ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1865-0488
Current Organisation
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: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2015
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2019-043245
Abstract: Tactical personnel (Military, Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders) require physical fitness levels sufficient for training and occupational duty. Physical conditioning aimed at increasing fitness levels during training presents an injury risk, but unfit trainees may struggle to meet occupational performance standards, further increasing injury risk to themselvesor others. Therefore, the aim of this review was to determine if fitness, asquantified by tactical fitness tests, effectively predicts injury risk during training. Literature databases were search and relevant articles extracted. 27 Publications were included for qualitative review and seven studies reporting a timed run were included in meta-analysis. The combined risk ratio was 2.34 (95% CI 2.02 to2.70). Muscular endurance tests were less conclusive in their predictive abilities. Functional strength or power tests were effective predictors, but few studies reported on strength or power, indicating a need for further study inthis area. The meta-analysis results are supported by the occupational relevance of run tests tactical trainees are required to perform frequent bouts of distance weight bearing activity. However, given the erse physical requirements of tactical personnel, measures of strength and power should alsobe evaluated, especially given their effectiveness in the studies that included these measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-05-2020
Abstract: Sports participation in the military is important for physical fitness and building morale and camaraderie. However, injuries caused by sports are detrimental to military capability. The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of injury from sports participation in Australian Regular Army personnel. Injury data spanning a two-year period were obtained from the Department of Defence Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation, and Reporting (WHSCAR) database. Data were extracted for the top five sporting activities causing injuries. The most common body sites, natures, and mechanisms of injuries across these five sports were then determined. Sports participation accounted for 11% (n = 1092) of reported injuries (n = 9828). Soccer presented with the greatest number of injuries (23.3%), followed by rugby union/league (22.9%), touch football (18.6%), Australian rules football (12.0%), and basketball/netball (11.9%). The ankle, knee, and shoulder were the most injured body sites (21.9% 17.2% 11.6% respectively) across these five sports, with soft tissue injury, dislocation, and fractures being the most common natures of injury (55.1% 12.7% 11.9% respectively). The most common mechanisms of injuries were contact with objects (35.1%) and falls (27.4%). The current injury rates, locations, and mechanisms are similar to historical rates suggesting little impact by injury mitigation 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: 05-02-2022
Abstract: The ability to perform under extreme pressure is one of the most sought-after qualities in both sports and tactical (military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue, etc.) occupations. While tactical performance relies on both physical and mental capabilities to achieve a desired outcome, it is often h ered by the stressful environments in which these personnel work. The acute stress experienced by tactical personnel can interfere with occupational performance, impacting both physical execution of tasks and decision-making. This narrative review discusses the implications of acute stress on the psychophysiology and physical performance of personnel serving in armed tactical occupations.
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-04-2018
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201804.0315.V1
Abstract: Policing duties may inherently be dangerous due to stab, blunt trauma and ballistic threats. The addition of in idual light armour vests (ILAVs) has been suggested as a means to protect officers. However, the addition of the extra load of the ILAV may affect officer ability to conduct occupational tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine if wearing any of 3 different ILAVs (ILAV A, ILAV B, & ILAV C) affected occupational task performance when compared to that in normal station wear. A prospective, within-subjects repeated measures design was employed, using a counterbalanced randomization in which each ILAV was worn for an entire day while officers completed a variety of occupationally relevant tasks. These tasks included a victim drag, car exit and 5 meter sprint, step down and marksmanship task. Results showed that performance in each task did not vary between any of the ILAV or normal station wear conditions. There was less variability in the marksmanship task with ILAV B, however. The results suggest that none of the ILAVs used in this study were heavy enough to significantly affect task performance in the assessed tasks when compared to wearing normal station wear.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-10-2022
Abstract: Law enforcement academies, designed to prepare recruits for their prospective career, represent periods of high physical and mental stress, potentially contributing to recruits’ injuries. Managing stress via monitoring training loads may mitigate injuries while ensuring adequate preparation. However, it is vital to first understand an academy’s typical training load. The aim of this study was to profile the typical training load of law enforcement recruits over the course of 22 weeks. Data were prospectively collected using global positioning system (GPS) units placed on recruits during a portion of the academy training, while a desktop analysis was retrospectively applied to six other classes. A Bland–Altman plot was conducted to assess the agreement between the two methods. A linear mixed model was conducted to analyse the difference in distances covered per week, while other variables were presented graphically. Adequate agreement between the desktop analysis and GPS units was observed. Significant differences (p-value 0.01) in distance covered (9.64 to 11.65 km) exist between weeks during early academy stages, which coincide with increases (~6 h) in physical training. Significant decreases in distances were experienced during the last five weeks of academy training. Most acute:chronic workload ratios stayed between the proposed 0.8 to 1.3 optimal range. Results from this study indicate that large increases in training occur early in the academy, potentially influencing injuries. Utilizing a desktop analysis is a pragmatic and reliable approach for instructors to measure load.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-10-2019
Abstract: The intense training and occupational demands of military personnel place the in idual at risk of serious injury. When they do occur, serious personal injuries (SPIs) can lead to medical discharge, mission compromise, and ongoing recurrence of problems. Prior to the implementation of any minimization strategies, an understanding of the causes of SPIs requires development. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence rates and patterns of SPIs within the Australian Regular Army (ARA) and Australian Army Reserve (ARES). Data for a 2-year period were obtained through the Work Health, Safety, Compensation, and Reporting database of the Australian Department of Defence. Records of SPIs were extracted, with details including: (a) the activity being performed when the injury was suffered (b) the body location of injury (c) the nature of injury and (d) the mechanism of injury. Results were reported as number of SPIs and converted to SPIs/100 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of service. In total, 507 SPIs were reported over the two-year period (ARA = 466 ARES = 41). SPIs most commonly: occurred during combat training (n = 80 0.13 SPIs/100 FTE years) and physical training (n = 66 0.10 SPIs/100 FTE years) affected the head (n = 63 0.10 SPIs/100 FTE years) and shoulders (n = 57 0.09 SPIs/100 FTE years) and comprised fractures (n = 199 0.19 SPIs/100 FTE years) and soft-tissue injuries (n = 103 0.16 SPIs/100 FTE years). The most common mechanism of injury was falls (n = 132 0.21 SPIs/100 FTE years) or contact with objects (n = 114 0.18 SPIs/100 FTE years). When adjusted for service time, ARES personnel were found to report SPIs more frequently than ARA personnel (0.87 vs. 0.79/100 FTE years, respectively) giving an injury risk ratio (ARA:ARES) of 0.91 [95% CI = 0.66–1.25]. Despite higher absolute numbers of SPIs occurring in ARA, ARES in fact report similar rates of SPIs when adjusted for service time. The natures and mechanisms of SPIs are also similar for both service types and therefore should be the focus of targeted programs to reduce such injuries.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-07-2021
Abstract: Tactical personnel work in an occupation that involves tasks requiring a high level of cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength and endurance. The aim of this literature review was to identify and critique studies investigating the relationship between physical fitness, quantified by fitness assessment measures, and occupational task performance. Databases were searched for relevant articles which assessed a fitness measure and a measure of occupational performance. A total of 15 articles were included and were deemed to be of acceptable methodological quality (8.4/12 on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist). Included articles assessed a variety of fitness attributes and occupational tasks. Across tactical groups, there appear to be no standardized fitness tests that can determine occupational performance, with aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, strength, endurance, power, and agility all being associated with occupational task performance. A wide range of fitness assessments appears to be required to predict occupational performance within tactical personnel. Efforts should be made to base fitness assessments on occupational demands unique to both the environment and requirements of each in idual tactical unit.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-04-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-13225-6
Abstract: Female soldiers comprise an important component of any modern army, yet little research has been performed to investigate differences in the profiles of injuries reported by qualified female and male army personnel. The aim of this study was to compare injury rates and patterns between female and male soldiers of the Australian Regular Army (ARA). Data pertaining to all injuries reported by ARA members over a two-year period were accessed from the SENTINEL database and analysed descriptively. Findings regarding injury patterns were reported by most common location, nature, mechanism, and activity being performed at the time of injury. Injury incidence rates (IR) were calculated based on population size, and injury incidence rate ratios (IRR) comparing female and male injury rates were determined. A total of 8750 injuries were recorded across the two-year time period (2018–2020) of the study (minor injuries: n = 1766 female, n = 6870 male serious injuries: n = 19 female, n = 95 male). Higher incidence rates of minor injuries were reported for female soldiers (IR = 20.75 injuries/100 soldiers/year) when compared to male soldiers (IR = 13.60 injuries/100 soldiers/year), with an IRR of 1.53 [95% CI = 1.46–1.60]. More serious injuries were reported at a similar rate between female (IR = 0.22/100 soldiers/year) and male soldiers (IR = 0.21/100 soldiers/year), with an IRR of 1.05 [95% CI = 0.65–1.72]. Female soldiers tended to report more ankle injuries than male soldiers who reported more knee injuries. Physical training and combat training were the most common causes of injury for both sexes. There were subtle differences in body locations of minor injuries within female and male soldiers. Both minor and more serious injury profiles were otherwise similar between sexes. Therefore, strategies required to minimise injuries in female soldiers may be similar in many respects to strategies required for male soldiers but require some differences to account for the subtle differences in body locations of injury, and so to ensure effectiveness across all personnel.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-01-2022
Abstract: Firefighters work in strenuous conditions for prolonged periods wearing up to 20 kg of personal protective equipment. This often contributes to significant heat and cardiovascular strain. This study examined the relationships between psychological and physical measures taken prior to undertaking a 15 min firefighting task, and the occurrence of heat stress and high levels of fatigue following the task. Nine qualified firefighters completed a 15 min “live burn” scenario designed to mimic a fire started by a two-seater couch in a lounge room and completed simulated tasks throughout the duration. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded pre-scenario, and at 0- and 20-min post-scenario. General motivation and fatigue scores at 0- and 20-min post-scenario were highly correlated with each other (rs = 0.90 p = 0.001). The general motivation and fatigue scores, at 0- and 20-min post-scenario, were also strongly related to pre-task logic/reasoning test scores (Post 0 rs = −0.77, p = 0.016 Post 20 rs = −0.87, p = 0.002). Firefighters with lower logical reasoning and speed and accuracy scores were more susceptible to fatigue and impaired cognition when exposed to rises in core temperature and heat stress.
