ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7167-0392
Current Organisation
Bond University
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Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 04-06-2019
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.6973
Abstract: The feasibility and benefits of a 24-week targeted progressive supervised resistance and weight-bearing exercise programme (Group Aged Care Exercise + GAIT (GrACE + GAIT)) in the residential aged care (RAC) setting was investigated as very little peer-reviewed research has been conducted in relation to exercise programmes of this duration in this cohort. A quasi-experimental study design consisting of two groups (control and exercise) explored a 24-week targeted progressive supervised resistance and weight-bearing exercise programme (GrACE + GAIT) in two RAC facilities in Northern New South Wales, Australia. A total of 42 adults consented to participate from a total of 68 eligible residents (61.7%). The primary outcome measures were feasibility and sustainability of the exercise programme via intervention uptake, session adherence, attrition, acceptability and adverse events. Secondary measures included gait speed and the spatio-temporal parameters of gait, handgrip muscle strength and sit to stand performance. Twenty-three residents participated in the exercise intervention (mean (SD) 85.4 (8.1) years, 15 females) and 19 in the control group (87.4 (6.6) years 13 females). Exercise adherence was 79.3%, with 65% of exercise participants attending ≥70% of the sessions 100% of those originally enrolled completed the programme and strongly agreed with the programme acceptability. Zero exercise-related adverse events were reported. ANCOVA results indicated that post-intervention gait speed significantly increased ( p 0.001) with an 18.8% increase in gait speed (m/s). The GrACE + GAIT programme was shown to be feasible and significantly improve adults living in RAC facilities gait speed, handgrip strength and sit to stand performance. These results suggest that the GrACE + GAIT programme is suitable for use in the RAC sector and that it has the potential to reduce disability and improve function and quality of life of the residents.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2019
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 06-2020
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.9208
Abstract: Depending on the stroke and distances of the events, swim starts have been estimated to account for 0.8% to 26.1% of the overall race time, with the latter representing the percentage in a 50 m sprint front crawl event (Cossor & Mason, 2001). However, it is still somewhat unclear what are the key physiological characteristics underpinning swim start performance. The primary aim of this study was to develop a multiple regression model to determine key lower body force-time predictors using the squat jump for swim start performance as assessed by time to 5 m and 15 m in national and international level swimmers. A secondary aim was to determine if any differences exist between males and females in jump performance predictors for swim start performance. A total of 38 males (age 21 ± 3.1 years, height 1.83 ± 0.08 m, body mass 76.7 ± 10.2 kg) and 34 females (age 20.1 ± 3.2 years, height 1.73 ± 0.06 m, body mass 64.8 ± 8.4 kg) who had competed at either an elite ( n = 31) or national level ( n = 41) participated in this study. All tests were performed on the same day, with participants performing three bodyweight squat jumps on a force platform, followed by three swim starts using their main swimming stroke. Swim start performance was quantified via time to 5 m and 15 m using an instrumented starting block. Stepwise multiple linear regression with quadratic fitting identified concentric impulse and concentric impulse 2 as statistically significant predictors for time to 5 m ( R 2 = 0.659) in males. With time to 15 m, concentric impulse, age and concentric impulse 2 were statistically significant predictors for males ( R 2 = 0.807). A minimum concentric impulse of 200–230 N.s appears required for faster times to 5 m and 15 m, with any additional impulse production not being associated with a reduction in swim start times for most male swimmers. Concentric impulse, Reactive strength index modified and concentric mean power were identified as statistically significant predictors for female swimmers to time to 5 m ( R 2 = 0.689). Variables that were statistically significant predictors of time to 15 m in females were concentric impulse, body mass, concentric rate of power development and Reactive strength index modified ( R 2 = 0.841). The results of this study highlight the importance of lower body power and strength for swim start performance, although being able to produce greater than 200 or 230 N.s concentric impulse in squat jump did not necessarily increase swim start performance over 5 m and 15 m, respectively. Swimmers who can already generate greater levels of concentric impulse may benefit more from improving their rate of force development and/or technical aspects of the swim start performance. The sex-related differences in key force-time predictors suggest that male and female swimmers may require in idualised strength and conditioning programs and regular monitoring of performance.
