The behaviour change techniques used by Australian physiotherapists to promote non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions
- Authors: Kunstler, Breanne , Cook, Jill , Kemp, Joanne , O'Halloran, Paul , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 22, no. 1 (2019), p. 2-10
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- Description: Objectives: To determine: (i) the behaviour change techniques used by a sample of Australian physiotherapists to promote non-treatment physical activity; and (ii) whether those behaviour change techniques are different to the techniques used to encourage adherence to rehabilitation exercises. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Method: An online self-report survey was advertised to private practice and outpatient physiotherapists treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The use of 50 behaviour change techniques were measured using five-point Likert-type scale questions. Results: Four-hundred and eighty-six physiotherapists responded to the survey, with 216 surveys fully completed. Most respondents (85.1%) promoted non-treatment physical activity often or all of the time. Respondents frequently used 29 behaviour change techniques to promote non-treatment physical activity or encourage adherence to rehabilitation exercises. A similar number of behaviour change techniques was frequently used to encourage adherence to rehabilitation exercises (n = 28) and promote non-treatment physical activity (n = 26). Half of the behaviour change techniques included in the survey were frequently used for both promoting non-treatment physical activity and encouraging adherence to rehabilitation exercises (n = 25). Graded tasks was the most, and punishment was the least, frequently reported technique used to promote non-treatment physical activity and encourage adherence to rehabilitation exercises. Conclusions: Respondents reported using similar behaviour change techniques to promote non-treatment physical activity and encourage adherence to rehabilitation exercises. The variability in behaviour change technique use suggests the behaviour the physiotherapist is promoting influences their behaviour change technique choice. Including the frequently-used behaviour change techniques in non-treatment physical activity promotion interventions might improve their efficacy. © 2018 Sports Medicine Australia
The self-reported factors that influence Australian physiotherapists’ choice to promote non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions
- Authors: Kunstler, Breanne , Cook, Jill , Kemp, Joanne , O'Halloran, Paul , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 22, no. 3 (2019), p. 275-280
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- Description: Objectives: To determine the factors that influence physiotherapists’ choice to promote non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Design: Cross sectional survey. Methods: A national, online self report survey was targeted at Australian registered physiotherapists primarily treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions in private practice and outpatient settings. Likert scale questions were used to measure the factors influencing non-treatment physical activity promotion by physiotherapists. Results: Two hundred and sixteen full responses were received. Most (56.6%) respondents irregularly promoted non-treatment physical activity, whereas 43.4% always promoted non-treatment physical activity. Promotion of non-treatment physical activity was bivariately associated with respondents’ own physical activity level (x2[2] = 7.670, p = 0.022) and exercise science education (x2[1] = 4.613, p = 0.032). Multivariable analysis identified that Knowledge (knowing how to promote non-treatment physical activity) (OR = 1.60, 95%CI 1.026–2.502), Goals (other patient problems are more important) (OR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.424–0.897) and Innovation (compatibility of non-treatment physical activity promotion with the clinical environment) (OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.027–2.985) were significantly and independently associated with non-treatment physical activity promotion. Conclusions: The majority of surveyed Australian physiotherapists irregularly promoted non-treatment physical activity. Lack of knowledge of how to promote non-treatment physical activity, prioritising other patient problems before non-treatment physical activity promotion and using promotion methods that are not compatible with current practice might reduce non-treatment physical activity promotion frequency by physiotherapists.
"...like you're pushing the snowball back up hill"-the experiences of Australian physiotherapists promoting non-treatment physical activity : A qualitative study
- Authors: Kunstler, Breanne , O'Halloran, Paul , Cook, Jill , Kemp, Joanne , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aims Medical Science Vol. 5, no. 3 (2018), p. 224-237
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- Description: Participating in physical activity is important for maintaining general health. When physiotherapists promote physical activity for the purposes of maintaining or improving a patient’s general health, they are promoting non-treatment physical activity. Physiotherapists have a responsibility to promote non-treatment physical activity to their patients while also providing the patient with treatment for their presenting complaint. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Australian physiotherapists promoting non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Ten Australian physiotherapists treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions in private practice and outpatient settings were recruited using a social media campaign and snowballing. All interviewees received one $AU20 gift card for participating. Sixty-minute semi-structured interviews were conducted and were transcribed verbatim. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to design the interview guide and analyse data. Transcripts were used to identify emergent and superordinate themes. Most interviewees were female, aged between 25–34 years, physically active and reported promoting NTPA. The superordinate themes that emerged from the transcripts included: Internal and external influences on NTPA promotion, approach taken by the physiotherapist towards NTPA promotion, challenges experienced when promoting NTPA, and skills and training. In conclusion, physiotherapists reported they were well-placed to promote NTPA, but they face many challenges. The perceived inability to motivate patients to become physically active and the need to prioritise patient expectations of hands-on therapy made NTPA promotion difficult. Workplace specific factors, such as having an open-plan clinic environment and having other staff who promote NTPA, were perceived to make NTPA promotion easier. Using effective marketing strategies that portray the physiotherapy clinic as a physically active environment might see patients expect NTPA promotion, making NTPA promotion easier for Australian physiotherapists in the future.
