Self-report motor competence in adolescents aged 12–18 years in regional and rural Victoria (Australia)
- Authors: Plumb, Mandy , Hands, Beth , McIntyre, Fleur , Timler, Amanda
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport Vol. 92, no. 3 (2021), p. 388-398
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Poor motor skills are an increasing issue for adolescents in our local communities. In regional Victoria, almost 20% of children starting school in 2018 were considered at risk or developmentally vulnerable in the domain of physical health and wellbeing. Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine factors (how adolescents perceive their fine and gross motor skills, activities of daily living, comparison to peers) of motor competence that may be important to adolescents in regional Victoria, Australia, using the Adolescent Motor Competence Questionnaire (AMCQ). Methods: A sample of 183 Australian adolescents ([138 females (Mage = 15.59 years, SD = 1.56); 45 males, (Mage = 15.82 years, SD = 1.95); 12–18 years old] completed the AMCQ. Results: The mean AMCQ score was 87.86 (SD = 7.55), with no significant difference between males (M = 89.67 SD = 7.29) and females [M = 87.28 SD = 7.56; t (181 = 1.86 p =.065)]. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA), extracted five factors (Eiqenvalue of 1.389) explaining 43.46% of variance, representing, Ball Skills and Kinesthesis; Activities of Daily Living; Fine Motor and Gross Motor; Proprioception and Exteroception; Public Performance. Conclusion: The results highlight key factors important in describing an adolescent’s motor competence within regional Victoria. With physical health a priority in local communities, understanding these factors is an important first, that which may inform development of physical activity interventions for adolescents. © 2020 SHAPE America.
Sport and leisure activities in the heat: What safety resources exist?
- Authors: Gonsalves, Marlon , O'Brien, Brendan , Twomey, Dara
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 24, no. 8 (2021), p. 781-786
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To conduct a document analysis of sports and leisure activity heat-related injury prevention resources in Australia and develop an understanding of the content within those resources. Design & Methods: Heat resources were included if they dealt specifically with, or could be extrapolated to, prevention of heat-related injuries. Collating strategies for the catalogue included: (1) a detailed search of the organisation's website and (2) an online search for sport specific heat resources. A content analysis of each resource was first performed, and descriptive codes were assigned to the data using qualitative data analysis software. Every coded text was recorded as an individual data point (n). Common sub-categories were identified by thematic analysis and collated under three broader categories. Results: A total of 468 data points were identified within the 64 heat resources found. Guidelines (n = 20) and policies (n = 18) were the most common type of resources followed by factsheets (n = 9), webpages (n = 8), laws and by-laws (n = 2). Three overarching categories emerged through the data analysis process: preventive strategies (n = 299, 63.9%), risk factors (n = 94, 20.1%), treatment (n = 75, 16.0%). Activity modification, which included information on rescheduling games and extra breaks, was the most common intervention. Cricket, soccer, swimming and triathlon had the most complete set of heat resources. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide an insight into the composition of heat-related sports injury prevention resources within Australia and identify areas for development. As the resources were incomplete for many sports, the development of more comprehensive heat safety resources is required to ensure the safety of participants. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , OʼBrien, Brendan
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 34, no. 9 (2020), p. 2596-2607
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Feros, SA, Young, WB, and O'Brien, BJ. Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2596-2607, 2020-This study investigated the efficacy of combined "general," "special," and "specific" resistance training on pace bowling skill. Twelve male, club-standard pace bowlers were randomly allocated to a combined resistance training (CRT) program or traditional cricket training (TCT) program for 8 weeks. The CRT group (n = 6) trained with 300, 250-g, and standard cricket balls; performed 20-m sprints with +20% and +15% body mass resistance (but also unresisted); and completed chin-up and pull-up training. The TCT group (n = 6) trained with standard balls and performed unresisted 20-m sprints. No statistically significant GROUP × TIME interactions were identified. The CRT group demonstrated a "clear moderate" enhancement in peak ball release speed (mean ±95% confidence limits [CLs]: 1.2 ± 1.5 m·s, d = 0.66 ± 0.83), a "clear large" increase in mean radial error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.1 ± 6.5 cm, d = 0.94 ± 0.87), and a "clear large" rise in bivariate variable error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.2 ± 7.8 cm, d = 0.97 ± 1.05). The TCT group exhibited "unclear" changes across all pace bowling skill measures. Both groups displayed "unclear" changes in approach speed, 20-m sprint time, and 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength. In 8 weeks, the CRT program improved peak ball release speed, but at the cost of poorer bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings could be attributed to bowling with the heavier balls. The inclusion of "specific" resistance training does not seem to be effective in enhancing all-round pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers.
Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of iSPRINT : a sport injury prevention program in junior high schools
- Authors: Richmond, Sarah , Donaldson, Alex , Macpherson, Alison , Bridel, William , van den Berg, Carla , Finch, Caroline , Hagel, Brent , Emery, Carolyn
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine Vol. 30, no. 3 (2020), p. 231-238
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVES: Sport injury is the leading cause of hospitalization in Canadian youth and represents a high burden to the health care system. This study aims to describe the facilitators and barriers to implementation of a sport injury prevention program in junior high school physical education (known as iSPRINT), previously shown to reduce the risk of sport-related injury in youth (age, 11-15 years). METHODS: Focus group data were mapped onto constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Four schools that implemented iSPRINT participated in this study. Forty-seven key stakeholders (teachers, students, principals) participated in 9 semistructured focus groups and 4 interviews. The CFIR was used to guide the focus group discussions, data coding, and analysis using a qualitative content analysis approach. RESULTS: Of the 22 applicable CFIR constructs, 16 were identified in the transcripts. The most significant facilitators to successful implementation efforts included evidence strength and quality, adaptability, implementation climate, culture, and having a high level of compatibility facilitated successful implementation efforts. Barriers to implementation included intervention complexity, planning, and readiness for implementation. Constructs that acted as both a facilitator and a barrier, depending on the context, were self-efficacy, execution, and individual identification with the organization. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in this study reported positive attitudes about implementing iSPRINT, citing evidence strength, adaptability, and constructs related to the organizational setting that contributed to successful implementation. Potential improvements include modifying certain program components, decreasing the number of components, and reducing the equipment required.
Jump-landing mechanics in patellar tendinopathy in elite youth basketballers
- Authors: Harris, Meaghan , Schultz, Adrian , Drew, Michael , Rio, Ebonie , Charlton, Paula , Edwards, Suzi
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports Vol. 30, no. 3 (Mar 2020), p. 540-548
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a leading cause of morbidity in jump-landing athletes. Landing mechanics are identified as a factor associated with PT and/or patellar tendon abnormality. This study aimed to identify key jump-landing variables associated with PT. Thirty-six junior elite basketball players (men n = 18, women n = 18) were recruited from a Basketball Australia development camp. Three-dimensional (3D) kinematic and ground reaction force (GRF) data during a stop-jump task were collected as well as ultrasound scans of the patellar tendons and recall history of training load data. Mixed-model factorial analyses of variance were used to determine any significant between-group differences. Of the 23 participants included for statistical analyses, 11 had normal bilateral patellar tendons (controls) and eight reported PT (currently symptomatic); however, the four participants categorized as asymptomatic with patellar tendon abnormality on diagnostic imaging were excluded from statistical analyses due to their small sample size. Athletes with PT displayed a similar knee flexion angle at initial foot-ground contact (IC) and hip extension strategy during a stop-jump horizontal landing. Despite a similar kinematic technique, athletes with PT utilized a strategy of a longer stance duration phase from IC to peak force. This strategy did not lead to those athletes with PT decreasing their peak vertical GRF nor patellar tendon force during landing but enabled these athletes to land with a lower rate of loading (control 59.2 +/- 39.3 vs. PT 29.4 +/- 33.7 BW.s-1). Athletes with PT still reported significantly reduced training volume (control 4.9 +/- 1.8 vs PT 1.8 +/- 1.1 sessions/wk; total training time/wk control 2.4 +/- 1.0 vs PT 1.4 +/- 1.1 h/wk).
