Functional data modelling approach for analysing and predicting trends in incidence rates-an application to falls injury
- Ullah, Shahid, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Ullah, Shahid , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Osteoporosis International Vol. 21, no. 12 (2010), p. 2125-2134
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Summary: Policy decisions about the allocation of current and future resources should be based on the most accurate predictions possible. A functional data analysis (FDA) approach improves the understanding of current trends and future incidence of injuries. FDA provides more valid and reliable long-term predictions than commonly used methods. Introduction: Accurate information about predicted future injury rates is needed to inform public health investment decisions. It is critical that such predictions derived from the best available statistical models to minimise possible error in future injury incidence rates. Methods: FDA approach was developed to improve long-term predictions but is yet to be widely applied to injury epidemiology or other epidemiological research. Using the specific example of modelling age-specific annual incidence of fall-related severe head injuries of older people during 1970-2004 and predicting rates up to 2024 in Finland, this paper explains the principles behind FDA and demonstrates their superiority in terms of prediction accuracy over the more commonly reported ordinary least squares (OLS) approach. Results: Application of the FDA approach shows that the incidence of fall-related severe head injuries would increase by 2.3-2.6-fold by 2024 compared to 2004. The FDA predictions had 55% less prediction error than traditional OLS predictions when compared to actual data. Conclusions: In summary, FDA provides more accurate predictions of long-term incidence trends than commonly used methods. The production of FDA prediction intervals for future injury incidence rates gives likely guidance as to the likely accuracy of these predictions. © 2010 International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation.
- Authors: Ullah, Shahid , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Osteoporosis International Vol. 21, no. 12 (2010), p. 2125-2134
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Summary: Policy decisions about the allocation of current and future resources should be based on the most accurate predictions possible. A functional data analysis (FDA) approach improves the understanding of current trends and future incidence of injuries. FDA provides more valid and reliable long-term predictions than commonly used methods. Introduction: Accurate information about predicted future injury rates is needed to inform public health investment decisions. It is critical that such predictions derived from the best available statistical models to minimise possible error in future injury incidence rates. Methods: FDA approach was developed to improve long-term predictions but is yet to be widely applied to injury epidemiology or other epidemiological research. Using the specific example of modelling age-specific annual incidence of fall-related severe head injuries of older people during 1970-2004 and predicting rates up to 2024 in Finland, this paper explains the principles behind FDA and demonstrates their superiority in terms of prediction accuracy over the more commonly reported ordinary least squares (OLS) approach. Results: Application of the FDA approach shows that the incidence of fall-related severe head injuries would increase by 2.3-2.6-fold by 2024 compared to 2004. The FDA predictions had 55% less prediction error than traditional OLS predictions when compared to actual data. Conclusions: In summary, FDA provides more accurate predictions of long-term incidence trends than commonly used methods. The production of FDA prediction intervals for future injury incidence rates gives likely guidance as to the likely accuracy of these predictions. © 2010 International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation.
- Harvey, Lara, Poulos, Roslyn, Finch, Caroline, Olivier, Jake, Harvey, Jack
- Authors: Harvey, Lara , Poulos, Roslyn , Finch, Caroline , Olivier, Jake , Harvey, Jack
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Burns Vol. 36, no. 6 (2010), p. 912-919
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Scalds from hot tap water are serious injuries that are potentially preventable by restricting the temperature of hot tap water delivery. In July 1999, regulations were introduced in NSW to require that all new hot water installations deliver water at temperatures not exceeding 50 °C to sanitary fixtures. This study investigates trends in hot tap water scald injury hospitalisations following the introduction of these regulations. Hot tap water scald cases for 1999-2007 were identified from hospitalisation data for all public and private hospitals in NSW. To investigate hot tap water scald hospitalisations over time, negative binomial regression analysis was performed. There were 845 hospitalisations for hot tap water scalds in NSW over the period of the study. Hospital admission rates for hot tap water scalds decreased by an estimated 6% (3.2-8.5, 95%CI) per year since the introduction of regulations. While those most at risk were infants, toddlers and the elderly, almost a third of hospitalisations were for adults (25-64 years). The majority of hot tap water scalds were sustained at home and a further 4% occurred in a residential institute or school. The majority of scalds were severe, and a quarter required admission for longer than a week. The introduction of regulations in NSW appears to have had a positive impact on the rates of hospitalisations for hot tap water scalds; however, scalds continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. This highlights the need for a review of the scope and implementation of the existing regulations and ongoing education of the general public to the dangers of hot tap water. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI.
