Self-report motor competence in adolescents aged 12–18 years in regional and rural Victoria (Australia)
- Authors: Plumb, Mandy , Hands, Beth , McIntyre, Fleur , Timler, Amanda
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport Vol. 92, no. 3 (2021), p. 388-398
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background: Poor motor skills are an increasing issue for adolescents in our local communities. In regional Victoria, almost 20% of children starting school in 2018 were considered at risk or developmentally vulnerable in the domain of physical health and wellbeing. Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine factors (how adolescents perceive their fine and gross motor skills, activities of daily living, comparison to peers) of motor competence that may be important to adolescents in regional Victoria, Australia, using the Adolescent Motor Competence Questionnaire (AMCQ). Methods: A sample of 183 Australian adolescents ([138 females (Mage = 15.59 years, SD = 1.56); 45 males, (Mage = 15.82 years, SD = 1.95); 12–18 years old] completed the AMCQ. Results: The mean AMCQ score was 87.86 (SD = 7.55), with no significant difference between males (M = 89.67 SD = 7.29) and females [M = 87.28 SD = 7.56; t (181 = 1.86 p =.065)]. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA), extracted five factors (Eiqenvalue of 1.389) explaining 43.46% of variance, representing, Ball Skills and Kinesthesis; Activities of Daily Living; Fine Motor and Gross Motor; Proprioception and Exteroception; Public Performance. Conclusion: The results highlight key factors important in describing an adolescent’s motor competence within regional Victoria. With physical health a priority in local communities, understanding these factors is an important first, that which may inform development of physical activity interventions for adolescents. © 2020 SHAPE America.
Nordic walking for overweight and obese people : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors: Sanchez-Lastra, Miguel , Miller, Kyle , Martínez-Lemos, Rodolfo , Giráldez, Antón , Ayán, Carlos
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol. 17, no. 7 (2020), p. 762-772
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- Description: Background: Nordic walking (NW) is a potentially beneficial exercise strategy for overweight and obese people. To date, no reviews have synthesized the existing scientific evidence regarding the effects of NW on this population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the characteristics, methodological quality, and results of the investigations that have studied the effects of NW in overweight and obese individuals. Methods: Six electronic databases were searched up to June 2019 for studies that examined the effects of NW on people with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. The methodological quality of the included randomized controlled trials was retrieved from the physiotherapy evidence database or evaluated using the physiotherapy evidence database scale. Results: Twelve studies were included in the review. The investigations were mostly good-to-fair methodological quality. NW groups had a significant improvement on parameters such as fasting plasma glucose, abdominal adiposity, and body fat compared with the baseline, but no significant improvements were found when compared with control groups. Conclusions: NW can potentially lead to improvements in parameters related to major health outcomes in overweight and obese people. The lack of control for confounding variables in the analyzed studies prevents further elaboration on its potential benefits. © 2020 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Aerobic training protects cardiac function during advancing age : A meta-analysis of four decades of controlled studies
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Grace, Fergal , Richards, Joanna , Campbell, Amy , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 49, no. 2 (2019), p. 199-219
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- Description: Background: In contrast to younger athletes, there is comparatively less literature examining cardiac structure and function in older athletes. However, a progressive accumulation of studies during the past four decades offers a body of literature worthy of systematic scrutiny. Objectives: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of controlled echocardiography studies comparing left ventricular (LV) structure and function in aerobically trained older athletes (> 45 years) with age-matched untrained controls, in addition to investigating the influence of chronological age. Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2018 before conducting a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled differences in means, effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study heterogeneity was reported using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistic. Results: Overall, 32 studies (644 athletes; 582 controls) were included. Athletes had greater LV end-diastolic diameter (3.65 mm, 95% CI 2.66–4.64), interventricular septal thickness (1.23 mm, 95% CI 0.85–1.60), posterior wall thickness (1.20 mm, 95% CI 0.83–1.56), LV mass (72 g, 95% CI 46–98), LV mass index (28.17 g·m2, 95% CI 19.84–36.49) and stroke volume (13.59 mL, 95% CI 7.20–19.98) (all p < 0.01). Athletes had superior global diastolic function [ratio of early (E) to late (A) mitral inflow velocity (E/A) 0.18, 95% CI 0.13–0.24, p < 0.01; ratio of early (e′) to late (a′) diastolic annular tissue velocity (e′/a′) 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.40, p = 0.01], lower A (−8.20 cm·s−1, 95% CI −11.90 to −4.51, p < 0.01) and a′ (−0.72 cm·s−1, 95% CI −1.31 to −0.12, p = 0.02), and more rapid e′ (0.96 cm·s−1, 95% CI 0.05–1.86, p = 0.04). Meta-regression for chronological age identified that athlete–control differences, in the main, are maintained during advancing age. Conclusions: Athletic older men have larger cardiac dimensions and enjoy more favourable cardiac function than healthy, non-athletic counterparts. Notably, the athlete groups maintain these effects during chronological ageing. © 2018, The Author(s).