Key viral immune genes and pathways identify elite athletes with URS
- Authors: Colbey, Candice , Drew, Michael , Cox, Amanda , Vider, Jelena , Pyne, David , Vlahonich, Nicole , Hughes, David , Waddington, Gordon , Appaneal, Renee , Burke, Louise , Lundy, Bronwen , Toomey, Mary , Watts, David , Lovell, Gregory , Praet, Stephan , Halson, Shona , Welvaert, Marijke , Zhang, Ping , Cripps, Aallan , West, Nicholas
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Exercise immunology review Vol. 26, no. (2020), p. 56-78
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: PURPOSE: Habitual intense exercise may increase the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) in elite athletes. This study investigated whether immune gene expression could identify gene markers that discriminate athletes with a higher prevalence of URS. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis of elite Australian athletes from various sports investigated whether athletes retrospectively reporting URS for two days or more in a month (n=38), had an altered immune gene expression profile compared with asymptomatic athletes (n=33). Peripheral blood samples were collected during Olympic selection events with corresponding URS data collected for the one-month period before sampling. Digital immune gene expression analysis was undertaken using the NanoString PanCancer Immune Profiling panel. RESULTS: Fifty immune genes were differentially expressed between the groups (p<0.05) and approximately 78% of these genes were more highly expressed in athletes reporting URS. Many of these genes were interferon-stimulated genes or genes involved in the Jak/Stat signalling pathway. Only interferon alpha inducible protein 27 (IFI27), an interferon stimulated gene involved in viral response, remained significantly higher in athletes reporting URS (log2 fold-difference=2.49, odds ratio 1.02 per unit increase; p<0.01) post-adjustment and discriminated athletes reporting URS from asymptomatic athletes with 78% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of IFI27 could differentiate athletes reporting URS from asymptomatic athletes, a gene that is upregulated in the immune response to viral infection. Upregulation of viral signalling pathways provides novel information on the potential aetiology of URS in elite Olympic athletes. Copyright © 2020 International Society of Exercise and Immunology. All rights reserved.
Thirty-seven jump-landing biomechanical variables are associated with asymptomatic patellar tendon abnormality and patellar tendinopathy : A systematic review
- Authors: Harris, Meaghan , Schultz, Adrian , Drew, Michael , Rio, Ebonie , Adams, Stuart , Edwards, Suzi
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Physical Therapy in Sport Vol. 45, no. (2020), p. 38-55
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To identify studies that report three-dimensional (3D) biomechanical analysis of jump-landing tasks in relation to athletes with current patellar tendinopathy (PT), and/or asymptomatic with history of PT or patellar tendon abnormality (PTA) on diagnostic imaging. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched. Included articles were required to: (1) investigate the 3D biomechanics of a jump-landing task; (2) be cross-sectional or longitudinal in design; and (3) include participants that had symptomatic PT, were asymptomatic with a history of PT, asymptomatic with PTA on diagnostic imaging and/or asymptomatic with an unknown pathology or PT history. Results: Thirty-seven statistically significant jump-landing variables were associated with PT, history of PT and/or PTA. The only consistent variable that could be replicated between studies was knee flexion angle at initial foot-ground contact (IC) and an altered hip flexion/extension strategy during a horizontal land phase of a vertical stop-jump. Conclusion: Isolated vertical landings or take-offs alone may not be sensitive enough to identify key jump-landing variables associated with PT, thus clinicians and researchers should incorporate a whole jump-landing task with a horizontal landing component. Sagital plane hip and knee kinematics in a horizontal landing phase appear to provide the most valuable information for evaluating those with PT. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
"It Doesn't Make Sense for Us Not to Have One" - Understanding reasons why community sports organizations chose to participate in a funded automated external defibrillator program
- Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Bekker, Sheree , Morgan, Damian , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Vol. 29, no. 4 (2019), p. 324-328
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: Implementation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in community sports settings is an important component of emergency medical planning. This study aimed to understand motivations for why sports organizations participated in a government-funded program that provided AEDs and associated first-aid training. Design: Face-to-face interviews. Setting: Community sports organizations in Victoria, Australia. Participants: Representatives from 14 organizations who participated in a government-funded AED program. Main Outcome Measures: Motivations to participate in the AED program were explored using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results: Two overarching themes emerged: awareness of the program and decision to apply. Awareness was gained indirectly through grant advertising in newsletters/emails/web sites and directly through their sporting associations. For most organizations, there was no decision process per se, rather, the opportunity to apply was the key determinant for participating in the program. A duty of care also emerged as a key driving factor, with recognition of AEDs as a valuable asset to communities broadly, not just the participants' immediate sports setting. Reflecting on participation in the program, these participants identified that it was important to increase awareness about AED ownership and use. The program benefits were clearly summed up as being best prepared for a worst-case scenario. Discussion: This study provides new understanding of why community sports organizations apply for an AED and training. The strongest reason was simply the opportunity to acquire this at no cost. Therefore, for wider implementation of AEDs, additional funding opportunities, targeted awareness of these opportunities, and continued promotion of AED importance are recommended.