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-08-2019
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1648878
Abstract: A study was conducted in which 11 police officers wore one of three different types of In idual Light Armour Vests (ILAV), or normal station wear, for an entire day while completing power and agility-based tasks including a vertical jump (VJ), agility test, 20 m sprint and counter movement jump (CMJ). Despite all three ILAVs being significantly (
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-06-2022
Abstract: Several occupations require workers to spend long periods of time driving road vehicles. This occupational task is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this review was to collate, synthesize, and analyze research reporting on musculoskeletal disorders associated with occupational driving, in order to develop a volume of evidence to inform occupational disorder mitigation strategies. A systematic search of academic databases (PubMed, EBSCO host, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was performed using key search terms. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. A Cohen’s kappa analysis was used to determine interrater agreement between appraisers. Of the 18,254 identified studies, 25 studies were selected and appraised. The mean critical appraisal score is 69% (range 38–100%), with a fair level of agreement (k = 0.332). The studies report that musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly lower back pain, is of concern in this population, particularly in truck, bus, and taxi drivers. Risk factors for these occupations include long hours in a sitting position, years in the profession, vehicle ergonomics, and vibration.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-09-2022
DOI: 10.1002/MSC.1699
Abstract: This cross‐sectional international survey explored the beliefs of physiotherapists regarding the possible mechanisms of benefit of exercise for rotator cuff‐related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Clinical practice guidelines recommend physiotherapists use exercise as a primary treatment to help people with RCRSP, but the explanations provided to patients by physiotherapists regarding its mechanism of effect is unknown. Registered physiotherapists were surveyed about ‘how and why’ they believe exercise provides a clinical benefit for people with RCRSP. Information was also gathered about commonly used exercise types and preferred diagnostic labels. The survey was designed and reported in concordance with Consensus‐Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies guidelines. Four hundred and eighty physiotherapists from forty‐nine countries completed the survey. Psychosocial and biomedical mechanisms of exercise were evenly selected by participants. Improving muscle strength, muscle endurance, pain self‐efficacy and reducing kinesiophobia, and fear avoidance beliefs were the most common in idual mechanisms thought to underpin exercise therapy for RCRSP. Rotator cuff‐related shoulder pain was the most commonly used diagnostic label. Physiotherapists hold beliefs regarding exercise mechanisms that is largely concordant with the current evidence base, which is commendable. Future research should consider the patients perspective and consider testing commonly selected mechanisms of exercise, such as shoulder muscle strength, pain self‐efficacy and kinesiophobia as possible mediators of recovery.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS202009.0016.V1
Abstract: Law enforcement is an intermittently physically demanding job, interspersed with long periods of sedentary activity. To prepare for the physical demands of the job, law enforcement agencies enlist recruits into academies with a focus on physical training. Often academies focus on aerobic based exercise despite anaerobic fitness being strongly correlated to occupational tasks. The objective of this article is to analyse the changes in fitness of police recruits during academy training. Initial and final fitness test results, encompassing muscular power, strength, endurance as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness, were measured to analyse changes in fitness. Dependent t-tests showed significant increases (p & 0.05) across all fitness tests, with a trend towards larger increases in aerobic and muscle endurance-based tests. Recruits from this academy tended to have higher fitness results compared to other academies and were either average or below average compared to age matched standards in the general populations. Physical training should persist for recruits beyond the academy to continue develop fitness throughout their career. Academies should add a focus on muscular strength and power training as these measures relate to occupational tasks, which may better prepare recruits for demands they will be expected to face in the field.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-07-2020
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: MDPI AG
Date: 15-07-2021
DOI: 10.3390/SU13147895
Abstract: Police work exposes officers to high levels of stress. Special emergency response team (SERT) service exposes personnel to additional demands. Specifically, the circadian cycles of SERT operators are subject to disruption, resulting in decreased capacity to compensate in response to changing demands. Adaptive regulation loss can be measured through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. While HRV Trends with health and performance indicators, few studies have assessed the effect of overnight shift work on HRV in specialist police. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects overnight shift work on HRV in specialist police. HRV was analysed in 11 SERT officers and a significant (p = 0.037) difference was found in pRR50 levels across the training day (percentage of R-R intervals varying by ms) between those who were off-duty and those who were on duty the night prior. HRV may be a valuable metric for quantifying load holistically and can be incorporated into health and fitness monitoring and personnel allocation decision making.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-01-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2020
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: American Physiological Society
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1152/PHYSIOL.2023.38.S1.5763348
Abstract: Objective: Police tactical group (PTG) occupational requirements are known to expose officers to high levels of physical, mental, and emotional stressors. As such, selection courses must ensure candidates are not only physically, but mentally and emotionally competent. To assess personnel for suitability likewise requires a holistic approach wearable technologies may provide organizational decision makers additional information. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), one metric obtainable from wearable technology, has been increasingly utilized as a stress biosignal, but the value of HRV data in the context of specialist police selection remains limited. Hypothesis: Therefore, the hypothesis of this study was: can HRV analysis effectively discriminate between high and low performing candidates attending PTG selection? Methods: This study was a prospective cross-sectional study of three male PTG candidates completing a highly demanding selection course. HR and HRV were measured from 1300 – 1800 on a single day of tactical maneuver training. HRV was analysed as follows: R to R interval (RRI) length, root-mean-square of successive RRI differences (RMSSD), percentage of adjacent RR intervals varying by at least 50ms (pRR50), nonlinear short-term variability (SD1), and nonlinear long-term variability (SD2).Data: Measures of central tendency were generated the maximum, minimum, mean, and standard deviation were reported for each HRV measure and visualized with a box plot. Results: Data from one participant appeared to skew results the maximum values for mean RRI (Max: 709ms, Min: 580ms, Mean: 632.67±67.68ms), RMSSD (Max value: 42.3ms, Min value: 18.8ms, Mean: 26.8±13.43ms), pRR50 (Max value: 12.47%, Min value: 1.98%, Mean: 5.76±5.82%), SD1 (Max value: 29.9ms, Min value: 13.3ms, Mean: 18.93±9.50ms), and SD2 (Max value: 61.1ms, Min value: 37.5ms, Mean: 49.87±11.84ms) all occurred in the same participant. That participant also held the lowest maximum HR (138bpm), lowest mean HR (85bpm) and was the highest performer as rated by unit leadership. Conclusions: Given the potential discriminatory capacity of HRV in this context, HRV may be a valuable objective metric to support PTG candidate selection by providing objective measurements of holistic stress response. This research was supported by a PhD scholarship awarded to the lead author by Bond University. No other funding or grant from any agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors was provided or otherwise obtained. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-07-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-01-2018
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2016
Abstract: Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing sport and recreational activity for which only anecdotal evidence exists on its proposed health, fitness, and injury-rehabilitation benefits. Participants: 10 internationally and nationally ranked elite SUP athletes. Participants were assessed for their maximal aerobic power on an ergometer in a laboratory and compared with other water-based athletes. Field-based assessments were subsequently performed using a portable gas-analysis system, and a correlation between the 2 measures was performed. Maximal aerobic power (relative) was significantly higher ( P = .037) when measured in the field with a portable gas-analysis system (45.48 ± 6.96 mL · kg −1 · min −1 ) than with laboratory-based metabolic-cart measurements (43.20 ± 6.67 mL · kg −1 · min −1 ). There was a strong, positive correlation ( r = .907) between laboratory and field maximal aerobic power results. Significantly higher ( P = .000) measures of SUP paddling speed were found in the field than with the laboratory ergometer (+42.39%). There were no significant differences in maximal heart rate between the laboratory and field settings ( P = .576). The results demonstrate the maximal aerobic power representative of internationally and nationally ranked SUP athletes and show that SUP athletes can be assessed for maximal aerobic power in the laboratory with high correlation to field-based measures. The field-based portable gas-analysis unit has a tendency to consistently measure higher oxygen consumption. Elite SUP athletes display aerobic power outputs similar to those of other upper-limb-dominant elite water-based athletes (surfing, dragon-boat racing, and canoeing).