- Harvey, Lara, Poulos, Roslyn, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Harvey, Lara , Poulos, Roslyn , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Burns Vol. 39, no. 7 (2013), p. 1367-1373
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Routinely collected hospitalisation data are widely used to monitor injury trends, provide estimates of the burden of injury and healthcare costs, and to inform policy. This study examined the impact of different ICD-10 based case selection criteria commonly used by Australian and international reporting bodies on the number and nature of burn-related hospitalisations identified. Methods Burn cases from a state-wide administrative hospitalisation dataset were identified and compared using three different case selection criteria: (1) principal diagnosis code of burn 'T20-T31', (2) first external cause code denoting burn 'X00-X19' and (3) both principal diagnosis code of community acquired injury 'S00-T98' and first external cause code denoting burn 'X00-X19'. Results Principal diagnosis codes 'T20-T31' and first external cause codes 'X00-X19' identified a similar number of cases, however only 78% of these were captured by both definitions. Principal diagnosis codes identified chemical, electrical and contact burns not identified as burns using external cause codes. First external cause codes identified readmission cases which were not identified by principal diagnosis codes. Using principal diagnosis codes of community acquired injury combined with external cause code of burn under-numerated hospitalisations by forty percent. Conclusion The development, implementation and evaluation of health policy and prevention measures rely on good quality, consistent data. Current methods for identifying burn cases in hospitalisation data provide wide differences in estimation of number and nature of cases. It is important for clinicians to understand the implications of coding on the epidemiology and measurement of the burden of burn. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd and ISBI.
The use and modification of injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams
- O'Brien, James, Young, Warren, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Young, Warren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports Vol. 27, no. 11 (2017), p. 1337-1346
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The efficacy of injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs) for amateur youth soccer has been established, but little is known about their adaptability to other soccer populations. This study aimed to assess the use of individual injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams, against the industry-standard, FIFA 11+ program. Four teams' chosen IPEPs were observed across one season and documented on a standardized form. The use of each FIFA 11+ exercise was coded as “performed”, “performed modified” or “not performed”. The proportion of the 160 observed sessions containing each individual exercise was calculated. Staff provided reasons for their use and modification of FIFA 11+ exercises. On average, individual FIFA 11+ exercises were conducted in original form in 12% of the sessions (range 0–33%), and in modified form in 28% of sessions (range 2–62%). The five most frequently observed exercises, in either original or modified form, were “bench” (72%), “squats” (69%), “running straight” (68%), “single-leg stance” (66%), and “sideways bench” (64%). Staff modified exercises to add variation, progression, and individualization, and to align with specific training formats and goals. Professional youth soccer teams often use injury prevention exercises similar to those in the FIFA 11+, but tailor them considerably to fit their implementation context.
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Young, Warren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports Vol. 27, no. 11 (2017), p. 1337-1346
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The efficacy of injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs) for amateur youth soccer has been established, but little is known about their adaptability to other soccer populations. This study aimed to assess the use of individual injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams, against the industry-standard, FIFA 11+ program. Four teams' chosen IPEPs were observed across one season and documented on a standardized form. The use of each FIFA 11+ exercise was coded as “performed”, “performed modified” or “not performed”. The proportion of the 160 observed sessions containing each individual exercise was calculated. Staff provided reasons for their use and modification of FIFA 11+ exercises. On average, individual FIFA 11+ exercises were conducted in original form in 12% of the sessions (range 0–33%), and in modified form in 28% of sessions (range 2–62%). The five most frequently observed exercises, in either original or modified form, were “bench” (72%), “squats” (69%), “running straight” (68%), “single-leg stance” (66%), and “sideways bench” (64%). Staff modified exercises to add variation, progression, and individualization, and to align with specific training formats and goals. Professional youth soccer teams often use injury prevention exercises similar to those in the FIFA 11+, but tailor them considerably to fit their implementation context.