An investigation into handedness and choking under pressure in sport
- Authors: Mesagno, Christopher , Garvey, Jacob , Tibbert, Stephanie , Gröpel, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport Vol. 90, no. 2 (2019), p. 217-226
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- Description: When athletes fail to perform at an expected level during an important moment, it is implied the athletes have experienced “choking“ (sudden decline in performance) under pressure.”. Researchers have reported that persistent left-hemispheric activation patterns occur when an athlete experiences considerable performance deteriorations under pressure. Researchers have also observed differences in brain activation patterns between left- and right-handed people on a variety of physical and cognitive tests, with the left-hemispheric activation more pronounced in right-handed participants. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether athletes’ handedness may be linked to choking susceptibility (i.e., likelihood to experience performance decline under pressure). Method: Twenty right-handed and 13 left-handed experienced Australian football players completed 15 shot attempts, in both a low-pressure and a high-pressure condition. Both groups displayed equal state anxiety increases due to the pressure manipulation, indicating similar increases in anxiety in both handedness groups. Results: Differences were indicated in performance between the left- and right-handed groups during the high-pressure condition, with the left-handed group maintaining, and the right-handed participants declining, performance. Conclusion: Future electroencephalogram (EEG) research investigating this link may clarify the effect between handedness and choking.
Sprint interval training and the school curriculum : Benefits upon cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity profiles, and cardiometabolic risk profiles of healthy adolescents
- Authors: Martin-Smith, Rhona , Buchan, Duncan , Baker, Julien , Macdonald, Mhairi , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Easton, Chris , Knox, Allan , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Pediatric Exercise Science Vol. 31, no. 3 (2019), p. 296-305
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- Description: Background: This study examined the impact of a 4-week school-based sprint interval training program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), daily physical activity (PA) behavior, and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) outcomes in adolescents. Methods: A total of 56 adolescents (22 females) were allocated to either an intervention (n = 22; 17.0 [0.3] y) or control group (n = 30; 16.8 [0.5] y). Intervention group performed 5 to 6, 30 second "all out" running sprints, interspersed with 30-second rest intervals, 3 times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks, whereas control group performed their normal physical education lessons. CRF was estimated from the 20-m multistage fitness test and PA behavior was determined using accelerometry. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical markers of CMR. Results: Significant group x time interactions were observed for CRF (5.03 [1.66 to 8.40]; P < .001; d = 0.95), sedentary time (136.15 [91.91 to 180.39]; P = .004; d = 1.8), moderate PA (57.20 [32.17 to 82.23]; P < .001; d = 1.5), vigorous PA (5.40 [4.22 to 6.57]; P < .001; d = 1.2), fasting insulin (0.37 [-0.48 to 1.21]; P = .01; d = 1.0), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (0.26 [0.15 to 0.42]; P < .001; d = 0.9), and clustered CMR score (0.22 [-0.05 to 0.68]; P < .001; d = 10.63). Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that 4 weeks of school-based sprint interval training improves CRF, improves PA profiles, and maintains CMR in adolescents during the school term.
