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The impact of injury definition on injury surveillance in novice runners

  • Authors: Kluitenberg, Bas , van Middelkoop, Marienke , Verhagen, Evert , Hartgens, Fred , Huisstede, Bionka , Diercks, Ron , van der Worp, Henk
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 19, no. 6 (Jun 2016), p. 470-475
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  • Description: Objectives: Despite several consensus statements, different injury definitions are used in the literature. This study aimed to identify the impact of different injury definitions on the nature and incidence of complaints captured during a short-term running program for novice runners. Methods: 1696 participants completed weekly diaries on running exposure and musculoskeletal complaints during a 6-week running program. These data were used to compare six different injury definitions (presence of running-related pain, training-reduction, time-loss of.one day or one week). Injuries were registered under these different definitions. Consequently incidence and the nature of complaints were compared between definitions. Results: The different injury definitions resulted in incidences that varied between 7.5% and 58.0%, or 18.7 and 239.6 injuries per 1000 h of running. The median duration of injury complaints was 4-7 days for injuries registered under a 'day definition', while complaints registered under a 'week definition' lasted 20-22 days. For running-related pain injuries the median of the maximum amount of pain was 3.0. In training-reduction and time-loss injuries these median values were scored between 5.0 and 7.0. No significant differences in anatomical locations between injuries that were registered under a 'day definition' or a 'week definition' were found. Injuries registered under a time-loss definition were located relatively more often at the knee, while complaints at the pelvis/sacrum/buttock were captured more often under a running-related pain definition. Conclusions: Injury definitions largely impact injury incidence. Location of injury is also affected by choice of injury definition. This stressed the need for standardized injury registration methods. (C) 2015 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Groningen, Netherlands.

The impact of web-based and face-to-face simulation on patient deterioration and patient safety : Protocol for a multi-site multi-method design

  • Authors: Cooper, Simon J. , Kinsman, Leigh , Chung, Catherine , Cant, Robyn , Boyle, Jayne , Bull, Loretta , Cameron, Amanda , Connell, Cliff , Kim, Jeong-Ah , McInnes, Denise , McKay, Angela , Nankervis, Katrina , Penz, Erika , Rotter, Thomas
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: BMC Health Services Research Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p. 1-8
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  • Description: Background: There are international concerns in relation to the management of patient deterioration which has led to a body of evidence known as the 'failure to rescue' literature. Nursing staff are known to miss cues of deterioration and often fail to call for assistance. Medical Emergency Teams (Rapid Response Teams) do improve the management of acutely deteriorating patients, but first responders need the requisite skills to impact on patient safety. Methods/design: In this study we aim to address these issues in a mixed methods interventional trial with the objective of measuring and comparing the cost and clinical impact of face-to-face and web-based simulation programs on the management of patient deterioration and related patient outcomes. The education programs, known as 'FIRST2ACT', have been found to have an impact on education and will be tested in four hospitals in the State of Victoria, Australia. Nursing staff will be trained in primary (the first 8 min) responses to emergencies in two medical wards using a face-to-face approach and in two medical wards using a web-based version FIRST2ACTWeb. The impact of these interventions will be determined through quantitative and qualitative approaches, cost analyses and patient notes review (time series analyses) to measure quality of care and patient outcomes. Discussion: In this 18 month study it is hypothesised that both simulation programs will improve the detection and management of deteriorating patients but that the web-based program will have lower total costs. The study will also add to our overall understanding of the utility of simulation approaches in the preparation of nurses working in hospital wards. (ACTRN12616000468426, retrospectively registered 8.4.2016). © 2016 The Author(s).