It will take more than an existing exercise programme to prevent injury
- O'Brien, James, Donaldson, Alex, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Donaldson, Alex , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Editorial
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 50, no. 5 (Mar 2016), p. 264-265
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: In 1983, Ekstrand et al published the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) of an injury prevention programme for team ball sport. Three decades on from this landmark study, it is worth reflecting on the progress made and the current ‘state-of-play’ in the field of team ball sport injury prevention research. The volume of published research has grown considerably with a recent systematic review of team ball sport injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) identifying over 50 published trials. The scale, quality and outcomes of recent RCTs are also encouraging with a Swedish trial including over 4500 female soccer players and demonstrating a 64% reduction in the rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
Adaptation, translation and reliability of the Australian 'Juniors Enjoying Cricket Safely' injury risk perception questionnaire for Sri Lanka
- Gamage, Prasanna, Fortington, Lauren, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Gamage, Prasanna , Fortington, Lauren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Vol. 4, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives Cricket is a very popular sport in Sri Lanka. In this setting there has been limited research; specifically, there is little knowledge of cricket injuries. To support future research possibilities, the aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt, translate and test the reliability of an Australian-developed questionnaire for the Sri Lankan context. Methods The Australian 'Juniors Enjoying Cricket Safely' (JECS-Aus) injury risk perception questionnaire was cross-culturally adapted to suit the Sri Lankan context and subsequently translated into the two main languages (Sinhala and Tamil) based on standard forward-back translation. The translated questionnaires were examined for content validity by two language schoolteachers. The questionnaires were completed twice, 2 weeks apart, by two groups of school cricketers (males) aged 11-15 years (Sinhala (n=24), Tamil (n=30)) to assess reliability. Test-retest scores were evaluated for agreement. Where responses were <100% agreement, Cohen's kappa (κ) statistics were calculated. Questions with moderate-to-poor test-retest reliability (κ <0.6) were reconsidered for modification. Results Both the Sinhala and Tamil questionnaires had 100% agreement for questions on demographic data, and 88%-100% agreement for questions on participation in cricket and injury history. Of the injury risk perception questions, 72% (Sinhala) and 90% (Tamil) questions showed a substantial (κ =0.61-0.8) and almost perfect (κ =0.81-1.0) test-retest agreement. Conclusion The adapted and translated JECS-SL questionnaire demonstrated strong reliability. This is the first study to adapt the JECS-Aus questionnaire for use in a different population, providing an outcome measure for assessing injury risk perceptions in Sri Lankan junior cricketers.
- Authors: Gamage, Prasanna , Fortington, Lauren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Vol. 4, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives Cricket is a very popular sport in Sri Lanka. In this setting there has been limited research; specifically, there is little knowledge of cricket injuries. To support future research possibilities, the aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt, translate and test the reliability of an Australian-developed questionnaire for the Sri Lankan context. Methods The Australian 'Juniors Enjoying Cricket Safely' (JECS-Aus) injury risk perception questionnaire was cross-culturally adapted to suit the Sri Lankan context and subsequently translated into the two main languages (Sinhala and Tamil) based on standard forward-back translation. The translated questionnaires were examined for content validity by two language schoolteachers. The questionnaires were completed twice, 2 weeks apart, by two groups of school cricketers (males) aged 11-15 years (Sinhala (n=24), Tamil (n=30)) to assess reliability. Test-retest scores were evaluated for agreement. Where responses were <100% agreement, Cohen's kappa (κ) statistics were calculated. Questions with moderate-to-poor test-retest reliability (κ <0.6) were reconsidered for modification. Results Both the Sinhala and Tamil questionnaires had 100% agreement for questions on demographic data, and 88%-100% agreement for questions on participation in cricket and injury history. Of the injury risk perception questions, 72% (Sinhala) and 90% (Tamil) questions showed a substantial (κ =0.61-0.8) and almost perfect (κ =0.81-1.0) test-retest agreement. Conclusion The adapted and translated JECS-SL questionnaire demonstrated strong reliability. This is the first study to adapt the JECS-Aus questionnaire for use in a different population, providing an outcome measure for assessing injury risk perceptions in Sri Lankan junior cricketers.
