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Analysis of the impact of sex and age on the variation in the prevalence of antinuclear autoantibodies in Polish population : a nationwide observational, cross-sectional study

- Krzemie, Kasperczyk, Sławomir, Banach, Maciejc, Kasperczyk, Aleksandra, Dobrakowski, Michał, Tomasik, Tomasz, Windak, Adam, Mastej, Mirosław, Catapano, Alberico, Ray, Kausik, Mikhailidis, Dimitri, Toth, Peter, Howard, George, Lip, Gregory, Tomaszewski, Macie, Charchar, Fadi, Sattar, Naveed, Williams, Bryan, MacDonald, Thomas, Penson, Peter, J, Al-Shaer B, Andrusewicz W., Anusz-Gaszewska E., B, Balawajder P., Bańka G., Barańska-Skubisz E., Przyczyna, B., Bartkowiak S.

Training load and recovery during a pre-olympic season in professional rhythmic gymnasts

- Debien, Paula, Miloski, Bernardo, Werneck, Francisco, Timoteo, Thiago, Ferezin, Camila, Filho, Mauricio, Gabbett, Tim

  • Authors: Debien, Paula , Miloski, Bernardo , Werneck, Francisco , Timoteo, Thiago , Ferezin, Camila , Filho, Mauricio , Gabbett, Tim
  • Date: 2020
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Athletic Training Vol. 55, no. 9 (2020), p. 977-983
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  • Description: Context: Rhythmic gymnastics requires a high level of complexity and perfection of technical gestures, associated with well-developed physical and artistic capacities. The training-load and recovery profiles of rhythmic gymnasts across a season are unknown. Objective: To analyze the training load and recovery of professional rhythmic gymnasts during 1 season. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Brazilian National Training Center of Rhythmic Gymnastics and competition facilities. Patients or Other Participants: Eight gymnasts from the Brazilian national senior rhythmic gymnastics group. Main Outcome Measure(s): Session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and total quality recovery (TQR) scores were collected daily for 43 weeks. We obtained the session-RPE after each session and TQR score before the first session of the day. Performances during 5 competitions were also recorded. The season was divided into 8 periods. Total weekly internal training load (wITL), training intensity, frequency, duration, recovery, and acute: chronic workload ratio were calculated for analysis. Results: The season mean wITL was 10 381 6 4894 arbitrary units, mean session-RPE score was 5.0 6 1.6, and mean TQR score was 12.8 6 1.3. The gymnasts trained an average of 8.7 6 2.9 sessions per week, with a mean duration of 219 6 36 minutes. Each competitive period showed increased wITL compared with the previous period. Training-load variables (wITL and session-RPE) and recovery were inversely correlated. Gymnasts were poorly recovered (TQR, 13) during 50.9% of the season (n ¼ 167 times), especially during competitive weeks. Spikes in load (acute: chronic workload ratio ≥ 1.5) occurred across 18.1% of the season (n ¼ 55 times). Conclusions: The training-load variables and recovery changed throughout a professional rhythmic gymnastics group season, mainly during competitive periods. The correct distribution of training load is critical to ensure that gymnasts are entering competitions in a recovered state. © by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Inc www.natajournals.org

Menstrual hygiene management strategies used by women who are blind or have low vision

- McGregor, Freya, Unsworth, Carolyn

  • Authors: McGregor, Freya , Unsworth, Carolyn
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 29, no. 7 (2022), p. 598-610
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  • Description: Background: Menstrual hygiene management is a global public health issue that requires local and individualized support to reduce activity limitations and enable safe, independent task performance for people with impaired body functions. Aim: How do women with blindness or low vision self-manage their menstrual hygiene to promote independence, and what do they recommend occupational therapists incorporate in education for young women when working in this field? Methods: Phenomenological design revealing lived experience expertise. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women who are blind or have low vision aged 16–70 in Australia. The resulting data transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically using the Person-Environment Occupation Performance Model as an organizing framework. Results: Participants reported a range of personal (touch) and organizational strategies relying on environmental cues such as regular times for changing sanitary items, lining up pads using underwear seams and wearing dark clothing to disguise leaks. Participants suggested that group occupational therapy education sessions be used to promote self-management. Conclusions and significance: The lived experience of women who successfully self-manage menstrual hygiene with blindness or low vision has generated evidence to inform the development of therapist-mediated interventions and resources that could be applied with women across a range of clinical populations. © 2021 Crown Copyright in the Commonwealth Government of Australia. Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

