand-up paddle board marathon race. J Strength Cond Res 31(6): 1552–1556, 2017—Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing sport and recreational activity in which little scientific research exists. A review of the literature failed to identify a single article pertaining to the physiological demands of SUP competition. The purpose of this study was to conduct a performance analysis of a national-level SUP marathon race. Ten elite SUP athletes (6 male and 4 female athletes) were recruited from the Stand Up Paddle Surfing Association of Australia to have their race performance in the Australian Titles analyzed. Performance variables included SUP speed, course taken, and heart rate (HR), measured with a 15-Hz global positioning system unit. Results demonstrated that there was a variation in distance covered (13.3–13.9 km), peak speed (18.8–26.4 km·h −1 ), and only moderate correlations ( r = 0.38) of race result to distance covered. Significantly greater amounts of time were spent in the 5- to 10-km·h −1 speed zones ( p ≤ 0.05) during the race. Peak HR varied from 168 to 208 b·min −1 among the competitors with the average HR being 168.6 ± 9.8 b·min −1 . Significantly higher durations were spent in elevated HR zones ( p ≤ 0.05) with participants spending 89.3% of their race within 80–100% of their age-predicted HRmax. Marathon SUP races seem to involve a high aerobic demand, with maintenance of near-maximal HRs required for the duration of the race. There is a high influence of tactical decisions and extrinsic variables to race results. These results provide a greater understanding of the physiological demands of distance events and may assist in the development of specialized training programs for SUP athletes.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 08-08-2023
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.15737
Abstract: There is enthusiasm for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist clinicians detect skin cancer. Performance metrics of AI from dermoscopic images have been promising, with studies documenting sensitivity and specificity values equal to or superior to specialists for the detection of malignant melanomas (MM). Early detection rates would particularly benefit Australia, which has the worlds highest incidence of MM per capita . The detection of skin cancer may be delayed due to late screening or the inherent difficulty in diagnosing early skin cancers which often have a paucity of clinical features and may blend into sun damaged skin. In iduals who participate in outdoor sports and recreation experience high levels of intermittent ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is associated with the development of skin cancer, including MM. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of skin cancer in in iduals who regularly participate in activities outdoors and to report the performance parameters of a commercially available AI-powered software to assess the predictive risk of MM development. Cross-sectional study design incorporating a survey, total body skin cancer screening and AI-embedded software capable of predictive scoring of queried MM. A total of 423 participants consisting of surfers ( n = 108), swimmers ( n = 60) and walkers/runners ( n = 255) participated. Point prevalence for MM was highest for surfers (6.48%), followed by walkers/runners (4.3%) and swimmers (3.33%) respectively. When compared to the general Australian population, surfers had the highest odds ratio (OR) for MM (OR 119.8), followed by walkers/runners (OR 79.74), and swimmers (OR 61.61) rounded out the populations. Surfers and swimmers reported comparatively lower lifetime hours of sun exposure (5,594 and 5,686, respectively) but more significant amounts of activity within peak ultraviolet index compared with walkers/runners (9,554 h). A total of 48 suspicious pigmented lesions made up of histopathology-confirmed MM ( n = 15) and benign lesions ( n = 33) were identified. The performance of the AI from this clinical population was found to have a sensitivity of 53.33%, specificity of 54.44% and accuracy of 54.17%. Rates of both keratinocyte carcinomas and MM were notably higher in aquatic and land-based enthusiasts compared to the general Australian population. These findings further highlight the clinical importance of sun-safe protection measures and regular skin screening in in iduals who spend significant time outdoors. The use of AI in the early identification of MM is promising. However, the lower-than-expected performance metrics of the AI software used in this study indicated reservations should be held before recommending this particular version of this AI software as a reliable adjunct for clinicians in skin imaging diagnostics in patients with potentially sun damaged skin.
Publisher: International Journal of Science Culture and Sport
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.14486/INTJSCS770
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2018
Abstract: The Nana positioning protocol is widely used to position participants to minimize technical error when undertaking body composition scanning and analysis with a Dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine. Once biological and technical errors are accounted for, the only variation in test–retest results is from statistical fluctuation or machine error. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the test–retest reliability of the Nana positioning protocol and establish the smallest real difference percentage (SRD%). A gender-balanced group of 30 participants (15 males, 15 females) underwent two scans in succession using the Nana positioning protocol, with repositioning between scans. Percentage change in mean with typical error, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), and standard error measurement percentage (SEM%) were used to identify the test–retest reliability and error rate of these protocols. Additionally, SRD% was calculated to assess the point at which clinically important changes occurred in a participant. The reliabilities of the whole body and regional scans were excellent. Percentage change in mean ranged between 0.00% and 0.23%. High reproducibility of the Nana positioning protocol was evident through an ICC ranging between 0.966–1.000. Additionally, typical error, SEM%, and SRD% were all low. Interestingly, fat mass was associated with the largest fluctuations observed to be associated with any of the parameters assessed. When all sources of biological and technical errors have been accounted for, the Nana positioning protocol has excellent test–retest reliability and produces low SEM% and SRD%.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2017
Abstract: Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a recreational activity and sport that has grown exponentially, with participation increasing from 1.1 million in 2010 to 2.8 million in 2014 in the United States alone. Despite this growth in participation, SUP remains underresearched with regard to injury epidemiology. To investigate injury epidemiology (severity, location, type, mechanism) in SUP. Descriptive epidemiology study. An open-source online survey was administered to active SUP participants internationally. The survey captured information relevant to demographics, participation, and injury history over the past 12 months. Of 240 participants included in the data analysis, 67.1% were males, and 54.6% were involved in competition. Participants spent a mean 192.6 ± 179.5 hours participating in SUP per year, most commonly for fun and fitness (43.3%) at the beach or bay (63.0%). A total of 95 participants had sustained at least 1 injury. A total of 161 injuries were recorded, resulting in an injury rate of 3.63 (95% CI, 3.04-4.16) per 1000 hours of SUP. The shoulder/upper arm was the most frequently injured body location, accounting for 32.9% of all injuries, followed by the lower back (14.3%) and the elbow/forearm (11.8%). The most common injury types were to muscle/tendon (50.4%), joint/ligament (22.6%), and skin (14.2%). Endurance paddling was the most frequently reported mechanism of injury (34.5%), followed by contact with a paddler’s own board (20.1%) and sprint paddling (9.3%). Key risk factors for sustaining an injury were age years, competitive status, and participating for .8 hours/week, as well as using SUP for racing. This is the first study to report injury epidemiology for SUP. It is evident that both sexes participate in SUP for fun, fitness, and competition. With regard to injuries, the shoulder, lower back, and elbow are the most injury prone older age, competitive status, and longer hours of participation all influenced the chance of injury. Findings from this study provide the foundation for injury prevention strategies.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001623