Physiotherapists use a small number of behaviour change techniques when promoting physical activity : A systematic review comparing experimental and observational studies
- Authors: Kunstler, Breanne , Cook, Jill , Freene, Nicole , Finch, Caroline , Kemp, Joanne , O'Halloran, Paul , Gaida, James
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 21, no. 6 (2018), p. 609-615
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- Description: Objectives: Physiotherapists promote physical activity as part of their practice. This study reviewed the behaviour change techniques physiotherapists use when promoting physical activity in experimental and observational studies. Design: Systematic review of experimental and observational studies. Methods: Twelve databases were searched using terms related to physiotherapy and physical activity. We included experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of physiotherapist-led physical activity interventions delivered to adults in clinic-based private practice and outpatient settings to individuals with, or at risk of, non-communicable diseases. Observational studies reporting the techniques physiotherapists use when promoting physical activity were also included. The behaviour change techniques used in all studies were identified using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy. The behaviour change techniques appearing in efficacious and inefficacious experimental interventions were compared using a narrative approach. Results: Twelve studies (nine experimental and three observational) were retained from the initial search yield of 4141. Risk of bias ranged from low to high. Physiotherapists used seven behaviour change techniques in the observational studies, compared to 30 behaviour change techniques in the experimental studies. Social support (unspecified) was the most frequently identified behaviour change technique across both settings. Efficacious experimental interventions used more behaviour change techniques (n = 29) and functioned in more ways (n = 6) than did inefficacious experimental interventions (behaviour change techniques = 10 and functions = 1). Conclusions: Physiotherapists use a small number of behaviour change techniques. Less behaviour change techniques were identified in observational studies compared to experimental studies, suggesting physiotherapists use less BCTs clinically than experimentally.
The association between physical activity and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults
- Authors: Robins, Lauren , Hill, Keith , Finch, Caroline , Clemson, Lindy , Haines, Terry
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 22, no. 2 (2018), p. 175-182
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: Objectives: Social isolation is an increasing concern in older community-dwelling adults. There is growing need to determine effective interventions addressing social isolation. This study aimed to determine whether a relationship exists between physical activity (recreational and/or household-based) and social isolation. An examination was conducted for whether group- or home-based falls prevention exercise was associated with social isolation. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of telephone survey data was used to investigate relationships between physical activity, health, age, gender, living arrangements, ethnicity and participation in group- or home-based falls prevention exercise on social isolation. Univariable and multivariable ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Factors found to be significantly associated with reduced social isolation in multivariable analysis included living with a partner/spouse, reporting better general health, higher levels of household-based physical activity (OR = 1.03, CI = 1.01–1.05) and feeling less downhearted/depressed. Being more socially isolated was associated with symptoms of depression and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (pseudo R2 = 0.104). Discussion: Findings suggest that household-based physical activity is related to social isolation in community-dwelling older adults. Further research is required to determine the nature of this relationship and to investigate the impact of group physical activity interventions on social isolation.