- Smits, Dirk-Wouter, Huisstede, Bionka, Verhagen, Evert, van der Worp, Henk, Kluitenberg, Bas, van Middelkoop, Marienke, Hartgens, Fred, Backx, Frank
- Authors: Smits, Dirk-Wouter , Huisstede, Bionka , Verhagen, Evert , van der Worp, Henk , Kluitenberg, Bas , van Middelkoop, Marienke , Hartgens, Fred , Backx, Frank
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Vol. 26, no. 6 (2016), p. 502-509
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To describe absenteeism and health care utilization (HCU) within 6 weeks after occurrence of running-related injuries (RRIs) among novice runners and to explore differences relating to injury and personal characteristics. Participants: One thousand six hundred ninety-six novice runners (18-65 years) participating in a 6-week running program ("Start-to-Run"). Main Outcome Measures: Injury characteristics were assessed by weekly training logs and personal characteristics by a baseline questionnaire. Data on absenteeism and HCU were collected using questionnaires at 2 and 6 weeks after the RRI occurred. Results: A total of 185 novice runners (11%) reported an RRI during the 6-week program. Of these injured novice runners, 78% reported absence from sports, whereas only 4% reported absence from work. Fifty-one percent of the injured novice runners visited a health care professional, mostly physical therapists (PTs) rather than physicians. Absenteeism was more common among women than men and was also more common with acute RRIs than gradual-onset RRIs. As regards HCU, both the variety of professionals visited and the number of PT visits were higher among runners with muscle-tendon injuries in the ankle/foot region than among those with other RRIs. Conclusions: Among novice runners sustaining an RRI during a 6-week running program, over three quarters reported short-term absence from sports, whereas absence from work was very limited, and over half used professional health care. Both absence and HCU are associated with injury characteristics.
A cost analysis of accidents and injuries in the open cut coalmining industry
- Authors: Esson, Ken
- Date: 1992
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Following a study of back injuries in the Queensland Coal Industry, there arose several questions that needed further research. One of these was the cost of accident and injuries, and the impact of this cost would have on an organisation. The project's research involved a comprehensive study of literature pertaining to the cost of accidents and injuries. This included both insured and uninsured costs. The following four classifications of accidents were researched; first aid treatments; first aid doctor treatments; lost time injury cases; and equipment accident damage cases. A coal mine was selected for the pilot study and, data was collected on the four classifications over a complete year. This means a year that has no out standing accident cases or liablilities. The research was then considered to determine its support for the acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis whic postulates that the current methods used to analyse the cost of accidents or injuries in the coal mining industry are inadequate. As a result of the above condsiderations, a number of key points are put forward in support of the acceptance of the hypothesis. The research established costs both insured and uninsured for the four classifications under review. Then a calculation of a weighted ratio of uninsured costs was made. The paper concludes by making certain recommendations and supporting the need for further research into accident costing within the coal mining fraternity.