Publisher: SERDI
Date: 2017
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: Wiley
Date: 19-04-2022
Abstract: Current research evidence suggests that people with schizophrenia have sensory processing difficulties. Sensory modulation has growing evidence for use in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which health, social, cognitive, and occupational functioning outcomes were impacted by sensory modulation interventions for people with schizophrenia. A prospective observational cohort study using a waitlist control design was used in two large hospital and health services in Queensland, Australia. The study recruited patients who used sensory modulation ( n = 30) across the two hospitals and those who did not use sensory modulation interventions as a control ( n = 11). Results were analysed using a series of planned comparisons including independent and paired t‐ tests, and mixed ANOVA was used whenever statistically indicated. The analysed measures were pre‐ and post‐intervention scores. This study found no statically significant differences between the control and intervention groups at both pre‐ and post‐intervention. However, analysis of results from within the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements between pre‐ and post‐test scores on distress, occupational functioning, and health and social functioning but not on sensory processing and global cognitive processing. Further analysis of results from this study, compared with those from an earlier study on the general population showed significant differences in Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding, as measured by the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile, between participants with schizophrenia and those without schizophrenia. This study provides evidence to suggest that sensory modulation interventions can be complementary to standard care when utilised appropriately in clinical settings. Findings also suggest that the sensory profile of people with schizophrenia is different to that of the general population and this may have clinical implications. Further longitudinal research is needed with larger and randomised s les, using more targeted measures to better explore effectiveness of sensory modulation interventions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-05-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-021-00281-5
Abstract: Surfing is a popular sport in Australia, accounting for nearly 10% of the population. External auditory exostosis (EAE), also referred to as surfer’s ear, is recognized as a potentially serious complication of surfing. Cold water (water temperature below 19 °C) is a commonly cited risk factor, with prevalence of EAE in cold water surfers ranging from 61 to 80%. However, there is a paucity of studies reporting the prevalence of EAE in surfers exposed to water temperatures above 19 °C. With mean water temperature ranging from 19 °C to 28 °C, the Gold Coast region of Australia provides the ideal environment to assess the main goal of this study: to assess the prevalence and severity of EAE in warm water surfers. Eligible participants were surfers living and surfing on the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia). Currently active surfers over 18 years of age, surfing year-round, with a minimum of five consecutive years of surfing experience were recruited to participate. Included in iduals were asked to complete a questionnaire and underwent bilateral otoscopy. A total of 85 surfers were included, with mean age 52.1 years (standard deviation [SD] ±12.6 years) and mean surfing experience of 35.5 years (SD ±14.7 years). Nearly two-thirds of participants (65.9%) had regular otological symptoms, most commonly water trapping (66%), hearing loss (48.2%), and cerumen impaction (35.7%). Less than one-fifth of the surfers (17.7%) reported regular use of protective equipment for EAE. The overall prevalence of exostosis was 71.8%, with most of the in iduals having bilateral lesions (59%) and a mild grade (grade 1, 47.5%). There was insufficient evidence for any significant associations between the main outcomes (presence and severity of EAE) and factors related to age, surfing experience, winter exposure, surfing ability, symptoms, and use of protective equipment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study assessing EAE in surfers exposed to warm waters (above 19 °C). The prevalence of 71.8% highlights the high prevalence of the condition in the surfing population, regardless of water temperature. Future research should focus on ways to prevent EAE.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 02-09-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.27.21262528
Abstract: Hardstyle kettlebell training is characterised by the ballistic two-handed kettlebell swing with outcomes believed to be strongly influenced by swing proficiency. This study examines the effect of four months hardstyle kettlebell training on the force profile of the two-handed kettlebell swing, and peak ground reaction force during a kettlebell deadlift in older adults. These data will help inform healthcare providers and coaches about the use and prescription of kettlebell exercises with older adults. Five males and five females years of age who participated in the BELL trial were recruited. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with 8-16 kg, and deadlifts with 8-32 kg. Ground reaction force (GRF) was obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Force-time curves (FTCs), peak force, forward force relative to vertical force, rate of force development (RFD), and swing cadence were investigated. Results were compared with the same data variables collected from the participants in an exploratory pre-intervention study, conducted approximately seven months before the present study. Participants completed approximately 90 kettlebell training sessions during a four-month training intervention. Participants used kettlebells to perform 3779 ± 802 swings, 923 ± 251 cleans, 825 ± 309 snatches and 744 ± 178 deadlifts during group-training sessions. Peak ground reaction force during kettlebell swings did not significantly change with any kettlebell weight. There was a significant 3% increase in the magnitude of forward force during 8 kg swings, and a significant 3% decrease in forward force during 16 kg swings. There were large significant improvements in swing cadence with a mean increase of three swings per minute and a small non-significant increase in RFD. Change in kettlebell swing