Publisher: International Journal of Spine Surgery
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.14444/5038
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S42978-020-00066-1
Abstract: To determine the relationship between metabolic fitness test scores and performance in police occupational tasks. Retrospective data from 106 law enforcement officers who completed two metabolic fitness assessments [anaerobic: a 20-m (10-m and 20-m splits) sprint, aerobic: 20 m Multi-Stage Fitness Test (20 m-MSFT)] and three routine occupational tasks [1.22 m Fence jump (FJ), 8.5 m Victim Drag (VD with 102.3 kg) and “Get-up” (GU)] were collected. A Person’s correlation coefficient and a standard multiple regression were used to assess the relationship between and predictive ability of, respectively, the fitness tests scores and performance on occupational tasks. There was a significant positive correlation between the 10-m sprint scores and FJ ( r = 0.524, P 0.001), VD ( r = 0.528, P 0.001) and GU ( r = 0.486, P 0.001). Similarly, the 20-m sprint scores were significantly and moderately correlated with FJ ( r = 0.573, P 0.001), VD ( r = 0.603, P 0.001) and GU ( r = 0.533, P 0.001). These anaerobic tests’ scores predicted approximately 40% of the performance in the occupational tasks analysed. The MSFT fitness assessment had a small, albeit significant negative correlation with the three tasks: FJ ( r = − 0.360, P 0.001), VD ( r = − 0.266, P = 0.012) and GU ( r = − 0.375, P 0.001). High levels of metabolic fitness correlated with faster performance in police officer occupational tasks, particularly ones of an anaerobic nature (i.e. the maximal sprint tests). In addition to typical aerobic fitness conditioning, anaerobic fitness conditioning could be vital for optimal performance in physically demanding tasks required of police officer.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-07-2021
Abstract: The tasks performed by police officers are unique, varied and can be performed in unexpected situations. Initial police college training is used to prepare new police officers to conduct these tasks and is known to be a time when police trainees are at an elevated risk of injury. The aim of this study was to profile injuries occurring within a national Police Force during initial training to inform injury prevention strategies. Using a retrospective cohort design, point-of-care injury data including injury body site, nature, mechanism, and the activity being performed at the time of injury were provided. A total of 564 injuries were recorded over the 22-month period, with the mean age of recruits reporting an injury being 28.83 years ± 6.9 years. The incidence of injuries ranged across training periods, from 456.25 to 3079 injuries per 1000 person-years with an overall incidence rate of 1550.15 injuries per 1000 person-years. The shoulder was the most injured site (n = 113, 20% of injuries), with sprains and strains being the most common nature of injury (n = 287, 50.9% of injuries). Muscular stress with physical exercise was the most common mechanism of injury (n = 175, 31.0% of injuries) with the activity responsible for the largest proportion of injuries being “unknown” (n = 256, 45.4% of injuries), followed by police training (n = 215, 38.1%). Injuries appear to be typically joint related—commonly the shoulder—with police training being a primary known activity at the time of injury. Prescreening protocols may be of benefit, and efforts should be made to recruit and train physically resilient trainees. Injuries, whether they occurred pre-enlistment or during training, should be fully rehabilitated prior to the in idual’s commencement as a qualified officer.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-09-2019
Abstract: Entry to specialist police tactical teams is governed by performance on a physically intense and psychologically demanding selection course. The aim of this study was to determine the attributes associated with completion of a specialist police selection course. Data pertaining to 18 candidates was obtained including 1 min push-ups, loaded pull-ups, loaded 30 m crawl, agility run, 1.2 km run and multi-stage fitness assessment. Comparisons from those who did and did not complete the selection week were performed and a hierarchical multiple regression performed. Eleven candidates finished, with significant difference found in those who completed the course in push-ups (+9.1 reps), loaded pull-ups (+2.9 reps), 1.2 km run (−16 s), loaded crawl (−6.3 s), agility (−0.67 s) and VO2max (+4.8 mL/kg/min). In combination, the fitness assessments pull-ups, 30 m loaded crawl and agility time were found to predict 70% of the variability in course completion (adjusted R2 = 0.70, F (3,14) = 14.373, p = 0.001). When assessed independently, push-ups, 1.2 km run and VO2max results only predicted a non-significant 0.02%, 0.29% and 0.12%, respectively, of course completion. Completion was influenced by aerobic fitness, upper limb strength and endurance and agility. These variables appear to be predictive of course success.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-09-2020
DOI: 10.3390/SU12197944
Abstract: Law enforcement is an intermittently physically demanding job, interspersed with long periods of sedentary activity. To prepare for the physical demands of the job, law enforcement agencies enlist recruits into academies with a focus on physical training. Often, academies focus on aerobic-based exercise despite anaerobic fitness being strongly correlated to occupational tasks. The objective of this article is to analyze the changes in the fitness of police recruits during academy training. Initial and final fitness test results, encompassing muscular power, strength, endurance as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness, were measured to analyze changes in fitness. Dependent t-tests showed significant increases (p 0.05) across all fitness tests, with a trend towards larger increases in aerobic and muscle-endurance-based tests. Recruits from this academy tended to have higher fitness results compared to other academies and were either average or below average compared to age-matched standards in the general population. Physical training should persist for recruits beyond the academy to continue to develop fitness throughout their career. Academies should add a focus on muscular strength and power training as these measures relate to occupational tasks, which may better prepare recruits for demands they will be expected to face in the field.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 15-02-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2022.821451
Abstract: Police officers require a certain amount of occupational fitness to successfully perform physically demanding tasks. As such, trainees are required to undergo training to develop their ability to perform such tasks. The physical competency test (PCT) is a 400 m obstacle course consisting of key police occupational physical tasks used to evaluate a trainee's ability to complete tasks that a police officer is expected to perform whilst on duty. The purpose of this study was to profile the PCT in a police recruit population to provide an indication of the current level of occupational fitness within a policing population to inform conditioning requirements. Retrospective data for 813 male (age = 27.41 ± 5.92 years, body mass = 83.98 ± 14.03 kg, height = 179.23 ± 10.50 cm, BMI = 25.85 ± 3.92 kg/m2) and 372 female (mean age = 27.01 ± 6.45 years, mean weight = 67.14 ± 8.60 kg, mean height = 168.14 ± 6.46 cm and mean BMI = 23.61 ± 2.52 kg/m2) police trainees from the New Zealand Police Constabulary Recruitment database were provided for analysis. Anthropometric data, including height, body mass, and BMI were provided, in addition to trainee PCT time. Data were split by sex and age. Significant differences were observed between sexes for all anthropometric measures and PCT time ( p & 0.001). Generally, in both the male and female groups, younger recruits tended to perform better than the older recruits with results between the “under 20” and the 20–24-year-old-age groups performing significantly better than the 35–39-year-old-age group in both sexes, and the 25–29-year-old-age group performing significantly better than the 35–39-year-old-age group in female officers. The data provided in this study provides a profile for performance of male and female recruits of various ages on the PCT in preparation for entry, or re-entry following injury, into the NZ Police. However, given that the PCT is considered a measure of occupational task performance, consideration should be given to the use of sex and age neutral requirements as the occupational tasks performed by police officers exhibit the same traits regardless of sex or age. Older trainees may therefore need conditioning to improve PCT times and subsequently occupational performance.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 16-05-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.13.444085