An updated subsequent injury categorisation model (SIC-2.0) : Data-driven categorisation of subsequent injuries in sport
- Authors: Toohey, Liam , Drew, Michael , Fortington, Lauren , Finch, Caroline , Cook, Jill
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 48, no. 9 (2018), p. 2199-2210
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background: Accounting for subsequent injuries is critical for sports injury epidemiology. The subsequent injury categorisation (SIC-1.0) model was developed to create a framework for accurate categorisation of subsequent injuries but its operationalisation has been challenging. Objectives: The objective of this study was to update the subsequent injury categorisation (SIC-1.0 to SIC-2.0) model to improve its utility and application to sports injury datasets, and to test its applicability to a sports injury dataset. Methods: The SIC-1.0 model was expanded to include two levels of categorisation describing how previous injuries relate to subsequent events. A data-driven classification level was established containing eight discrete injury categories identifiable without clinical input. A sequential classification level that sub-categorised the data-driven categories according to their level of clinical relatedness has 16 distinct subsequent injury types. Manual and automated SIC-2.0 model categorisation were applied to a prospective injury dataset collected for elite rugby sevens players over a 2-year period. Absolute agreement between the two coding methods was assessed. Results: An automated script for automatic data-driven categorisation and a flowchart for manual coding were developed for the SIC-2.0 model. The SIC-2.0 model was applied to 246 injuries sustained by 55 players (median four injuries, range 1–12), 46 (83.6%) of whom experienced more than one injury. The majority of subsequent injuries (78.7%) were sustained to a different site and were of a different nature. Absolute agreement between the manual coding and automated statistical script category allocation was 100%. Conclusions: The updated SIC-2.0 model provides a simple flowchart and automated electronic script to allow both an accurate and efficient method of categorising subsequent injury data in sport.
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.
Injuries in field hockey players : A systematic review
- Authors: Barboza, Saulo , Joseph, Corey , Nauta, Joske , van Mechelen, Willem , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 48, no. 4 (2018), p. 849-866
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- Description: Background: To commence injury prevention efforts, it is necessary to understand the magnitude of the injury problem. No systematic reviews have yet investigated the extent of injuries in field hockey, despite the popularity of the sport worldwide. Objective: Our objective was to describe the rate and severity of injuries in field hockey and investigate their characteristics. Methods: We conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL. Prospective cohort studies were included if they were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal and observed all possible injuries sustained by field hockey players during the period of the study. Results: The risk of bias score of the 22 studies included ranged from three to nine of a possible ten. In total, 12 studies (55%) reported injuries normalized by field hockey exposure. Injury rates ranged from 0.1 injuries (in school-aged players) to 90.9 injuries (in Africa Cup of Nations) per 1000 player-hours and from one injury (in high-school women) to 70 injuries (in under-21 age women) per 1000 player-sessions. Studies used different classifications for injury severity, but—within studies—injuries were included mostly in the less severe category. The lower limbs were most affected, and contusions/hematomas and abrasions were common types of injury. Contact injuries are common, but non-contact injuries are also a cause for concern. Conclusions: Considerable heterogeneity meant it was not possible to draw conclusive findings on the extent of the rate and severity of injuries. Establishing the extent of sports injury is considered the first step towards prevention, so there is a need for a consensus on injury surveillance in field hockey. © 2018, The Author(s).