A comprehensive observational audit tool for use in Australian fitness facilities
- Authors: Gray, Shannon , Sekendiz, Betul , Norton, Kevin , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science Vol. 18, no. 4 (2017), p. 306-317
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
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- Description: A purposely designed observational audit tool (OAT) was developed following review of literature and international standards/guidelines for fitness facilities. The OAT was trialled to assess the physical environment of a sample of fitness facilities and determine its inter-rater reliability. Ten Victorian fitness facilities were visited to test the tool's inter-rater reliability, then 22 metropolitan and regional facilities in Victoria ranging in size and type were audited. A high degree of reliability was found (inter-rater reliability κ = 0.659 (p < 0.005); 95% CI (0.633, 0.685)); intra-class correlation = 0.985 (F474,948 = 67.226, p < 0.005, 95% CI (0.983, 0.987)). On average, facilities were colder and darker than international standards/guidelines specified. Distances around cardiovascular equipment varied between facilities. Free equipment was observed lying on floors in 66% (n = 21) of facilities. Twenty-seven facilities had signs instructing users to replace weights after use (66%). Only 19 (59%) facilities enforced towel use; however, 94% (n = 30) had disinfectant stations. The auditing of fitness facilities indicates more should be done at facilities to reduce injury risk. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Does action follow intention with participation in home and group-based falls prevention exercise programs? An exploratory, prospective, observational study
- Authors: Haines, Terry , Hill, Keith , Vu, Trang , Clemson, Lindy , Finch, Caroline , Day, Lesley
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Vol. 64, no. (2016), p. 151-161
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: Background: Exercise for falls prevention is effective but of limited uptake in real life. The link between intention and behavior is central to many health-behavior models, but has not been examined in the falls prevention exercise context. Objective: This study examines this relationship and prospectively identifies factors associated with participation in group and home-based falls prevention exercise. Design: This was an observational study of community-dwelling adults in Australia >70 years of age with a 12 month follow-up (n = 394 commenced baseline assessment, n = 247 commenced follow-up). Methods: Intention, and other potential predictive factors examined, were measured at baseline while participation was measured using self-report at 12 month follow-up. Results: Between 65% and 72% of our sample at baseline agreed or strongly agreed they would participate in the falls prevention exercise programs. n = 27 respondents participated in home-based exercise during follow-up and had intention to do so while n = 29 who participated did not have intention. In contrast, n = 43 respondents participated in group exercise and had intention to do so compared to 11 who participated but did not intend to at baseline. Perception of personal effectiveness and previous exposure to the exercise intervention were most strongly predictive of future participation. Conclusion: More people who do not want to participate in home exercise actually participate in home exercise than people who do not want to participate in group exercise that actually do. It may be easier to convince people who do not want to participate in falls prevention exercise to participate in a home program. © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Analysis of interrupted time-series relating to statewide sports injury data
- Authors: Akram, Muhammad , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Epidemiologist Vol. 22, no. 1 (2015), p. 29-31
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- Description: This study aims to present a new approach towards the analysis of intervention time-series studies in the context of sports-related injury data. We used Victoria-wide hospital admission injury data associated with the sport of Australian football during the period 2006 to 2013. To estimate the state-wide effect of an implemented exercise training intervention that aimed to reduce the number of football-related injuries, time-series analysis was performed using a generalised least square (GLS) method. We show how the GLS method can be used to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Trend and seasonal patterns time series were also assessed using the 'Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess' nonparametric seasonal decomposition procedure. The model identified a decreasing trend in the seasonally adjusted number of injuries after the implementation of the intervention in the hospital admission data. The seasonal decomposition plots also indicate strong seasonal patterns in the injury time series.
The causes of injuries sustained at fitness facilities presenting to Victorian emergency departments - identifying the main culprits
- Authors: Gray, Shannon , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Epidemiology Vol. 2, no. 1 (2015), p. 1-8
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- Description: BACKGROUND: Fitness facilities provide an avenue to engage in physical activity, which is widely encouraged to improve health. However, there is risk of injury. This study aimed to identify the specific causes of injuries sustained at fitness facilities and the activity being participated in, to aid in the development of injury prevention strategies. METHODS: Analysis of routinely collected emergency department case-series data were obtained from July 1999 to June 2013. Fitness activity-related injury cases were identified from narratives of injury events, with narrative information recoded into cause of injury and activity at time of injury categories. Recoded data were then analysed. RESULTS: Overall, 2,873 cases were identified that specified the exact cause of injury associated with injuries that occurred at fitness facilities. Injuries due to overexertion were most common overall (36.2% of all cases), as well as the main cause of injuries related to general free weight activities (52.6% of this activity) and group exercise classes (35.9%). Crush injuries due to falling weights were common for all free weight activities. Falls and awkward landings were common causes of injuries during group exercise classes (28.5% and 25.8%, respectively). Trips and falls were common throughout facilities, as well as from cardiovascular equipment more specifically. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed information on the causes of injuries allows the development of injury prevention strategies for fitness facilities and fitness activities. Facilities should implement risk management strategies to reduce the risk of injuries in their clientele, based on the identified major causes of injury in this study.
