Objectives: We identified profiles of wake-time movement behaviours (sedentary behaviours, light intensity physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) based on accelerometer-derived features among older adults and then examined their association with all-cause mortality.
Methods: Data were drawn from a prospective cohort of 3991 Whitehall II accelerometer substudy participants aged 60-83 years in 2012-2013. Daily movement behaviour profiles were identified using k-means cluster analysis based on 13 accelerometer-assessed features characterising total duration, frequency, bout duration, timing and activity intensity distribution of movement behaviour. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between derived profiles and mortality risk.
Results: Over a mean follow-up of 8.1 (SD 1.3) years, a total of 410 deaths were recorded. Five distinct profiles were identified and labelled as 'active' (healthiest), 'active sitters', 'light movers', 'prolonged sitters', and 'most sedentary' (most deleterious). In model adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors, compared with the 'active' profile, 'active sitters' (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.44), 'light movers' (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.63), 'prolonged sitters' (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.51), 'most sedentary' (HR 3.25, 95% CI 2.10 to 5.02) profiles were all associated with a higher risk of mortality.
Conclusion: Given the threefold higher mortality risk among those with a 'most sedentary' profile, public health interventions may target this group wherein any improvement in physical activity and sedentary behaviour might be beneficial.
No study has evaluated the effects of dry needling on Paralympic athletes. Therefore, in this study, we will evaluate the effect of dry needling on lower limb spasticity and motor performance, as well as the range of motion of Paralympic athletes. The study will be a triple-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-four athletes aged 18-45 in T35-T38 groups of the International Paralympic Committee classification will be included in the study. Twelve participants will receive dry needling of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles, and 12 will receive placebo treatment with sham needles at similar points. We will assess the spasticity of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using the Modified Ashworth Scale, evaluate motor function using the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity Scale and measure ankle range of motion (ROM) with a goniometer. Considering our hypothesis, the athletes who will undergo the dry needling are supposed to achieve better improvements in spasticity, ROM and motor performance. This study can provide useful information to help better decide on managing complications in Paralympics and its long-term outcomes, to cover the current lack in the literature.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the current literature regarding the non-operative treatment of isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries.
Design: Systematic review, registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/E9CP4).
Data sources: The Embase, MEDLINE and PEDro databases were searched; last search was performed on December 2023.
Eligibility criteria: Peer-reviewed original reports from studies that included information about individuals who sustained an isolated MCL injury with non-surgical treatment as an intervention, or reports comparing surgical with non-surgical treatment were eligible for inclusion. Included reports were synthesised qualitatively. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies. Certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation.
Results: A total of 26 reports (1912 patients) were included, of which 18 were published before the year 2000 and 8 after. No differences in non-operative treatment were reported between grade I and II injuries, where immediate weight bearing and ambulation were tolerated, and rehabilitation comprised different types of strengthening exercises with poorly reported details. Some reports used immobilisation with a brace as a treatment method, while others did not use any equipment. The use of a brace and duration of use was inconsistently reported.
Conclusion: There is substantial heterogeneity and lack of detail regarding the non-operative treatment of isolated MCL injuries. This should prompt researchers and clinicians to produce high-quality evidence studies on the promising non-operative treatment of isolated MCL injuries to aid in decision-making and guide rehabilitation after MCL injury.
Level of evidence: Level I, systematic review.
Objectives: Implementation of injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) in sports is challenging, and behaviour change among players and coaches is essential for success. The aim was to describe players' and coaches' motivation and coaches' goal pursuit when using IPEPs in amateur and youth football across a season. A secondary aim was to describe players' motivation to engage in IPEP use in relation to presence or absence of injury.
Methods: The study was based on questionnaires to amateur and youth, male and female football players and coaches at baseline, mid-season and post-season in a three-armed randomised trial in 2020 in Sweden. Questionnaires were based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model with questions about the motivational phase when intention for change is created (players and coaches) and a goal-pursuit phase when intention is translated into action (coaches).
Results: In total, 455 players (126 male), mean age 20.1 years (SD±5.8, range 14-46) and 59 (52 male) coaches took part. Players generally gave positive answers in the HAPA motivational phase (Likert 6-7 on a 1-7 Likert scale). Differences in ratings between injured and uninjured players were minor. Coaches had positive or neutral ratings (Likert 4-6) in the motivational and goal-pursuit phases. Ratings deteriorated across the season, with less positive responses from 40% of players and 38-46% of coaches post-season.
Conclusion: Positive ratings in the HAPA motivational phase indicated fertile ground for IPEP use. Neutral ratings by coaches and deterioration across the season in players and coaches suggest a need for ongoing support for IPEP use.
Trial registration number: NCT04272047.
This study explored stakeholders' perspectives on current practices, challenges and opportunities related to the return-to-sport (RTS) process in high-performance Snowsports. We conducted fourteen semi-structured interviews with athletes, coaches and health professionals from multiple countries using online video platforms. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed based on constant comparative analysis employing the principles of Grounded Theory. Codes were grouped into categories and main concepts and a conceptual model were derived. According to the participants, RTS should be considered a continuous process to bring the athlete back to competition as fast and safely as possible, whereas speed is often prioritised over safety. Participants described the need for a structured and criteria-based process. Despite the multiple phases and the diversity of involved professionals, the process is individualised and unique, highlighting the value of having the athlete at the centre of the RTS process. It was considered essential to provide a safe environment and build trustworthy relationships. Additionally, access to resources, communication and cooperation among all experts was perceived as critical to successful RTS. Our participants described the value of continuity and an athlete-centred approach to the RTS process. The challenges, such as interprofessional communication, the lack of objective sport-specific criteria, and the diversity of resources and network structures, were perceived as practical issues that influenced the process, which should be tailored for each athlete accordingly to reach a successful RTS.
In 2021, a 'call to action' was published to highlight the need for professional regulation of clinical exercise physiologists to be established within UK healthcare systems to ensure patient safety and align training and regulation with other health professions. This manuscript provides a progress report on the actions that Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (CEP-UK) has undertaken over the past 4 years, during which time clinical exercise physiologists have implemented regulation and gained formal recognition as healthcare professionals in the UK. An overview of the consultation process involved in creating a regulated health profession, notably the development of policies and procedures for both individual registration and institutional master's degree (MSc) accreditation is outlined. Additionally, the process for developing an industry-recognised scope of practice, a university MSc-level curriculum framework, the Academy for Healthcare Science Practitioner standards of proficiency and Continuing Professional Development opportunities is included. We outline the significant activities and milestones undertaken by CEP-UK and provide insight and clarity for other health professionals to understand the training and registration process for a clinical exercise physiologist in the UK. Finally, we include short, medium and long-term objectives for the future advocacy development of this workforce in the UK.