- Description: Masters in Applied Science in Occupational Health and Safety
- Authors: Esson, Ken
- Date: 1992
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Following a study of back injuries in the Queensland Coal Industry, there arose several questions that needed further research. One of these was the cost of accident and injuries, and the impact of this cost would have on an organisation. The project's research involved a comprehensive study of literature pertaining to the cost of accidents and injuries. This included both insured and uninsured costs. The following four classifications of accidents were researched; first aid treatments; first aid doctor treatments; lost time injury cases; and equipment accident damage cases. A coal mine was selected for the pilot study and, data was collected on the four classifications over a complete year. This means a year that has no out standing accident cases or liablilities. The research was then considered to determine its support for the acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis whic postulates that the current methods used to analyse the cost of accidents or injuries in the coal mining industry are inadequate. As a result of the above condsiderations, a number of key points are put forward in support of the acceptance of the hypothesis. The research established costs both insured and uninsured for the four classifications under review. Then a calculation of a weighted ratio of uninsured costs was made. The paper concludes by making certain recommendations and supporting the need for further research into accident costing within the coal mining fraternity.
- Description: Masters in Applied Science in Occupational Health and Safety
Medical-attention injuries in community cricket : a systematic review
- McLeod, Geordie, O'Connor, Siobhan, Morgan, Damian, Kountouris, Alex, Finch, Caroline, Fortington, Lauren
- Authors: McLeod, Geordie , O'Connor, Siobhan , Morgan, Damian , Kountouris, Alex , Finch, Caroline , Fortington, Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Vol. 6, no. 1 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives The aim was to identify and describe outcomes from original published studies that present the number, nature, mechanism and severity of medically treated injuries sustained in community-level cricket. Design Systematic review. Methods Nine databases were systematically searched to December 2019 using terms "cricket
- Authors: McLeod, Geordie , O'Connor, Siobhan , Morgan, Damian , Kountouris, Alex , Finch, Caroline , Fortington, Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Vol. 6, no. 1 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives The aim was to identify and describe outcomes from original published studies that present the number, nature, mechanism and severity of medically treated injuries sustained in community-level cricket. Design Systematic review. Methods Nine databases were systematically searched to December 2019 using terms "cricket
- Brito, Sara, White, Jennifer, Hill, Bridget, Thomacos, Nikos
- Authors: Brito, Sara , White, Jennifer , Hill, Bridget , Thomacos, Nikos
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hand Therapy Vol. 35, no. 2 (2022), p. 267-274
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: •Given the long-term recovery following BPI, consideration should be given to relevance of slow stream rehab and interdisciplinary care.•Consider upskilling or an interdisciplinary care model to assist hand therapists and the provision of pain management and psychological support.•Increased dissemination of resources to support hand therapists working with individuals following BPI and enhanced communication opportunities to develop networks both nationally and internationally. Traumatic, brachial plexus injuries (BPI) result represent a significant cost to the individual and society. Recovery involves multiple surgeries, takes years, and often results in permanent physical dysfunction. While the last couple of decades have seen advancements in surgical management, the BPI rehabilitation literature has not kept pace with these developments. We aim to explore the experience of public and privately employed hand therapists’ in delivering effective long-term rehabilitation services to inviduals with BPI in Australia. An interpretative qualitative study. Two focus groups were conducted with Australian hand therapists’ (n = 10). Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Three key themes were generated from the data. The first theme ‘Falling through the gaps: overlooked components of therapy for BPI’ captures participants’ thoughts on postinjury health care and rehabilitation services. The second ‘Developing a therapeutic alliance: underpinned by time and trust’ relates to the relationship building challenges and opportunities following trauma that will withstand the long-term recovery of individuals following BPI. The last theme, ‘Factors required for professional development: knowledge and support,’ considers the variation seen with these clients in relation to therapy needs and outcomes. The findings of this study highlight the need to better equip hand therapists’ skills and knowledge in responding to pain and psychological management post BPI. Our results reinforce the benefit of interdisciplinary models of care in the management of individuals with BPI.