What are the characteristics of home exercise programs that older adults prefer? A cross-sectional study
- Authors: Simek, Emily , McPhate, Lucy , Hill, Keith , Finch, Caroline , Day, Lesley , Haines, Terry
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Vol. 94, no. 7 (2015), p. 508-521
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: Objective The aim of this study was to examine the preferences of older adults toward the structure and delivery of home exercise programs for the prevention of falls as well as the perceived benefits of and barriers to program adherence. Methods A two-wave cross-sectional telephone survey of community-dwelling older adults was conducted in Victoria, Australia. Respondents were categorized as current, previous, or nonparticipants of a home exercise program in the last 6 yrs. Thematic analysis of open-response questions examining the preferences of current and previous participants toward participation in, and delivery of, home exercise programs for falls preventions was performed. Results A total of 245 respondents completed the follow-up survey. The respondents were classified as current (n = 54), previous (n = 22), or nonparticipants (n = 169) of a home exercise program in the last 6 yrs. Program adherence was influenced by the perceived effect of programs on physical and mental health, participant autonomy, and how well the program structure complemented individual exercise and lifestyle preferences. Conclusions Adherence to home exercise programs for falls prevention is influenced by personal preferences toward program structure and delivery as well as perceived benefits of and barriers to program participation. To optimize participant adherence, service providers need to consider personal preferences and some flexibility in the program being delivered.
A systematic review of core implementation components in team ball sport injury prevention trials
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 20, no. 5 (2014), p.357-362
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
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- Description: Abstract BACKGROUND: Recently, the use of specific exercise programmes to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in team ball sports has gained considerable attention, and the results of large-scale, randomised controlled trials have supported their efficacy. To enhance the translation of these interventions into widespread use, research trials must be reported in a way that allows the players, staff and policymakers associated with sports teams to implement these interventions effectively. In particular, information is needed on core implementation components, which represent the essential and indispensable aspects of successful implementation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the extent to which team ball sport injury prevention trial reports have reported the core implementation components of the intervention, the intervention target and the use of any delivery agents (ie, staff or other personnel delivering the intervention). To summarise which specific types of intervention, intervention target and delivery agents are reported. To develop consensus between reviewers on the reporting of these components. METHODS: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for English-language, peer-reviewed papers on injury prevention exercise programme (IPEP) trials in team ball sports. The reporting of all eligible trials was assessed by two independent reviewers. The reporting of the three core implementation components were coded as 'yes', 'no' or 'unclear'. For cases coded as 'yes', the specific types of interventions, intervention targets and delivery agents were extracted and summarised. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 52 eligible trials. The intervention and the intervention target were reported in all 52 trials. The reporting of 25 trials (48%) specified the use of delivery agents, the reporting of three trials (6%) specified not using delivery agents, and in the reporting of the remaining 24 trials (46%) the use of delivery agents was unclear. The reported intervention type was an IPEP alone in 43 trials (83%), education/instruction in how to deliver an IPEP in three trials (6%) and multiple types of interventions (including an IPEP) in six trials (12%). Players were the most commonly reported intervention target (88%, n=46), followed by multiple targets (8%, n=4) and coaches (4%, n=2). Of the 25 trials for which delivery agents were reported, 13 (52%) reported a single type of delivery agent and 12 (48%) multiple types. The types of delivery agents reported included coaches, physiotherapists, athletic trainers and team captains. CONCLUSIONS: The current reporting of core implementation components in team ball sport IPEP trials is inadequate. In many trial reports, it is unclear whether researchers delivered the IPEP directly to players themselves or engaged delivery agents (eg, coaches, physiotherapists, athletic trainers) to deliver the programme. When researchers do interact with delivery agents, the education/instruction of delivery agents should be acknowledged as an intervention component and the delivery agents as an intervention target. Detailed reporting of implementation components in team ball sport IPEP trials will facilitate the successful replication of these interventions by intended users in practice and by researchers in other studies.