Abstract: Furness, J, Hing, W, Sheppard, JM, Newcomer, S, Schram, B, and Climstein, M. Physiological profile of male competitive and recreational surfers. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 372–378, 2018—Surfing consists of both high- and low-intensity paddling of varying durations, using both the aerobic and anaerobic systems. Surf-specific physiological studies lack adequate group s le sizes, and V̇ o 2 peak values are yet to determine the differences between competitive and recreational surfers. The purpose of this study was therefore to provide a comprehensive physiological profile of both recreational and competitive surfers. This multisite study involved 62 male surfers, recreational ( n = 47) and competitive ( n = 15). Anthropometric measurements were conducted followed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, anaerobic testing and finally aerobic testing. V̇ o 2 peak was significantly greater in competitive surfers than in recreational surfers ( M = 40.71 ± 3.28 vs. 31.25 ± 6.31 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 , p 0.001). This was also paralleled for anaerobic power ( M = 303.93 vs. 264.58 W) for competitive surfers. Arm span and lean total muscle mass was significantly ( p ≤ 0.01) correlated with key performance variables (V̇ o 2 peak and anaerobic power). No significant ( p ≥ 0.05) correlations were revealed between season rank and each of the variables of interest (V̇ o 2 peak and anaerobic power). Key performance variables (V̇ o 2 peak and anaerobic power) are significantly higher in competitive surfers, indicating that this is both an adaptation and requirement in this cohort. This battery of physiological tests could be used as a screening tool to identify an athlete's weaknesses or strengths. Coaches and clinicians could then select appropriate training regimes to address weaknesses.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-02-2020
Abstract: Prospective and retrospective studies have examined traumatic injuries within competitive and recreational surfers worldwide using online surveys and health care facility (HCF e.g., hospital, emergency department, medical record) data. However, few studies have provided a synthesis of all available literature. The purpose of this study was to obtain, critique and synthesise all literature specific to acute surfing injuries, and evaluate differences in injury type, mechanism and location between HCF and survey data. A systematic literature review design was used to identify relevant articles from three major databases. Peer-reviewed epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal surfing injuries were included. A modified AXIS tool was used for critical appraisal, and objective data was extracted and synthesized by lead researchers. Overall frequencies for injury location, type and mechanism were calculated from raw injury data. A total of 19 cross-sectional articles of fair to good quality (Modified AXIS 54.2–83.3%) were included in this study 17 were National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) level III-2 (retrospective) and two were level II (prospective). Articles examined competitive, recreational and combined populations. Injury data from Australia, Brazil, UK, USA, Portugal, Japan, Norway, and worldwide were represented. Skin (46.0% HCF 50.1%, survey 43.8%) and being struck by own surfboard (38.6% HCF 73.4%, survey 36.7%) were the most common injury type and mechanism. Head, face and neck injuries were most common in HCF (43.1%) versus lower limb injuries (36.4%) in survey data. Incidence proportion was highest in aerialists (0.48). Incidence rate (number of injuries per 1000 h) ranged from 0.74 in Australian surfers (Melbourne) to 6.6 in international contest surfers from medical record data. This review highlights the prevalence of skin, board-related, head, face and neck, and lower limb surfing injuries across available literature. Proposed use of protective equipment and foam-based surfboards in dangerous or crowded surf locations may reduce injury risk.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PHPP.12247
Abstract: Surfing is one of the most popular outdoor aquatic activities in Australia with an estimated 2.7 million recreational surfers however, Australia has long been recognized as having the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, and it is the most common type of cancer in young Australians. The aim of this study was to investigate the lifetime prevalence of non-melanoma [basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)] and melanoma skin cancers in Australian recreational and competitive surfers. Australian surfers were invited to complete an online surveillance survey to determine the lifetime prevalence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. A total of 1348 surfers (56.9% recreational) participated in this study, of which 184 surfers reported a skin cancer (competitive n = 96, recreational n = 87). Of non-melanoma and melanoma cancers reported, BCC was the most common (6.8%), followed by melanoma (1.4%) and SCC (0.6%). The relative risk was higher (P < 0.001) in competitive vs. recreational surfers [OR 1.74 (CI 1.28-2.31)]. There was a higher (P < 0.05) number of skin cancers reported on the face (23.5%), back (16.4%) and arms (12.4%). There were significant trends (P < 0.001) in reported skin cancers between competitive and recreational surfers, as well as significantly (P < 0.001) more skin cancers reported in males (14.6%) than females (9.4%). Based upon these findings, in iduals who surf are advised to regularly utilize sun protection strategies (avoid peak ultraviolet radiation (10 am-3 pm), rashvest, hat and sunscreen) and primary care physicians are recommended to regularly screen their patients who surf.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S40798-021-00306-W
Abstract: While chronic exercise training has been demonstrated to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), there has been a relative lack of evidence or clinical guidelines for whether a posterior chain resistance training programme provides any benefits over general exercise (GE). To determine if chronic posterior chain resistance training (PCRT), defined as exercise programmes of ≥6 weeks duration focused on the thoracic, lumbar and hip extensor musculature, is more effective than GE in improving pain, level of disability, muscular strength and the number of adverse events in recreationally active and sedentary in iduals with CLBP. Four electronic databases were systematically searched from 25 September 2019 until 30 August 2020. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools checklist for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), articles were critically appraised and compared against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Standardized mean difference (SMD), risk difference (RD) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Review Manager 5.3. Eight articles were included, with a total of 408 participants (203 PCRT, 205 GE). Both PCRT and GE were effective in improving a number of CLBP-related outcomes, but these effects were often significantly greater in PCRT than GE, especially with greater training durations (i.e. 12–16 weeks compared to 6–8 weeks). Specifically, when compared to GE, PCRT demonstrated a greater reduction in pain (SMD = − 0.61 (95% CI − 1.21 to 0.00), p = 0.05 I 2 = 74%) and level of disability (SMD = − 0.53 (95% CI − 0.97 to − 0.09), p = 0.02 I 2 = 52%), as well as a greater increase in muscle strength (SMD = 0.67 (95% CI 0.21 to 1.13), p = 0.004 I 2 = 0%). No differences in the number of adverse events were reported between PCRT and GE (RD = − 0.02 (95% CI − 0.10 to 0.05), p = 0.57 I 2 = 72%). Results of the meta-analysis indicated that 12–16 weeks of PCRT had a statistically significantly greater effect than GE on pain, level of disability and muscular strength, with no significant difference in the number of adverse events for recreationally active and sedentary patients with CLBP. Clinicians should strongly consider utilizing PCRT interventions for 12–16 weeks with patients with CLBP to maximize their improvements in pain, disability and muscle strength. Future research should focus on comparing the efficacy and adverse events associated with specific PCRT exercise training and movement patterns (i.e. deadlift, hip lift) in treating this population. PROSPERO CRD42020155700 .