force-time curve profiles were small. Change in peak ground reaction force during deadlifts were moderate to large. All participants increased in grip strength following training, with the magnitude of change greater than the minimum clinically important difference for seven participants. All participants had significant increases in multiple secondary outcomes. Group-based and online kettlebell training is likely to be ineffective for improving the force profile of the hardstyle kettlebell swing in older adults. Insufficiently active older adults engaged in high-volume kettlebell training performed 3-5 times weekly, can however expect to see clinically meaningful improvements in health-related physical fitness irrespective of swing proficiency, and have increased confidence with heavy lifting tasks. Results of this study suggest that beyond safe and competent performance, striving to optimise hardstyle swing technique may provide no additional benefit to clinical outcomes in older adults.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 20-06-2019
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.7080
Abstract: Common prenatal ailments negatively impact performance of activities of daily living and it has been proposed that the use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses, more commonly referred to as compression garments, during pregnancy might aid in the reduction of pain from these ailments, allowing for improved functional capacity. However, the effectiveness of such garments in this context has not been established. This study aims to determine whether compression shorts are effective and thermally safe in the prevention and management of prenatal pelvic and low back pain (LBP). A prospective quasi-experimental controlled study using parallel groups without random allocation was conducted, involving 55 childbearing women (gestational weeks 16–31) recruited from hospital and community-based maternity care providers. The compression shorts group (SG) wore SRC Pregnancy Shorts in addition to receiving usual care. The comparison group (CG) received usual care alone. Primary outcome measures—Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and secondary measures Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - 7 (PFIQ-7) and SF-36 Short Form Health Survey—were assessed fortnightly over 6-weeks for both groups. The compression SG self-assessed daily their body temperatures to monitor thermal impact. Data analysis involved descriptive analyses of the primary and secondary outcome measures scores by group and time-point, and multivariable linear regressions to assess between-group differences in change scores at 6-weeks from baseline while controlling for baseline factors. After controlling for baseline scores, gestational weeks and parity, statistically significant differences in NPRS and RMDQ change scores between groups were in favour of the compression SG. At 6-weeks, mean (SD) NPRS change scores in the compression SG and CG were significantly different, at −0.38 (2.21) and 2.82 (2.68), respectively, p = 0.003. Mean (SD) RMDQ change scores in the compression SG and CG were also significantly different, at 0.46 (3.05) and 3.64 (3.32), respectively, p = 0.009. A total of 883 (99.7%) of the reported daily self-assessed body temperatures ranged between 35.4 and 38.0 °C when wearing the compression shorts. At 6-weeks, mean (SD) PFIQ-7 and SF-36 change scores in the compression SG and CG were not significantly different. Compression shorts are effective and thermally safe for prenatal management of pelvic and LBP. Trial registration was not required (Australian Government Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 2018).
Publisher: Bond University
Date: 19-07-2023
DOI: 10.53300/001C.84453
Abstract: Podiatry training institutions are responsible for preparing future podiatrists to be competent and safe practitioners. This follow-up study investigated podiatrists’ self-reported preparedness to practice through their ratings of various competencies. An online retrospective survey comprising closed and open-ended questions was distributed to registered and practising podiatrists in Australia and New Zealand. Of the 74 podiatrists who completed the survey, 75.7% felt “prepared” for clinical practice at graduation, with preparedness univariately associated with being female (p = .042), overall perception of clinical competence (p = .004), preparedness for clinical placement as a student (p .001), theoretical knowledge (p .001), manual skills (p = .002), and clinical competence standards (p .001). Multivariable analysis identified preparedness for student clinical placement (OR = 8.95, 95%CI 1.92 – 41.76) and overall theoretical knowledge (OR = 19.29, 95%CI 3.76 – 99.13) being significantly associated with perceived preparedness for practice. Age, qualification, and graduation year were not associated with perceived preparedness. Positive clinical placement experiences enhanced their perceived preparedness, while limited clinical exposure hindered preparedness, potentially resulting in a probable theory-practice gap, and lowered professional self-efficacy. While generally feeling prepared to practice as podiatrists at graduation, they identified the need for additional hands-on learning with early patient exposure in erse settings during their training, which should improve self-efficacy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2020
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 22-09-2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-06-2022
DOI: 10.1177/17479541211021401
Abstract: This study aimed to (1) track changes in body composition, lower body force-time characteristics, and swim start performance over a competitive season, and (2) investigate the intra-in idual associations between changes in body composition and lower body force-time characteristics to swim start performance in five high performance swimmers (three males, two females). Over a ∼12-month period, body composition, lower body force-time characteristics and swim start performance were assessed at three time points via DXA scan, squat jump and swim start performance test (start times to 5 and 15 m and several kinematic and kinetic outputs). Throughout a competitive season of concurrent swimming and dry-land resistance training, improvements in lower body lean mass and squat jump force-time characteristics were observed. However, changes in start times varied between athletes. Total body and lower body lean mass both displayed large negative correlations with the time spent in the entry and propulsive underwater phases ( r = –0.57 to –0.66), along with a large positive correlations with glide time ( r = 0.56–0.53). Additionally, lower body lean mass exhibited large to very large positive correlations with the flight phase ( r = 0.70–0.73). Overall, these findings provide some insight into the potential magnitude of change in body composition, lower body force-time characteristics and swim start performance in high performance swimmers within a season. The large to very large correlations between increased lower body lean mass and SJ force-time metrics to improvements in aspects of start performance may provide useful information to coaches and sports scientists.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 29-07-2020
