Pub Date : 2025-07-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100110
Sean Tweedy , Kathryn Fortnum , George Thomas , Damien Cole , Bridget Demetriou , Iain Dutia , Jessica Hill , John Cairney , Emma Beckman
Objectives
Australia’s bid for the 2032 Paralympic Games included a commitment to increasing sport participation among people with disabilities by 500,000. Realising this legacy will require an accurate understanding of the composition of the Australian disability population – age, sex, disability type and disability severity – as well as current Para sport participation rates.
Design and methods
Collation and synthesis of publicly available data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Para sport master lists.
Results
Among 4.37M Australians with disability, 44.5 % were aged ≥65 yrs. Of those aged <65 yrs, the maximum population that could be eligible for Para sport comprise 529,800 with intellectual disability, 85,900 with sight loss, and 802,000 with physical disability. Many high-prevalence disability types are not eligible for Para sport (e.g., hearing loss = 1.07M; psychosocial disability = 1.14M) and sport may not be appropriate for other types (e.g., chronic pain/discomfort = 1.46M). Compared with others with disability, those with severe/profound disabilities are least active (17.4 % meet physical activity guidelines) and underrepresented in sport (3.2 % of Para athletes with physical impairment have high support needs).
Conclusions
Increasing participation in any form of physical activity – including Para sports and other sports – by 500,000 would be a more achievable and inclusive legacy goal than increasing sports participation alone. Such an approach would cater for high-prevalence disability groups for whom commencement of competitive sport may not be suitable (e.g., >65 yrs, chronic pain). To permit safe, effective engagement in sport/physical activity for individuals with severe impairments and high support needs, investment in development and implementation of specialised, evidence-based programs is required.
{"title":"An analysis of people with disabilities in Australia by age, sex, disability type and severity – Implications for leveraging the 2032 Paralympic games to increase physical activity participation","authors":"Sean Tweedy , Kathryn Fortnum , George Thomas , Damien Cole , Bridget Demetriou , Iain Dutia , Jessica Hill , John Cairney , Emma Beckman","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Australia’s bid for the 2032 Paralympic Games included a commitment to increasing sport participation among people with disabilities by 500,000. Realising this legacy will require an accurate understanding of the composition of the Australian disability population – age, sex, disability type and disability severity – as well as current Para sport participation rates.</div></div><div><h3>Design and methods</h3><div>Collation and synthesis of publicly available data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Para sport master lists.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 4.37M Australians with disability, 44.5 % were aged ≥65 yrs. Of those aged <65 yrs, the maximum population that could be eligible for Para sport comprise 529,800 with intellectual disability, 85,900 with sight loss, and 802,000 with physical disability. Many high-prevalence disability types are not eligible for Para sport (e.g., hearing loss = 1.07M; psychosocial disability = 1.14M) and sport may not be appropriate for other types (e.g., chronic pain/discomfort = 1.46M). Compared with others with disability, those with severe/profound disabilities are least active (17.4 % meet physical activity guidelines) and underrepresented in sport (3.2 % of Para athletes with physical impairment have high support needs).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Increasing participation in any form of physical activity – including Para sports and other sports – by 500,000 would be a more achievable and inclusive legacy goal than increasing sports participation alone. Such an approach would cater for high-prevalence disability groups for whom commencement of competitive sport may not be suitable (e.g., >65 yrs, chronic pain). To permit safe, effective engagement in sport/physical activity for individuals with severe impairments and high support needs, investment in development and implementation of specialised, evidence-based programs is required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144595423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100109
Roxy H. O’Rourke , Tara Joy Knibbe , Amy C. McPherson , Guy E. Faulkner , F. Virginia Wright , Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos
Background
Positive sport experiences for children are essential to establish long-term sport engagement. Coaches play a key role in fostering quality sport experiences for all children. For children with disabilities, caregivers are often closely involved in their sport participation, particularly when additional support is needed, and their perspectives can offer valuable insight into sport program experiences. The purpose of this study was to understand the role coaches have in optimizing the participation experiences of children in recreation-level sport programs. Specifically, this study aimed to explore children’s, caregivers', and coaches' perceptions of the coaching role in recreational sport programs that involve children with and without disabilities.