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 03-02-2020
Abstract: he recent trends of technological innovation and widescale digitization as potential solutions to challenges in health care, sports, and emergency service operations have led to the conception of smart textile technology. In health care, these smart textile systems present the potential to aid preventative medicine and early diagnosis through continuous, noninvasive tracking of physical and mental health while promoting proactive involvement of patients in their medical management. In areas such as sports and emergency response, the potential to provide comprehensive and simultaneous physiological insights across multiple body systems is promising. However, it is currently unclear what type of evidence exists surrounding the use of smart textiles for the monitoring of physiological outcome measures across different settings. his scoping review aimed to systematically survey the existing body of scientific literature surrounding smart textiles in their most prevalent form, the smart shirt, for monitoring physiological outcome measures. total of 5 electronic bibliographic databases were systematically searched (Ovid Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SPORTDiscus). Publications from the inception of the database to June 24, 2019 were reviewed. Nonindexed literature relevant to this review was also systematically searched. The results were then collated, summarized, and reported. ollowing the removal of duplicates, 7871 citations were identified. On the basis of title and abstract screening, 7632 citations were excluded, whereas 239 were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. Of these, 101 citations were included in the final analysis. Included studies were categorized into four themes: (1) prototype design, (2) validation, (3) observational, and (4) reviews. Among the 101 analyzed studies, prototype design was the most prevalent theme (50/101, 49.5%), followed by validation (29/101, 28.7%), observational studies (21/101, 20.8%), and reviews (1/101, 0.1%). Presented prototype designs ranged from those capable of monitoring one physiological metric to those capable of monitoring several simultaneously. In 29 validation studies, 16 distinct smart shirts were validated against reference technology under various conditions and work rates, including rest, submaximal exercise, and maximal exercise. The identified observational studies used smart shirts in clinical, healthy, and occupational populations for aims such as early diagnosis and stress detection. One scoping review was identified, investigating the use of smart shirts for electrocardiograph signal monitoring in cardiac patients. lthough smart shirts have been found to be valid and reliable in the monitoring of specific physiological metrics, results were variable for others, demonstrating the need for further systematic validation. Analysis of the results has also demonstrated gaps in knowledge, such as a considerable lag of validation and observational studies in comparison with prototype design and limited investigation using smart shirts in pediatric, elite sports, and emergency service populations. >
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-05-2020
DOI: 10.2196/18092
Abstract: The recent trends of technological innovation and widescale digitization as potential solutions to challenges in health care, sports, and emergency service operations have led to the conception of smart textile technology. In health care, these smart textile systems present the potential to aid preventative medicine and early diagnosis through continuous, noninvasive tracking of physical and mental health while promoting proactive involvement of patients in their medical management. In areas such as sports and emergency response, the potential to provide comprehensive and simultaneous physiological insights across multiple body systems is promising. However, it is currently unclear what type of evidence exists surrounding the use of smart textiles for the monitoring of physiological outcome measures across different settings. This scoping review aimed to systematically survey the existing body of scientific literature surrounding smart textiles in their most prevalent form, the smart shirt, for monitoring physiological outcome measures. A total of 5 electronic bibliographic databases were systematically searched (Ovid Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SPORTDiscus). Publications from the inception of the database to June 24, 2019 were reviewed. Nonindexed literature relevant to this review was also systematically searched. The results were then collated, summarized, and reported. Following the removal of duplicates, 7871 citations were identified. On the basis of title and abstract screening, 7632 citations were excluded, whereas 239 were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. Of these, 101 citations were included in the final analysis. Included studies were categorized into four themes: (1) prototype design, (2) validation, (3) observational, and (4) reviews. Among the 101 analyzed studies, prototype design was the most prevalent theme (50/101, 49.5%), followed by validation (29/101, 28.7%), observational studies (21/101, 20.8%), and reviews (1/101, 0.1%). Presented prototype designs ranged from those capable of monitoring one physiological metric to those capable of monitoring several simultaneously. In 29 validation studies, 16 distinct smart shirts were validated against reference technology under various conditions and work rates, including rest, submaximal exercise, and maximal exercise. The identified observational studies used smart shirts in clinical, healthy, and occupational populations for aims such as early diagnosis and stress detection. One scoping review was identified, investigating the use of smart shirts for electrocardiograph signal monitoring in cardiac patients. Although smart shirts have been found to be valid and reliable in the monitoring of specific physiological metrics, results were variable for others, demonstrating the need for further systematic validation. Analysis of the results has also demonstrated gaps in knowledge, such as a considerable lag of validation and observational studies in comparison with prototype design and limited investigation using smart shirts in pediatric, elite sports, and emergency service populations.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-08-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13018-020-01854-9
Abstract: The introduction of enhanced recovery pathways has demonstrated both patient and organisational benefits. However, enhanced recovery pathways implemented for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) vary between health-care organisations, as do their measures of success, particularly patient-related outcomes. Despite inpatient functional recovery being essential for safe and timely hospital discharge, there is currently no gold standard method for its assessment, and the research undertaken to establish prognostic factors is limited. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and subsequently develop prognostic models for inpatient functional recovery following primary, unilateral THA and TKA identify factors associated with acute length of stay and assess the relationships between inpatient function and longer-term functional outcomes. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to determine prognostic factors for functional recovery (assessed using the modified Iowa Level of Assistance Scale on day 2 post-operatively) in a prospective cohort study of 354 patients following primary, unilateral THA or TKA. For the overall cohort and TKA group, significant prognostic factors included age, sex, pre-operative general health, pre-operative function, and use of general anaesthesia, local infiltration analgesia, and patient-controlled analgesia. In addition, arthroplasty site was a prognostic factor for the overall cohort, and surgery duration was prognostic for the TKA group. For the THA group, significant prognostic factors included pre-operative function, Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool score, and surgical approach. Several factors were associated with acute hospital length of stay. Inpatient function was positively correlated with functional outcomes assessed at 6 months post-operatively. Prognostic models may facilitate the prediction of inpatient flow thus optimising organisational efficiency. Surgical prognostic factors warrant consideration as potential key elements in enhanced recovery pathways, associated with early post-operative functional recovery. Standardised measures of inpatient function serve to evaluate patient-centred outcomes and facilitate the benchmarking and improvement of enhanced recovery pathways.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 09-02-2021
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.10893