A systematic review on fitness testing in adult male basketball players : tests adopted, characteristics reported and recommendations for practice

- Morrison, Matthew, Martin, David, Talpey, Scott, Scanlan, Aaron, Delaney, Jace, Halson, Shona, Weakley, Jonathon

  • Authors: Morrison, Matthew , Martin, David , Talpey, Scott , Scanlan, Aaron , Delaney, Jace , Halson, Shona , Weakley, Jonathon
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article , Review
  • Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 52, no. 7 (2022), p. 1491-1532
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  • Description: Background: As basketball match-play requires players to possess a wide range of physical characteristics, many tests have been introduced in the literature to identify talent and quantify fitness in various samples of players. However, a synthesis of the literature to identify the most frequently used tests, outcome variables, and normative values for basketball-related physical characteristics in adult male basketball players is yet to be conducted. Objective: The primary objectives of this systematic review are to (1) identify tests and outcome variables used to assess physical characteristics in adult male basketball players across all competition levels, (2) report a summary of anthropometric, muscular power, linear speed, change-of-direction speed, agility, strength, anaerobic capacity, and aerobic capacity in adult male basketball players based on playing position and competition level, and (3) introduce a framework outlining recommended testing approaches to quantify physical characteristics in adult male basketball players. Methods: A systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify relevant studies. To be eligible for inclusion, studies were required to: (1) be original research articles; (2) be published in a peer-reviewed journal; (3) have full-text versions available in the English language; and (4) include the primary aim of reporting tests used and/or the physical characteristics of adult (i.e., ≥ 18 years of age) male basketball players. Additionally, data from the top 10 draft picks who participated in the National Basketball Association combined from 2011–12 to 2020–21 were extracted from the official league website to highlight the physical characteristics of elite 19- to 24-year-old basketball players. Results: A total of 1684 studies were identified, with 375 being duplicates. Consequently, the titles and abstracts of 1309 studies were screened and 231 studies were eligible for full-text review. The reference list of each study was searched, with a further 59 studies identified as eligible for review. After full-text screening, 137 studies identified tests, while 114 studies reported physical characteristics in adult male basketball players. Conclusions: Physical characteristics reported indicate a wide range of abilities are present across playing competitions. The tests and outcome variables reported in the literature highlight the multitude of tests currently being used. Because there are no accepted international standards for physical assessment of basketball players, establishing normative data is challenging. Therefore, future testing should involve repeatable protocols that are standardised and provide outcomes that can be monitored across time. Recommendations for testing batteries in adult male basketball players are provided so improved interpretation of data can occur. Clinical Trial Registration: This review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and allocated registration number CRD42020187151 on 28 April, 2020. © 2022, The Author(s).

Use of the AusTOMs-OT to record outcomes in an occupational therapy homeless service

- Alderdice, Elaine, Wolfe, Debra, Timmer, Amanda, Unsworth, Carolyn

  • Authors: Alderdice, Elaine , Wolfe, Debra , Timmer, Amanda , Unsworth, Carolyn
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: British Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 85, no. 9 (2022), p. 669-676
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  • Description: Introduction: Occupational therapists provide services to homeless people internationally, yet relatively little research evidence underpins this practice. This study aimed to describe the process of selecting an outcome measure for use in a homeless occupational therapy service and demonstrate the changes experienced in the occupational performance of individuals participating in this service. Method: The Glasgow homeless occupational therapy service staff reviewed eight outcome measures against six pre-determined criteria. The selected tool was then used to collect data pre and post an occupational therapy intervention with 58 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test to determine statistically significant change from admission to discharge in the different domains of the selected outcome measure. Results: The AusTOMs-OT was implemented in daily practice and 70% of participants were discharged following achievement of therapy goals. Clients made clinically and statistically significant improvements over their admission as measured on AusTOMs-OT in areas such as Transfers, Self-Care and Domestic Life-Home, across the health domains of activity, participation and wellbeing. Conclusion: AusTOMs-OT was successfully implemented and demonstrated that participants improved over their time with the service. This evidence can be used to support the effectiveness of occupational therapy services with people experiencing homelessness. © The Author(s) 2022.