DOI: 10.1108/IJOT-12-2018-0025
Abstract: Previous research has provided limited evidence on whether and how demographic factors associate with sensory processing patterns (SPP) in adults. This paper aims to examine relationships between SPPs and sociodemographic factors of age, sex, education and ethnicity in healthy adults. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 71 adult participants was recruited from the community, using convenience s ling. Each participant completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales – short version (DASS-21). Demographic information on age, sex, education and ethnicity was collected. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA). SPPs, as measured by the AASP, were significantly correlated to demographic factors of age and education after controlling for emotional distress using the DASS-21. A statistically significant multivariate effect was found across the four dependent variables (low registration, seeking, sensitivity and avoiding) for the age category, F = 6.922, p = 0.009, η p 2 = 0.145, in the presence of a covariate DASS. The education category showed significance only in the seeking domain ( p = 0.008, η p 2 = 0.10) after controlling for DASS. There was no significant correlation between SPPs and gender or ethnicity. Results also indicated that mean scores of participants in this study were “similar to most people” as standardised in the AASP. This was a cross-sectional study with limitations including that the study used a relatively small s le and was based on self-reported healthy participants. SPPs may correlate with healthy adults’ age and to a lesser extent education. This suggests that it might be helpful to consider such demographic factors when interpreting SPPs in clinical populations, although further research in larger s les is needed to reach firmer conclusions about possible implications of demographic variables. The findings in this paper add to the growing evidence that suggest that SPPs vary with sociodemographic factors.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 02-07-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.27.21259191
Abstract: The Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial examined efficacy and safety of a pragmatic hardstyle kettlebell training program in older adults. Insufficiently active men and women aged 59-79 years, were recruited to a 6-month repeated measures study, involving 3-months usual activity and 3-months progressive hardstyle kettlebell training. Health-related physical fitness outcomes included: grip strength [GS], 6-min walk distance [6MWD], resting heart rate [HR], stair-climb [SC], leg extensor strength [LES], hip extensor strength [HES], Sit-To-Stand [STS], vertical jump [CMVJ], five-times floor transfer [5xFT], 1RM deadlift, body composition (DXA), attendance, and adverse events. Sixteen males (68.8 ± 4.6 yrs, 176.2 ± 7.8 cm, 90.7 ± 11.0 kg, 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) and sixteen females (68.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 163.9 ± 5.4 cm, 70.4 ± 12.7 kg, 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m 2 ) were recruited. Compliance to the supervised exercise program was very high (91.5%). Kettlebell training increased GS (R: MD = 7.1 kg 95% CI [4.9, 9.3], p 0.001, L: MD = 6.3 kg 95% CI [4.1, 8.4], p 0.001), 6MWD (41.7 m, 95% CI [17.9, 65.5], p .001), 1RM (16.2 kg, 95% CI [2.4, 30.0], p = 0.013), 30s STS (3.3 reps, 95% CI [0.9, 5.7], p = 0.003), LES (R: MD = 61.6 N, 95% CI [4.4, 118.8], p = 0.028), HES (L: MD = 21.0 N, 95% CI [4.2, 37.8], p = 0.007), appendicular skeletal lean mass (MD = 0.65 kg, 95% CI [0.08, 1.22], p = 0.016), self-reported health change (17.1%, 95% CI [4.4, 29.8], p = 0.002) and decreased SC time (2.7 sec, 95% CI [0.2, 5.2], p = 0.025), 5xFT time (6.0 sec, 95% CI [2.2, 9.8], p 0.001) and resting HR (7.4 bpm, 95% CI [0.7, 14.1], p = 0.032). There were four non-serious adverse events. Mean in idual training load for group training sessions during the trial was 100,977 ± 9,050 kg. High-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training was well tolerated and improved grip strength and measures of health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-01-2019
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.30
Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterise lifestyle and training habits of a large cohort of Australian recreational runners. Understanding the health benefits of recreational running and differentiating between the habits of males and females may allow for the development of gender-specific messaging for promoting recreational running as a form of physical activity. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 4720 Australian recreational runners. Data on physical, lifestyle and training characteristics of male and female subgroups were compared using chi-square tests. Multiple logistic regression method was used to assess the effect of running experience on the reported clinically significant weight loss. The study cohort was 54.1% female and 45.9% male. Smoking was uncommon among surveyed runners. The most typical weekly running distance in the cohort was 20-40 km, usually distributed by 2-5 running sessions. Significantly more males than females reported running over 40 km per week (29.9% vs 18.9%, P < .001) and running at least six sessions per week (11.5% vs 6.7%, P < .001). The majority (72.9%) of runners had normal BMI, and the cohort reported a lower overweight/obesity rate than the Australian population. The logistic regression model indicated that commencing running may lead to a clinically significant weight loss irrespectively of sex, participation in other sports and injury history. Recreational running was associated with beneficial health outcomes. Commencement of running is associated with weight loss, and regular running supports healthy weight maintenance. Male and female runners had different running preferences which should be taken into account for physical activity promotion. SO WHAT?: Captured health outcomes associated with running and described sex differences in training patterns may assist in development of physical activity promotion programmes involving recreational running, particularly targeting weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-07-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AJD.14123