Changes in muscle activation following balance and technique training and a season of Australian football
- Authors: Donnelly, Cyril , Elliott, Bruce , Doyle, Tim , Finch, Caroline , Dempsey, Alasdair , Lloyd, David
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 18, no. 3 (2014), p.348-352
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: Objectives: Determine if balance and technique training implemented adjunct to 1001 male Australian football players' training influenced the activation/strength of the muscles crossing the knee during pre-planned and unplanned sidestepping. Design: Randomized Control Trial. Methods: Each Australian football player participated in either 28 weeks of balance and technique training or 'sham' training. Twenty-eight Australian football players (balance and technique training, n = 12; 'sham' training, n = 16) completed biomechanical testing pre-to-post training. Peak knee moments and directed co-contraction ratios in three degrees of freedom, as well as total muscle activation were calculated during pre-planned and unplanned sidestepping. Results: No significant differences in muscle activation/strength were observed between the 'sham' training and balance and technique training groups. Following a season of Australian football, knee extensor (p = 0.023) and semimembranosus (p = 0.006) muscle activation increased during both pre-planned sidestepping and unplanned sidestepping. Following a season of Australian football, total muscle activation was 30% lower and peak valgus knee moments 80% greater (p = 0.022) during unplanned sidestepping when compared with pre-planned sidestepping. Conclusions: When implemented in a community level training environment, balance and technique training was not effective in changing the activation of the muscles crossing the knee during sidestepping. Following a season of Australian football, players are better able to support both frontal and sagittal plane knee moments. When compared to pre-planned sidestepping, Australian football players may be at increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury during unplanned sidestepping in the latter half of an Australian football season.
Investigation of older adults’ participation in exercises following completion of a state-wide survey targeting evidence-based falls prevention strategies
- Authors: Lee, Den-Ching , Day, Lesley , Finch, Caroline , Hill, Keith , Clemson, Lindy , McDermott, Fiona , Haines, Terry
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Vol.23, no.2 (2014), p.256-263
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: This paper examines whether involvement in an observational study may prompt participants to change their exercise behaviors. Data was collected from 394 older community dwellers in Victoria, Australia using a baseline survey, and 245 of these participated in a follow-up survey one year later. Survey domains were drawn from constructs of relevant health behavior models. Results showed that the proportion of respondents who were currently participating in exercises to prevent falls at follow-up was 12% higher than at baseline (Wilcoxon p value<0.001). Twenty-nine percent reported they had changed their perceptions about falls and their risk of falls, with comments focused on threat appraisal. Forty-four percent reported having taken strategies to reduce their risk of falling, with comments based on implementation of different preventive strategies. Respondents who held favorable views towards exercises for the prevention of falls appear to change their behaviors that might address falls when participating in observational studies.
Legal risk management and injury in the fitness industry: the outcomes of focus group research and a national survey of fitness professionals
- Authors: Keyzer, Patrick , Coyle, Ian , Dietrich, Joachim , Norton, Kevin , Sekendiz, Betul , Jones, Veronica , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Law and Medicine Vol. 21, no. 4 (June 2014 2014), p. 826-844
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- Description: The Australian Fitness Industry Risk Management (AFIRM) Project was set up to explore the operation of rules and regulations for the delivery of safe fitness services. This article summarises the results of recent focus group research and a national survey of risk management practices by the AFIRM Project. Our focus group research in four States identified the following most important concerns: (1) the competency of fitness professionals; (2) the effectiveness of pre-exercise screening and the management of de-conditioned clients; (3) poor supervision of fitness service users and incorrect use of equipment; (4) fitness trainers failing to remain within their scope of practice; (5) equipment misuse (as distinct from incorrect use); and (6) poor fitness training environments. This information was then used to develop 45 specific items for a questionnaire that was disseminated throughout the fitness industry. The survey, which is the largest ever conducted in the Australian fitness industry (n = 1,178), identified similar concerns. Our research indicates that efforts to improve risk management in the fitness industry should focus, first and foremost, on the development and monitoring of safety policy, and improvements in the education and training of fitness instructors to ensure that they can incorporate risk management practices.