'In a blink of an eye your life can change ' : Experiences of players sustaining a rugby-related acute spinal cord injury
- Authors: Badenhorst, Marelise , Verhagen, Evert , Lambert, Michael , van Mechelen, Willem , Brown, James
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 25, no. 4 (2019), p. 313-320
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Though rare, rugby union carries a risk for serious injuries such as acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI), which may result in permanent disability. Various studies have investigated injury mechanisms, prevention programmes and immediate medical management of these injuries. However, relatively scant attention has been placed on the player's experience of such an injury and the importance of context. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the injury experience and its related context, as perceived by the catastrophically injured player. Methods A qualitative approach was followed to explore the immediate, postevent injury experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 (n=48) players who had sustained a rugby-related ASCI. Results Four themes were derived from the data. Participants described the context around the injury incident, which may be valuable to help understand the mechanism of injury and potentially minimise risk. Participants also described certain contributing factors to their injury, which included descriptions of foul play and aggression, unaccustomed playing positions, pressure to perform and unpreparedness. The physical experience included signs and symptoms of ASCI that is important to recognise by first aiders, fellow teammates, coaches and referees. Lastly, participants described the emotional experience which has implications for all ASCI first responders. Significance All rugby stakeholders, including players, first responders, coaches and referees, may gain valuable information from the experiences of players who have sustained these injuries. This information is also relevant for rugby safety initiatives in shaping education and awareness interventions.
A 2-year prospective study of injury epidemiology in elite Australian rugby sevens : Exploration of incidence rates, severity, injury type, and subsequent injury in men and women
- Authors: Toohey, Liam , Drew, Michael , Finch, Caroline , Cook, Jill , Fortington, Lauren
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 6 (2019), p. 1302-1311
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Injuries are common in rugby sevens, but studies to date have been limited to short, noncontinuous periods and reporting of match injuries only. Purpose: To report the injury incidence rate (IIR), severity, and burden of injuries sustained by men and women in the Australian rugby sevens program and to provide the first longitudinal investigation of subsequent injury occurrence in rugby sevens looking beyond tournament injuries only. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Ninety international rugby sevens players (55 men and 35 women) were prospectively followed over 2 consecutive seasons (2015-2016 and 2016-2017). All medical attention injuries were reported irrespective of time loss. Individual exposure in terms of minutes, distance, and high-speed distance was captured for each player for matches and on-field training, with the use of global positioning system devices. The IIR and injury burden (IIR × days lost to injury) were calculated per 1000 player-hours, and descriptive analyses were performed. Results: Seventy-three players (81.1%) sustained 365 injuries at an IIR of 43.2 per 1000 player-hours (95% CI, 43.0-43.3). As compared with male players, female players experienced a lower IIR (incidence rate ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90-0.91). Female players also sustained a higher proportion of injuries to the trunk region (relative risk, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.28-2.40) but a lower number to the head/neck region (relative risk, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.93; P =.011). The majority (80.7%) of subsequent injuries were of a different site and nature than previous injuries. A trend toward a reduced number of days, participation time, distance, and high-speed distance completed before the next injury was observed after successive injury occurrence. Conclusion: Female players have a lower IIR than male players, with variation of injury profiles observed between sexes. With a surveillance period of 2 years, subsequent injuries account for the majority of injuries sustained in rugby sevens, and they are typically different from previous types of sustained injuries. After each successive injury, the risk profile for future injury occurrence appears to be altered, which warrants further investigation to inform injury prevention strategies in rugby sevens.