Head, neck, and facial injuries in Australian cricket
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries are a significant concern in cricket due to the nature of the game and the potential impact of fast-moving balls and collisions. These types of injuries occur as a result of direct hits from the cricket ball, accidental collisions between players or falls during fielding or batting. HNF injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe concussions, fractures, or dental trauma. While some HNF injuries in cricket can be career-ending and severe, others may not be as catastrophic. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of HNF injuries in elite-level cricket, and the tragic death of an Australian test cricketer in 2014 from a head injury heightened awareness of the seriousness and potential fatality of such injuries in the sport. To mitigate the risk of serious injuries, cricket players are encouraged to wear protective equipment such as helmets and neck guards. At the elite level of the sport, stringent safety protocols and regulations are enforced to prioritise player wellbeing, ensuring that immediate medical attention is available during training or games. Further, routine injury surveillance at the elite level has proven effective in monitoring and reducing the likelihood of serious HNF injuries. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable lack of research investigating HNF injuries among cricket participants, particularly at the community level. This lack of reporting hampers the identification and implementation of effective strategies to minimise the risk of such injuries. This thesis seeks to bridge this research gap by examining HNF injuries in community-level cricket under two broad objectives, providing valuable insights for injury prevention and risk mitigation strategies. The first objective of this thesis was to develop a comprehensive understanding of HNF cricket injury epidemiology and the reporting of helmet usage. A systematic review was conducted, analysing 29 studies to determine the incidence, nature, and mechanisms of HNF injuries in cricket, the reported use of helmets and ‘gold standard’ definitions. Facial fractures and concussions were the most frequently specified types of injuries, and the impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. Only three studies (10%) reported the use of helmets. The systematic review highlighted the lack of evidence regarding the reporting of HNF cricket injuries according to international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the limited data on helmet usage at the time of injury. Additionally, the review identified gaps in evidence concerning HNF injuries across different age groups, levels of play and diverse populations, along with discrepancies in reporting injury-specific mechanisms. Community-level HNF cricket injuries that required hospitalisation in Victoria, Australia, over a decade, spanning from 2007/8 to 2016/17 were also reviewed under the first objective. During this period, Victorian hospitals treated 3,907 HNF cricket injuries. Male participants accounted for a higher number of injuries than female participants, and the age group most commonly requiring hospital treatment was 10–14 years. Open wounds were the most frequent type of injury (30%), and the primary mechanism for HNF cricket injuries during this decade was being hit, struck, or crushed (86%). Our literature review and the hospital study form the ideal platform for injury prevention efforts by establishing HNF injury prevalence and common injury mechanisms. The second broad objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of cricket helmets among cricket participants, to study the ability of Australian cricket participants to perceive injury risk and to explore the knowledge and awareness of concussion assessment and management. An online survey was conducted to address each facet of our second objective. Over 90% of the players and 50% of the officials reported wearing a helmet during the 2018/19 cricket season, but most did not use a neck protector. Most of the helmets used met the recommended British Standards, and the most common brand used was Masuri. For most of the players and officials who participated in our survey, comfort, and ability to prevent HNF injuries were the two most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a cricket helmet. More than 80% of players and almost 50% of officials expressed the belief that helmets were not necessary for activities such as bowling and fielding at a distance from the batter. Yet, the fact that more than 80% of all participants expressed their willingness to keep using helmets under compulsory regulations indicates that implementing mandatory helmet rules might result in a significant increase in helmet adoption and enhance the overall safety of the sport. Over 70% of our survey participants demonstrated satisfactory levels of knowledge regarding concussion assessment and management. These findings suggest that the potential for severe complications stemming from concussions related to cricket could be reduced, particularly in light of the limited availability of qualified medical professionals at the community-level. The strong understanding of concussion guidelines among our survey participants implies that they would be inclined to prioritise safety and choose helmets that align with the recommended safety standards. In summary, this PhD research has achieved its objective of making the first large-scale scientific contribution to enhance safety and prevent HNF injuries among participants of community-level cricket in Australia. Additionally, this research effectively assessed the participants’ knowledge, comprehension and attitudes regarding utilising protective helmets and the importance of following Cricket Australia’s concussion guidelines.