Abstract: There is limited literature focussing on the demographics of patients presenting to public dermatology outpatient clinics, with an even smaller amount focussing on clinics in regional Australia. This study presents the first patient demographic analysis for the Cairns Hospital's Dermatology Outpatient Department and analyses the cohort of patients who did not attend their appointments. In doing so, it recommends potential strategies that should be considered to address the issues of patient absenteeism and wait times in a regional setting, while also suggesting future data points that should be collected for analysis. A 4‐year retrospective cohort study using demographic data from all referrals with medical officers ( N = 10,333) from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 at the Cairns Hospital Dermatology Outpatient Department. The hospital is the only facility with a dermatology service within the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. Data were extracted from the Cairns Hinterland Analytical Intelligence (CHAI) system. Data pertaining to patient demographics, attendance of appointments, triage categories and wait times were collected and reviewed for patients referred during the study period. The Dermatology Outpatient Department services an ever‐growing and erse patient cohort. Barriers to access and long wait times exist for patients referred to the Department. Strategies to combat these issues, such as an increase in funding and resourcing, should be considered to better optimise patient care and the utilisation of health resources.
Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Ltd
Date: 30-11-2022
DOI: 10.1142/S2661318223300027
Abstract: Background: It is currently inconclusive whether different intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) timings post oocyte retrieval (POR) lead to altered chance of clinical pregnancy and live birth following in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. This study, therefore, aimed to synthesize literature-based evidence for better clinical guidance regarding ICSI practice. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were searched for in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Outcome endpoints included clinical pregnancy and live birth rates (LBRs). Results: A total of 605 records were retrieved in the initial search. After exclusion, 30 articles were included for further screening for eligibility. For meta-analysis, 1 prospective and 5 retrospective cohort studies were included for pooled analysis, from which clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) were evaluated in 6 studies while LBRs were evaluated in 3 studies. CPRs were comparable when ICSI was performed at (a) [Formula: see text] hours POR (risk ratio or RR = 1.00, [Formula: see text] confidence interval [CI] 0.94–1.08) vs [Formula: see text] hours, (b) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 1.01, [Formula: see text] CI 0.88–1.16) vs [Formula: see text] hours, (c) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 0.99, [Formula: see text] CI 0.93–1.05) vs [Formula: see text] hours, (d) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 0.98, [Formula: see text] CI 0.93–1.02) vs [Formula: see text] hours, and (e) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 1.05, [Formula: see text] CI 0.90–1.23) vs [Formula: see text] hours. However, LBR was reduced when ICSI was performed [Formula: see text] hours POR vs [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 0.94, [Formula: see text] CI 0.89–0.99), but such reduction disappeared when comparing [Formula: see text] hours POR (RR = 1.09, [Formula: see text] CI 0.85–1.38) vs [Formula: see text] hours. Conclusions: CPRs remain comparable when ICSI is performed at a range of timings up to 6-hour POR. However, LBR may benefit slightly by scheduling ICSI between 5- and 6-hour POR.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000160
Abstract: Low and slowing gait speeds among nursing home residents are linked to a higher risk of disability, cognitive impairment, falls, and mortality. A better understanding of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait that influence declining mobility could lead to effective rehabilitation and preventative intervention. The aims of this study were to objectively quantify the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in the nursing home setting and define the relationship between these parameters and gait speed. One hundred nursing home residents were enrolled into the study and completed 3 habitual gait speed trials over a distance of 3.66 m. Trials were performed using an instrumented gait analysis. The manner in which the spatiotemporal parameters predicted gait speed was examined by univariate and multivariable regression modeling. The nursing home residents had a habitual mean (SD) gait speed of 0.63 (0.19) m/s, a stride length of 0.83 (0.15) m, a support base of 0.15 (0.06) m, and step time of 0.66 (0.12) seconds. Multivariable linear regression revealed stride length, support base, and step time predicted gait speed ( R 2 = 0.89, P .05). Step time had the greatest influence on gait speed, with each 0.1-second decrease in step time resulting in a 0.09 m/s (95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.10) increase in habitual gait speed. This study revealed step time, stride length, and support base are the strongest predictors of gait speed among nursing home residents. Future research should concentrate on developing and evaluating intervention programs that were specifically designed to focus on the strong predictors of gait speed in nursing home residents. We would also suggest that routine assessments of gait speed, and if possible their spatiotemporal characteristics, be done on all nursing home residents in an attempt to identify residents with low or slowing gait speed.