The NLstart2run study : Economic burden of running-related injuries in novice runners participating in a novice running program

  • Authors: Hespanhol Junior, Luiz , Huisstede, Bionka , Smits, Dirk-Wouter , Kluitenberg, Bas , van der Worp, Henk , van Middelkoop, Marienke , Hartgens, Fred , Verhagen, Evert
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 19, no. 10 (2016), p. 800-804
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  • Description: Objectives: To investigate the economic burden of running-related injuries (RRI) occurred during the 6-week 'Start-to-Run' program of the Dutch Athletics Federation in 2013. Methods: This was a monetary cost analysis using the data prospectively gathered alongside the RRI registration in the NLstart2run study. RRI data were collected weekly. Cost diaries were applied two and six weeks after the RRI registration to collect data regarding healthcare utilisation (direct costs) and absenteeism from paid and unpaid work (indirect costs). RRI was defined as running-related pain that hampered running ability for three consecutive training sessions. Results: From the 1696 participants included in the analysis, 185 reported a total of 272 RRIs. A total of 26.1% of the cost data (71 RRIs reported by 50 participants) were missing. Therefore, a multiple imputation procedure was performed. The economic burden (direct plus indirect costs) of RRIs was estimated at (sic)83.22 (95% CI(sic)50.42-(sic)116.02) per RRI, and (sic)13.35 (95% CI(sic)7.07-(sic)19.63) per participant. The direct cost per RRI was (sic)56.93 (95% CI (sic)42.05-(sic)71.81) and the indirect cost per RRI was (sic)26.29(95% CI (sic)0.00-(sic)54.79). The indirect cost was higher for sudden onset RRIs than for gradual onset RRIs, with a mean difference of (sic)33.92 (95% CI (sic)17.96-(sic)49.87). Conclusions: Direct costs of RRIs were 2-fold higher than the indirect costs, and sudden onset RRIs presented higher costs than gradual onset RRIs. The results of this study are important to provide information to public health agencies and policymakers about the economic burden of RRIs in novice runners. (C) 2015 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The NLstart2run study : Training-related factors associated with running-related injuries in novice runners

  • Authors: Kluitenberg, Bas , van der Worp, Henk , Huisstede, Bionka , Hartgens, Fred , Diercks, Ron , Verhagen, Evert , van Middelkoop, Marienke
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 19, no. 8 (2016), p. 642-646
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  • Description: Objectives: The incidence of running-related injuries is high. Some risk factors for injury were identified in novice runners, however, not much is known about the effect of training factors on injury risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the associations between training factors and running-related injuries in novice runners, taking the time varying nature of these training-related factors into account. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: 1696 participants completed weekly diaries on running exposure and injuries during a 6-week running program for novice runners. Total running volume (min), frequency and mean intensity (Rate of Perceived Exertion) were calculated for the seven days prior to each training session. The association of these time-varying variables with injury was determined in an extended Cox regression analysis. Results: The results of the multivariable analysis showed that running with a higher intensity in the previous week was associated with a higher injury risk. Running frequency was not significantly associated with injury, however a trend towards running three times per week being more hazardous than two times could be observed. Finally, lower running volume was associated with a higher risk of sustaining an injury. Conclusions: These results suggest that running more than 60 min at a lower intensity is least injurious. This finding is contrary to our expectations and is presumably the result of other factors. Therefore, the findings should not be used plainly as a guideline for novices. More research is needed to establish the person-specific training patterns that are associated with injury. © 2015 Sports Medicine Australia.

Trends in body image of adolescent females in metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions: a longitudinal study