Injury by design : a thematic networks and system dynamics analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in tram drivers

- Naweed, Anjum, Bowditch, Lorelle, Trigg, Joshua, Unsworth, Carolyn

  • Authors: Naweed, Anjum , Bowditch, Lorelle , Trigg, Joshua , Unsworth, Carolyn
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 100, no. (2022), p.
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  • Description: Tram driving is a safety critical task where work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and injuries are associated with interacting occupational design factors over time. These interactions then carry implications for workforce retention, public safety, workplace relations and supports. To better understand such interactions, this study used thematic networks and system dynamics (causal loop diagrams) analysis with the aim to unearth a global theme underscoring occurrence of WRMSDs, and describe the factors influencing the system dynamics of WRMSD occurrence in tram drivers. Building on earlier work focused on occupational participation, secondary analysis of driver interviews (n = 13) and driving observations (n = 11) produced thematic network and causal loop models of risk factors that highlighted an Injury by Design problem structure as a global theme. Research targeting organisational culture, human factors, and design standards is needed to minimise WRMSDs risk in tram drivers. © 2021 The Authors

Peer educators in the facilitation of sexuality and respectful relationship education for people with an intellectual disability : a scoping review and narrative synthesis

- James, Michelle, Porter, Joanne, Kattel, Sumitra, Prokopiv, Valerie, Hopwood, Peter

  • Authors: James, Michelle , Porter, Joanne , Kattel, Sumitra , Prokopiv, Valerie , Hopwood, Peter
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Sexuality and Disability Vol. 40, no. 3 (2022), p. 487-502
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  • Description: A scoping review was conducted to identify how peer-education models are being used in sexuality and respectful relationship education for people with a disability. The search was conducted in August 2021 using the Joanna Briggs framework to scope and map the literature and research activity. Using strict criteria, 7 online databases, grey literature and reference lists were searched for resources written or published in the last 15 years (2006–2021). Relevant sources were shortlisted and assessed by the two authors. Six sources met the criteria for inclusion in this review. In total, four educational programs are described and discussed. The results identify four sexuality and respectful relationship programs that met screening criteria: (1) “Telling it like it is!”, (2) “Sexual Lives and Respectful Relationships”, (3) “Talking about sex and relationships: the views of young people with learning disabilities”, and (4) “Health, Safety & Sexuality Training for You & Me”. Peer-educators experienced increased confidence and feelings of empowerment, while people without an intellectual disability reported a greater understanding of the challenges and experiences of people with a disability. The use of peer educators to deliver sexuality and respectful relationship education for people with intellectual disability is a promising education model with multiple potential benefits for participants. However, more research is needed to understand the consequences and limitations of such programs. © 2022, Crown.

Survey of occupational therapy driver assessors’ rehabilitation interventions with older drivers

- Unsworth, Carolyn, Baker, Anne, Morton-Kehle, Dana, Darzins, Susan

  • Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , Baker, Anne , Morton-Kehle, Dana , Darzins, Susan
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: OTJR Occupation, Participation and Health Vol. 42, no. 2 (2022), p. 115-126
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  • Description: The rehabilitation strategies used by occupational therapy driver assessors with older drivers with age-related decline or health conditions are not well understood. The objective of the study was to describe driver rehabilitation interventions used by Australian driver assessors, identify factors that guide rehabilitation choices, and identify barriers and facilitators encountered. An online survey was emailed to 300 driver assessors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and to rank order participant responses. A total of 148 respondents selected from a combined total of 655 interventions. The four most common rehabilitation methods were (a) graded driving (18%, n = 118), (b) practicing specific maneuvers (17.7%, n = 116), (c) using a modified vehicle (16.9%, n = 111), and (d) graded driving in local areas only (15.1%, n = 99). The most common barrier limiting driver rehabilitation was cost (M = 2.92, SD = 1.24). The most frequently used driver rehabilitation method was on-road training. Practice can be enhanced by collating and evaluating resources, and ensuring effective interventions are more accessible. © The Author(s) 2021.