Accelerometers for the assessment of concussion in male athletes : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors: Brennan, James , Mitra, Biswadev , Synnot, Anneliese , McKenzie, Joanne , Willmott, Catherine , McIntosh, Andrew , Maller, Jerome , Rosenfeld, Jeffrey
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 3 (2017), p. 469-478
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background Concussion is common in the sporting arena and is often challenging to diagnose. The development of wearable head impact measurement systems has enabled measurement of head kinematics in contact sports. Objectives The objective of this systematic review was to determine the characteristics of head kinematics measured by an accelerometer system among male athletes diagnosed with concussion. Methods A systematic search was conducted in July 2015. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies published after 1990 with a study population of male athletes, in any sport, where objectively measured biomechanical forces were reported in the setting of a concussive event. The random effects meta-analysis model was used to combine estimates of biomechanical force measurements in concussed athletes. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which were conducted with high school and college football teams in the US. Included studies measured a combination of linear and rotational acceleration. The meta-analysed mean peak linear head acceleration associated with a concussive episode was 98.68 g (95 % CI 82.36-115.00) and mean peak rotational head acceleration was 5776.60 rads/s 2 (95 % CI 4583.53-6969.67). The estimates of the biomechanical forces were consistent across studies, with I 2 values of 0 % for both metaanalyses. Conclusions Head impact monitoring through accelerometery has been shown to be useful with regard to characterising the kinematic load to the head associated with concussion. Future research with improved clinical outcome measures and head kinematic data may improve accuracy when evaluating concussion, and may assist with both interpretation of biomechanical data and the development and utilisation of implementation strategies for the technology.
Electromyographic analyses of the erector spinae muscles during golf swings using four different clubs
- Authors: Sorbie, Graeme , Grace, Fergal , Gu, Yaodong , Baker, Julien , Ugbolue, Ukadike
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 36, no. 7 (2017), p. 717-723
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyography (EMG) patterns of the thoracic andlumbar regions of the erector spinae (ES) muscle during the golf swing whilst using four different golfclubs. Fifteen right-handed male golfers performed a total of twenty swings in random order using thedriver, 4-iron, 7-iron and pitching-wedge. Surface EMG was recorded from the lead and trail sides of thethoracic and lumbar regions of the ES muscle (T8, L1 and L5 lateral to the spinous-process). Three-dimensional high-speed video analysis was used to identify the backswing, forward swing, acceleration,early and late follow-through phases of the golf swing. No significant differences in muscle-activationlevels from the lead and trail sides of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the ES muscle were displayedbetween the driver, 4-iron, 7-iron and pitching-wedge (P > 0.05). The highest mean thoracic and lumbarES muscle-activation levels were displayed in the forward swing (67–99% MVC) and acceleration (83–106% MVC) phases of the swing for all clubs tested. The findings from this study show that there wereno significant statistical differences between the driver, 4-iron, 7-iron and pitching-wedge whenexamining muscle activity from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the ES muscle.
Exercise interventions for the prevention and treatment of groin pain and injury in athletes : A critical and systematic review
- Authors: Charlton, Paula , Drew, Michael , Mentiplay, Benjamin , Grimaldi, Alison , Clark, Ross
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 10 (2017), p. 2011-2026
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background: Groin injury is a common musculoskeletal complaint for athletes competing in a variety of sports. The extent to which exercise interventions incorporating external load are an appropriate option for the treatment and prevention of groin injury in athletes is not yet clear. Objectives: The aim of this review was to describe and evaluate exercise therapy interventions and outcomes for the treatment and prevention of groin injury with specific attention to application of external load. Data Sources: The databases Medline, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched on 18 April 2016. Study Eligibility Criteria: This review was registered as PROSPERO CRD42016037752 and a systematic search was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: any study design evaluating exercise interventions for the prevention or treatment of groin pain in athletes. Data Analysis: Two independent authors screened search results, performed data extraction, assessed risk of bias using the modified Downs and Black appraisal tool and determined strength and level of evidence. Reporting standards for exercise interventions were assessed using the Consensus for Exercise Reporting Template (CERT). Results: A total of 1320 titles were identified with 14 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria, four (29%) of which demonstrated low risk of bias. Ten (71%) studies utilised external load as a component of the exercise intervention. Reporting standards for exercise intervention scores ranged from 0 to 63%. Conclusion: There is limited evidence from level 2 and 3 studies indicating exercise therapy may reduce the incidence and hazard risk of sustaining a groin injury in athletes. There is strong evidence from level 4 studies indicating exercise therapy is beneficial as a treatment for groin injury in athletes in terms of symptom remission, return to sport and recurrence outcomes. However, there are limited studies with low risk of bias, and exercise interventions for the treatment of groin injury are poorly described. © 2017, Springer International Publishing Switzerland.