  • Authors: Craike, Melinda , Young, Janet , Symons, Caroline , Pain, Michelle , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p. 1-9
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  • Description: Background: Body dissatisfaction is associated with a range of adverse outcomes, including impaired psychological health, low physical activity and disordered eating. This longitudinal study used the Factors Influencing Transitions in Girls' Active Leisure and Sport (FITGALS) dataset to examine trends in body image of adolescent females. Specifically, the study examined satisfaction with body size, physical appearance and dieting behaviour for two cohorts at transitional life phases in two geographic regions longitudinally over a 3-year period. Methods: A sample of 732 adolescent females in Grade 7 (n = 489, 66.8 %) and Grade 11 (n = 243, 33.2 %) at randomly selected Australian metropolitan and non-metropolitan secondary schools responded to a questionnaire in three successive years from 2008 to 2010. Participants reported perceptions about their body size and physical appearance and whether they were, or ought to be, on a diet. The data were analysed using a series of longitudinal logistic regression models. Results: Dieting and dissatisfaction with body size significantly increased over time and more so for older than younger girls. Region significantly moderated the effect of grade level regarding dissatisfaction with body size but not dieting. In non-metropolitan regions, those in the younger cohort were significantly more likely to be dissatisfied with their body size than the older cohort; whereas in metropolitan regions, those in the older cohort were significantly more likely to be dissatisfied with their body size than the younger cohort. Adolescent female's perceptions of their appearance were unchanged over time, region and grade level. Conclusions: Differences across time, region and grade level were found among adolescent females on body size and dieting behaviour, but not physical appearance. Adolescent females experience early and increasing body size dissatisfaction and dieting as they age, but stable perceptions of physical appearance. Age and geographic region are important considerations for the timing and targeting of interventions to address body image concerns. Further investigation of regional differences in body image perceptions and factors that affect these is warranted. The findings of this study highlight the ongoing need for strategies during adolescence to promote a healthy appreciation of body size and appearance. © 2016 The Author(s).

Use of video to facilitate sideline concussion diagnosis and management decision-making

  • Authors: Davis, Gavin , Makdissi, Michael
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 19, no. 11 (2016), p. 898-902
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  • Description: Objectives: Video analysis can provide critical information to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed of clinical decision-making in potential cases of concussion. The objective of this study was to validate a hierarchical flowchart for the assessment of video signs of concussion, and to determine whether its implementation could improve the process of game day video assessment. Methods: All impacts and collisions potentially resulting in a concussion were identified during 2012 and 2013 Australian Football League (AFL) seasons. Consensus definitions were developed for clinical signs associated with concussion. A hierarchical flowchart was developed based on the reliability and validity of the video signs of concussion. Ninety videos were assessed, with 45 incidents of clinically confirmed concussion, and 45 cases where no concussion was sustained. Each video was examined using the hierarchical flowchart, and a single response was given for each video based on the highest-ranking element in the flowchart. Results: No protective action, impact seizure, motor incoordination or blank/vacant look were the highest ranked video signs in almost half of the clinically confirmed concussions, but in only 8.8% of non-concussed individuals. The presence of facial injury, clutching at the head and slow to get up were the highest ranked sign in 77.7% of non-concussed individuals. Conclusions: This study suggests that the implementation of a flowchart model could improve timely assessment of concussion, and it identifies the video signs that should trigger automatic removal from play. (C) 2016 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using video analysis for concussion surveillance in Australian football

  • Authors: Makdissi, Michael , Davis, Gavin
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 19, no. 12 (2016), p. 958-963
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  • Description: Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the relationship between various player and game factors and risk of concussion; and to assess the reliability of video analysis for mechanistic assessment of concussion in Australian football. Methods: All impacts and collisions resulting in concussion were identified during the 2011 Australian Football League season. An extensive list of factors for assessment was created based upon previous analysis of concussion in Australian Football League and expert opinions. The authors independently reviewed the video clips and correlation for each factor was examined. Results: A total of 82 concussions were reported in 194 games (rate: 8.7 concussions per 1000 match hours; 95% confidence interval: 6.9-10.5). Player demographics and game variables such as venue, timing of the game (day, night or twilight), quarter, travel status (home or interstate) or score margin did not demonstrate a significant relationship with risk of concussion; although a higher percentage of concussions occurred in the first 5 min of game time of the quarter (36.6%), when compared to the last 5 min (20.7%). Variables with good inter-rater agreement included position on the ground, circumstances of the injury and cause of the impact. The remainder of the variables assessed had fair-poor inter-rater agreement. Common problems included insufficient or poor quality video and interpretation issues related to the definitions used. Conclusions: Clear definitions and good quality video from multiple camera angles are required to improve the utility of video analysis for concussion surveillance in Australian football. (C) 2016 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We have the programme, what next? Planning the implementation of an injury prevention programme