Abstract: The effects of hardstyle kettlebell training are increasingly cited in strength and conditioning research, yet reference data from a proficient swing is scarce. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the force profile of a two-handed hardstyle swing performed by a Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) instructor. The subject is a 44-year-old male, body mass 75.6 kg, height 173.5 cm, with six years of regular hardstyle training experience. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with a series of incremental mass kettlebells (8-68 kg). Ground reaction force (GRFs) was obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Force-time curves (FTCs), peak force, forward force, rate of force development (RFD) and swing cadence were investigated. Data revealed the FTC of a proficient swing is highly consistent and dominated by a single force peak (mean SD = 47 N), with a profile that remained largely unchanged to 24 kg. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a very strong positive correlation in peak force with kettlebell mass ( r = 0.95), which increased disproportionately from the lightest to heaviest kettlebells net peak force increased from 8.36 ± 0.75 N.kg -1 (0.85 × BW) to 12.82 ± 0.39 N.kg -1 (1.3× BW). There was a strong negative correlation between RFD and kettlebell mass ( r = 0.82) that decreased from 39.2 N.s -1 .kg -1 to 21.5 N.s -1 .kg -1 . There was a very strong positive correlation in forward ground reaction force with kettlebell mass ( r = 0.99), expressed as a ratio of vertical ground reaction, that increased from 0.092 (9.2%) to 0.205 (20.5%). Swing cadence exceeded 40 swings per minute (SPM) with all kettlebells. Our findings challenge some of the popular beliefs of the hardstyle kettlebell swing. Consistent with hardstyle practice, and previous kinematic analysis of expert and novice, force-time curves show a characteristic single large force peak, differentiating passive from active shoulder flexion. Ground reaction force did not increase proportionate to kettlebell mass, with a magnitude of forward force smaller than described in practice. These results could be useful for coaches and trainers wanting to improve athletic performance, and healthcare providers using the kettlebell swing for therapeutic purposes. Findings from this study were used to inform the BELL Trial, a pragmatic controlled trial of kettlebell training with older adults. www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12619001177145.
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: MDPI AG
Date: 31-10-2022
Abstract: Law enforcement officers routinely face unpredictable scenarios that may threaten the public, their colleagues, or themselves. In such situations, officers may be required to use firearms, with shooting accuracy becoming crucial. This literature review aimed to identify, synthesize, and report on research investigating factors that affect marksmanship in law enforcement personnel. A systematic search of seven databases was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach. From an initial 5396 identified studies, 23 met the eligibility criteria. The key findings from these papers were: (1) physical exertion does not appear to decrease shooting performance, especially at close range ( m) (2) tactical load carriage does not appear to decrease shooting performance in fact, it has been reported by officers as improving performance (likely due to training specificity) (3) the physical capability of officers may be of importance, notably grip strength, which the volume of evidence suggests is positively correlated with marksmanship (4) anxiety imparted through high-stress scenarios negatively impacts shooting performance, but training under stress may counteract this factor, albeit for a short period. Together, these factors appear to have a trainability component where increased specific and realistic training can improve shooting accuracy, time, and precision, especially in high-stress situations.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-03-2018
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-03-2021
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-06-2020-0032
Abstract: The aims of this study were to evaluate fitness levels in a cohort of police trainees and compare these results to other police trainees and the general population. Retrospective data for 274 male and 152 female police trainees were supplied. Measures included height, body mass and physical appraisal test (PAT 2.4 km run, vertical jump, push-ups and grip strength) results, assessed twice, prior to commencement of training, separated by several months. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze non-parametric initial and final PAT scores and Mann–Whiney U tests were used to determine variance between groups. Male trainees were significantly quicker in the run (−12%, p 0.001), completed more push-ups (+74%, p 0.001) with greater grip strength (+52% left and +50% right, p 0.001) when compared to female trainees. Following the second PAT assessment, the significant differences between male and female trainees remained ( p 0.001). Only female trainee 2.4 km run times improved significantly between initial and final PAT (−4%, p = 0.002). When compared to the general population from which they were drawn and to other law enforcement trainees, the police trainees in this study were quicker, more powerful and stronger. While there was no loss of fitness between initial and final PAT performance, a conditioning program, spanning the periods between initial and final PAT may be of benefit to increase fitness prior to training commencement especially for female trainees who were generally less fit than, yet must complete the same training as, male trainees.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-12-2021
Abstract: A fracture, being an acquired rupture or break of the bone, is a significant and debilitating injury commonly seen among athletes and military personnel. Stress fractures, which have a repetitive stress aetiology, are highly prevalent among military populations, especially those undergoing training. The primary aim of this review is to identify non-modifiable risk factors for stress fractures in military personnel undergoing training. A systematic search was conducted of three major databases to identify studies that explored risk factors for stress fractures in military trainees. Critical appraisal, data extraction, and a narrative synthesis were conducted. Sixteen articles met the eligibility criteria for the study. Key non-modifiable risk factors identified were prior stress fracture and menstrual dysfunction, while advancing age and race other than black race may be a risk factor. To reduce the incidence of stress fractures in military trainees, mitigating modifiable risk factors among in iduals with non-modifiable risk factors (e.g., optimising conditioning for older trainees) or better accommodating non-modifiable factors (for ex le, extending training periods and reducing intensity to facilitate recovery and adaptation) are suggested, with focus on groups at increased risk identified in this review.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-11-2020
Abstract: Specialist tactical response police are required to frequently perform physically demanding tasks at high-risk capability levels, emphasizing the need for optimal physical fitness in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between select measures of physical fitness and performance on an occupational-specific physical assessment (OSPA). A retrospective analysis on 18 male specialist police candidates (age = 32.1 ± 5.04 yrs height = 183.72 ± 5.79 cm body mass = 89.44 ± 8.56 kg body mass index (BMI) = 26.45 ± 1.58 kg/m2) was conducted. Data were comprised of anthropometric measures, assorted fitness measures and OSPA performance scores. A stepwise linear regression determined the influence of measured fitness parameters on OSPA performance. A regression featuring both the 1 RM military shoulder press and grip strength of the non-dominant hand was the most significant predictor of performance (adjusted r2 = 0.565, p = 0.001). A separate model, exclusively using the 1 RM military shoulder press additionally predicted OSPA performance (adjusted r2 = 0.240, p = 0.023). These results emphasize the importance of optimal upper-limb muscular strength and its impact on key occupational tasks in specialist police candidates.