Methods
Individual interviews were conducted with 14 children (seven with disabilities), 15 caregivers, and 12 recreational sport coaches. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Four themes were generated during the analysis: (a) creating avenues for connection (two subthemes), (b) an environment focused on child empowerment (two subthemes), (c) autonomy-supportive coaching practices (three subthemes), and (d) flexibility and adapting the program to suit everyone (two subthemes). A family-centered coaching approach that prioritizes developing rapport with caregivers to enhance the child’s participation needs is key, especially in sport settings that include children with diverse abilities.
Conclusions
Coaches should employ autonomy-supportive coaching, supporting child connections without forcing them, and provide each child with opportunities for challenge and success. Doing so can help to foster quality participation experiences for children during this formative time to contribute to lasting sport involvement.
{"title":"Developing disability inclusive coaching principles within community recreational sport programming for children","authors":"Roxy H. O’Rourke , Tara Joy Knibbe , Amy C. McPherson , Guy E. Faulkner , F. Virginia Wright , Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Positive sport experiences for children are essential to establish long-term sport engagement. Coaches play a key role in fostering quality sport experiences for all children. For children with disabilities, caregivers are often closely involved in their sport participation, particularly when additional support is needed, and their perspectives can offer valuable insight into sport program experiences. The purpose of this study was to understand the role coaches have in optimizing the participation experiences of children in recreation-level sport programs. Specifically, this study aimed to explore children’s, caregivers', and coaches' perceptions of the coaching role in recreational sport programs that involve children with and without disabilities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Individual interviews were conducted with 14 children (seven with disabilities), 15 caregivers, and 12 recreational sport coaches. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four themes were generated during the analysis: (a) creating avenues for connection (two subthemes), (b) an environment focused on child empowerment (two subthemes), (c) autonomy-supportive coaching practices (three subthemes), and (d) flexibility and adapting the program to suit everyone (two subthemes). A family-centered coaching approach that prioritizes developing rapport with caregivers to enhance the child’s participation needs is key, especially in sport settings that include children with diverse abilities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Coaches should employ autonomy-supportive coaching, supporting child connections without forcing them, and provide each child with opportunities for challenge and success. Doing so can help to foster quality participation experiences for children during this formative time to contribute to lasting sport involvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144581234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100108
Morteza Ghayomzadeh , Alex Natera , Angelo Sabag , Brock Cooper , Glen M. Davis , Daniel A. Hackett
Background
Isometric resistance training (ISO-RT) has gained renewed attention for its potential to elicit muscular adaptations and enhance athletic performance. Unlike dynamic resistance training (DYN-RT), ISO-RT involves no joint movement or eccentric loading, making it particularly suitable for individuals with joint pathologies or those undergoing rehabilitation. Despite increasing interest, the comparative effectiveness of ISO-RT versus DYN-RT across various outcomes, including strength, hypertrophy, endurance, and recovery, remains inadequately explored.
Aims
This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of multi-angle ISO-RT and traditional DYN-RT on muscle performance, body composition, and recovery-related indicators in healthy adults.
Methods
In this pilot randomised controlled trial, 20 healthy adults (≥18 years) will be randomly assigned to either the ISO-RT or DYN-RT group (n = 10 per group). Both groups will complete a full-body resistance training program twice weekly for six weeks. The key distinction lies in the execution of the chest press and leg press exercises—performed isometrically in the ISO-RT group and dynamically in the DYN-RT group. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Analysis
Primary outcomes include dynamic and isometric strength. Secondary outcomes encompass muscular power, dynamic and isometric endurance, body composition (via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscle oxygenation (via near-infrared spectroscopy), and subjective recovery indicators such as sleep quality and delayed onset muscle soreness. Between-group comparisons will be conducted using appropriate inferential statistical tests to determine effect estimates and feasibility metrics.
Discussion/implications
This trial will offer preliminary insights into the physiological and perceptual adaptations elicited by ISO-RT versus DYN-RT. The findings will inform the design of larger-scale trials and contribute to developing tailored, evidence-based resistance training guidelines for both clinical and athletic populations.
