Elite junior Australian football players experience significantly different loads across levels of competition and training modes
- Authors: Lathlean, Timothy , Gastin, Paul , Newstead, Stuart , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 32, no. 7 (2018), p. 2031-2038
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- Description: Lathlean, TJH, Gastin, PB, Newstead, S, and Finch, CF. Elite junior Australian football players experience significantly different loads across levels of competition and training modes. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2031-2038, 2018-Well-developed physical qualities such as high jumping ability, running endurance, acceleration, and speed can help aspiring junior elite Australian football (AF) players transition to the Australian Football League competition. To do so, players need to experience sufficient load to enhance their physical resilience without increasing their risk of negative outcomes in terms of impaired wellness or injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in load for different levels of competition and training modes across one competitive season. Elite junior AF players (n = 562, aged 17.7 ± 0.3, range: 16-18 years) were recruited from 9 teams across the under-18 state league competition in Victoria. All players recorded their training and match intensities according to the session rating of perceived exertion method. Training sessions were categorized according to skills, strength, conditioning, and other activities, whereas matches were identified according to level of competition. The loads in U18 state league matches (656.7 ± 210.9 au) were significantly higher (p = 0.027) than those in school matches (643.3 ± 260.9 au) and those in U18 representative matches (617.2 ± 175.4). Players, who undertook more than one match per week, experienced significantly less load in subsequent matches (p < 0.001). Furthermore, U18 state league training sessions carried the most load when compared with other training modes. This article highlights that different combinations of training and match involvement affect overall player load, which may predispose players to negative outcomes such as impaired wellness or increased injury risk.
Emergency preparedness in fitness facilities : Bridging the gap between policy and practice
- Authors: Sekendiz, Betul , Norton, Kevin , Keyzer, Patrick , Dietrich, Joachim , Coyle, Ian , Gray, Shannon , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management Vol. 8, no. 1 (2018), p. 71-85
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Fitness facilities are an important contributor to economies through preventative health policies of governments. Therefore, it is crucial that they are capable of ensuring the health and safety of their users during emergency situations under relevant work health and safety (WHS) legislation. This study aimed to analyse emergency response preparedness in fitness facilities in Australia and develop evidence-based strategic recommendations, using a mixed methods approach. An onsite observational audit tool and in-depth interviews were conducted at a sample of regional and metropolitan fitness facilities. The results showed that fitness facilities showed a lack of operational emergency response practices that requires an integrated approach to risk management by fitness facility operators. This gap between policy and practice has significant implications for all stakeholders involved in fitness service provision, including government agencies, academia and industry governing organisations.
Epidemiology of injuries in women playing competitive team bat-or-stick sports : A systematic review and a meta-analysis
- Authors: Panagodage Perera, Nirmala , Joseph, Corey , Kemp, Joanne , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 48, no. 3 (2018), p. 617-640
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background: Team bat-or-stick sports, including cricket, softball and hockey, are popular among women. However, little is known about the injury profile in this population. Objective: The aim was to describe the incidence, nature and anatomical location of injuries in bat-or-stick sports played by women in a competitive league. Methods: This review was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42015026715). CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus were systematically searched from January 2000 to September 2016, inclusive. Peer-reviewed original research articles reporting the incidence, nature and anatomical location of injuries sustained by women aged 18 + years in competitive bat-or-stick sports were included. Two meta-analyses based on injury incidence proportions (injury IP) and injury rates per 1000 person-days of athletic exposure (AE) were performed. Results: A total of 37 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, and five had low risk of bias. The weighted injury IP was 0.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39–0.45]. The weighted injury rate was 6.12 (95% CI 6.05–6.18) overall, and greater in games [15.79 (95% CI 15.65–15.93)] than in practice [3.07 (95% CI 2.99–3.15)]. The ankle was the most commonly injured anatomical location, followed by the hand (including wrist and fingers), knee and head. Soft tissue and ligament injuries were most common types of injuries. Conclusion: Injury prevention in women’s sports is a novel and emerging field of research interest. This review highlights that injury incidence is high among female bat-or-stick players, but little information is known about direct causal mechanisms. This review clearly establishes the need for enhancements to injury data collection. Without this information, it will not be possible to develop evidence-based injury prevention interventions. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.