SAfety and feasibility of EArly resistance training after median sternotomy : the SAFE-ARMS study

- Pengelly, Jacqueline, Boggett, Stuart, Bryant, Adam, Royse, Colin, Royse, Alistair, Williams, Gavin, El-Ansary, Doa El

  • Authors: Pengelly, Jacqueline , Boggett, Stuart , Bryant, Adam , Royse, Colin , Royse, Alistair , Williams, Gavin , El-Ansary, Doa El
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Physical Therapy Vol. 102, no. 7 (2022), p.
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  • Description: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of subacute upper limb resistance exercise on sternal micromotion and pain and the reliability of sternal ultrasound assessment following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. Methods: This experimental study used a pretest-posttest design to investigate the effects of upper limb resistance exercise on the sternum in patients following their first cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. Six bilateral upper limb machine-based exercises were commenced at a base resistance of 20 lb (9 kg) and progressed for each participant. Sternal micromotion was assessed using ultrasound at the mid and lower sternum at 2, 8, and 14 weeks postsurgery. Intrarater and interrater reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Participant-reported pain was recorded at rest and with each exercise using a visual analogue scale. Results: Sixteen adults (n = 15 males; 71.3 [SD = 6.2] years of age) consented to participate. Twelve participants completed the study, 2 withdrew prior to the 8-week assessment, and 2 assessments were not completed at 14 weeks due to assessor unavailability. The highest median micromotion at the sternal edges was observed during the bicep curl (median = 1.33 mm; range = -0.8 to 2.0 mm) in the lateral direction and the shoulder pulldown (median = 0.65 mm; range = -0.8 to 1.6 mm) in the anterior-posterior direction. Furthermore, participants reported no increase in pain when performing any of the 6 upper limb exercises. Interrater reliability was moderate to good for both lateral-posterior (ICC = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.83) and anterior-posterior micromotion (ICC = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.89) of the sternal edges. Conclusion: Bilateral upper limb resistance exercises performed on cam-based machines do not result in sternal micromotion exceeding 2.0 mm or an increase in participant-reported pain. Impact: Upper limb resistance training commenced as early as 2 weeks following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy and performed within the safe limits of pain and sternal micromotion appears to be safe and may accelerate postoperative recovery rather than muscular deconditioning. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Physical Therapy Association. All rights reserved.

Match high-speed running distances are often suppressed after return from hamstring strain injury in professional footballers

- Whiteley, Rodney, Massey, Andrew, Gabbett, Tim, Blanch, Peter, Cameron, Matthew, Conlan, Greta, Ford, Matthew, Williams, Morgan

  • Authors: Whiteley, Rodney , Massey, Andrew , Gabbett, Tim , Blanch, Peter , Cameron, Matthew , Conlan, Greta , Ford, Matthew , Williams, Morgan
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Sports Health Vol. 13, no. 3 (2021), p. 290-295
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  • Description: Background: High-speed running is commonly implicated in the genesis of hamstring injury. The success of hamstring injury management is typically quantified by the duration of time loss or reinjury rate. These metrics do not consider any loss in performance after returning to play from hamstring injury. It is not known to what extent high-speed running is altered on return to play after such injury. Hypothesis: Match high-speed running distance will change after returning from hamstring injury. Study Design: Non-randomized cohort. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Match high-speed running distance in highest level professional football (soccer, Rugby League, Rugby Union, and Australian Rules) were examined for a minimum of 5 games prior and subsequent to hamstring strain injury for individual differences using a linear regression models approach. A total of 22 injuries in 15 players were available for analysis. Results: Preinjury cumulative high-speed running distances were strongly correlated for each individual (r2 = 0.92-1.0 P < 0.0001). Pre- and postinjury high-speed running data were available for a median of 15 matches (range, 6-15). Variance from the preinjury high-speed running distance was significantly less (P = 0.0005) than the post injury values suggesting a suppression of high-speed running distance after returning from injury. On return to play, 7 of the 15 players showed a sustained absolute reduction in preinjury high-speed running distance, 7 showed no change, and 1 player (only) showed an increase. Analysis of subsequent (second and third injury) return to play showed no differences to return from the index injury. Conclusion: Return to play was not associated with return to high-speed running performance for nearly half of the players examined, although the same number showed no difference. Persisting deficits in match high-speed running may exist for many players after hamstring strain injury. Clinical Relevance: Returning to play does not mean returning to (high-speed running) performance for nearly half of the high-level professional football players examined in this study. This suggests that successful return to play metrics should be expanded from simple time taken and recurrence to include performance.