Abstract: The use of wrist worn wearable fitness trackers has been growing rapidly over the last decade. The growing popularity can be partly attributed to the improvements in technology, making activity trackers more affordable, comfortable and convenient for use in different fitness and environmental applications. Fitness trackers typically monitor activity level, track steps, distance, heart rate (HR), sleep, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation and more, as the technology continuously is advancing. In terms of measuring HR, photoplethysmography (PPG) is a relatively new technology utilised in wearables. PPG estimates HR through an optical technique that monitors changes in blood volume beneath the skin. With these new products becoming available it is important that the validity of these devices be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Polar Vantage M (PVM) watch to measure HR compared to medical grade ECG on a healthy population during a range of treadmill exercise intensities. A total of 30 healthy participants ( n = 17 males, n = 13 females) were recruited for this study. The validity of the PVM watch to measure HR was compared against the gold standard 5-lead ECG. The study was conducted on 2 separate testing days with 24–48 h between sessions. Participants completed the Bruce Treadmill Protocol, and HR was measured every 30 s. Validation of the PVM watch in comparison to the ECG was measured with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) and levels of agreement were identified with Bland–Altman plots with 90% limits of agreement. Linear regression analysis was performed to calculate the value of r 2 computing the variation of HR obtained by the PVM watch and ECG. In total, 30 participants completed the protocol, with data from 28 participants utilised for statistical analysis (16 males, 14 females, 26.10 ± 3.39 years, height 52.36 m ± 7.40 cm, mass 73.59 ± 11.90 kg). A strong and significant correlation was found between the PVM watch and ECG, demonstrating good criterion validity ( p 0.05, r 2 = 0.87). Good validity was seen for day 1 and day 2 for stage 0 (ICC = 0.83 95% CI [0.63–0.92], ICC = 0.74 95% CI [0.37–0.88]), stage 1 (ICC = 0.78 95% CI [0.52–0.90], ICC = 0.88 95% CI [0.74–0.95]), and stage 2 (ICC = 0.88 95% CI [0.73–0.94], ICC = 0.80 95% CI [0.40–0.92]). Poor validity was demonstrated on day 1 and day 2 for stages 3–5 (ICC 0.50). This study revealed that the PVM watch had a strong correlation with the ECG throughout the entire Bruce Protocol, however the level of agreement (LoA) becomes widely dispersed as exercise intensities increased. Due to the large LoA between the ECG and PVM watch, it is not advisable to use this device in clinical populations in which accurate HR measures are essential for patient safety however, the watch maybe used in settings where less accurate HR is not critical to an in idual’s safety while exercising.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-02-2015
Abstract: There are an estimated 37 million surfers worldwide, with 2.5 million recreational surfers in Australia. The recreational activity and sport of surfing has grown dramatically since the 1960s, but scientific research has been poorly mirrored in comparison with most other mainstream sports. To identify the incidence, severity, location, type, and mechanism of acute injuries in recreational and competitive surfers over a 12-month period. Descriptive epidemiology study. An online survey using an open-source survey application was utilized. The survey consisted of 2 primary sections: Section 1 included demographic information and participation levels (age, height, weight, hours surfed, competitive level) section 2 incorporated injury type, mechanism, severity, and injury management. A total of 1348 participants (91.3% males 43.1% competitive surfers) were included in data analysis. A total of 512 acute injuries were classified as major, providing an incidence proportion of 0.38 (CI, 0.35-0.41) acute injuries per year. The incidence rate was calculated to be 1.79 (CI, 1.67-1.92) major injuries per 1000 hours of surfing. The shoulder, ankle, and head/face regions had the highest frequencies of acute injury, representing 16.4%, 14.6%, and 13.3%, respectively. Injuries were predominantly of muscular, joint, and skin origin, representing 30.3%, 27.7%, and 18.9%, respectively. Skin injuries were primarily a result of direct trauma, while joint and muscular injuries were mainly a result of maneuvers performed and repetitive actions. Key risk factors that increased the incidence of sustaining an acute injury included competitive status, hours surfed ( .5 hours/week), and the ability to perform aerial maneuvers. The incidence proportion for surfers completing aerial maneuvers was calculated to be 0.48 (CI, 0.39-0.58) major injuries per year, this being the highest incidence proportion irrespective of competitive status. This is the largest surfing-specific survey that included both recreational and competitive surfers conducted in Australia to date. The shoulder, ankle, head, and face were identified as the key regions where acute injuries occur in surfers. This research may aid in reducing the occurrence of injury through musculoskeletal screening in these key injury-prone regions and through the use of sport-specific strength training and conditioning.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-07-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-09-2022
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2122915
Abstract: Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders rising worldwide, physio-therapists' perceptions of their role and ability to holistically treat people with anxiety and depression remain unclear. This research aimed to understand the physiotherapists' perception of their role in treating and managing people with anxiety and depression while revealing barriers and facilitators in practice. PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched systematically for mixed-method, quantitative, or qualitative designs. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology for Systematic Reviews, data was extracted, critically appraised, assigned quality grades, and synthesized through meta-aggregation. A total of 2991 records were initially sourced, with eleven studies included in the systematic review. The studies were published worldwide between 2016 and 2021, with the majority (n = 8) published in 2020-2021. Participating physiotherapists most frequently had a Bachelor's degree (35.7-62.6%), followed by a Master's degree (28.4-37.4%). Meta-aggregation revealed the synthesized finding that physiotherapists perceived their role to include treating people with anxiety and depression despite feeling underprepared. Physiotherapists perceive many barriers and facilitators, such as education, when treating people with anxiety and depression. Physiotherapists have positive perceptions toward anxiety and depression, despite feeling underprepared in their ability to implement psychosocial strategies.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 28-04-2022
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.13243
Abstract: Surfing and swimming are two popular outdoor aquatic activities in Australia with an estimated 2.7 million surfers and three million swimmers however, these activities are associated with intermittent exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Our aim was to determine the point prevalence of pre-skin cancer (actinic keratosis (PSC)), non-melanoma (NMSC) and melanoma skin cancers (MSC) in Australian surfers and swimmers. This cross-sectional study involved Australian surfers who completed a survey that included physiological demographics, aquatic activity-specific demographics, history of skin cancer followed by screening. A total of 171 surfers ( n = 116) and swimmers ( n = 55) participated in the study. Both groups were identified as having a history of skin cancer (surfers 41.4%, swimmers 36.4%) and a family history of skin cancer (surfers 52.6%, swimmers 43.6%). The majority of both groups reported using a high percentage of a chemical or physical skin cancer prevention strategy (surfers 100%, Swimmers 92.7%, P = 0.003). Significantly more surfers were identified with a skin cancer of any type vs . swimmers (50% vs . 27.3% OR 2.67 P = 0.005) with most the common skin cancer being PSC (44.7% vs . 11.3%, P = 0.076) followed by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (24.2% vs . 7.6%, P = 0.068). There was a total of seven MSC identified in surfers and swimmers (4.6% vs . 0.8%, respectively, P = 0.137). Most skin cancers in surfers were located on the face (28.0%) followed by the arm and back (12.1% each), whereas in swimmers, the majority of skin cancers were identified on the face (17.3%), followed by the arm and lower leg (15.4% each). The highest number of melanomas were identified in surfers ( n = 6) and mainly located on the face ( n = 2) and back ( n = 2). There was a single melanoma identified on the back in a swimmer. With the groups combined, the majority (42.9%) of melanomas were identified on the back in participants, followed by the face (28.6%). Rates per 100,000 of NMSC and MSC in surfers and swimmers (respectively) were BCC (11,206 vs . 14,545), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ (13,793 vs . 12,727), SCC (1,724 vs . 3,636) and MSC (5,172 vs . 1,818). When compared to the general Australian population, surfers and swimmers had higher odds ratios (OR), which included BCCs (OR 7.3 and 9.4, respectively), SCCs (OR 1.7 and 3.5, respectively) and MSC (OR 96.7 and 18.8, respectively). Surfers and swimmers had consistently higher rates of PSC, NMSC and MSC than the general Australian population. Point prevalence of MSC (groups combined) was 76-fold higher than the general Australian population. These findings highlight the clinical importance of regular skin cancer screenings in in iduals who surf or swim for early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Additionally, these aquatic enthusiasts should be advised of the benefits of sun protection strategies such as chemical and physical barriers to reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2019