Guidance for sports injury surveillance : The 20-year influence of the australian sports injury data dictionary
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Staines, Carolyn
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 24, no. 5 (2018), p. 372-380
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- Description: Background Injury prevention requires information about how, why, where and when injuries occur. The Australian Sports Injury Data Dictionary (ASIDD) was developed to guide sports injury data collection and reporting. Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) disseminated associated data collection forms and an online tool to practitioners and the sports community. This paper assesses the long-term value, usefulness and relevance of the ASIDD and SMA tools. Methods A systematic search strategy identified both peer-reviewed and grey literature that used the ASIDD and/or the SMA tools, during 1997-2016. A text-based search was conducted within 10 electronic databases, as well as a Google Image search for the SMA tools. Documents were categorised according to ASIDD use as: (1) collected injury data; (2) informed data coding; (3) developed an injury data collection tool and/or (4) reference only. Results Of the 36 peer-reviewed articles, 83% directly referred to ASIDD and 17% mentioned SMA tools. ASIDD was mainly used for data coding (42%), reference (36%), data collection (17%) or resource development (14%). In contrast, 86% of 66 grey literature sources referenced, used or modified the SMA data collection forms. Conclusions The ASIDD boasts a long history of use and relevance. Its ongoing use by practitioners has been facilitated by the ready availability of specific data collection forms by SMA for them to apply to directly their settings. Injury prevention practitioners can be strongly engaged in injury surveillance activities when formal guidance is supported by user-friendly tools directly relevant to their settings and practice. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018.
Infographic : We have the programme, what next? Developing a plan of action to implement injury prevention exercise programmes in community sport
- Authors: Bekker, Sheree , Donaldson, Alex , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British journal of sports medicine Vol. 52, no. 22 (2018), p. 1419-1420
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Exercise programmes to prevent injuries, such as lower-limb injuries that are common in community Australian Football
Injuries in Australian rules football : An overview of injury rates, patterns, and mechanisms across all levels of play
- Authors: Saw, Richard , Finch, Caroline , Samra, David , Baquie, Peter , Cardoso, Tanusha , Hope, Danielle , Orchard, John
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Health Vol. 10, no. 3 (2018), p. 208-216
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- Description: Context: The nature of Australian rules football (Australian football) predisposes both unique and common injuries compared with those sustained in other football codes. The game involves a combination of tackling, kicking, high-speed running (more than other football codes), and jumping. Two decades of injury surveillance has identified common injuries at the professional level (Australian Football League [AFL]). Objective: To provide an overview of injuries in Australian rules football, including injury rates, patterns, and mechanisms across all levels of play. Study Design: A narrative review of AFL injuries, football injury epidemiology, and biomechanical and physiological attributes of relevant injuries. Results: The overall injury incidence in the 2015 season was 41.7 injuries per club per season, with a prevalence of 156.2 missed games per club per season. Lower limb injuries are most prevalent, with hamstring strains accounting for 19.1 missed games per club per season. Hamstring strains relate to the volume of high-speed running required in addition to at times having to collect the ball while running in a position of hip flexion and knee extension. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are also prevalent and can result from contact and noncontact incidents. In the upper limb, shoulder sprains and dislocations account for 11.5 missed games per club per season and largely resulted from tackling and contact. Concussion is less common in AFL than other tackling sports but remains an important injury, which has notably become more prevalent in recent years, theorized to be due to a more conservative approach to management. Although there are less injury surveillance data for non-AFL players (women, community-level, children), many of these injuries appear to also be common across all levels of play. Clinical Relevance: An understanding of injury profiles and mechanisms in Australian football is crucial in identifying methods to reduce injury risk and prepare players for the demands of the game. © 2017,
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
- Full Text: false
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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.