Facebook use and its relationship with sport anxiety
- Authors: Encel, Kim , Mesagno, Christopher , Brown, Helen
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 35, no. 8 (2017), p. 756–761
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) use has increased considerably since its inception; however, research examining the relationship between social media use and sport has not progressed as rapidly. The purpose of the current study was to explore the prevalence rates of Facebook use among athletes around and during sport competitions and to investigate the relationships between sport anxiety and Facebook use. Two hundred and ninety-eight athletes of varying levels completed measures for sport anxiety and Facebook use, which included descriptive information about Facebook use prior to, during and following competitions. Results indicated that 31.9% of athletes had used Facebook during a competition and 68.1% had accessed Facebook within 2 h prior to competition. Time spent on Facebook prior to competition was significantly (and positively) correlated with the concentration disruption component of sport anxiety. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed that having push notifications enabled on an athletes' phone predicted 4.4% of the variability in sport anxiety. The percentage of athletes who accessed Facebook within 2 h of, or during, a competition is somewhat alarming considering the importance of psychological preparation in sport, which may compromise optimal psychological readiness and may lead to increased sport anxiety.
Health and economic burden of running-related injuries in Dutch trailrunners : A prospective cohort study
- Authors: Hespanhol Junior, Luiz , van Mechelen, Willem , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 2 (2017), p. 367-377
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- Description: Background: Trailrunning is becoming very popular. However, the risk and burden of running-related injuries (RRI) in trailrunning is not well established. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, injury rate, severity, nature, and economic burden of RRIs in Dutch trailrunners. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 228 trailrunners aged 18 years or over (range 23–67), and was conducted between October 2013 and December 2014. After completing the baseline questionnaire, the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems was administered every 2 weeks to collect data on RRIs. Participants who reported RRIs were asked about healthcare utilization (direct costs) and absenteeism from paid work (indirect costs). RRI was defined as disorders of the musculoskeletal system or concussions experienced or sustained during participation in running. Results: The mean prevalence of RRIs measured over time was 22.4 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 20.9–24.0], and the injury rate was 10.7 RRIs per 1000 h of running (95 % CI 9.4–12.1). The prevalence was higher for overuse (17.7 %; 95 % CI 15.9–19.5) than for acute (4.1 %; 95 % CI 3.3–5.0) RRIs. Also, the injury rate was higher for overuse (8.1; 95 % CI 6.9–9.3) than for acute (2.7; 95 % CI 2.0–3.4) RRIs. The median of the severity score was 35.0 [25–75 %, interquartile range (IQR) 22.0–55.7], and the median of the duration of RRIs was 2.0 weeks (IQR 2.0–6.0) during the study. The total economic burden of RRIs was estimated at €172.22 (95 % CI 117.10–271.74) per RRI, and €1849.49 (95 % CI 1180.62–3058.91) per 1000 h of running. An RRI was estimated to have a direct cost of €60.92 (95 % CI 45.11–94.90) and an indirect cost of €111.30 (95 % CI 61.02–192.75). Conclusions: The health and economic burden of RRIs presented in this study are significant for trailrunners and for society. Therefore, efforts should be made in order to prevent RRIs in trailrunners. © 2016, The Author(s).