  • Authors: Donaldson, Alex , Lloyd, David , Gabbe, Belinda , Cook, Jill , Finch, Caroline
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 23, no. 4 (2016), p. 273-280
  • Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
  • Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
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  • Description: BACKGROUND AND AIM: The impact of any injury prevention programme is a function of the programme and its implementation. However, real world implementation of injury prevention programmes is challenging. Lower limb injuries (LLIs) are common in community Australian football (community-AF) and it is likely that many could be prevented by implementing exercise-based warm-up programmes for players. This paper describes a systematic, evidence-informed approach used to develop the implementation plan for a LLI prevention programme in community-AF in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: An ecological approach, using Step 5 of the Intervention Mapping health promotion programme planning protocol, was taken. RESULTS: An implementation advisory group was established to ensure the implementation plan and associated strategies were relevant to the local context. Coaches were identified as the primary programme adopters and implementers within an ecological system including players, other coaches, first-aid providers, and club and league administrators. Social Cognitive Theory was used to identify likely determinants of programme reach, adoption and implementation among coaches (eg, knowledge, beliefs, skills and environment). Diffusion of Innovations theory, the Implementation Drivers framework and available research evidence were used to identify potential implementation strategies including the use of multiple communication channels, programme resources, coach education and mentoring. CONCLUSIONS: A strategic evidence-informed approach to implementing interventions will help maximise their population impact. The approach to implementation planning described in this study relied on an effective researcher-practitioner partnership and active engagement of stakeholders. The identified implementation strategies were informed by theory, evidence and an in-depth understanding of the implementation context.

A model of home-based care for people with disabilities : Better practice in rural Thailand

  • Authors: Wanaratwichit, Civilaiz , Hills, Danny , Cruickshank, Mary , Newman, Barbara
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management Vol. 10, no. 2 (2015), p. 44-51
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  • Description: Background and objective: People with disabilities living in rural areas often require considerable support to meet their complex needs. This study investigated a best practice model in home-based care for people with disabilities in rural Thailand.

    Design and Setting: A case study method was adopted to investigate a best practice model of home-based care for people with disabilities in Nakhonthai District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. Data were collected from 30 participants through in-depth interviews, focus groups, direct observation and document analysis. Content and thematic analyses were conducted for qualitative data. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used for the outcome measurement of activities of daily living (ADL) scores.

    Results: This model of home-based care for people with disabilities, as an integrated network model, brings together the community, health professionals and other organisations. The role of trained community health volunteers was mainly to deliver home-based personal care for people with disabilities, while health professionals focused mainly on controlling the quality of care, managing the knowledge and skills of volunteers, and co-ordinating the network. The difference between ADL scores before and after the implementation of the model (n=20) was statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: This best practice model of home-based care for people with disabilities in rural Thailand shifts responsibility in the main service decisions from professionals to the community and other stakeholders and engages and empowered all stakeholders in the provision, co-ordination and management of care.

A new way of categorising recurrent, repeat and multiple sports injuries for injury incidence studies - the subsequent injury categorisation (SIC) model

  • Authors: Finch, Caroline , Cook, Jill , Gabbe, Belinda , Orchard, John
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Australasian Epidemiologist Vol. 22, no. 1 (2015), p. 22-25
  • Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
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  • Description: Injuries are a major contributor to healthcare costs and individuals' health and disability status. In response to the overall public health burden, injuries were one of the first medical conditions identified as an Australian National Health Priority Area. Our previous epidemiological research has shown that sports injuries, especially those sustained through formal and highly competitive sport, are often associated with considerable pain and dysfunction. They have significant ongoing impact on quality of life and need for medical treatment, including in the hospital setting.They are also a major barrier towards both the uptake and continuance of health-generating physical activity guidance.