Abstract: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is a commonly used clinical assessment tool for body composition and bone mineral density, which is gaining popularity in athletic cohorts. Results from body composition scans are useful for athletic populations to track training and nutritional interventions, while bone mineral density scans are valuable for athletes at risk of developing stress fractures due to low bone mineral density. However, no research has ascertained if a novice technician (accredited but not experienced) could produce similar results to an experienced technician. Two groups of recreational athletes were scanned, one by an experienced technician, one by a novice technician. All participants were scanned twice with repositioning between scans. The experienced technician’s reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .989–.998 percentage change in mean = −0.01 to 0.10), precision (typical error as coefficient of variation percentage = 0.01–0.47 SEM% = 0.61–1.39), and sensitivity to change (smallest real difference percentage = 1.70–3.85) were similar however, superior to those of the novice technician. The novice technician results were reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .985–.997 percentage change in mean = −0.03 to 0.23), precision (typical error as coefficient of variation percentage = 0.03–0.75 SEM% = 1.06–2.12), and sensitivity to change (smallest real difference percentage = 2.73–5.86). Extensive experience, while valuable, is not a necessary requirement to produce quality results when undertaking whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRASMEDBIO.2018.05.022
Abstract: Ultrasound imaging (US) is an accurate and reliable method used to diagnose tendinopathy. This systematic review was aimed at identifying common criteria and parameters used to diagnose tendinopathy, the methodological quality of studies and the predictive value of US. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with the Achilles, quadriceps and patella tendons being investigated. Overall, there was significant heterogeneity between the criteria used to diagnose tendinopathy utilising US. The methodological quality of included studies was "good." Additionally, meta-analysis revealed that US-identified abnormalities were predictive of future symptoms, and classification of tendinopathy using three US defined parameters indicated a higher relative risk of developing clinical tendinopathy compared with the use of two US-defined parameters. Further research into the development of a standardised US criterion that incorporates both clinical and US findings is required to allow for greater consistency in the diagnosis of tendinopathy.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-02-2020
Abstract: External auditory exostosis (EAE) has previously only been shown to occur in cold water surfers. We assessed young surfers living and surfing in Queensland, Australia, for EAE in water temp ranges from 20.6 °C (69.1 °F, Winter) to 28.2 °C (82.8 °F, Summer). All participants underwent a bilateral otoscopic examination to assess the presence and severity of EAE. A total of 23 surfers participated with a mean age of 35.4 years (8.3 years) and a mean surfing experience of 20.0 years (9.9 years). Nearly two-thirds of participants (n = 14, 60.9%) had regular otological symptoms, most commonly water trapping (n = 13, 56.5%), pain (n = 8, 34.8%), and hearing loss (n = 6, 26.1%). Only 8.7% (n = 2) of all surfers reported regular use of protective equipment (e.g., earplugs) on a regular basis. The overall prevalence of exostosis was 69.6% (n = 16), and the majority (n = 12, 80.0%) demonstrated bilateral lesions of a mild grade ( % obstruction of the external auditory canal). This is the first study assessing EAE in young surfers exposed to only warm waters (above 20.6 °C). The prevalence of EAE in this study highlights that EAE is not restricted to cold water conditions, as previously believed. Warm water surfing enthusiasts should be screened on a regular basis by their general medical practitioner and utilize prevention strategies such as earplugs to minimize exposure to EAE development.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 16-10-2017
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.3880
Abstract: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a commonly used instrument for analysing segmental body composition (BC). The information from the scan guides the clinician in the treatment of conditions such as obesity and can be used to monitor recovery of lean mass following injury. Two commonly used DXA positioning protocols have been identified—the Nana positioning protocol and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Both protocols have been shown to be reliable. However, only one study has assessed the level of agreement between the protocols and ascertained the participants’ preference of protocol based upon comfort. Given the paucity of research in the field and the growing use of DXA in both healthy and pathological populations further research determining the most appropriate positioning protocol is warranted. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess the level of agreement between results from the NHANES protocol and Nana protocol, and the participants’ preference of protocol based on comfort. Thirty healthy participants (15 males, 15 females, aged 23–59 years) volunteered to participate in this study. These participants underwent two whole body DXA scans in a single morning (Nana positioning protocol and NHANES positioning protocol), in a randomised order. Each participant attended for scanning wearing minimal clothing and having fasted overnight, refrained from exercise in the past 24 h and voided their bladders. Level of agreement, comparing NAHNES to Nana protocol was assessed using an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and percentage change in mean. Limit of agreement comparing the two protocols were assessed using plots, mean difference and confidence limits. Participants were asked to indicate the protocol they found most comfortable. When assessing level of agreement between protocols both the ICC and CCC scores were very high and ranged from 0.987 to 0.997 for whole body composition, indicating excellent agreement between the Nana and NHANES protocols. Regional analysis (arms, legs, trunk) ICC scores, ranged between 0.966 and 0.996, CCC ranged between 0.964 and 0.997, change in mean percentage ranged between −0.58% and 0.37% which indicated a very high level of agreement. Limit of agreement analysis using mean difference ranged between −0.223 and 0.686 kg and 95% CL produced results ranging between −1.262 kg and 1.630 kg. The majority (80%) of participants found the NHANES positioning protocol more comfortable. This study reveals a strong level of agreement as illustrated by high ICC’s and CCC’s between the positioning protocols, however systematic bias within limit of agreement plot and a large difference in 95% confidence limits indicates that the protocols should not be interchanged when assessing an in idual. The NHANES protocol affords greater participant comfort.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2018.03.005
Abstract: To systematically identify and assess methods and protocols used to reduce technical and biological errors in published studies that have investigated reliability of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for assessing body composition. Systematic review. Systematic searches of five databases were used to identify studies of DXA reliability. Two independent reviewers used a modified critical appraisal tool to assess their methodological quality. Data was extracted and synthesised using a level of evidence approach. Further analysis was then undertaken of methods used to decrease DXA errors (technical and biological) and so enhance DXA reliability. Twelve studies met eligibility criteria. Four of the articles were deemed high quality. Quality articles considered biological and technical errors when preparing participants for DXA scanning. The Nana positioning protocol was assessed to have a strong level of evidence. The studies providing this evidence indicated very high test-retest reliability (ICC 0.90-1.00 or less than 1% change in mean) of the Nana positioning protocol. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) positioning protocol was deemed to have a moderate level of evidence due to lack of high quality studies. However, the available studies found the NHANES positioning protocol had very high test-retest reliability. Evidence is limited and reported reliability has varied in papers where no specific positioning protocol was used or reported. Due to the strong level of evidence of excellent test-retest reliability that supports use of the Nana positioning protocol, it is recommended as the first choice for clinicians when using DXA to assess body composition.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJSEM-2019-000699