An assessment of the utility and functionality of wearable head impact sensors in Australian Football
- Authors: McIntosh, Andrew , Willmott, Catherine , Patton, Declan , Mitra, Biswadev , Brennan, James , Dimech-Betancourt, Bleydy , Howard, Teresa , Rosenfeld, Jeffrey
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 22, no. 7 (2019), p. 784-789
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To assess the utility and functionality of the X-Patch® as a measurement tool to study head impact exposure in Australian Football. Accuracy, precision, reliability and validity were examined. Designs: Laboratory tests and prospective observational study. Methods: Laboratory tests on X-Patch® were undertaken using an instrumented Hybrid III head and neck and linear impactor. Differences between X-Patch® and reference data were analysed. Australian Football players wore the X-Patch® devices and games were video-recorded. Video recordings were analysed qualitatively for head impact events and these were correlated with X-Patch® head acceleration events. Wearability of the X-Patch® was assessed using the Comfort Rating Scale for Wearable Computers. Results: Laboratory head impacts, performed at multiple impact sites and velocities, identified significant correlations between headform-measured and device-measured kinematic parameters (p < 0.05 for all). On average, the X-Patch®-recorded peak linear acceleration (PLA) was 17% greater than the reference PLA, 28% less for peak rotational acceleration (PRA) and 101% greater for the Head Injury Criterion (HIC). For video analysis, 118 head acceleration events (HAE) were included with PLA ≥30 g across 53 players. Video recordings of X-Patch®-measured HAEs (PLA ≥30 g) determined that 31.4% were direct head impacts, 9.3% were indirect impacts, 44.1% were unknown or unclear and 15.3% were neither direct nor indirect head impacts. The X-Patch® system was deemed wearable by 95–100% of respondents. Conclusions: This study reinforces evidence that use of the current X-Patch® devices should be limited to research only and in conjunction with video analysis.