Publisher: American Astronomical Society
Date: 08-2022
Abstract: We present [C ii ] 158 μ m and [O i ] 63 μ m observations of the bipolar H ii region RCW 36 in the Vela C molecular cloud, obtained within the SOFIA legacy project FEEDBACK, which is complemented with APEX 12/13 CO (3–2) and Chandra X-ray (0.5–7 keV) data. This shows that the molecular ring, forming the waist of the bipolar nebula, expands with a velocity of 1–1.9 km s −1 . We also observe an increased line width in the ring, indicating that turbulence is driven by energy injection from the stellar feedback. The bipolar cavity hosts blueshifted expanding [C ii ] shells at 5.2 ± 0.5 ± 0.5 km s −1 (statistical and systematic uncertainty), which indicates that expansion out of the dense gas happens nonuniformly and that the observed bipolar phase might be relatively short (∼0.2 Myr). The X-ray observations show diffuse emission that traces a hot plasma, created by stellar winds, in and around RCW 36. At least 50% of the stellar wind energy is missing in RCW 36. This is likely due to leakage that is clearing even larger cavities around the bipolar RCW 36 region. Lastly, the cavities host high-velocity wings in [C ii ], which indicates relatively high mass ejection rates (∼5 × 10 −4 M ⊙ yr −1 ). This could be driven by stellar winds and/or radiation but remains difficult to constrain. This local mass ejection, which can remove all mass within 1 pc of RCW 36 in 1–2 Myr, and the large-scale clearing of ambient gas in the Vela C cloud indicate that stellar feedback plays a significant role in suppressing the star formation efficiency.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 14-02-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003511
Abstract: Orr, RM, Robinson, J, Hasanki, K, Talaber, KA, Schram, B, and Roberts, A. The relationship between strength measures and task performance in specialist tactical police. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 757–762, 2022—Specialist tactical police officers (STPOs) carry heavier on-body loads than generalist police officers. Improvements in strength may mitigate the impacts of these heavier loads. The aim of this investigation was to determine the correlations between absolute and relative strength measures and occupational task performance in STPOs. Retrospective data were provided for 47 male specialist police officers from an elite Australian police unit. Data included body mass (mean = 89.0 ± 8.58 kg), strength measures (1 repetition maximum measures for a bench press, squat, deadlift, and pull-up), and task performance measures (85-kg victim drag wearing 15 kg of operational load and 5-km pack march wearing 40 kg of operational load). Pearson's correlations were conducted to determine relationships between measures and were plotted on a linear regressions model. Significant, moderate to strong correlations were found between all strength measures and victim drag performance and significant negative moderate correlations between relative bench press, absolute and relative squat, and absolute and relative pull-up and pack march times. The absolute deadlift had the strongest correlation to the victim drag ( r = 0.747, p 0.01) while the relative pull-up showed the strongest correlation with pack march performance ( r = −0.466, p 0.01). The requirement to lift a portion of the dummy off the ground during the victim drag may explain the increased importance of absolute strength while the requirement to transport load affixed to the body may explain the importance of relative strength requirements. Improvements in absolute and relative upper- and lower-body strength may improve task performance in this population.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-05-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-10-2019
Abstract: Firefighter clothing is known to restrict movement and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate differences between clothing variations and firefighter mobility. Data were collected from eight firefighters using a randomized counterbalanced, repeated measures, design. Three different clothing variants (V1–V3) in addition to current station wear (S) were trialed. Combinations of S and V1 (SV1) and V2 (SV2) were also trialed. Outcome measures included: standing reach height the Functional Movement Screen [FMS] vertical jump a visual analogue scale [VAS] for the FMS, vertical jump, step ups and crawl and a mannequin sketch to mark areas of discomfort. V3 was preferred over S in all tasks and performed better both objectively (FMS and vertical jump) and subjectively (VAS scores). While V1 was typically associated with poorer performance, the impacts of V1 and V2 when compared to each other and S varied depending on the tasks performed. This variation was greater when V1 or V2 were worn with S (SV1 and SV2). Areas of discomfort across all variations was the knees, followed by the thighs. Clothing that has the least impact on, or improves, mobility (especially around the lower limbs) may help reduce firefighter injury and limit subjective discomfort.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-06-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-022-00502-5
Abstract: Specialist police perform high-risk tasks and are required to have, and maintain, a high level of fitness. The aims of this study were to profile the strength of a specialist police unit and to investigate whether this profile remained constant over an 18-month period. Retrospective data for 47 special operations police officers (mean initial weight = 88.84 ± 8.25 kg) were provided. Officers were tested five times over 18 months for 1 repetition maximum: bench press, squat, deadlift, and pull-up. All officers continued to participate in their typical physical conditioning programs. Repeated-measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni post-hoc adjustments or Friedman tests with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare strength values across all five time points (TPs). Alpha levels were set at 0.05. All strength values increased significantly over the 18-month period. Over the five TPs, absolute squat increased the most (+ 9%: initial mean = 125.79 ± 24.53 kg), followed by absolute bench press (+ 8%: initial mean = 109.67 ± 19.80 kg), absolute deadlift (+ 7%: initial mean = 151.64 ± 26.31 kg) and absolute pull-up (+ 4%: initial mean = 121.43 ± 14.91 kg). Relatively, the highest increase was found with the squat (+ 8%: initial mean = 1.42 ± 0.25%), followed by the bench press (+ 7%: initial mean = 1.24 ± 0.20%), deadlift (+ 6%: initial mean = 1.71 ± 0.25%) then pull-up (+ 4%: initial mean = 1.37 ± 0.15%). The period between TP3 and TP4 yielded the fewest significant increases compared with other TP differences with only absolute bench press (+ 1.7%), absolute squat (+ 1.1%) and relative bench press (+ 1.6%) changing significantly ( p 0.05). Specialist police can maintain, even increase strength, while serving in specialist units if provided with a Strength and Conditioning coach and time to train. Given changes over time, constant monitoring is required and a single timepoint may not be optimal to establish normative data.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-022-00533-Y
Abstract: Injuries within law enforcement are a significant issue as they increase organisational costs and workforce strain. As one of the biggest risk factors of future injury is previous injury, minimising injuries suffered during academy has multiple beneficial and long-term effects, including a healthier and fitter police force. The purpose of this study was to profile the injuries sustained at a law enforcement academy to inform future injury mitigation strategies. Injury data were provided retrospectively (from May 2012 to September 2019) from the official insurance records of a law enforcement academy and included nature, location, and activity performed at time of injury. A total of 4340 (3288 males, 938 females, 114 sex not stated) recruits participated in academy training during this period. Inclusion criteria for the data were (a) injury record related to a recruit, and (b) the recruit was injured during academy training., with injury defined as tissue damage caused by acute or repetitive trauma, inclusive of musculoskeletal, neural, and/or integumentary systems but excluding general medical conditions such as cardiac (e.g. heart attacks) or respiratory (asthma) that was subsequently reported for worker’s compensation. Injury incidence rates and proportions were calculated and a Spearman’s correlation analysis was conducted between injury rates over successive classes. An injury incidence rate of 368.63 injuries per 1000 recruits per year was calculated in this population, with a moderate correlation coefficient (r s = 0.60) of increasing injury rates over chronologically occurring classes. Females also had higher injury rates than male recruits, even across various fitness levels. Trauma to joints and ligaments (49.30%) was the most common injury, and the knee the most common location (23.17%) of injury. Physical training (56.10%) was the most common activity being performed at the time of injury. This research demonstrates a large number of lower limb, musculoskeletal injuries that often occur during physical training. Further research is needed to assess suitable injury mitigation programs.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-07-2018
Abstract: Occupational health and safety incidents occurring in the military context are of great concern to personnel and commanders. Incidents such as “dangerous incidents”, “exposures”, and “near misses” (as distinct from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities) indicate serious health and safety risks faced by military personnel, even if they do not cause immediate harm. These risks may give rise to harm in the future, if not adequately addressed, and in some cases the incidents may cause latent harm. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the rates and patterns of incidents of these types reported by full time (ARA) and part time (ARES) Australian Army personnel. A retrospective cohort study was performed using self-reported incident data from the Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation and Reporting (WHSCAR) database over a two-year period. Data were analysed descriptively. Of 3791 such incidents, 3636 (96 percent) occurred in ARA and 155 (4 percent) in ARES personnel, somewhat consistent with the proportions of total army person-years served in each (ARA 93 percent ARES 7 percent). In ARA, 84 percent of these incident types were exposures, 14 percent near misses, and 2 percent dangerous incidents. In ARES, 55 percent of incidents were exposures, 38 percent near misses, and 7 percent dangerous incidents. Soldiers at the rank of ‘private’ experienced the highest rates of these incident types, in both ARA and ARES. Driving gave rise to more near misses than any other activity, in both populations. Exposures to chemicals and sounds were more common in the ARA than ARES. The ARES reported higher proportions of vehicle near misses and multiple mechanism dangerous incidents than the ARA. The findings of this study can usefully inform development of risk mitigation strategies for dangerous incidents, exposures, and near misses in army personnel.