Sports injuries in Victoria, 2012-13 to 2014-15 : Evidence from emergency department records
- Authors: Fernando, Tharanga , Berecki-Gisolf, Janneke , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Journal of Australia Vol. 208, no. 6 (2018), p. 255-260
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objectives: To report the incidence of presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Victoria for sport-and active recreation-related injuries; to establish which sports have the highest rates of injury per participant; to assess the effects of age and sport type on the rate of serious sport injury (resulting in admission to hospital). Design, setting and participants: Retrospective analysis of 171 541 ED presentations to 38 Victorian hospitals, 2012-13 to 2014-15. Sports-and active recreation-related injuries in people aged 5 years or more were identified from coded data and by text searches. Main outcome measures: Population rates of injuries by sport and ranking of sports by per participant injury rates (for people aged 15 years or more); proportions of presenting patients subsequently admitted to hospital (serious sport injuries) (for people aged 5 years or more). Results: During 2012-13 to 2014-15, there were 171 541 presentations to EDs with sports-related injuries. Sports most commonly associated with presentation by people aged 15 years or more were Australian football, motor sports, and cycling/ BMX; the highest per participant injury rates (people aged 15 or more) were for motor sports, rugby, and skateboarding/inline hockey/roller sports. 11% of ED patients aged 5 years or more were subsequently admitted to hospital; the odds of admission were highest for those with injuries from motor sports, horse riding, or cycling/BMX. Conclusions: Assessing sports injury rates corrected for participation rates and evaluating the relative severity of injuries is important for monitoring safety. Our findings can assist decisions about which sports should be the focus of injury prevention efforts.
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
- Full Text: false
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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.
The fallacy of amelioration: Thinking through knowledge translation in sport and exercise medicine
- Authors: Bekker, Sheree , Paliadelis, Penny , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Translational sports medicine Vol. 1, no. 4 (2018), p. 166-171
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Knowledge Translation, as a component of implementation science, has seen extensive popularization in Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) over recent years. However, in seeking better and more influential outcomes, much of SEM appears to be following Knowledge Translation fashion and fad, over ensuring function and form. This has meant that key concepts in Knowledge Translation have been conflated, the work oversimplified, and potential outcomes overhyped. In this manuscript, Knowledge Translation is, first, defined as a process. Next, we show how oversimplified versions of Knowledge Translation rely on the “fallacy of amelioration,” with problematic consequences and unintended outcomes. Finally, we move to rethinking Knowledge Translation in SEM by showing how the field can move forward through embracing Knowledge Translation as a complex process to maximize the influence and impact of its work.
The inter-tester reliability of the squeeze and bent-knee-fall-out tests in elite academy football players
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Santner, Emanuel , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Physical Therapy in Sport Vol. 34, no. (2018), p. 8-13
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objectives: To evaluate the inter-tester reliability of two common tests for assessing hip and groin injuries, using a protocol closely reflecting normal clinical conditions. Design: Same-session, single-trial, inter-tester reliability study. Setting: Elite European football academy. Participants: Two testers and fifty-eight football players aged 14–21 years. Main outcome measures: Inter-tester reliability of the squeeze (in approximately 45° hip flexion) and bent-knee-fall-out (BKFO) tests, evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (two-way mixed, single measure) and minimal detectable change. Results: Both tests demonstrated excellent inter-tester reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87–0.95) for the squeeze test, 0.91 (95% CI: 0.67–0.96) for the BKFO test on the right side and 0.92 (95% CI 0.87–0.95) for BKFO on the left side. The minimal detectable changes were 7.21 mmHg for the squeeze test, 0.95 cm and 0.75 cm for BKFO (right) and BKFO (left) respectively. Conclusion: The squeeze and the BKFO tests demonstrated excellent inter-tester reliability in elite academy football players, using a protocol reflective of normal clinical conditions.
'VisionZero': Is it achievable for rugby-related catastrophic injuries in South Africa?
- Authors: Brown, James , Viljoen, Wayne , Readhead, Clint , Baerecke, Gail , Lambert, Mike , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 51, no. 15 (2017), p. 1106-1107
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text: false
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- Description: The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund (CBPJPF) was founded by Morne Du Plessis when his provincial rugby teammate—Chris Burger—was fatally injured during a match (www.playersfund.org.za). The CBPJPF aims to assist all seriously injured rugby players through donations made by individuals and organisations, including SA RUGBY. These seriously injured players form the CBPJPF ‘membership’ who often mention their appreciation for this lifeline. However, the founding member of the CBPJPF—Morne Du Plessis—is quick to say ‘we don’t want any new members’.5
A call to capture fatalities in consensus statements for sports injury/illness surveillance
- Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Kucera, Kristen , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Editorial
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 51, no. 14 (2017), p. 1052-1053
- Full Text: false
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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
- Full Text: false
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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.