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries are a significant concern in cricket due to the nature of the game and the potential impact of fast-moving balls and collisions. These types of injuries occur as a result of direct hits from the cricket ball, accidental collisions between players or falls during fielding or batting. HNF injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe concussions, fractures, or dental trauma. While some HNF injuries in cricket can be career-ending and severe, others may not be as catastrophic. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of HNF injuries in elite-level cricket, and the tragic death of an Australian test cricketer in 2014 from a head injury heightened awareness of the seriousness and potential fatality of such injuries in the sport. To mitigate the risk of serious injuries, cricket players are encouraged to wear protective equipment such as helmets and neck guards. At the elite level of the sport, stringent safety protocols and regulations are enforced to prioritise player wellbeing, ensuring that immediate medical attention is available during training or games. Further, routine injury surveillance at the elite level has proven effective in monitoring and reducing the likelihood of serious HNF injuries. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable lack of research investigating HNF injuries among cricket participants, particularly at the community level. This lack of reporting hampers the identification and implementation of effective strategies to minimise the risk of such injuries. This thesis seeks to bridge this research gap by examining HNF injuries in community-level cricket under two broad objectives, providing valuable insights for injury prevention and risk mitigation strategies. The first objective of this thesis was to develop a comprehensive understanding of HNF cricket injury epidemiology and the reporting of helmet usage. A systematic review was conducted, analysing 29 studies to determine the incidence, nature, and mechanisms of HNF injuries in cricket, the reported use of helmets and ‘gold standard’ definitions. Facial fractures and concussions were the most frequently specified types of injuries, and the impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. Only three studies (10%) reported the use of helmets. The systematic review highlighted the lack of evidence regarding the reporting of HNF cricket injuries according to international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the limited data on helmet usage at the time of injury. Additionally, the review identified gaps in evidence concerning HNF injuries across different age groups, levels of play and diverse populations, along with discrepancies in reporting injury-specific mechanisms. Community-level HNF cricket injuries that required hospitalisation in Victoria, Australia, over a decade, spanning from 2007/8 to 2016/17 were also reviewed under the first objective. During this period, Victorian hospitals treated 3,907 HNF cricket injuries. Male participants accounted for a higher number of injuries than female participants, and the age group most commonly requiring hospital treatment was 10–14 years. Open wounds were the most frequent type of injury (30%), and the primary mechanism for HNF cricket injuries during this decade was being hit, struck, or crushed (86%). Our literature review and the hospital study form the ideal platform for injury prevention efforts by establishing HNF injury prevalence and common injury mechanisms. The second broad objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of cricket helmets among cricket participants, to study the ability of Australian cricket participants to perceive injury risk and to explore the knowledge and awareness of concussion assessment and management. An online survey was conducted to address each facet of our second objective. Over 90% of the players and 50% of the officials reported wearing a helmet during the 2018/19 cricket season, but most did not use a neck protector. Most of the helmets used met the recommended British Standards, and the most common brand used was Masuri. For most of the players and officials who participated in our survey, comfort, and ability to prevent HNF injuries were the two most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a cricket helmet. More than 80% of players and almost 50% of officials expressed the belief that helmets were not necessary for activities such as bowling and fielding at a distance from the batter. Yet, the fact that more than 80% of all participants expressed their willingness to keep using helmets under compulsory regulations indicates that implementing mandatory helmet rules might result in a significant increase in helmet adoption and enhance the overall safety of the sport. Over 70% of our survey participants demonstrated satisfactory levels of knowledge regarding concussion assessment and management. These findings suggest that the potential for severe complications stemming from concussions related to cricket could be reduced, particularly in light of the limited availability of qualified medical professionals at the community-level. The strong understanding of concussion guidelines among our survey participants implies that they would be inclined to prioritise safety and choose helmets that align with the recommended safety standards. In summary, this PhD research has achieved its objective of making the first large-scale scientific contribution to enhance safety and prevent HNF injuries among participants of community-level cricket in Australia. Additionally, this research effectively assessed the participants’ knowledge, comprehension and attitudes regarding utilising protective helmets and the importance of following Cricket Australia’s concussion guidelines.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
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