- Description: C1
Priorities for investment in injury prevention in community Australian football
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Gabbe, Belinda , White, Peta , Lloyd, David , Twomey, Dara , Donaldson, Alex , Elliott, Bruce , Cook, Jill
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical journal of sport medicine Vol. 23, no. 6 (November 2013 2013), p. 430-438
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
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- Description: Objective:High-quality sport-specific information about the nature, type, cause, and frequency of injuries is needed to set injury prevention priorities. This article describes the type, nature, and mechanism of injuries in community Australian Football (community AF) players, as collected through field-based monitoring of injury in teams of players.Data Sources:Compilation of published prospectively collected injury data from 3 studies in junior community AF (1202 injuries in 1950+ players) and 3 studies in adult community AF (1765 injuries in 2265 players). This was supplemented with previously unpublished data from the most recent adult community AF injury cohort study conducted in 2007 to 2008. Injuries were ranked according to most common body regions, nature of injury, and mechanism.Main Results:In all players, lower limb injuries were the most frequent injury in community AF and were generally muscle strains, joint sprains, and superficial injuries. These injuries most commonly resulted from incidental contact with other players, or from overexertion. Upper limb injuries were less common but included fractures, strains, and sprains that were generally caused by incidental contact between players and the result of players falling to the ground.Conclusions:Lower limb injuries are common in community AF and could have an adverse impact on sustained participation in the game. Based on what is known about their mechanisms, it is likely that a high proportion of lower limb injuries could be prevented and they should therefore be a priority for injury prevention in community AF.
Exercise for falls prevention in older people : Assessing the knowledge of exercise science students
- Authors: Sturnieks, Daina , Finch, Caroline , Close, Jacqueline , Tiedemann, Anne , Lord, Stephen , Pascoe, Deborah
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 13, no. 1 (2010), p. 59-64
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: Participation in appropriate exercise can help reduce the risk of falls and falls injury in older people. Delivery of population-level exercise interventions requires an expert workforce with skills in development and delivery of group exercise programs and prescription of individually targeted exercise. This study assessed the current knowledge of university exercise science students (as future exercise professionals) across different levels of study. A structured survey designed to assess knowledge in relation to falls in older people and exercise prescription for falls prevention was administered during second, third and fourth year lectures in seven Australian universities. Students' knowledge was assessed as the percent of correct responses. Overall, 566 students completed the survey and knowledge levels increased significantly with study year. Mean knowledge levels were significantly <70%, indicating limited knowledge. They were lowest for falls risk factor questions and highest for issue/cost related questions in second and third year students. Fourth year students had best knowledge about falls interventions and this was the only group and topic with a mean score >70%. In conclusion, knowledge about falls and exercise prescription for falls prevention in current students does not meet a desired competency level of 70% and is therefore insufficient to ensure an adequately equipped future workforce in this area. There is a clear need for the development and widespread delivery of an evidence-based "exercise for falls prevention" curriculum module for exercise professionals. © 2009 Sports Medicine Australia.
Modelling the population-level impact of tai-chi on falls and fall-related injury among community-dwelling older people
- Authors: Day, Lesley , Finch, Caroline , Harrison, James , Hoareau, Effie , Segal, Leonie , Ullah, Shahid
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 16, no. 5 (2010), p. 321-326
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objective: To model the population level impact of tai-chi on future rates of falls and fall-related injury in older people as a tool for policy development. Design: An epidemiological and economic model for estimating population-level effectiveness of tai-chi. Setting: Australia, 2009. Patients or subjects: Australian community-dwelling population aged 70+ years, ambulatory and without debilitating conditions or profound visual defects. Intervention: Group-based tai-chi, for 1 h twice weekly for 26 weeks, assuming no sustained effect beyond the intervention period. Main outcome measure: Total falls and fall-related hospitalisation prevented in 2009. Results: Population-wide tai-chi delivery would prevent an estimated 5440 falls and 109 fall-related hospitalisations, resulting in a 0.18% reduction in the fall related hospital admission rate for community-dwelling older people. The gross costs per fall and per fall-related hospital admission prevented were $ A4414 ((sic)3013) and $A220 712 ((sic)150 684), respectively. A total investment of $A24.01 million ((sic)16.39 million), equivalent to 4.2% of the cost of fall-related episodes of hospital care in 2003/4, would be required to provide tai-chi for 31 998 people and achieve this effect. Conclusions: Substantial investment in, and high population uptake of, tai-chi would be required to have a large effect on falls and fall-related hospitalisation rates. Although not accounted for in this study, investment in tai-chi is likely to be associated with additional significant health benefits beyond falls prevention. This approach could be applied to other interventions to assist selection of the most cost effective falls-prevention portfolio for Australia and other countries.
What do users of multi-purpose recreation facilities think about safety at those facilities?
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Donaldson, Alex , Otago, Leonie , Mahoney, Mary
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sport Health Vol. 27, no. 3 (2009), p. 31-35
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: The multi-purpose recreation facilities (MPRF) users' perceptions of the safety-related policies and practices within those facilities are discussed. Some of the measures that can be applied by MPRF managers and others to promote safety in these facilities are highlighted.
- Description: 2003008196