A framework for the etiology of running-related injuries
- Authors: Bertelsen, Michael , Hulme, Adam , Petersen, Jesper , Brund, Rene , Sørensen, Henrik , Finch, Caroline , Parner, Erik , Nielsen, Rasmus
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports Vol. 27, no. 11 (2017), p. 1170-1180
- Full Text: false
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- Description: The etiology of running-related injury is important to consider as the effectiveness of a given running-related injury prevention intervention is dependent on whether etiologic factors are readily modifiable and consistent with a biologically plausible causal mechanism. Therefore, the purpose of the present article was to present an evidence-informed conceptual framework outlining the multifactorial nature of running-related injury etiology. In the framework, four mutually exclusive parts are presented: (a) Structure-specific capacity when entering a running session; (b) structure-specific cumulative load per running session; (c) reduction in the structure-specific capacity during a running session; and (d) exceeding the structure-specific capacity. The framework can then be used to inform the design of future running-related injury prevention studies, including the formation of research questions and hypotheses, as well as the monitoring of participation-related and non-participation-related exposures. In addition, future research applications should focus on addressing how changes in one or more exposures influence the risk of running-related injury. This necessitates the investigation of how different factors affect the structure-specific load and/or the load capacity, and the dose-response relationship between running participation and injury risk. Ultimately, this direction allows researchers to move beyond traditional risk factor identification to produce research findings that are not only reliably reported in terms of the observed cause-effect association, but also translatable in practice. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Back to basics with some new tools : First ensure the safety of sporting environments
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Brown, James , Readhead, Clint , Lambert, Mike , Viljoen, Wayne
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Editorial
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 51, no. 15 (2017), p. 1109-1110
- Full Text: false
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Closing Pandora's Box : Adapting a systems ergonomics methodology for better understanding the ecological complexity underpinning the development and prevention of running-related injury
- Authors: Hulme, Adam , Salmon, Paul , Nielsen, Rasmus , Read, Gemma , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science Vol. 18, no. 4 (2017), p. 338-359
- Full Text: false
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- Description: The popularity of running as a form of exercise continues to increase dramatically worldwide. Alongside this participation growth is the burden of running-related injury (RRI). Over the past four decades, traditional scientific research applications have primarily attempted to isolate discrete risk factors for RRI using observational study designs as commonly used in public health epidemiology. Unfortunately, only very few randomised controlled trials have evaluated the efficacy associated with a well-specified RRI prevention intervention. Even though the knowledge about risk factors as generated in observational studies is valuable for better understanding why RRI develops, it nonetheless means that there remains a major knowledge gap about how best to prevent it, especially in a way that fully addresses all causal factors. Alongside the continuing use of traditional scientific approaches, a particular systems ergonomics methodology should also be considered in light of its potential to visualise the complete distance running system. This article adapts the Systems Theoretic Accident Mapping and Processes (STAMP) model to the RRI research prevention context. The direct application of STAMP might offer new knowledge about how to prevent RRI, such as exposing questions around the feasibility of adopting novel injury prevention interventions that do not directly target runners themselves. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Developing a contributing factor classification scheme for Rasmussen's AcciMap : Reliability and validity evaluation
- Authors: Goode, Natassia , Salmon, Paul , Taylor, Natalie , Lenné, Michael , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 64, no. (2017), p. 14-26
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text: false
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- Description: One factor potentially limiting the uptake of Rasmussen's (1997) Accimap method by practitioners is the lack of a contributing factor classification scheme to guide accident analyses. This article evaluates the intra- and inter-rater reliability and criterion-referenced validity of a classification scheme developed to support the use of Accimap by led outdoor activity (LOA) practitioners. The classification scheme has two levels: the system level describes the actors, artefacts and activity context in terms of 14 codes; the descriptor level breaks the system level codes down into 107 specific contributing factors. The study involved 11 LOA practitioners using the scheme on two separate occasions to code a pre-determined list of contributing factors identified from four incident reports. Criterion-referenced validity was assessed by comparing the codes selected by LOA practitioners to those selected by the method creators. Mean intra-rater reliability scores at the system (M = 83.6%) and descriptor (M = 74%) levels were acceptable. Mean inter-rater reliability scores were not consistently acceptable for both coding attempts at the system level (MT1 = 68.8%; M T2 = 73.9%), and were poor at the descriptor level (MT1 = 58.5%; M T2 = 64.1%). Mean criterion referenced validity scores at the system level were acceptable (MT1 = 73.9%; M T2 = 75.3%). However, they were not consistently acceptable at the descriptor level (MT1 = 67.6%; M T2 = 70.8%). Overall, the results indicate that the classification scheme does not currently satisfy reliability and validity requirements, and that further work is required. The implications for the design and development of contributing factors classification schemes are discussed. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
From control to causation : Validating a ‘complex systems model’ of running-related injury development and prevention
- Authors: Hulme, Adam , Salmon, Paul , Nielsen, Rasmus , Read, Gemma , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 65, no. (2017), p. 345-354
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Introduction There is a need for an ecological and complex systems approach for better understanding the development and prevention of running-related injury (RRI). In a previous article, we proposed a prototype model of the Australian recreational distance running system which was based on the Systems Theoretic Accident Mapping and Processes (STAMP) method. That model included the influence of political, organisational, managerial, and sociocultural determinants alongside individual-level factors in relation to RRI development. The purpose of this study was to validate that prototype model by drawing on the expertise of both systems thinking and distance running experts. Materials and methods This study used a modified Delphi technique involving a series of online surveys (December 2016- March 2017). The initial survey was divided into four sections containing a total of seven questions pertaining to different features associated with the prototype model. Consensus in opinion about the validity of the prototype model was reached when the number of experts who agreed or disagreed with survey statement was ≥75% of the total number of respondents. Results A total of two Delphi rounds was needed to validate the prototype model. Out of a total of 51 experts who were initially contacted, 50.9% (n = 26) completed the first round of the Delphi, and 92.3% (n = 24) of those in the first round participated in the second. Most of the 24 full participants considered themselves to be a running expert (66.7%), and approximately a third indicated their expertise as a systems thinker (33.3%). After the second round, 91.7% of the experts agreed that the prototype model was a valid description of the Australian distance running system. Conclusion This is the first study to formally examine the development and prevention of RRI from an ecological and complex systems perspective. The validated model of the Australian distance running system facilitates theoretical advancement in terms of identifying practical system-wide opportunities for the implementation of sustainable RRI prevention interventions. This ‘big picture’ perspective represents the first step required when thinking about the range of contributory causal factors that affect other system elements, as well as runners' behaviours in relation to RRI risk. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Injury prevention exercise programs for professional soccer : Understanding the perceptions of the end-users
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Vol. 27, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-9
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To evaluate the perceptions of professional soccer players and staff members toward injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs). Design: Self-report survey. Setting: Four professional soccer teams in 4 different countries. Participants: 126 players, coaches, physiotherapists, and fitness coaches were invited to participate, with 72 respondents. Main Outcome Measures: Web-based survey detailing perceptions of lower limb (LL) injury susceptibility and seriousness, the value of IPEPs in general, and more specifically the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) 11+. Results: The vast majority of the respondents believed that professional soccer players are at high risk of LL injuries (93%) and that players should perform evidence-based injury prevention exercises (98%). They also agreed that LL injuries can shorten a player's career (85%), cause physical problems later in life (82%), and negatively impact on team performance (77%). However, perceptions varied across teams regarding which types of injury prevention exercises are effective, who holds responsibility for injury prevention, and when IPEPs should be performed. Specific knowledge of the FIFA 11+ was very low and 47% of respondents believed the program would need modification for use in their team. Conclusions: Players and staff members in professional soccer teams strongly support the use of evidence-based IPEPs. However, perceptions vary considerably between teams regarding which exercises can prevent injuries, who holds the responsibility for injury prevention, and when preventive exercises should be performed. Enhancing the ultimate impact of IPEPs in professional soccer requires a detailed understanding of each team's specific implementation context. © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.