P092 improving postgraduate psychology students’ sleep and insomnia knowledge with a sleep education workshop

- Meaklim, H., Meltzer, L., Junge, M., Rehm, I., Monfries, M., Kennedy, Gerard, Bucks, R., Jackson, M.

  • Authors: Meaklim, H. , Meltzer, L. , Junge, M. , Rehm, I. , Monfries, M. , Kennedy, Gerard , Bucks, R. , Jackson, M.
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Sleep advances. Vol. 2, no. Supplement_1 (2021), p. A51-A51
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  • Description: Abstract Introduction Trainee psychologists receive limited sleep and insomnia education during postgraduate study. This study examined the delivery of a sleep psychology training workshop for postgraduate psychology students and examined changes in sleep knowledge from pre- to post-workshop. Methods A 6-hour Sleep Psychology Workshop was delivered to postgraduate psychology students around Victoria. Online pre- and post-workshop questionnaires were used to evaluate changes in sleep psychology knowledge and collect feedback on the workshop. Results The participants were 187 students (82% female, M age = 32), most of whom were in their 5th year of psychology training (69%) and had not received any sleep education during their postgraduate studies at the date of the intervention (77%). Students’ sleep knowledge significantly improved after workshop completion (pre: 56% vs. post: 80% correct), t(107)= -21.41, p < .001. Students provided positive feedback about the workshop, with 96% rating the workshop as excellent/very good and 86% reporting that they would recommend the workshop to other postgraduate students. Overall, 94% of students agreed/strongly agreed that the sleep psychology workshop improved their confidence to manage sleep disturbances in their future psychology practice. Discussion Postgraduate psychology students require sleep and insomnia education. This study demonstrates that students’ sleep psychology knowledge can improve after a 6-hour sleep education and training workshop and provides initial positive feedback about the benefits of sleep and insomnia education for postgraduate students.

What factors affect implementation of early rehabilitation into intensive care unit practice? A qualitative study with clinicians

- Parry, Selina, Remedios, Louisa, Denehy, Linda, Knight, Laura, Beach, Lisa, Rollinson, Thomas, Berney, Sue, Puthucheary, Zudin, Morris, Peter, Granger, Catherine

  • Authors: Parry, Selina , Remedios, Louisa , Denehy, Linda , Knight, Laura , Beach, Lisa , Rollinson, Thomas , Berney, Sue , Puthucheary, Zudin , Morris, Peter , Granger, Catherine
  • Date: 2017
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Critical Care Vol. 38, no. (2017), p. 137-143
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  • Description: Purpose To identify the barriers and enablers that influence clinicians' implementation of early rehabilitation in critical care. Materials and methods Qualitative study involving 26 multidisciplinary participants who were recruited using purposive sampling. Four focus groups were conducted using semistructured questions to explore attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed. Results Six themes emerged, as follows: (1) the clinicians' expectations and knowledge (including rationale for rehabilitation, perceived benefits, and experience), (2) the evidence for and application of rehabilitation (including beliefs regarding when to intervene), (3) patient factors (including prognosis, sedation, delirium, cooperation, motivation, goals, and family), (4) safety considerations (including physiological stability and presence of devices or lines), (5) environmental influences (staffing, resources, equipment, time, and competing priorities), and (6) culture and teamwork. Key strategies identified to facilitate rehabilitation included addressing educational needs for all multidisciplinary team members, supporting junior nursing staff, and potential expansion of physiotherapy staffing hours to closer align with the 24-hour patient care model. Conclusions Key barriers to implementation of early rehabilitation in critical care are diverse and include both clinician- and health care system–related factors. Research targeted at bridging this evidence-practice gap is required to improve provision of rehabilitation. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Attributes of expert anticipation should inform the design of virtual reality simulators to accelerate learning and transfer of skill