Activity behaviors of university staff in the workplace : A pilot study

  • Authors: Bird, Marie-Louise , Shing, Cecilia , Mainsbridge, Casey , Cooley, Dean , Pedersen, Scott
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol. 12, no. 8 (2015), p. 1128-1132
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  • Description: Background: Sedentary behavior is related to metabolic syndrome and might have implications for the long-term health of workers in a low activity environment. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine activity levels of adults working at a University during work hours. A secondary aim was to determine the relationship between actual and perceived activity levels. Methods: Activity levels of university staff (n = 15, male = 7, age = 53 ± 7 years, BMI = 26.5 ± 2.5kg•m2) were monitored over 5 consecutive workdays using SenseWear accelerometers, then participants completed a questionnaire of their perception of workplace sedentary time. Results: Each participant spent 71.5 ± 13.1% (358 ± 78 min) of their workday being sedentary (< 1.5 METs), 15.6 ± 9.0% involved in light activity (1.5-3 METs), 11.7 ± 10.0% in moderate activity (3-5 METs), and 1.1 ± 1.3% in vigorous activity (> 5 METs) (P <.0001). The mean difference between actual (SenseWear < 1.5 METs) and perceived sitting time was-2 ± 32%; however, perceived sedentary time was reported with a range of under-to-over estimation of-75% to 51%. Conclusion: This pilot study identifies long periods of low metabolic activity during the workday and poor perception of individual sedentary time. Interventions to reduce sedentary time in the workplace may be necessary to ensure that the work environment does not adversely affect long-term health. © 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc.

An exposure based study of crash and injury rates in a cohort of transport and recreational cyclists in New South Wales, Australia

  • Authors: Poulos, Roslyn , Hatfield, Julie , Rissel, Chris , Flack, Lloyd , Murphy, Susanne , Grzebieta, Raphael , McIntosh, Andrew
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Accident Analysis and Prevention Vol. 78, no. (2015), p. 29-38
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  • Description: This paper examines self-reported prospectively collected data from 2038 adult transport and recreational cyclists from New South Wales (Australia) to determine exposure-based incident crash and injury rates. During 25,971 days of cycling, 198 crashes were reported, comprising approximately equal numbers of falls and collisions. The overall crash rate was 0.290 (95% CI, 0.264-0.319) per 1000 km or 6.06 (95% CI, 5.52-6.65) per 1000 h of travel. The rate of crashes causing any injury (self-treated, or medically attended without overnight hospital stay) was 0.148 (95% CI, 0.133-0.164) per 1000 km or 3.09 (95% CI, 2.79-3.43) per 1000 h of travel. The rate of crashes causing a medically attended injury (without overnight hospital stay) was 0.023 (95% CI, 0.020-0.027) per 1000 km or 0.49 (95% CI, 0.43-0.56) per 1000 h of travel. No injuries requiring an overnight stay in hospital were reported on days meeting the inclusion criteria. After adjustment for exposure in hours, or for the risks associated with different infrastructure utilisation, the rates of crashes and medically attended injuries were found to be greater for females than males, less experienced than more experienced cyclists, and for those who rode mainly for transport rather than mainly for recreation. Comparison of estimated crash and injury rates on different infrastructure types were limited by the small number of events, however findings suggest that the separation of cyclists from motorised traffic is by itself not sufficient to ensure safe cycling. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

An integrative review of enablement in primary health care

  • Authors: Frost, Jane , Currie, Marian , Cruickshank, Mary
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Primary Care & Community Health Vol. 6, no. 4 (2015), p. 264-278
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  • Description: Objectives: To review how enablement is conceptualized and practiced in primary health care and to explore the factors that influence patient enablement in this setting. Method: A narrative integrative literature review was undertaken. Results: Twenty-four articles specifically relating to enablement in primary health care were identified. Three literature reviews, 4 qualitative studies, and 17 quantitative studies were included in the analysis. Conclusions: In the primary health care setting, the concept of enablement is well defined as an outcome measure of quality. The literature exploring the practice of enablement is sparse, but 2 randomized controlled trials suggest enablement is linked to better outcomes for patients with asthma and diabetes. Primary factors influencing enablement included the practitioners’ open communication style, the degree to which the practitioner is patient centered, and longer consultations. Other factors found to be associated with enablement were the presenting health issue, general state of health, ethnicity, the patient’s own coping strategies and degree of independence, and socioeconomic status. The association between enablement and patients’ expectations and satisfaction is less clear. The majority of research on enablement was carried out among general practitioners. Further research into the degree to which patients are enabled by a wider range of health care providers is needed. Additional qualitative research would provide a deeper understanding of the attributes of enablement in the primary health care setting.