Intervention strategies used in sport injury prevention studies : A systematic review identifying studies applying the Haddon matrix
- Authors: Vriend, Ingrid , Gouttebarge, Vincent , Finch, Caroline , van Mechelen, Willem , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 10 (2017), p. 2027-2043
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- Description: Background: Prevention of sport injuries is crucial to maximise the health and societal benefits of a physically active lifestyle. To strengthen the translation and implementation of the available evidence base on effective preventive measures, a range of potentially relevant strategies should be considered. Objective: Our aim was to identify and categorise intervention strategies for the prevention of acute sport injuries evaluated in the scientific literature, applying the Haddon matrix, and identify potential knowledge gaps. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane) for studies that evaluated the effect of interventions on the occurrence of acute sport injuries. Studies were required to include a control group/condition, prospective data collection, and a quantitative injury outcome measure. Results: A total of 155 studies were included, mostly randomised controlled trials (43%). The majority of studies (55%) focussed on strategies requiring a behavioural change on the part of athletes. Studies predominantly evaluated the preventive effect of various training programmes targeted at the ‘pre-event’ phase (n = 73) and the use of equipment to avoid injury in the ‘event phase’ (n = 29). A limited number of studies evaluated the preventive effect of strategies geared at rules and regulations (n = 14), and contextual modifications (n = 18). Studies specifically aimed at preventing re-injuries were a minority (n = 8), and were mostly related to ankle sprains (n = 5). Conclusions: Valuable insight into the extent of the evidence base of sport injury prevention studies was obtained for 20 potential intervention strategies. This approach can be used to monitor potential gaps in the knowledge base on sport injury prevention. © 2017, The Author(s).
Left ventricular speckle tracking-derived cardiac strain and cardiac twist mechanics in athletes : A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Grace, Fergal , Richards, Joanna , Hough, John , Oxborough, David , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 6 (2017), p. 1145-1170
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
Tackling reliability and construct validity : The systematic development of a qualitative protocol for skill and incident analysis
- Authors: Savage, Trevor , McIntosh, Andrew
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 35, no. 5 (2017), p. 449-456
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: It is important to understand factors contributing to and directly causing sports injuries to improve the effectiveness and safety of sports skills. The characteristics of injury events must be evaluated and described meaningfully and reliably. However, many complex skills cannot be effectively investigated quantitatively because of ethical, technological and validity considerations. Increasingly, qualitative methods are being used to investigate human movement for research purposes, but there are concerns about reliability and measurement bias of such methods. Using the tackle in Rugby union as an example, we outline a systematic approach for developing a skill analysis protocol with a focus on improving objectivity, validity and reliability. Characteristics for analysis were selected using qualitative analysis and biomechanical theoretical models and epidemiological and coaching literature. An expert panel comprising subject matter experts provided feedback and the inter-rater reliability of the protocol was assessed using ten trained raters. The inter-rater reliability results were reviewed by the expert panel and the protocol was revised and assessed in a second inter-rater reliability study. Mean agreement in the second study improved and was comparable (52-90% agreement and ICC between 0.6 and 0.9) with other studies that have reported inter-rater reliability of qualitative analysis of human movement.
Video-based training to improve perceptual-cognitive decision-making performance of Australian football umpires
- Authors: Larkin, Paul , Mesagno, Christopher , Berry, Jason , Spittle, Michael , Harvey, Jack
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 36, no. 3 (2017), p. 239-246
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Decision-making is a central component of the in-game performance of Australian football umpires; however, current umpire training focuses largely on physiological development with decision-making skills development conducted via explicit lecture-style meetings with limited practice devoted to making actual decisions. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of a video-based training programme, aimed to provide a greater amount of contextualised visual experiences without explicit instruction, to improve decision-making skills of umpires. Australian football umpires (n = 52) were recruited from metropolitan and regional Division 1 competitions. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group and classified according to previous umpire game experience (i.e., experienced; less experienced). The intervention group completed a 12-week video-based decision-making training programme, with decision-making performance assessed at pre-training, and 1-week retention and 3-week retention periods. The control group did not complete any video-based training. Results indicated a significant Group (intervention; Control) x Test interaction (F(1, 100) = 3.98; P = 0.02, partial 2 = 0.074), with follow-up pairwise comparisons indicating significant within-group differences over time for the intervention group. In addition, decision-making performance of the less experienced umpires in the intervention group significantly improved (F(2, 40) = 5.03, P = 0.01, partial 2 = 0.201). Thus, video-based training programmes may be a viable adjunct to current training programmes to hasten decision-making development, especially for less experienced umpires.