- Müller, Sean, Dekker, Evan, Morris-Binelli, Khaya, Piggott, Benjamin, Hoyne, Gerard, Christensen, Wayne, Fadde, Peter, Zaichkowsky, Leonard, Brenton, John, Hambrick, David

  • Authors: Müller, Sean , Dekker, Evan , Morris-Binelli, Khaya , Piggott, Benjamin , Hoyne, Gerard , Christensen, Wayne , Fadde, Peter , Zaichkowsky, Leonard , Brenton, John , Hambrick, David
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 53, no. 2 (2023), p. 301-309
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  • Description: Expert sport performers cope with a multitude of visual information to achieve precise skill goals under time stress and pressure. For example, a major league baseball or cricket batter must read opponent variations in actions and ball flight paths to strike the ball in less than a second. Crowded playing schedules and training load restrictions to minimise injury have limited opportunity for field-based practice in sports. As a result, many sports organisations are exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) simulators. Whilst VR synthetic experiences can allow greater control of visual stimuli, immersion to create presence in an environment, and interaction with stimuli, compared to traditional video simulation, the underpinning mechanisms of how experts use visual information for anticipation have not been properly incorporated into its content design. In themes, this opinion article briefly explains the mechanisms underpinning expert visual anticipation, as well as its learning and transfer, with a view that this knowledge can better inform VR simulator content design. In each theme, examples are discussed for improved content design of VR simulators taking into consideration its advantages and limitations relative to video simulation techniques. Whilst sport is used as the exemplar, the points discussed have implications for skill learning in other domains, such as military and law enforcement. It is hoped that our paper will stimulate improved content design of VR simulators for future research and skill enhancement across several domains. © 2022, The Author(s). Correction to: Sports Medicine https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01735-7, Page 1: The affiliation for Evan Dekker, which previously read: 2Academic Services and Support Directorate, University Drive, Mt. Helen, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia has now been updated to read: Academic Services and Support Directorate, Federation University, University Drive, Mt. Helen, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia. The original article has been corrected.

A narrative review of the current state of extended reality technology and how it can be utilised in sport

- Le Noury, Peter, Polman, Remco, Maloney, Michael, Gorman, Adam

  • Authors: Le Noury, Peter , Polman, Remco , Maloney, Michael , Gorman, Adam
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article , Review
  • Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 52, no. 7 (2022), p. 1473-1489
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  • Description: Extended reality is an umbrella term used to describe three computer-generated technologies including virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. Extended reality is an emerging technology that has been utilised in many high-performance domains including psychology, medicine and the military, with the aim of enhancing perceptual-cognitive skills and motor skills. However, the use of extended reality in sport, particularly at the elite level, has only recently started to receive attention. While the growth of extended reality technology continues to accelerate at a rapid rate, empirical evidence aimed at understanding how these devices can best be applied in high-performance sport has not followed suit. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide clarity for high-performance sport organisations, researchers, sport scientists, coaches and athletes about the current state of extended reality technology and how it has been utilised in sport. In doing so, we first define and give examples of the types of extended reality technology including virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality that are available at the present time. Second, we detail how skill acquisition principles underpinned by the theoretical framework of ecological dynamics can be used to help inform the design and assessment of extended reality training tools. Third, we describe how extended reality has been utilised in sport, including how extended reality tools have been assessed for their level of representativeness, and the effectiveness of extended reality training interventions for improving perceptual-cognitive skills and motor skills. Finally, we discuss the future utilisation of extended reality in sport, including the key learnings that can be drawn from other domains, future research directions, practical applications and areas for consideration related to the use of extended reality for training skills in sport. © 2022, The Author(s).