Abstract: To develop a standardised ultrasound imaging (USI)-based criteria for the diagnosis of tendinopathy that aligns with the continuum model of tendon pathology. Secondary aims were to assess both the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the criteria. A criteria was developed following a face validity assessment and a total of 31 Achilles tendon ultrasound images were analysed. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were assessed for overall tendinopathy stage (normal, reactive/early dysrepair or late dysrepair/degenerative) as well as for in idual parameters (thickness, echogenicity and vascularity). Quadratic weighted kappa (k w ) was used to report on reliability. Intra-rater reliability was ‘substantial’ for overall tendinopathy staging (k w rater A 0.77, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.94, rater B 0.70, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.89) and ranged from ‘substantial’ to ‘almost perfect’ for thickness (k w rater A 0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.90, rater B 0.84, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.98), echogenicity (k w rater A 0.78, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.95, rater B 0.73, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.89) and vascularity (k w rater A 0.86, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.98, rater B 0.89, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99). Inter-rater reliability ranged from ‘substantial’ to ‘almost perfect’ for overall tendinopathy staging (k w round 1 0.75, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.91, round 2 0.81, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99), thickness (k w round 1 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.83, round 2 0.77, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.93), echogenicity (k w round 1 0.70, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.85, round 2 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.94) and vascularity (k w round 1 0.89, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99, round 2 0.86, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.98). Inter-rater reliability increased from ‘substantial’ in round 1 (k w 0.75, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.91) to ‘almost perfect’ in round 2 (0.81, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99). Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were ‘substantial’ to ‘almost perfect’ when utilising an USI-based criteria to diagnose Achilles tendinopathy. This is the first study to use the continuum model of tendon pathology to develop an USI-based criteria to diagnose tendinopathy.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-07-2018
Abstract: The Combined Elevation Test (CET) is a musculoskeletal screening technique (MST) that replicates the streamline position in swimming and is commonly used in various sports. Although CET is widely used, no normative data exist within an adolescent population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a large data set for the CET within an adolescent population and to evaluate the influence of various demographic and anthropometric variables. Data were collected for 416 participants aged between 8 and 18 years old. Age and arm span showed a significant correlation with CET scores (arm span rs (105) = 0.478, p = 0.000 age rs (416) = 0.238, p = 0.000). Regression analysis further quantified the influence of arm span and age on CET scores, accounting for 23.1% and 5.3% of variability respectively. These results can be used as a reference point for clinicians and coaches who are using the CET within their assessments.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 28-09-2021
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.12166
Abstract: Achilles tendinopathy describes the clinical presentation of pain localised to the Achilles tendon and associated loss of function with tendon loading activities. However, clinicians display differing approaches to the diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy due to inconsistency in the clinical terminology, an evolving understanding of the pathophysiology, and the lack of consensus on clinical tests which could be considered the gold standard for diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy. The primary aim of this scoping review is to provide a method for clinically diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy that aligns with the nine core health domains. A scoping review was conducted to synthesise available evidence on the clinical diagnosis and clinical outcome measures of Achilles tendinopathy. Extracted data included author, year of publication, participant characteristics, methods for diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy and outcome measures. A total of 159 articles were included in this scoping review. The most commonly used subjective measure was self-reported location of pain, while additional measures included pain with tendon loading activity, duration of symptoms and tendon stiffness. The most commonly identified objective clinical test for Achilles tendinopathy was tendon palpation (including pain on palpation, localised tendon thickening or localised swelling). Further objective tests used to assess Achilles tendinopathy included tendon pain during loading activities (single-leg heel raises and hopping) and the Royal London Hospital Test and the Painful Arc Sign. The VISA-A questionnaire as the most commonly used outcome measure to monitor Achilles tendinopathy. However, psychological factors (PES, TKS and PCS) and overall quality of life (SF-12, SF-36 and EQ-5D-5L) were less frequently measured. There is significant variation in the methodology and outcome measures used to diagnose Achilles tendinopathy. A method for diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy is proposed, that includes both results from the scoping review and recent recommendations for reporting results in tendinopathy.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-07-2017
Publisher: Bowling Green State University Libraries
Date: 02-2015
Publisher: International Journal of Spine Surgery
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.14444/5038
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-05-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-06-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-11-2019
Abstract: The recent addition of surfing to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has fueled a surge in commercial and research interest in understanding the physiological demands of the sport. However, studies specific to maximal aerobic testing of surfers are scarce. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to compare two commercially available swim bench (SWB) ergometers in the determination of maximal aerobic capacity in recreational surfers. A secondary aim was to correlate (independent of one another) the two ergometer findings of VO2peak to the time taken to complete a water-based 400-m paddle test. This cross-sectional study consisted of 17 recreational surfers aged between 18–58 years. Participants were randomized to either the SwimFast ergometer or VASA ergometer and tested for maximal aerobic capacity, followed by a 400-m paddle test. There were no significant differences between the two SWB ergometers in the determination of relative VO2peak (mean difference 0.33 mL/kg/min 95% CI −1.24–1.90 p = 0.66). Correlations between VO2peak obtained from maximal paddling effort on the SwimFast and the VASA and the 400-m paddle test (total time (s)) showed a negative significant correlation r = −0.819, p = 0.024 r = −0.818, p = 0.024, respectively. Results suggest that either ergometer (SwimFast or VASA) can be used to determine peak aerobic capacity within a recreational surfing cohort. The significant correlation of the two SWB ergometers and the 400-m paddle test suggest that the 400-m paddle test may be a suitable field-based method of determining aerobic capability. Collectively, these preliminary findings provide initial evidence for similarities in VO2peak on two commercial ergometers and their correlations with a field-based test. However, further research is needed with a larger s le size and inclusive of competitive surfers to provide robust findings which can be generalized to the surfing population.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 15-07-2022
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/HC18097