Beer, banquets and a Patiala Peg : Food and drink on tour
- Authors: Ponsford, Megan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sport in Society Vol. 22, no. 1 (2019), p. 143-159
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article critiques photographs and material culture pertaining to the consumption of food and alcohol during the first Australian cricket tour of India in 1935/36. The artefacts—menus, seating plans and food advertisements—enable the present-day researcher to interpret the rapidly transforming political, cultural and sporting landscape as well as the internal dynamics of the tour. The archival objects function as links to the cricketers and are pivotal in interpreting the 1935/36 tour in light of the absence of living participants. Food and beverages represent a significant ethnographic difference and the cricketers’ response to the customs of culinary consumption in late-colonial India exposes broader societal sentiments and reflects imperial politicking. The Australian cricketers encountered bicultural culinary influences comprising the vestiges of British hegemony in combination with a new nationalistic indigenous influence. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Bhupinder and Tarrant : Players of the game
- Authors: Ponsford, Megan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sport in Society Vol. 22, no. 1 (2019), p. 21-52
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Financier Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and tour manager Frank Tarrant are the two key protagonists of the inaugural Australian cricket tour to India in 1935/36 and the historical figures in this article. Their culturally atypical relationship was anomalous to the conventional imperialist paradigm and openly defied racist notions of Western supremacy and cultural incompatibility that informed and underpinned the initial expectations of the touring party. Despite their relationship being primarily driven by mutually beneficial professional and financial objectives, a genuine rapport that challenged the archetypal servant/master paradigm is evident. Press reportage from Australia, India and Britain supports the argument. The minute books of the Middlesex Cricket Club (1908–16) and the Melbourne Cricket Club (1907 and 1908) have been integral in locating information on Tarrant’s movements. Discovering the Tarrant scrapbooks (c.1918–51) at the Melbourne Cricket Club has answered many questions that have plagued previous research into the man who has remained an enigmatic mystery in cricket history. The post-colonial theories of Homi Bhabha (2012), specifically his analysis of mimicry, are employed to argue that the political agendas of the Indian royalty were evolving. Cricket, an English institution, was embraced and reconstructed by the Indian community. Indian society was rejecting the British template and opted to operate according to an increasingly nationalistic and indigenous ideology and through this process appropriated cricket, the bastion of Englishness, as its own. The Australians’ contribution to this process is interrogated, and the liberal influence of Tarrant and the Maharaja in minimizing the racial and social divide throughout the tour is evident.
Epidemiology of hospital-treated cricket injuries sustained by women from 2002-2003 to 2013-2014 in Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Perera, Nirmala , Kemp, Joanne , Joseph, Corey , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 22, no. 11 (Nov 2019), p. 1213-1218
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To present the first comprehensive epidemiological profile of hospital-treated injuries sustained by female cricketers from 2002-2003 to 2013-2014 in Victoria, Australia. Design: Analysis of routinely collected hospital data (detailed case-series). Methods: A retrospective analysis of hospital-treatment data associated with cricket injuries sustained by women between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2014, inclusive were extracted from databases held by the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit in Australia. Results: Over the 12-year period, 668 cases were treated in Victoria. Of these, 547 were emergency department (ED)-presentations. There were 121 hospital-admissions, of which, the length of stay was <2 days for 78.5% cases. All cases were treated and released, and no fatalities were reported. The 10-14 year age group most frequently presented to ED (19.9%) and were most commonly admitted to hospital (16.5% of the total admissions). Fractures were the most common cause of hospital-admissions (47.1%) but only accounted for 17.2% of the ED-presentations. Dislocations, sprains and strains, were the most common (36.4%) cause of ED-presentations. The head was the most commonly injured anatomical location (27.8% of ED-presentations and 28.1% of hospital-admissions), followed by the wrist and hand (27.8% ED-presentations and 17.4% hospital-admissions). Conclusions: These findings provide the first overview of the nature of injuries requiring hospital attendance in female cricketers, and a foundation to inform the development of targeted injury prevention programs for female cricketers. (C) 2019 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Influence of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training
- Authors: James, Lachlan , Comfort, Paul , Suchomel, Timothy , Kelly, Vincent , Beckman, Emma , Haff, Gregory
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 33, no. 11 (Nov 2019), p. 2936-2944
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether weightlifting actions are a viable method for improving athletic performance among weaker, inexperienced lifters when compared with individuals with a greater power clean (PC) result, and hence weightlifting ability and experience. Two groups of males with distinctly different PC performances (higher performance [HP]: N = 8; body mass [BM] = 78.1 +/- 4.0 kg; 1 repetition maximum [1RM] PC = 1.08 +/- 0.09 kg.BM-1; lower performance [LP]: N = 8; BM = 82.6 +/- 14.0 kg; 1RM PC = 0.78 +/- 0.1 kg.BM-1) and resistance training age (HP: resistance training experience = 3.5 +/- 1.2 years; LP: resistance training experience = 1.44 +/- 1.50 years) undertook 10 weeks of training involving weightlifting derivatives, in addition to supplemental ballistic and plyometric exercises. Testing of athletic performance (represented by measures derived from the countermovement jump) occurred at baseline, after 5 weeks of training, and after 10 weeks of training. Both groups significantly improved across the majority of outcome variables after training (Hedges' g = 0.98-2.55, p <= 0.01-0.05). Only the HP participants experienced significant changes at midtest (g = 0.99-1.27, p <= 0.01-0.05), whereas no significant changes were revealed between midtest and posttest in this group. In contrast to this, the LP participants displayed a significant improvement in relative impulse (g = 1.39, p < 0.01) and rate of force development (g = 1.91, p < 0.01) during this final period (p < 0.01). As weaker, inexperienced lifters underwent a significant and meaningful enhancement in maximal neuromuscular measures after weightlifting derivative-focused training, practitioners should consider early implementation of such exercises. However, it is important for coaches to note that a delayed training effect might be present in weaker, less experienced lifters.