Publisher: International Journal of Spine Surgery
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.14444/7092
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-01-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00586-021-07094-7
Abstract: According to published meta-analyses, cervical total disc replacement (CTDR) seems to be superior to anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) in most clinical parameters. Despite short-term clinical success of CTDR, there are concerns regarding long-term durability of these prostheses. This prospective study involved 382 patients who received standalone CTDR or a hybrid procedure (ACDF/CTDR). A retrospective comparison between different CTDR devices was conducted regarding patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), failure scenarios, and revision surgeries. The M6-C™ Artificial Cervical Disc (Orthofix, Lewisville, Texas) cohort was compared to the other CTDR devices clinically. Etiological reasons for revision, and the surgical technique of the revision was investigated. Fifty-three patients received M6-C CTDR. Eighteen patients (34%) were revised at an average of 67 months postoperatively for wear-induced osteolysis. There were three additional cases of pending revision. The PROMs of the two groups were similar, indicating that the failure mode (wear-induced osteolysis) is often asymptomatic. The demographics of the two groups were also similar, with more women undergoing revision surgery than men. There were three one-level CTDR, four two-level hybrids, seven three-level hybrids, and three four-level hybrids revised anteriorly. Sixteen patients underwent removal of the prosthesis and were treated according to the extent of osteolysis. There were four vertebrectomies, six revisions to ACDF, and six revisions to another CTDR. One patient underwent supplemental fixation using a posterior approach. The other CTDR cohort had an incidence of 3.3% at the equivalent time, and none of these were due to osteolysis or wear-related events. There is a concerning midterm failure rate related to ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene wear-induced osteolysis in the M6-C. Patients implanted with the M6-C prosthesis should be contacted, informed, and clinically and radiologically assessed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Unpublished
Date: 2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AJD.14140
Abstract: To compare survival outcomes for patients with cutaneous invasive head and neck melanoma (HNM) with those of patients with melanoma on other anatomical sites. Retrospective cohort study using patient data extracted from the Cancer Alliance Queensland's Oncology Analysis System (OASYS) over a 10‐year period from 2009 to 2018. Melanoma‐specific survival was compared between patients with HNM and non‐HNM. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates were calculated at 5 and 10 years. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis determined factors associated with survival. The 5‐ and 10‐year survival probabilities were 90.7% and 89.1%, respectively for HNM, compared with 94.7% and 93.0%, respectively, for non‐HNM melanoma. The 5‐ and 10‐year survival probabilities for scalp melanoma were 77.8% and 75.5%, respectively. Patients with HNM died of melanoma at 1.22 times (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.37) the rate of those with non‐HNM, controlling for sex, age, socioeconomic status, remoteness, Breslow thickness, the presence of multiple invasion melanoma and ulceration. Patients with scalp melanoma died of melanoma at 1.57 times (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.26–1.95) the rate of those with non‐scalp HNM. There is a statistically significant survival difference between patients with HNM and non‐HNM, and between patients with scalp melanoma and non‐scalp HNM, even after adjusting for prognostic factors.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-02-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-09-2021
DOI: 10.1111/AJO.13427
Abstract: Objective assessment of grit and its association with burnout in obstetrics and gynaecology (O& G) training is underexplored. This study utilises the Short Grit Scale and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory to investigate the association of grit with burnout, thriving and career progression among O& G trainees and Fellows in Australia/New Zealand. A cross‐sectional survey of the RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) members was conducted. Participants were categorised by seniority level (core trainees, advanced trainees and Fellows). Mean grit and burnout scores were compared with one‐way analyses of variance. Correlation between grit and burnout was estimated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with high vs low burnout. Grit was categorised as low/medium/high for regression models. A total of 751 (26%) participants completed the survey. Fellows reported higher mean grit than core ( P = 0.02) and advanced trainees ( P = 0.03), and lower mean burnout than core trainees ( P 0.001). Moderate negative correlation was demonstrated between grit and burnout scores ( r = −0.34). In the multivariable model, only seniority (adjusted adds ratio (OR): 0.40 for Fellows vs core trainees, P = 0.008) and grit levels (adjusted OR:4.52 for low versus high, P 0.001 2.32 for low vs medium, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with burnout. This study demonstrates the protective role of grit in combating burnout among RANZCOG trainees and Fellows. While further well‐designed studies are warranted, findings from our study are expected to help the College in developing targeted interventions and subsequently minimise burnout‐related adverse outcomes in high‐risk groups.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-11-2018