Abstract: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONExternal auditory exostosis (EAE) is a benign, irreversible bony outgrowth that arises from the temporal bone. EAE projects into the external ear canal, potentially causing recurrent otitis externa and conductive hearing loss. AIMTo determine lifetime prevalence of EAE in New Zealand (NZ) surfers. METHODSThis study used an online national survey. RESULTSRespondents were 1376 NZ surfers (recreational = 868, competitive = 508). Mean surfing experience was 16.2 years. Most self-classified as advanced surfers (36.5%), followed by intermediate (30.2%), expert (20.1%) and beginner (13.2%). Surfers reported an average of 214.2 h surfing (28.6% during winter) for the previous year. Overall lifetime prevalence of EAE was 28.9% (32.1% male, 14.6% female P & 0.001), with the highest proportion of EAE was observed bilaterally (21.3%). Competitive surfers reported a significantly (P & 0.001) higher lifetime prevalence of EAE than recreational surfers (45.3% vs. 19.2%). A significantly higher (P & 0.001) lifetime prevalence of EAE was identified as skill level increased (7.1% in beginners to 55.6% in experts) and a two-fold increase (P & 0.001) of EAE in the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of surfing exposure. Neither winter surfing exposure nor which Island surfed were associated with EAE prevalence. DISCUSSIONAlthough not as prevalent as in previous NZ research using otologic examinations, this study indicated that almost one-third of NZ surfers reported having had a diagnosis of EAE. Regular general practitioner otologic assessment and advice on appropriate prevention strategies for patients who surf may help prevent large lesions, recurrent ear infections and progressive hearing loss.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-021-00350-9
Abstract: Personal activity intelligence (PAI) is a single physical activity metric based upon heart rate responses to physical activity. Maintaining 100 PAI/week is associated with a 25% risk reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality and 50 PAI/week provides 60% of the benefits. The effect of utilising this metric within a cardiac population has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PAI monitoring on the amount and/or intensity of physical activity for people in the maintenance phase of cardiac rehabilitation and to explore participants’ perceptions of this approach. A concurrent mixed methods approach was undertaken. Participants in the maintenance phase of cardiac rehabilitation monitored PAI for six weeks via a wearable physical activity monitoring device (WPAM). In the first three weeks participants were blinded to their PAI score. A quality-of-life questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) was completed, and semi-structured interviews conducted to investigate attitudes to PAI monitoring. Daily PAI data was collected throughout the 6-week period. Twenty participants completed the trial. PAI earned/day was increased after participants could view their data (mean difference: 2.1 PAI/day (95% CI 0.3, 4.0), p = 0.027). The median change in percentage of days participants achieved a Total PAI score of 25 ( p = 0.023) and 50 ( p = 0.015) were also increased. The mean change in total scores for the EQ-5D-5L and EQVAS were improved after 6 weeks (0.6 ± 1.05 95% CI (0.11–1.09) p = 0.019) (5.8/100 95% CI (2.4–9.2) p = 0.002 respectively). Thematic framework analysis identified three global themes (perceptions on the WPAM, PAI and factors affecting exercise). Most participants stated motivation to exercise increased after they could view their PAI data. Many of the participants believed they would continue to use PAI long-term. Others were undecided the latter primarily due to technical issues and/or preferring devices with greater functionality and attractiveness. All participants would recommend PAI. This exploratory study showed monitoring PAI via a WPAM increased the amount and/or intensity of physical activity within the cardiac population. Participants found PAI interesting, beneficial, and motivating. If technical issues, aesthetics, and functionality of the WPAM were improved, participants may continue to use the approach long-term. PAI may be a viable strategy to assist people with cardiac disease maintain physical activity adherence.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.8006
Abstract: Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing global aquatic sport, with increasing popularity among participants within recreation, competition and rehabilitation. To date, few scientific studies have focused on SUP. Further, there is no research examining the biomechanics of the SUP paddle stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in kinematics existed among experienced and inexperienced SUP participants using three-dimensional motion analysis. This data could be of significance to participants, researchers, coaches and health practitioners to improve performance and inform injury minimization strategies. A cross-sectional observational design study was performed with seven experienced and 19 inexperienced paddlers whereby whole-body kinematic data were acquired using a six-camera Vicon motion capture system. Participants paddled on a SUP ergometer while three-dimensional range of motion (ROM) and peak joint angles were calculated for the shoulders, elbows, hips and trunk. Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted on the non-normally distributed data to evaluate differences between level of expertise. Significant differences in joint kinematics were found between experienced and inexperienced participants, with inexperienced participants using greater overall shoulder ROM (78.9° ± 24.9° vs 56.6° ± 17.3°, p = 0.010) and less hip ROM than the experienced participants (50.0° ± 18.5° vs 66.4° ± 11.8°, p = 0.035). Experienced participants demonstrated increased shoulder motion at the end of the paddle stoke compared to the inexperienced participants (74.9° ± 16.3° vs 35.2° ± 28.5°, p = 0.001 minimum shoulder flexion) and more extension at the elbow (6.0° ± 9.2° minimum elbow flexion vs 24.8° ± 13.5°, p = 0.000) than the inexperienced participants. The results of this study indicate several significant kinematic differences between the experienced and inexperienced SUP participants. These variations in technique were noted in the shoulder, elbow and hip and are evident in other aquatic paddling sports where injury rates are higher in these joints. These finding may be valuable for coaches, therapists and participants needing to maximize performance and minimize injury risk during participation in SUP.
Publisher: Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.5312/WJO.V8.I1.68
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-08-2020
Abstract: Background: Usage of wrist-worn activity monitors has rapidly increased in recent years, and these devices are being used by both fitness enthusiasts and in clinical populations. We, therefore, assessed the test–retest reliability of the Polar Vantage M (PVM) watch when measuring heart rate (HR) during various treadmill exercise intensities. Methods: HR was measured every 30 s (simultaneous electrocardiography (ECG) and PVM). Test–retest reliability was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest real difference (SRD) were used to determine measurement variability. Results: A total of 29 participants completed the trials. ICC values for PVM during stages 1, 2 and 5 demonstrated good to excellent test–retest reliability (0.78, 0.78 and 0.92 95% CI (0.54–0.90, 0.54–0.9, 0.79–0.97)). For PVM during stages 0 (rest), 3 and 4, the ICC values indicated poor to good reliability (0.42, 0.68 and 0.58 95% CI (−0.27–0.73, 0.32–0.85, 0.14–0.80)). Conclusion: This study identified that the test–retest reliability of the PVM was comparable at low and high exercise intensities however, it revealed a poor to good test–retest reliability at moderate intensities. The PVM should not be used in a clinical setting where monitoring of an accurate HR is crucial to the patients’ safety.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.PTSP.2015.09.003
Abstract: Thoracic mobility in the sagittal and horizontal planes are key requirements in the sport of surfing however to date the normal values of these movements have not yet been quantified in a surfing population. To develop a reliable method to quantify thoracic mobility in the sagittal plane to assess the reliability of an existing thoracic rotation method, and quantify thoracic mobility in an elite male surfing population. Clinical Measurement, reliability and comparative study. A total of 30 subjects were used to determine the reliability component. 15 elite surfers were used as part of a comparative analysis with age and gender matched controls. Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged between 0.95-0.99 (95% CI 0.89-0.99) for both thoracic methods. The elite surfing group had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater rotation than the comparative group (mean rotation 63.57° versus 40.80°, respectively). This study has illustrated reliable methods to assess the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane and thoracic rotation. It has also quantified ROM in a surfing cohort identifying thoracic rotation as a key movement. This information may provide clinicians, coaches and athletic trainers with imperative information regarding the importance of maintaining adequate thoracic rotation.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 22-10-2021
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.12334