Publisher: Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Date: 28-02-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-01-2023
Abstract: Mounted police officers are subject to unique occupational tasks which may lead to unique injuries. This study’s aim was to describe policing injuries suffered by mounted police officers contextualized through comparison to non-mounted officers. Injury data from 01 July 2014 to 30 June 2020 were provided from a state policing agency’s incident reporting database. The data reported the numbers and rates of injuries and classified the injuries by gender, cause, mechanism, nature, and hours worked. Of the 35,406 reported injuries, 35,255 (99.6%) injuries were reported by non-mounted police officers. An annual incidence rate of 338–364 and 626–952 injuries per 1000 personnel were reported in non-mounted and mounted police, respectively. For mounted police, the leading causes of injuries were slips, trips, and falls (23.8%), followed by repetitive tasks and movements (9.9%). Physical assault was the leading cause of injury for non-mounted police officers (21.3%), followed by slips, trips, and falls (16.0%). In mounted police, falls from heights (15.9%) and repetitive tasks and movements (10.6%) comprised the most frequently specified mechanisms of injury, as compared to physical assault (21.0%) and physical exercise (5.2%) in non-mounted police. The most common activities being performed at the time of injury for mounted police were animal handling (64.9%) as opposed to arresting an offender (31.2%) for non-mounted police. Sprains and strains and bruises and swelling were the leading natures of injuries among both mounted (44.4% and 29.1%, respectively) and non-mounted (36.6% and 21.2%, respectively) officers. The leading body sites of injury in mounted officers were the lower back (13.9%) and neck and shoulders (7.3% each), and for non-mounted police, the knee (13.9%), lower back (10.0%), and hand (8.2%) were the most common. Mounted police officers sustained injuries through different activities, causes, and mechanisms and to different body sites at 2–3 times higher incidence rates. Mounted police officers warrant specifically tailored injury mitigation and return-to-work strategies.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-08-2019
Abstract: Police officers may be required to discharge their weapon under physical duress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fitness and marksmanship to facilitate future strategies to improve marksmanship. Retrospective data were provided for thirty-four police officers (mean age = 40.48 ± 6.66 years: mean weight = 100.60 ± 19.82 kg: mean height = 180.42 ± 6.87 cm) from a US-based law enforcement agency. Data included four different fitness measures and three different shooting scenarios. No significant relationship was observed between the three different shooting scenarios. There was a significant relationship between shuttle run and static shoot (r = 0.528, p = 0.002), grip strength and the dynamic scenario (r = −0.367, p = 0.035) and leg strength and the positive identification scenario (r = 0.344, p = 0.050). This study demonstrated that a high variety of fitness training and marksmanship practice, under various occupational scenarios, may be required to ensure optimal police shooting accuracy whilst in the field.
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: 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: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000492
Abstract: Tactical populations often participate in demanding physical training and perform strenuous workplace tasks, increasing injury risk. Mitigating injury risk is vital for maintaining trained personnel and should be a focus for tactical populations. One such method, tracking training load, has not been studied in-depth in tactical populations, despite documented effectiveness in elite sport. Most injuries to tactical personnel are overuse in nature and therefore may be prevented by optimizing training load. Although the methods used in elite sport may not be directly transferrable to tactical environments, they may be used to inform injury mitigation strategies in tactical populations.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-03-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-022-00443-Z
Abstract: Female soldiers form an integral part of any modern defence force. Previous reports have highlighted that female soldiers report injuries at higher rates than male personnel. One possible reason for this is an actual difference in underlying injury rates, purported to be due to several factors, including levels of fitness. The aim of this review was to determine risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. A systematic search was conducted for studies which reported on risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL and Medline through OVID. Eligible studies were rated for their methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tools and data were extracted and synthesized using a critical narrative approach. A total of 18 articles were included in this review which reported on 18 risk factors for injury. Smoking, previous injury, no history of deployment, heavy occupational tasks, lower levels of aerobic fitness and lower number of push-up repetitions appear to be risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. Age, height, body fat, high or low BMI and body mass do not appear to be consistent risk factors for injury in female soldiers and there appears to be minimal evidence for current levels of activity, sit-up ability, and other assessments of strength, power, speed, or movement being associated with injury risk. Additionally, neither flexibility nor previous levels of activity appear to be associated with injury risk in female soldiers. Strategies to improve aerobic fitness and upper limb endurance, reduce smoking, and optimise rehabilitation from injuries and risk management for heavy occupational tasks need to be developed for female soldiers. Such strategies are also likely to reduce risks for male soldiers.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-09-2023
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: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12905-022-01899-4
Abstract: An effective military force is required to be agile, capable, efficient, and potent. Injuries to military personnel interrupt active-duty service and can detract from overall capability. These injuries are associated with a high in idual and organizational burden, with lost work time and financial costs—all problematic for the ongoing functioning of a military force. Injury control strategies have therefore been described as force multipliers. Female personnel form an integral part of any modern defence force, but little research has examined their specific experiences of injury, to inform targeted injury control efforts. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise findings from studies of injury rates and patterns in female military personnel, comparing them to those of male personnel. A systematic search was conducted for studies which compared injury rates between the sexes at any stage of military service, from basic training through to deployment. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL and Medline through OVID. Methodological quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP), and AXIS tools and data were extracted, synthesized, and, where possible, underwent meta-analysis. Of 2287 identified studies, a total of 25 studies were eligible and included. Methodological quality ranged from 60% up to a perfect score of 100%, with an average of 82% across all studies. Relative risks for injuries (reported as RR [95%CI]) to females when compared to males were 2.10 [1.89–2.33] during basic training, 1.70 [1.33–2.17] during officer training, and 1.23 [1.05–1.43] post initial training. After adjustment for differences between the sexes in average fitness levels (2-mile run time), there was no longer a significant difference in injury rates (adjusted RR: 0.95 [0.86–1.05]). Female personnel tended to make bigger improvements in their fitness during basic training than males and tended to report their injuries more frequently and sooner than males. While this review found a higher rate of reported injuries in female military personnel when compared to male personnel, differences between the sexes in average fitness levels and injury reporting behaviours may largely explain this rate difference. The difference in rates of reported injuries was greatest during basic training, and reduced thereafter, possibly due in part to a reduced difference in fitness between the sexes or increased opportunity to self-determine workloads relative to fitness levels.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-09-2019
Abstract: Officers serving in specialist tactical response police teams are highly trained personnel who are required to carry heavy loads and perform explosive tasks. The aim of this study was to determine whether performance on a loaded explosive occupational task (urban rush) or distance-based load carriage tasks (2.4 km or 10 km) were indicative of officer success on a specialist selection course (SSC). Eighteen male police officers (mean age = 32.11 ± 5.04 years) participated in the SSC over five consecutive days. Data were categorized into Group 1 (successful applicants, n = 11) and Group 2 (unsuccessful applicants, n = 7). Independent s le t-tests were performed to determine differences between groups, along with point-biserial correlations to investigate associations between anthropometric and event performance data and course completion success. Alpha levels were set at p = 0.05 a priori. Height (p = 0.025), body weight (p = 0.007), and 2.4 km loaded performance (p = 0.013) were significantly different between groups, where being shorter (rpb(16) = −0.526, p 0.05), lighter (rpb(16) = −0.615, p 0.01), and faster (rpb(16) = −0.572, p 0.05) were associated with course success. While a loaded 2.4 km event is associated with success, a ceiling effect for an explosive anaerobic task and a longer 10 km task may exist, whereby increases in performance are not associated with selection success.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-10-2022
Abstract: The risks and incidence rates of musculoskeletal injuries among military personnel are high, and the importance of physiotherapy in treating these injuries is well established. However, what is less clear is whether the timing of commencement of physiotherapy treatment affects musculoskeletal injury outcomes in military personnel. This lack of clarity is exacerbated by the known underreporting of injuries among military personnel, and the resulting self-management of musculoskeletal injuries using analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other means. This narrative review was designed to identify and synthesize current evidence regarding the effects of timing of physiotherapy treatment on musculoskeletal injury outcomes, focusing on potential benefits of early versus typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment. Overall, current evidence suggests early physiotherapy treatment of musculoskeletal injuries offers distinct advantages over typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment in military settings. Specifically, it appears early treatment expedites recovery in early phases following injury onset and benefits longer term mental health and well-being. It may also reduce the need for more invasive and costly health care interventions and enable earlier return to training and operational service. Importantly, a cultural shift within military contexts to ensure early reporting of musculoskeletal injuries is required if the benefits of early commencement of physiotherapy treatment are to be achieved.