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1353129
Abstract: The aim of this study was to quantify the validity and intra-tester reliability of a novel method of kinematic measurement. The measurement target was the joint angles of an athlete performing a BMX Supercross (SX) gate start action through the first 1.2 s of movement in situ on a BMX SX r using a standard gate start procedure. The method employed GoPro® Hero 4 Silver (GoPro Inc., USA) cameras capturing data at 120 fps 720 p on a 'normal' lens setting. Kinovea 0.8.15 (Kinovea.org, France) was used for analysis. Tracking data was exported and angles computed in Matlab (Mathworks®, USA). The gold standard 3D method for joint angle measurement could not safely be employed in this environment, so a rigid angle was used. Validity was measured to be within 2°. Intra-tester reliability was measured by the same tester performing the analysis twice with an average of 55 days between analyses. Intra-tester reliability was high, with an absolute error <6° and <9 frames (0.075 s) across all angles and time points for key positions, respectively. The methodology is valid within 2° and reliable within 6° for the calculation of joint angles in the first ~1.25 s.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-08-2017
Abstract: Training c s in the present study consisted of four sessions over two to four days, to prepare players for international competitions. Training c s focused on improving the technical and decision making skills in context with team tactics, however it is unknown if the physical demands were being developed or maintained concurrently. Due to the unknown physical demands of training c s, the present study sought to quantify the movement patterns and compare sessions of preparation training c s for international women’s rugby sevens players. Twenty-four international female sevens players (age 24 ± 5 years, height 168 ± 5 cm, body mass 68 ± 6 kg mean ± SD) were monitored over seven training c s using Global Positioning System units with integrated triaxial accelerometers. Women’s sevens players covered a median total distance of 3823 m (relative distance of 44 m/min) during training c sessions that lasted for an average duration of 91 minutes. Sprints occurred 41 times and repeated sprints occurred 14 times during training sessions at a rate of 0.47 sprints per minute and 0.17 repeated sprints per minute. The present study indicated that as a result of the technical and tactical focus of training c s the physical demands maybe insufficient to enhance physiological adaptations. Instead it appears that players are being prepared for upcoming competition by reducing residual fatigue and optimising freshness.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 15-01-2018
Publisher: International Journal of Spine Surgery
Date: 25-07-2022
DOI: 10.14444/8331
Publisher: International Journal of Spine Surgery
Date: 25-07-2022
DOI: 10.14444/8330
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-07-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12891-020-03499-5
Abstract: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) reduces pain and improves function in those suffering from severe osteoarthritis. A significant cost of TKA is post-acute care, however, current evidence suggests that discharge to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) has inferior outcomes to home discharge, with no greater benefit in physical function. Only in idual studies have investigated TKA patient characteristics predictive of discharge destination, therefore, the aim is to systematically review the literature and meta-analyse intrinsic patient factors predictive of IRF discharge. If predictive factors are known, then early discharge planning and intervention strategies could be implemented. Databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, and Pedro were searched up to October 2019 for all studies investigating pre-operative intrinsic patient factors predictive of IRF discharge. For assessing the methodological quality of included studies, the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool was used. Statistical analysis and graphical reporting were conducted in R statistical software. To assess the effect of predictors of discharge destination, odds ratios with the corresponding 95%CI were extracted from the results of univariate and multivariable analyses. A total of 9 articles published between 2011 to 2018 with 218,151 TKA patients were included. Of the 13 intrinsic patient factors reported, 6 met the criteria for synthesised review: age, obesity, comorbidity, gender, SF-12/VR-12 survey, and smoking. Due to the heterogeneity of statistical analysis and reporting 2 variables could undergo meta-analysis, gender and smoking. Female gender increased the likelihood of IRF discharge by 78% (OR = 1.78 95%CI = 1.43–2.20 I2 = 33.3%), however, the relationship between smoking status and discharge destination was less certain (OR = 0.80 95%CI = 0.42–1.50 I2 = 68.5%). In this systematic literature review and meta-analysis female gender was shown to be predictive of IRF discharge after total knee arthroplasty. There was also a trend for those of older age and increased comorbidity, as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index, or the severely obese to have an increased likelihood of IRF discharge. The marked heterogeneity of statistical methods and reporting in existing literature made pooled analysis challenging for intrinsic patient factors predictive of IRF discharge after TKA. Further, high quality studies of prospective design on predictive factors are warranted, to enable early discharge planning and optimise resource allocation on post-acute care following TKA. This review was registered with PROSPERO ( CRD42019134422 ).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-04-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12877-022-02958-Z