Match injuries in Sri Lankan junior cricket : A prospective, longitudinal study
- Authors: Gamage, Prasanna , Fortington, Lauren , Kountouris, Alex , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 22, no. 6 (2019), p. 647-652
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: Understanding the nature of injuries in cricket is key to mitigate injury risks and prioritise preventive measures. This study aimed to identify the incidence and nature of match injuries among Sri Lankan junior cricketers. Design: Longitudinal follow-up study with prospective in-season data collection. Methods: A national survey of schoolboy, division-1 cricket teams in under-15 and under-17 age groups. Using a paper-based questionnaire, distributed to school-teams at the start of the 2016 cricket season, respondents recorded any injuries, including the site, type and mechanism. Match injury incidence rates (match-IIR) (injuries/100 match-player-days) were calculated overall, by position and for match time loss (MTL) and non-MTL injuries. Results: From 59 school-teams, 573 players responded, with 404 players reporting 744 injuries in 648 matches. The match-IIR was 28.0 injuries/100 match-player-days (95% CI = 26.0–30.2). The highest match-IIR was reported among fielders (46.0% of all injuries sustained; match-IIR = 12.9) compared with batters (25.4%; match-IIR = 7.1) and bowlers (20.3%; match-IIR = 5.7). Abrasions and bruises to the knee or elbow were the most common injuries among fielders, with the majority being non-MTL injuries. Conclusions: Almost half (46.0%) of all injuries were to fielders, and more research into their severity and mechanisms is needed to identify the need for, and design of, preventive measures. Batters sustained a relatively large number of facial-organ injuries from being struck by the ball, presenting a need to evaluate the use and appropriateness of helmets by Sri Lankan junior cricketers. Similar to other junior cricket studies, the most common injuries among bowlers were strains and sprains, mainly affecting the lower limbs and lower back. © 2018
Neither home nor away
- Authors: Ponsford, Megan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sport in Society Vol. 22, no. 1 (2019), p. 97-112
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article critiques the symbolism of the journey as a team of Australian cricketers voyaged to India in 1935 embarking on the first Australia cricket tour to the subcontinent. Travel and tourism theories explicate the reactions of the cricketers to the ambivalence of being neither home nor away. This article asks: what did the Australians learn about themselves, their home and their destination whilst in transit? The theme of transition, both physical and emotional, is the central focus of this study. The journey on the ship signifies the team’s last immersion (for the duration of the tour) within exclusively English structures and customs. The cricketers’ insecurity when faced with the looming unknown upon descending the gangplank into India is extrapolated from available sources. The influence of Frank Tarrant as leader and educator intensified in the artificial hermetic vacuum of the ship’s environment. The unceremonious departure scenes in Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle are described and contrasted with the formality of the arrival in Bombay; such contrasts epitomize and underpin the cultural differences encountered throughout the tour.