Publisher: ClinMed International Library
Date: 31-08-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.MSKSP.2022.102646
Abstract: Exercise is considered to be both essential and at the forefront of the management of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Despite this, many fail to substantially improve with exercise-based treatment. Hence, expanding the current knowledge about the possible mechanisms of exercise for RCRSP is critical. To synthesise the range of mechanisms proposed for exercise in people with RCRSP. Scoping review METHODS: A systematic search of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was conducted from inception to July 3, 2022. Two reviewers conducted the search and screening process and one reviewer extracted the data from each study. Randomised clinical trials using exercise for the management of RCRSP of any duration were included. The PEDro search terms used were "fitness training", "strength training", "stretching, mobilisation, manipulation, massage", "upper arm, shoulder, or shoulder girdle", "pain", and "musculoskeletal". Data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative approaches. 626 studies were identified and 110 were included in the review. Thirty-two unique mechanisms of exercise were suggested by clinical trialists, from which 4 themes emerged: 1) neuromuscular 2) tissue factors 3) neuro-endocrine-immune 4) psychological. Neuromuscular mechanisms were proposed most often (n = 156, 77%). Overall, biomedical mechanisms of exercise were proposed in 95% of cases. The causal explanation for the beneficial effect of exercise for RCRSP in clinical research is dominated by biomedical mechanisms, despite a lack of supporting evidence. Future research should consider testing the mechanisms identified in this review using mediation analysis to progress knowledge on how exercise might work for RCRSP.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-08-2015
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1079331
Abstract: Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing activity where only anecdotal evidence exists for its proposed health and fitness benefits. The purpose of this study was to profile elite and recreational SUP with respect to anthropometric, physiological and musculoskeletal measurements. A total of 30 SUP participants (15 recreational, 15 elite) and 15 sedentary controls participated in this study. Elite and recreational (rec) SUP participants had significantly lower body fat than sedentary (sed) in iduals, elite had significantly higher HDL and significantly lower triglycerides than other groups during lipid profiling (P > 0.05). There were significant differences (P > 0.05) between all groups in maximal oxygen uptake (elite 43.7, s = 5.89 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1) vs. rec 31.9, s = 7.7 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1) vs. sed 20.4, s = 3.7 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)) and anaerobic power outputs (35.7, s = 11.1 W vs. 25.0, s = 11.7 W vs. 13.5, s = 7.1 W). The elite group displayed significantly longer endurance than the recreational and sedentary group in the prone bridge (elite 253.4, s = 67.6 s vs. rec 165.6, s = 42.2 s vs. sed 69.7, s = 31.2 s), right-sided bridge (elite 107.9, s = 34.0 s vs. recreational 68.2, s = 24.1 s vs. sed 34.6, s = 15.5 s), left-sided bridge (elite 99.8, s = 24.9 s vs. rec 68.2, s = 27.2 s vs. sed 32.5, s = 15.2 s) and Biering Sorensen test (elite 148.8, s = 35.4 s vs. rec 127.2, s = 43.2 s vs. sed 71.1, s = 32.9 s). Elite SUP had significantly better static and dynamic postural control when compared to the other groups. This study demonstrates the anthropometric, physiological and musculoskeletal values representative of elite and recreational SUP. SUP appears to be associated with increased levels of aerobic and anaerobic fitness, increased static and dynamic balance and a high level of isometric trunk endurance.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-08-2022
Abstract: The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the impact of footwear on worker physical task performance and injury risk. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews protocol and registered in the Open Science Framework. Key search terms were entered into five academic databases. Following a dedicated screening process and critical appraisal, data from the final articles informing this review were extracted, tabulated, and synthesised. Of 19,614 identified articles, 50 articles informed this review. Representing 16 countries, the most common populations investigated were military and firefighter populations, but a wide range of general occupations (e.g., shipping, mining, hairdressing, and healthcare workers) were represented. Footwear types included work safety boots/shoes (e.g., industrial, gumboots, steel capped, etc.), military and firefighter boots, sports shoes (trainers, tennis, basketball, etc.) and various other types (e.g., sandals, etc.). Occupational footwear was found to impact gait and angular velocities, joint ranges of motion, posture and balance, physiological measures (like aerobic capacity, heart rates, temperatures, etc.), muscle activity, and selected occupational tasks. Occupational footwear associated with injuries included boots, conventional running shoes, shoes with inserts, harder/stiffer outsoles or thin soles, and shoes with low comfort scores—although the findings were mixed. Occupational footwear was also linked to potentially causing injuries directly (e.g., musculoskeletal injuries) as well as leading to mechanisms associated with causing injuries (like tripping and slipping).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-09-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-05-2018
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201805.0061.V1
Abstract: The Combined Elevation Test (CET) is a musculoskeletal screening technique (MST) replicates the streamline position in swimming and is commonly used in various sports. Although the CET is widely used, no normative data exist within an adolescent population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a normative data set for the CET within an adolescent population and to evaluate the influence various demographic and anthropometric variables. Data was 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) = .478,& nbsp & nbsp = .000, age rs (416) = .238& nbsp & nbsp = .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 assessment.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-09-2020
Abstract: Specialist police tactical teams, like special operations military personnel, are tasked with dangerous, high risk missions which are beyond the scope of general police. Consequently, the selection courses for entry into these teams are physiologically and psychologically demanding. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of a five-day selection course to aid in candidate preparation and course planning. Measures included body mass, grip strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, and a vertical jump assessment. Eleven candidates finished the selection course with significant decreases in body mass (−2.05 kg, p = 0.006 (95% CI = 3.65–0.45)), grip strength in the right (−14.48 kg, p 0.001 (95% CI = 21.32–7.64)) and left (−14.27 kg, p 0.001 (95% CI = 21.89–6.66)) hands and in sit-and-reach flexibility (−6.64 cm, p 0.001 (95% CI = 9.94–3.33)). No significant decreases in power output or peak jump velocity of 669.77 W (95% CI = 1942.92–603.39) and 0.28 m/s (95% CI = 0.69–0.14) were found and a non-significant, overall increase in vertical jump height of 6.09 cm (95% CI = −6.08 to 18.79) was seen. Decreases in body mass, grip strength and lower limb flexibility are evident in a grueling five-day selection course. In iduals planning on attending these courses should plan for these negative effects and build redundancy into their performance to minimize the effects of fatigue, decrease injury risk and maximize chances of completion.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 18-01-2023
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-07-2022
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004301
Abstract: Lockie, R, Dawes, JJ, Sakura, T, Schram, B, and Orr, RM. Relationships between physical fitness assessment measures and a workplace task-specific physical assessment among police officers: a retrospective cohort study. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 678–683, 2023—Police officers are required to perform physically demanding occupational tasks and, as such, require an adequate level of fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between a physical fitness assessment test (PAT) and a task-specific physical competency test (PCT). Retrospective data for 307 police trainees who completed the PAT and the PCT were provided. The PAT comprised a 2.4-km run, vertical jump, push-ups, and grip strength measures. The PCT, a single timed event, consisted of 10 occupational specific tasks (e.g., trailer push, wall climb, window climb through), which were completed within a 400-m obstacle course. Pearson's correlations were used to investigate relationships between the PAT and the PCT. Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine whether PAT predicted PCT performance. All PAT measures significantly correlated with PCT performance with the strength of the correlations ranging from moderate (vertical jump r = −0.420, p 0.01) to strong (2.4 km run r = 0.639, p 0.01). The highest predictive relationship was observed with 2.4-km run ( r 2 = 0.409), and the lowest predictive relationship was observed with the vertical jump ( r 2 = 0.177). The results of this study highlight the importance of aerobic capacity (2.4 km run), muscular endurance (push-ups), strength (grip strength), and power (vertical jump) for successful performance during the PCT. These physical attributes should be developed in new police trainees before attending recruit training if viable and form part of any return-to-work reconditioning frameworks for both police trainees and officers.