Abstract: New Zealand (NZ) has nearly 14,000 km of coastline and a surfing population of approximately 315,000 surfers. Given its popularity, surfing has a high frequency of injury claims, however, there remains a lack of data on traumatic surfing-related injuries from large population studies. The primary purpose of this study was to examine traumatic surfing injuries in NZ specific to injury incidence, duration, location, type, mechanism of injury and associated risk factors. A s le of self-identified surfers currently living in NZ participated in an online retrospective cross-sectional survey between December 2015 and July 2016. Demographic and surfing injury data were collected and analysed. The survey yielded 1,473 respondents (18.3% female) a total of 502 surfers reported 702 major traumatic injuries with an overall incidence proportion of 0.34 (95% CI [0.32–0.37]). When comparing the number of injured surfers who sustained an injury at various body locations, a significantly higher proportion of competitive surfers, compared to recreational surfers, had an injury at the neck (6.8% vs 4%, χ 2 (1,1473) = 5.84, P = 0.019) shoulder (7.4% vs 4.3%, χ 2 (1,1473) = 6.34, P = 0.017), upper back (1% vs 2.4%, χ 2 (1,1473) = 4.77, P = 0.043), lower back (7% vs 3.1%, χ 2 (1,1473) = 11.98, P = 0.001) and knee (7% vs 3.4%, χ 2 (1,1473) = 9.67, P = 0.003). A significantly higher proportion of surfers who performed aerial manoeuvres compared to those who did not reported a higher proportion of knee injuries (9.7% vs 3.9%, χ 2 (1,1473) = 13.00, P = 0.001). With respect to injury duration, the shoulder represented the largest proportion of chronic injuries ( months) (44.4%), and the head and face represented the largest proportion of acute injuries (≤3 months) (88%). Muscle and tendon injuries were reported most frequently (25.6%) and direct contact injuries accounted for 58.1% of all injury mechanisms. Key risk factors for traumatic injury included: competitive compared to recreational status (41.0% vs 30.1%, Relative Risk (RR) = 1.36, P 0.001), ability to perform aerial manoeuvres (48.1% vs 31.8%, RR = 1.51, P 0.001) and intermediate or above skill level surfers compared to beginner surfers (35.8% vs 22.7%, RR = 1.58, P 0.001). One third of recreational surfers sustained a major traumatic injury in the previous 12 months. For competitive or aerialist surfers the risk was greater, with this proportion approximately half. Overall, the head/face was the most common location of traumatic injury, with competitive surfers being more likely to sustain a neck, shoulder, lower back, and knee injury compared to recreational surfers. The shoulder was associated with the highest proportion of injuries of chronic duration. Future research should investigate injury mechanisms and causation using prospective injury monitoring to better underpin targeted injury prevention programs.
Publisher: Medical Journals Sweden AB
Date: 02-04-2020
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 17-09-2021
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000674
Abstract: Surfing has grown significantly in the past decade as highlighted by its inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. This growth substantiates a need for training methods that improve surfing performance. The purpose of this review is to (a) identify training methods available to competitive and recreational surfers in peer-reviewed literature, (b) evaluate the effectiveness of these methods, and (c) highlight any limitations and potential areas for future research. Five electronic databases were searched, and 8 papers were identified that met the eligibility criteria. Five of these studies used a quasiexperimental design, and 1 used a case study. The remaining 2 studies used field-based outcome measures specific to paddling however, no study demonstrated improvement in wave-riding performance. The main training methods identified were (a) resistance training, (b) unstable surface training, and (c) cardiovascular training. Maximal strength training of the upper-body and high-intensity and sprint-interval paddling demonstrated effectiveness for improving paddling performance however, unstable surface training was ineffective. Although all interventions improved laboratory-based outcomes, there were no objective measures of wave-riding performance. The findings of this scoping review demonstrate a paucity and low level of evidence in peer-reviewed literature relating training methods to surfing performance.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-09-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-09-2015
DOI: 10.3109/09593985.2015.1027070
Abstract: As swimming and surfing are prone dominant sports, it would be more sport specific to assess shoulder active range of motion in this position. To determine the reliability of the inclinometer and HALO© for assessing shoulder active range of motion in supine and prone and the concurrent validity of the HALO©. Concurrent validity is based on the comparison of the HALO© and inclinometer. To determine if active range of motion (AROM) differences exists between prone and supine when assessing shoulder internal (IR) and external rotation (ER). The design included clinical measurement, reliability and validity. Thirty shoulders (mean age = 26.8 years) without pathology were evaluated. Measurements were taken in supine and prone with both an inclinometer and HALO© device. Active ER ROM in prone was significantly higher than in supine when using both devices. Intra-rater reliability (within and between session) intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ranged between 0.82-0.99 for both devices in supine and prone. An ICC test revealed a significant (p < 0.01) correlation for both devices in IR and ER movements (ICC3,1 = 0.87 and ICC3,1 = 0.72), respectively. This study has shown prone assessment of active ER and IR ROM to be a reliable and appropriate method for prone dominant athletes (swimmers and surfers). In this study greater ER ROM was achieved in prone compared to supine. This finding highlights the importance of standardizing the test position for initial and follow up assessments. Furthermore the HALO
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-05-2019
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-09-2020
Abstract: Prospective and cross-sectional studies have used pre-season isokinetic dynamometry strength and endurance measurements of shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) to determine if they can be correlated to injury. However, to date, no review has provided a synthesis of all available literature on this topic. The aim of this systematic review was to identify isokinetic dynamometry studies that assess shoulder IR and ER strength and endurance in the overhead athletic population in relation to shoulder injury. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and SportDiscus) were searched through September 2019 using pre-determined search terms. Both prospective and cross-sectional studies were included in this review. Studies were assessed for quality using either Appraisal Tool for Cross-sectional Studies (AXIS) or Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Data on outcome measures of strength and endurance peak torque (PT) and ratios (ER:IR) were extracted and further analysed using a best evidence synthesis approach. A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria. Conflicting evidence was found when reviewing all studies without differentiating by study type. Prospective study designs revealed strong evidence that reduced IR endurance and reduced strength ratios are predictive of shoulder injury. Cross-sectional literature showed only conflicting and limited evidence for all outcome measures. At this stage, more research is needed in in idual sporting populations using prospective cohort designs.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-01-2021
Abstract: The majority of the previous literature investigating injuries in surfing have focused on acute or traumatic injuries. This systematic review appears to be the first to investigate the literature reporting on chronic and gradual-onset injuries and conditions in surfing populations. A search strategy was implemented on five databases in June 2020 to locate peer-reviewed epidemiological studies on musculoskeletal injuries or non-musculoskeletal conditions in surfing. A modified AXIS Critical Appraisal Tool was used to appraise all included texts. Extracted data included key information relevant to the epidemiology of the injuries and conditions. Twenty journal articles were included with the majority rated as good quality and a substantial agreement between raters (k = 0.724). Spine/back (29.3%), shoulder (22.9%), and head/face/neck (17.5%) were the most frequently reported locations of musculoskeletal injury, whilst the most common mechanism of injury was paddling (37.1%). Exostosis was the most frequently described injury or condition in surfing populations, with the most common grade of severity reported as mild obstruction. The key findings of injury type, location, severity, and mechanism can be used to develop relevant injury management and prevention programs for the surfing population, with an emphasis on chronic or gradual-onset spine/back and shoulder injuries, paddling technique, and education on the development and management of exostosis.
No related grants have been discovered for James Furness.