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.

Barriers and facilitators to accessing skilled birth attendants in Afar region, Ethiopia

  • Authors: King, Rosemary , Jackson, Ruth , Dietsch, Elaine , Hailemariam, Asseffa
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Midwifery Vol. 31, no. 5 (2015), p. 540-546
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  • Description: Objective: to explore barriers and facilitators that enable women to access skilled birth attendance in Afar Region, Ethiopia. Design: researchers used a Key Informant Research approach (KIR), whereby Health Extension Workers participated in an intensive training workshop and conducted interviews with Afar women in their communities. Data was also collected from health-care workers through questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. Participants: fourteen health extension workers were key informants and interviewers; 33 women and eight other health-care workers with a range of experience in caring for Afar childbearing women provided data as individuals and in focus groups. Findings: participants identified friendly service, female skilled birth attendants (SBA) and the introduction of the ambulance service as facilitators to SBA. There are many barriers to accessing SBA, including women's low status and restricted opportunities for decision making, lack of confidence in health-care facilities, long distances, cost, domestic workload, and traditional practices which include a preference for birthing at home with a traditional birth attendant. Key conclusions: many Afar men and women expressed a lack of confidence in the services provided at health-care facilities which impacts on skilled birth attendance utilisation. Implications for practice: ambulance services that are free of charge to women are effective as a means to transfer women to a hospital for emergency care if required and expansion of ambulance services would be a powerful facilitator to increasing institutional birth. Skilled birth attendants working in institutions need to ensure their practice is culturally, physically and emotionally safe if more Afar women are to accept their midwifery care. Adequate equipping and staffing of institutions providing emergency obstetric and newborn care will assist in improving community perceptions of these services. Most importantly, mutual respect and collaboration between traditional birth attendants (Afar women's preferred caregiver), health extension workers and skilled birth attendants will help ensure timely consultation and referral and reduce delay for women if they require emergency maternity care. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

Behind every active and sporting population, there is an Epidemiologist

  • Authors: Finch, Caroline
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Australasian Epidemiologist Vol. 22, no. 1 (2015), p. 3-4
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  • Description: This Round Table on The Epidemiology of Fitness, Sport and Physical Recreation makes for compelling reading. Australia has long been regarded as a sports-mad nation and one that has achieved major international sporting achievements because of its long-term investment in sports medicine and sports science research. Sports spectatorship is also a major pastime in Australia, underpinning the value of using sport to promote a range of health promotion messages (e.g. in relation to tobacco, alcohol, social tolerance and most recently violence prevention). People of all ages now enjoy participating in a wide range of activities from general physical activity to fitness training to cycling to team ball sports such as Australian football to combat sports. All of these feature in papers in this issue.

Biomechanical epidemiology : A novel approach for fitness activity injury prevention

  • Authors: Gray, Shannon , Finch, Caroline
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Australasian Epidemiologist Vol. 22, no. 1 (2015), p. 26-28
  • Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
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  • Description: There have been limited epidemiological studies that delve into injuries sustained during fitness activities, and fewer that have explored injury prevention strategies and evaluated their success. Popular individual and team sports such as athletics, swimming, basketball and various codes of football have enjoyed extensive epidemiological attention for years, and due to the sports' popularity and public profile, will continue to be highly researched areas. Other epidemiological research has focused on sports injuries more generally, or on specific injury types such as concussion, anterior cruciate ligament injury and hamstring injury. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Exercise Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS), fitness/gym is the second most popular recreation or sport activity participated in by Australians aged 15+ years. Considering the number of people who participate in fitness activities, and the devastating impact that injuries can have on the individual, their family and friends, and society, it is necessary to devote some research to preventing these.