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: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 29-09-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-02-2018
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201802.0166.V1
Abstract: Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) surfing entails riding breaking waves and maneuvering the board on the wave face in a similar manner to traditional surfing. Despite some scientific investigations on SUP, little is known about SUP surfing. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological response during SUP surfing sessions and to determine how various environmental conditions can influence this response. Heart rate (HR) of an experienced male SUP surfer aged 43 was recorded for 14.9 hours during ten surfing session and synced with on board video footage to enable the examination of the effect of different surfing modes and weather conditions on exercise intensity. Results indicated the SUP surfer's HR was above 70% of HRmax during 85% of each session, with the greatest heart rates were found during falls off the board (~85%HRmax) and while paddling back to the peak (~83%HRmax). Total time surfing a wave was less than 5% with the majority of time spend paddling back into position. Wind speed positively correlated with HR (r2 = 0.062, p = 0.012) and wave height negatively correlated wave caching frequency (r2 = 0.54, p = 0.025). The results highlight the aerobic fitness for SUP surfing, that wave riding, paddling back to the peak and falls appear to be associated with the greatest cardiovascular demand and that environmental conditions can have an effect of physiological response during SUP surfing sessions.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-10-2019
Abstract: Firefighters, along with other tactical personnel, are at a high risk of work-related physical injury above that of the private sector. The aim of this critical narrative review was to identify, critically appraise and synthesise key findings from recent literature investigating firefighting musculoskeletal injuries to inform injury reduction programs. The methodological approach (search terms, databases, etc.) was registered with PROSPERO and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist with scores graded according to the Kennelly grading system. Levels of evidence were ranked according to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Of the 8231 studies identified, 17 met the criteria for inclusion. The methodological quality of the studies was ‘fair’ with a level of evidence of III-2. Reported injury rates ranged from 9% to 74% with the lower extremities and back the leading aggregated bodily sites of injury. Sprains and strains were the leading nature of musculoskeletal injury, often caused by slips, trips and falls, although muscle bending, lifting and squatting or muscle stressing were also prevalent. This review may inform injury reduction strategies and given that injuries reported in firefighters are similar to those of other tactical populations, safety processes to mitigate injuries may be of benefit across the tactical spectrum.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-06-2019
Abstract: Structural firefighting is a highly stressful occupation with firefighters performing intense bouts of physical activity in environmental extremes while wearing impermeable, heavy and restrictive personal protective equipment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of performing occupational tasks during an active structural fire on firefighters’ hydration status. Nine fully qualified firefighters (mean ± SD age = 39.22 ± 7.89 years) completed a 15 min ‘live’ fire scenario while performing occupational tasks. Urine Specific Gravity (USG), body weight and tympanic membrane temperature were measured pre-scenario and at 0 and 20 min post-scenario. There was a significant decrease in body weight (0 min and 20 min p 0.0005) and increase in tympanic membrane temperature (0 min and 20 min p 0.0005) following the fire scenario. There was no significant change in USG post-scenario. Short duration firefighting operations can cause significant fluid loss, as measured by change in body weight but not necessarily USG.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-05-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-02-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-06-2018
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 17-05-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.17.444430
Abstract: Understanding the force profile of an exercise increases clinical confidence when assessing the benefits and potential risks of a prescribed exercise. This exploratory study presents the force profile of the hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults and compares peak force with kettlebell deadlifts. These data will help inform healthcare providers and coaches who are considering prescribing kettlebell exercises for older adults. Thirty-five community-dwelling males and females (59-79 years) were recruited, from applicants to participate in the BELL trial. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with 8-16 kg. Deadlifts were performed with 8-24 kg and 8-32 kg for females and males, respectively. Ground reaction force was obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Pairwise comparisons of peak force, forward force, rate of force development, swing cadence, sex, and kettlebell mass, were investigated for the kettlebell swing, with representative force-time curves described. Pairwise comparisons of peak force, sex and kettlebell mass were investigated for the deadlift, with comparisons of peak force, kettlebell mass, and sex, between swings and deadlifts. For kettlebells up to 16 kg, paired s les T-tests show a large exercise effect (δ 1.4) with peak force higher for swings than deadlifts. Data shows: (i) higher peak force during swings than deadlifts (δ = 1.77), reaching 4.5 (1.0) N.kg -1 , (ii) peak force during an 8 kg swing was greater than a 32kg deadlift, (iii) negligible difference in normalised peak force between males and females performing kettlebell swings, but a moderately large effect size during deadlifts (males females, δ = 0.69), (iv) mean rate of force development of 19.9 (4.7) N.s -1 .kg -1 with a very weak, positive correlation with kettlebell mass ( y = 14.4 + 0.32 x ), and trivial effect of sex, (v) mean forward force equal to 5.5% of vertical force during swings, increasing from 3.8 (1.6) % with 8 kg to 7.1 (2.6) % with 16 kg. During kettlebell swings, there is negligible difference in normalised net peak force between novice males and females using the same absolute loads. Where ground reaction force is a therapeutic target, kettlebell swings with an 8 kg kettlebell could have similar effects to much heavier deadlifts ( kg). Kettlebell swings performed with lighter loads, could provider similar therapeutic value to much heavier deadlifts, and may be a more appealing, affordable, and convenient option for older adults.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-05-2018
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201805.0078.V1
Abstract: The shoulder region has the highest incidence of acute injuries in the sport of surfing. Little is known about the strength profile at the shoulder in a surfing cohort. The primary aim of this study was to establish the reliability of a rotator cuff strength testing procedure for surfers with a secondary aim of providing a profile of internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength in a competitive surfing cohort. Shoulder IR and ER isometric strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer in 13 competitive surfers. Intra-class coefficient values ranged from 0.97 to 0.98 for intra rater reliability and were lower for inter rater reliability ranging from 0.80 to 0.91. Normalised force (N/Kg) for IR strength was significantly greater than ER strength bilaterally (dominant, p= 0.007, non-dominant, p& .001). No significant differences (p& 0.79) were found in IR strength (N/Kg) between the dominant and non-dominant arms. ER strength (N/Kg) was significantly weaker on the non-dominant arm compared with the dominant arm (p& .02). The non-dominant arm ER to IR ratio (0.82 & lusmn 0.15) was significantly (p=0.025) lower than the dominant (0.88 & lusmn 0.14) The current procedure is reliable with the same clinician, results indicate musculature asymmetry specific to the external rotators.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-07-2023
DOI: 10.1093/PTJ/PZAD088
Abstract: Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is the most common form of shoulder pain. Exercise therapy is a first-line recommended treatment for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. However, the causal mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of exercise for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain are not well understood. Moreover, how in iduals with lived experience of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain believe exercise helped or did not help is unknown. This study aimed to gain insights into how in iduals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain believe exercise influenced their shoulder pain and identify the clinical conditions that promoted or inhibited their beliefs. This qualitative study was underpinned by a critical realist approach to thematic analysis. Participants were recruited using hybrid purposive and convenience s ling techniques. Each participant attended an online semistructured interview. The data were coded by 2 members of the research team (JKP & NC) and verified by a third (BS). Recruitment continued until theoretical sufficiency was achieved. Participants reviewed and validated preliminary causal explanations. Three causal explanations were consistently expressed by 11 participants to explain the benefits of exercise therapy: (1) shoulder strength (2) changes to psycho-emotional status and (3) exercise has widespread health effects. However, the activation of these causal mechanisms depended on (1) the presence of a strong therapeutic relationship (2) the provision of a structured and tailored exercise program and (3) experiencing timely clinical progress. Participants believed exercise improved their shoulder pain through associated health benefits, improved shoulder strength, and psychoemotional variables. Whether an exercise program was able to cause a clinical improvement for an in idual with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain was contingent on clinical contextual features. Thus, the clinical context that an exercise program is delivered within may be just as important as the exercise program itself. Exercise is a recommended primary, first-line intervention to manage rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. The results of this study suggest that a positive experience and outcome with exercise for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is contingent on several clinical contextual features, such as a strong therapeutic relationship. The clinical context an exercise program is prescribed and delivered should be considered by clinicians.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-10-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 15-01-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-12-2018
Abstract: Despite having to perform the same occupational tasks as full-time soldiers, part-time soldiers may have lower levels of physical conditioning and report higher rates of injury per unit exposure to active service. The purpose of this study was to profile the leading body site of injury occurring in part-time soldiers to inform injury prevention strategies. Injury data from the Australian Army Reserve (ARES) spanning a two-year period were obtained from the Department of Defence Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation and Reporting database pertaining to locations, nature, mechanisms, and the activity being performed at the time of injury. Among the 1434 injuries reported by ARES personnel, the knee was the most common injury site (n = 228, 16%). Soft tissue injury due to trauma or unknown causes was the most common nature of knee injury (n = 177, 78%). Combat training was the most common activity being performed when soft tissue injuries occurred at the knee (n = 73, 42%), with physical training the second most common (n = 51, 30%), due to muscular stress (n = 36, 71%) and falls (n = 8, 16%). Targeted intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to injury minimization strategies for soft tissue knee injuries during combat and physical training should be designed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 09-11-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
No related grants have been discovered for Ben Schram.