Abstract: The Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial examined the efficacy and safety of a pragmatic hardstyle kettlebell training program in older adults. Insufficiently active men and women aged 59–79 years, were recruited to a 6-month repeated measures study, involving 3-months usual activity and 3-months progressive hardstyle kettlebell training. Health-related physical fitness outcomes included: grip strength [GS], 6-min walk distance [6MWD], resting heart rate [HR], stair-climb [SC], leg extensor strength [LES], hip extensor strength [HES], Sit-To-Stand [STS], vertical jump [CMVJ], five-times floor transfer [5xFT], 1RM deadlift, body composition (DXA), attendance, and adverse events. Sixteen males (68.8 ± 4.6 yrs, 176.2 ± 7.8 cm, 90.7 ± 11.0 kg, 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) and sixteen females (68.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 163.9 ± 5.4 cm, 70.4 ± 12.7 kg, 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m 2 ) were recruited. Compliance with the supervised exercise program was very high (91.5%). Kettlebell training increased GS (R: MD = 7.1 kg 95% CI [4.9, 9.3], L: MD = 6.3 kg 95% CI [4.1, 8.4]), 6MWD (41.7 m, 95% CI [17.9, 65.5]), 1RM (16.2 kg, 95% CI [2.4, 30.0]), 30 s STS (3.3 reps, 95% CI [0.9, 5.7]), LES (R: MD = 61.6 N, 95% CI [4.4, 118.8]), HES (L: MD = 21.0 N,95% CI [4.2,37.8]), appendicular skeletal lean mass (MD = 0.65 kg, 95% CI [0.08, 1.22]), self-reported health change (17.1%, 95% CI [4.4, 29.8]) and decreased SC time (2.7 s, 95% CI [0.2, 5.2]), 5xFT time (6.0 s, 95% CI [2.2, 9.8]) and resting HR (7.4 bpm, 95% CI [0.7, 14.1]). There were four non-serious adverse events. Mean in idual training load for group training sessions during the trial was 100,977 ± 9,050 kg. High-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training was well tolerated and improved grip strength and measures of health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults. Trial registration: Prospectively registered: 20/08/2019, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001177145).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-01-2017
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 07-06-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.4972
Abstract: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are one of the most prevalent and serious injuries affecting athletes, particularly those in team ball sports or track and field. Recent evidence demonstrates that eccentric knee flexor weakness and between limb asymmetries are possible risk factors for HSIs. While eccentric hamstring resistance training, e.g. the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) significantly increases eccentric hamstring strength and reduces HSI risk, little research has examined whether between limb asymmetries can be reduced with training. As augmented feedback (AF) can produce significant acute and chronic increases in muscular strength and reduce injury risk, one way to address the limitation in the eccentric hamstring training literature may be to provide athletes real-time visual AF of their NHE force outputs with the goal to minimise the between limb asymmetry. Using a cross over study design, 44 injury free, male cricket players from two skill levels performed two NHE sessions on a testing device. The two NHE sessions were identical with the exception of AF, with the two groups randomised to perform the sessions with and without visual feedback of each limb’s force production in real-time. When performing the NHE with visual AF, the participants were provided with the following instructions to ‘reduce limb asymmetries as much as possible using the real-time visual force outputs displayed in front them’. Between limb asymmetries and mean peak force outputs were compared between the two feedback conditions (FB1 and FB2) using independent t -tests to ensure there was no carryover effect, and to determine any period and treatment effects. The magnitude of the differences in the force outputs were also examined using Cohen d effect size. There was a significant increase in mean peak force production when feedback was provided (mean difference, 21.7 N 95% CI [0.2–42.3 N] P = 0.048 d = 0.61) and no significant difference in between limb asymmetry for feedback or no feedback (mean difference, 5.7% 95% CI [−2.8% to 14.3%] P = 0.184 d = 0.41). Increases in force production under feedback were a result of increased weak limb (mean difference, 15.0 N 95% CI [1.6–28.5 N] P = 0.029 d = 0.22) force contribution compared to the strong limb. The results of this study further support the potential utility of AF in improving force production and reducing risk in athletic populations. While there are currently some financial limitations to the application of this training approach, even in high-performance sport, such an approach may improve outcomes for HSI prevention programs. Further research with more homogenous populations over greater periods of time that assess the chronic effect of such training practices on injury risk factors and injury rates are also recommended.
No related grants have been discovered for Evelyne Rathbone.