Characteristics and outcomes of a community upper limb rehabilitation group for adult stroke survivors in australia : a pre-post cohort study

- English, Kylie, Daley, Bella, Cahill, Liana, Liu, Enwu, Lannin, Natasha, Baker, Anne

  • Authors: English, Kylie , Daley, Bella , Cahill, Liana , Liu, Enwu , Lannin, Natasha , Baker, Anne
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Occupational Therapy in Health Care Vol. 36, no. 4 (2022), p. 440-458
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  • Description: This study investigated outcomes of a community-based upper limb rehabilitation group for adult stroke survivors in metropolitan Australia. Pre-post data were extracted from medical records. Participants (n = 27) were predominantly men (n = 22, 81%); mean age 61 years (SD 17) and median time 109 days post stroke. Participants improved on upper limb outcomes, with statistically significant changes on several of the items on the Motor Assessment Scale (item seven mean improvement 0.93 (95% CI 0.48-2.19), p =.016; item eight mean improvement 1.4 (95% CI 0.38-2.42), p =.016) and grip strength (mean improvement 4.5 kg/9 pounds, 14.73 ounces (95% CI 1.5-7.6), p =.006). These results guide occupational therapists implementing community-based upper limb rehabilitation groups. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Adiposity as a risk factor for sport injury in youth : a systematic review

- Toomey, Clodagh, Whittaker, Jackie, Richmond, Sarah, Owoeye, Oluwatoyosi, Patton, Declan, Emery, Carolyn

  • Authors: Toomey, Clodagh , Whittaker, Jackie , Richmond, Sarah , Owoeye, Oluwatoyosi , Patton, Declan , Emery, Carolyn
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article , Review
  • Relation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Vol. 32, no. 4 (2022), p. 418-426
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  • Description: Objective: To determine whether high or low adiposity is associated with youth sport-related injury.Data Sources: Ten electronic databases were searched to identify prospective studies examining the association between adiposity [body mass index (BMI) or body fat] and a future time-loss or medical attention sport-related musculoskeletal injury or concussion in youth aged 20 years and younger. Two independent raters assessed the quality (Downs and Black criteria) and risk of bias (Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool). Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] of injury.Main Results: Of 11 424 potentially relevant records, 38 articles were included with 17 eligible for meta-analyses. In qualitative synthesis, no clear association was identified between adiposity and any sport injury; however, 16/22 studies identified high adiposity as a significant risk factor for lower-extremity injury. Meta-analyses revealed higher BMI in youth with any sport-related injury and lower BMI in youth who developed a bone stress injury (BSI) compared with noninjured controls. The pooled OR (95% CI) examining the association of BMI and injury risk (excluding bone injury) was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.03-1.34). A major source of bias in included articles was inconsistent adjustment for age, sex, and physical activity participation.Conclusions: Level 2b evidence suggests that high BMI is associated with greater risk of youth sport injury, particularly lower-extremity injury and excluding BSI or fracture. Although pooled mean differences were low, anthropometric risk of injury seems to be dependent on type and site of injury in youth sport. © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Brain motor control assessment post early intensive hand rehabilitation after spinal cord Injury

- Zoghi, Maryam, Galea, Mary

  • Authors: Zoghi, Maryam , Galea, Mary
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Topics in Spinal cord injury rehabilitation Vol. 24, no. 2 (2018), p. 157-166
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  • Description: The Brain Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) is a surface electromyography (sEMG)-based measure of motor output from the central nervous system during a variety of reflex and voluntary motor tasks. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of voluntary movements in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) to investigate whether BMCA could add more resolution to clinical assessments and the recovery path of these patients. Ten participants were recruited from the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre as part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Four participants received usual care while the other 3 participants received usual care plus an intensive task-specific hand training program in conjunction with functional electrical stimulation for 8 weeks. BMCA assessments were completed for 7 participants at this center 4 times over a period of 1 year. Generalized linear model analysis showed a significant main effect of task ( < .001) and assessment time ( = .003) on the Similarity Index. However, there were no significant interactions among the factors ( > .05). Based on ARAT or summed upper limb strength scores, some participants showed significant improvement after 8 weeks of rehabilitation, however this improvement was not reflected in the pattern of muscle activation that was captured by BMCA. The quantifiable features of BMCA through surface EMG may increase the resolution of SCI characterization by adding subclinical details to the clinical picture of lesion severity and progression during rehabilitation.