Photographic reportage and the colonial imaginary
- Authors: Ponsford, Megan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sport in Society Vol. 22, no. 1 (2019), p. 160-184
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article critiques the first Australian cricket tour of India in 1935/36 through a synthesis of history, theory and imagery, and argues that the photographic content provides invaluable and historically overlooked insight into the cricketers’ perspective. Employing this methodology is unorthodox in sports writing and is innovative in application. The photographs provide a rare and previously unobtainable glimpse into the everyday cultural life and practice of the tour, and deliver a subjective representation of the cricketers’ experience. The significance of the images is twofold: they function as proof to verify the Australians presence in India and they assist a cultural critique of the tour. The images reveal that the cricketers’ response to the colonial paradigm was multifaceted and hallmarked by ambiguity. Despite at times adhering to their anticipated civiliving and educating role as white touring cricketers, the Australian team also challenged colonial protocols and simultaneously demonstrated support for the nationalistic sentiments brewing in 1930s India.
Quantification of Achilles and patellar tendon structure on imaging does not enhance ability to predict self-reported symptoms beyond grey-scale ultrasound and previous history
- Authors: Docking, Sean , Rio, Ebonie , Cook, Jill , Carey, David , Fortington, Lauren
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 22, no. 2 (2019), p. 145-150
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Tendon pathology on imaging has been associated with an increased risk of developing symptoms. This evidence is based on classifying the tendon as normal or pathological. It is unclear whether the extent of tendon pathology is associated with the development or severity of symptoms. Objectives: To investigate whether the presence and extent of tendon pathology on ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC), or a previous history of symptoms, were associated with the development of symptoms over a football season. Methods: 179 male Australian football players underwent UTC imaging of their Achilles and/or patellar tendon at the start of the pre-season. Players completed monthly OSTRC overuse questionnaires to quantify the presence and severity of Achilles and/or patellar tendon symptoms. Risk factor analysis was performed to identify associations between imaging and the development of symptoms. Results: A pathological Achilles tendon increased the risk of developing symptoms (RR = 3.2, 95%CI 1.7–5.9). Conversely, a pathological patellar tendon was not significantly associated with the development of symptoms (RR = 1.8, 95%CI 0.9–3.7). Quantification of tendon structure using UTC did not enhance the ability to identify athletes who developed symptoms. Previous history of symptoms was the strongest predictor for the development of symptoms (Achilles RR = 3.0 95%CI 1.8–4.8; patellar RR = 3.7 95%CI 2.2–6.1). Conclusion: Tendon pathology was associated with the development of self-reported symptoms; however previous history of symptoms was a stronger risk factor. The extent of disorganisation quantified by UTC should not be used as a marker for the presence or severity of current and future symptoms.
Relationship between selected physical qualities, bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 33, no. 10 (Oct 2019), p. 2812-2825
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Although strength and conditioning of cricket pace bowlers has become more specialized in recent times, little is understood about the interplay between physical capacities, pace bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill measures. This study sought to determine these interrelationships. Thirty-one male club-standard pace bowlers completed 3 test sessions on separate occasions 4-7 days apart. The first testing session comprised an 8-over pace bowling assessment, where bowling skill and selected bowling kinematics were measured. A physical test battery was completed over the remaining 2 sessions. Peak and mean ball release (BR) speed were related with 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength (r(s) = 0.56, p = 0.005) and correlated with 20-m sprint time (r(s) = -0.42, p = 0.022; r(s) = -0.37, p = 0.044, respectively). Mean radial error was associated with 10-m and 20-m sprint times (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.030; r(s) = 0.38, p = 0.037, respectively), and correlated with height and peak power from 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs) (r(s) = -0.39, p = 0.036; r(s) = -0.41, p = 0.031, respectively), and mean peak power from 20 CMJs (r(s) = -0.45, p = 0.020). Bivariate variable error was correlated with front-leg extension angle at BR (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.036), and also with approach speed (r(s) = -0.36, p = 0.050). These relationships may assist strength and conditioning coaches in designing more effective training programs to enhance bowling speed and accuracy. Training interventions are warranted, however, to validate these associations.