A review of the anthropometric characteristics, grading and dispensation of junior and youth rugby union players in Australia
- Authors: Patton, Declan , McIntosh, Andrew , Denny, Greg
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 46, no. 8 (2016), p. 1067-1081
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The grading of Australian junior and youth rugby union players has received substantial media attention in recent years. Media reports have focussed on size mismatches observed between players, especially players with Polynesian heritage, and the concerned parents who fear for the safety of their child owing to perceived mismatches. Although such concerns are well meaning, few media reports recognise the need for substantial evidence to determine the best grading system for junior and youth rugby union players. The current study reviewed relevant literature pertinent to the grading and dispensation of junior and youth rugby union players. Using primary and secondary search strategies, a total of 33 articles reporting the anthropometric characteristics of junior and youth rugby players were identified. Anthropometric data from the literature were compared with normative population data and currently used dispensation criteria. Junior and youth rugby players were found to be taller and heavier than normative population data. Current dispensation criteria, in terms of body mass, were found to vary and it is suggested that criteria be revised and standardised across rugby unions throughout Australia. Although it is acknowledged that other factors are important for grading players, anthropometric characteristics should be considered as potential dispensation criteria to supplement current age-based grading for junior and youth rugby union players. Measuring the body mass and stature of each junior player upon pre-season registration is suggested, which would provide data to establish valid dispensation criteria for the following season.
Compliance with sport injury prevention interventions in randomised controlled trials : A systematic review
- Authors: van Reijen, Miriam , Vriend, Ingrid , van Mechelen, Willem , Finch, Caroline , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 46, no. 8 (2016), p. 1125-1139
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- Description: Introduction Sport injury prevention studies vary in the way compliance with an intervention is defined, measured and adjusted for. Objective The objective of this systematic review was to assess the extent to which sport injury prevention randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have defined, measured and adjusted results for compliance with an injury prevention intervention. Methods An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, PubMed, the Cochrane Center of Controlled Trials, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and SPORTDiscus. English RCTs, quasi-RCTs and cluster-RCTs were considered eligible. Trials that involved physically active individuals or examined the effects of an intervention aimed at the prevention of sport-or physical activity-related injuries were included. Results Of the total of 100 studies included, 71.6 % mentioned compliance or a related term, 68.8 % provided details on compliance measurement and 51.4 % provided compliance data. Only 19.3 % analysed the effect of compliance rates on study outcomes. While studies used heterogeneous methods, pooled effects could not be presented. Conclusions Studies that account for compliance demonstrated that compliance significant affects study outcomes. The way compliance is dealt with in preventions studies is subject to a large degree of heterogeneity. Valid and reliable tools to measure and report compliance are needed and should be matched to a uniform definition of compliance.
Early changes in Achilles tendon behaviour in vivo following downhill backwards walking
- Authors: Joseph, Corey , Bradshaw, Elizabeth , Furness, Trentham , Kemp, Justin , Clark, Ross
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 34, no. 13 (Jul 2016), p. 1215-1221
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- Description: Downhill backwards walking causes repeated, cyclical loading of the muscle-tendon unit. The effect this type of repeated loading has on the mechanical behaviour of the Achilles tendon is presently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical response of the Achilles tendon aponeurosis complex following a downhill backwards walking protocol. Twenty active males (age: 22.3 +/- 3.0years; mass: 74.7 +/- 5.6kg; height: 1.8 +/- 0.7m) performed 60min of downhill (8.5 degrees), backwards walking on a treadmill at -0.67m center dot s(-1). Data were collected before, immediately post, and 24-, 48- and 168-h post-downhill backwards walking. Achilles tendon aponeurosis elongation, strain and stiffness were measured using ultrasonography. Muscle force decreased immediately post-downhill backward walking (P=0.019). There were increases in Achilles tendon aponeurosis stiffness at 24-h post-downhill backward walking (307 +/- 179.6N center dot mm(-1), P=0.004), and decreases in Achilles tendon aponeurosis strain during maximum voluntary contraction at 24 (3.8 +/- 1.7%, P=0.008) and 48h (3.9 +/- 1.8%, P=0.002) post. Repeated cyclical loading of downhill backwards walking affects the behaviour of the muscle-tendon unit, most likely by altering muscle compliance, and these changes result in tendon stiffness increases.