Brain motor control assessment of upper limb function in patients with spinal cord injury

- Zoghi, Maryam, Galea, Mary, Morgan, David

  • Authors: Zoghi, Maryam , Galea, Mary , Morgan, David
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine Vol. 39, no. 2 (2016), p. 162-174
  • Full Text: false
  • Reviewed:
  • Description: Background: The brain motor control assessment (BMCA) for the upper limb has been developed to add resolution to the clinical evaluation in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). BMCA is a surface electromyography (sEMG)-based measure of motor output from the central nervous system during a variety of reflex and voluntary motor tasks performed under strictly controlled conditions. Method: Nine participants were recruited and assessed four times over a period of 1 year in a prospective cohort study design. The sEMG of 15 muscles (7 muscles from each upper limb and rectus abdominis) were recorded throughout the following stages of the BMCA protocol: (i) relaxation, (ii) reinforcement maneuvers, (iii) voluntary tasks, (iv) tendon-tap reflex responses, (v) vibration responses. Results: Similarity index (SI) values were significantly lower in the SCI group for unilateral shoulder abduction (P = 0.006) and adduction (P = 0.021), elbow extension (P = 0.038), wrist flexion/extension with palm up (P < 0.001 P < 0.001) and wrist flexion with palm down (P = 0.016). sEMG magnitudes were also significantly lower in the SCI group for wrist flexion/extension with palm up (P < 0.001 P = 0.042). SI changes over time were significant for tasks related to wrist joint (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Clinicians who are involved in rehabilitation of patients with SCI can use the BMCA to assess their patients' motor control abilities and monitor their progression throughout their rehabilitation process. The results of this type of neurophysiological assessment might be useful to tailor therapeutic strategies for each patient.

Redefining 'Chinese' L1 in SLP: Considerations for the assessment of Chinese bilingual/bidialectal language skills

- Han, Weifeng, Brebner, Chris, McAllister, Sue

  • Authors: Han, Weifeng , Brebner, Chris , McAllister, Sue
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Vol. 18, no. 2 (2016), p. 135-146
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  • Reviewed:
  • Description: Purpose: Language assessment of bilingual/bidialectal children can be complex. This is particularly true for speakers from China, who are likely to be bilingual and bidialectal at the same time. There has been, however, a lack of understanding of the diversity of Chinese languages as well as data on bidialectal children's L1 syntactic development and the development of L1 bidialectal children's L2 acquisition. Method: This paper provides information on the complexity of the language system for people from China. It will present illustrative examples of the expressive language outputs of bilingual and bidialectal children from the perspective of bilingual, bidialectal linguists and speech-language pathologists. Then it will outline why appropriate assessment tools and practices for identification of language impairment in bilingual Chinese children need to be developed. Result: Considerations include that Chinese bilingual children may differ in L2 performance because of lack of exposure in the target language or because of their varied L1 dialectal backgrounds, but not necessarily because of language impairment. Conclusion: When evaluating morphosyntactic performance of bilingual children, a series of reliable threshold indicators for possible language impairment is urgently needed for SLPs to facilitate accurate diagnosis of language impairment.

EMG-triggered stimulation post spinal cord injury: A case report

- Zoghi, Maryam, Galea, Mary

  • Authors: Zoghi, Maryam , Galea, Mary
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Physiotherapy theory and practice :a n international journal of physical therapy Vol. 34, no. 4 (2018), p. 309-315
  • Full Text: false
  • Reviewed:
  • Description: Background: Mechanical injury in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) rarely transects the cord completely, even when the injury is classified as complete. These patients can show sub-clinical evidence of spared motor connections, which might be amenable to targeted rehabilitation. Neurophysiological evaluations can complement the clinical evaluation by providing objective data about conduction across the SCI site. Case Description: A twenty-four year old patient with SCI was admitted to a rehabilitation centre 49 days post traumatic SCI. His injury was categorized as motor and sensory complete (AIS A) with a neurological level of C4. The strength of his triceps bilaterally was recorded 0/5 repeatedly by his therapists during the five-month period post-injury. As a result, no training was provided for these muscles during the rehabilitation program. Neurophysiological Assessment: Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from his left triceps with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which confirmed the existence of spared corticospinal connections to this muscle post-injury. Intervention: He completed a series of active-assisted exercises with an EMG-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (NMS) device for his left triceps comprising 20-minutes elbow extension (15 trials), three times per day for 4 weeks. Outcome: The strength of his left triceps gradually improved to 2/5. Discussion: Neurophysiological evaluation can be useful in identifying residual function below the level of injury, which can, in turn, be enhanced through appropriate rehabilitation strategies.