Brewers and vintners beware!: Mitigation of the carbon dioxide hazard in the fermentation industries using hierarchy of control methodology

  • Authors: Young, Stephen , Naiker, Mani , Aldred, Peter
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Health, Safety and Environment Vol. 31, no. 3 (2015), p.
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  • Description: This paper suggests that elevated levels of CO2 are a widely underestimated occupational hazard for those working in the fermentation industries. The generation of CO2 as a natural by-product of fermentation, and the input of additional CO2, are examined and the potential CO2 hazard highlighted. The need for the rapidly growing fermentation industries to understand and mitigate this hazard is emphasised. A robust application of hierarchy of controls methodology is employed to effect a bestpractice mitigation of the CO2 hazard. The paper concludes with a strong recommendation for the use of automated monitoring linked to lock out mechanisms as the most effective means of assuring worker safety with respect to elevated levels of CO2 in the workplace. © CCH.

Characteristics, cycling patterns, and crash and injury experiences at baseline of a cohort of transport and recreational cyclists in New South Wales, Australia

  • Authors: Poulos, Roslyn , Hatfield, Julie , Rissel, Chris , Flack, Lloyd , Murphy, Susanne , Grzebieta, Raphael , McIntosh, Andrew
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Accident Analysis and Prevention Vol. 78, no. (2015), p. 155-164
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  • Description: This paper examines self-reported retrospective data for a 12 month period from 2038 adult cyclists from New South Wales (Australia), and compares cyclists according to whether they self-identify as riding mainly for transport or mainly for recreation. Statistically significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics, cycling patterns, and crash experiences between these two groups of cyclists. Transport cyclists tended to be younger, travel more days per week, and within morning and evening peak hours than recreational cyclists; recreational cyclists were more likely to identify fitness as a purpose for cycling. The proportion of cyclists experiencing a crash or crash-related injury in the previous 12 months was similar for transport and recreational cyclists, but there were differences in crash types and location which likely reflect different cycling environments. Heterogeneity within transport and recreational cyclists was also found, based on self-reported riding intensity. An understanding of the different cycling patterns and experiences of various types of cyclists is useful to inform road safety, transport and health promotion policy. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decade of Medicare : The contribution of private practice dietitians to chronic disease management and diabetes group services

  • Authors: Cant, Robyn , Ball, Lauren
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Nutrition and Dietetics Vol. 72, no. 3 (2015), p. 284-290
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  • Description: Aim: To review changes in utilisation of dietetics services through the Medicare Chronic Disease Management program over the last decade and describe patient uptake in 2013. Methods: Dietetics service data were extracted from published Medicare statistics for the periods (i) January 2004 to December 2013 and (ii) January to December 2013. Data comprised individual dietetics services by state and patient demography, and group services data for provider professions regarding type 2 diabetes: dietitians, diabetes educators and exercise physiologists. t-test was used to investigate the association of dietetics' individual service utilisation and workforce statistics. Results: Individual dietetics Chronic Disease Management consultations in private practice have increased annually since 2004. Dietetics has remained the third largest provider. In 2013, a total of 302910 individual consultations were conducted; 7% of allied health consultations. Likewise, individual services for Indigenous Australians increased since 2008. Utilisation of group services for type 2 diabetes comprised <2% of dietetics services. Dietitians provided more group services than diabetes educators but considerably fewer than exercise physiologists. Middle-aged and older patients were common, with highest uptake by those aged 55-74 years. Overall, total and per capita utilisation rates were considerably higher in NSW, Victoria and Queensland compared to less populous states, although this disparity has reduced since 2010. Conclusions: As 10 years has elapsed since the program's inception, further evaluation of the policy is needed to examine large variations in dietetics' Chronic Disease Management uptake by state and territory in both individual and group services. © 2015 Dietitians Association of Australia.