disometric resistance training (ISO-RT)因其诱导肌肉适应和提高运动成绩的潜力而重新受到关注。与动态阻力训练(DYN-RT)不同,ISO-RT不涉及关节运动或偏心负荷,使其特别适合有关节病变或正在进行康复的个体。尽管越来越多的人对ISO-RT和DYN-RT在各种结果(包括力量、肥大、耐力和恢复)上的比较效果感兴趣,但仍未充分探讨。本研究旨在评估和比较多角度ISO-RT和传统DYN-RT对健康成人肌肉性能、身体成分和恢复相关指标的影响。方法在本随机对照试验中,20名健康成人(≥18岁)将被随机分配到ISO-RT组或DYN-RT组(每组n = 10)。两组都将完成为期六周的全身阻力训练项目,每周两次。关键的区别在于胸部按压和腿部按压练习的执行——ISO-RT组是等距按压,DYN-RT组是动态按压。所有结果将在基线和干预后进行评估。主要结果包括动态和等距强度。次要结果包括肌肉力量、动态和等长耐力、身体成分(通过双能x线吸收仪)、肌肉氧合(通过近红外光谱)和主观恢复指标,如睡眠质量和延迟性肌肉酸痛。组间比较将使用适当的推论统计检验来确定效果估计和可行性指标。讨论/意义本试验将提供ISO-RT与DYN-RT引起的生理和知觉适应的初步见解。这些发现将为更大规模试验的设计提供信息,并有助于为临床和运动人群制定量身定制的、基于证据的阻力训练指南。
{"title":"Effects of isometric vs. dynamic resistance training on muscle performance and body composition: Protocol for a pilot study","authors":"Morteza Ghayomzadeh , Alex Natera , Angelo Sabag , Brock Cooper , Glen M. Davis , Daniel A. Hackett","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Isometric resistance training (ISO-RT) has gained renewed attention for its potential to elicit muscular adaptations and enhance athletic performance. Unlike dynamic resistance training (DYN-RT), ISO-RT involves no joint movement or eccentric loading, making it particularly suitable for individuals with joint pathologies or those undergoing rehabilitation. Despite increasing interest, the comparative effectiveness of ISO-RT versus DYN-RT across various outcomes, including strength, hypertrophy, endurance, and recovery, remains inadequately explored.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of multi-angle ISO-RT and traditional DYN-RT on muscle performance, body composition, and recovery-related indicators in healthy adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this pilot randomised controlled trial, 20 healthy adults (≥18 years) will be randomly assigned to either the ISO-RT or DYN-RT group (n = 10 per group). Both groups will complete a full-body resistance training program twice weekly for six weeks. The key distinction lies in the execution of the chest press and leg press exercises—performed isometrically in the ISO-RT group and dynamically in the DYN-RT group. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Analysis</h3><div>Primary outcomes include dynamic and isometric strength. Secondary outcomes encompass muscular power, dynamic and isometric endurance, body composition (via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscle oxygenation (via near-infrared spectroscopy), and subjective recovery indicators such as sleep quality and delayed onset muscle soreness. Between-group comparisons will be conducted using appropriate inferential statistical tests to determine effect estimates and feasibility metrics.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion/implications</h3><div>This trial will offer preliminary insights into the physiological and perceptual adaptations elicited by ISO-RT versus DYN-RT. The findings will inform the design of larger-scale trials and contribute to developing tailored, evidence-based resistance training guidelines for both clinical and athletic populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100105
Julien Orhan , Romain Garofoli , Émilie Alperin , Fabien Ladauge , Jennifer Zauderer , Guillaume Paris , François Rannou , Christelle Nguyen , Marie-Martine Lefèvre-Colau
Introduction
Chronic adductor-related groin pain (AP) is a frequent and disabling sport condition. Intra-muscular injection of botulinum toxin A may have positive effects on pain in some chronic tendinitis. We aimed to describe the short-term evolution of pain, activity limitations and quality of life, after an injection of the adductor longus with botulinum toxin A, as an add-on therapy to standard of care in patients with chronic AP.
Method
We conducted a retrospective observational single-centered study. We included individuals with clinical and MRI chronic AP, for whom medical and/or surgical treatments have failed and who were treated with an intra-muscular injection of botulinum toxin A (100 units of botulinum toxin A in the adductor longus) under ultrasound guidance. Participants were assessed 50 days after injection for pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and for activity limitations and quality of life using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Participants were also asked to self-report adverse events.
Results
We included 20 participants. Mean age was 34.3 (11.7) years and mean symptom duration was 48.9 (61.6) months. Mean pain decreased from 55.3 (SD [22.4] before injection to 38.3 [21.7], 50 days after injection (p = 0.027). Each of the 6 HAGOS subscales improved before and after injection. No serious adverse events were self-reported by the patients included in the main analysis.
Conclusion
In this retrospective uncontrolled trial, we observed a numerical decrease in pain intensity in individuals with chronic AP 50 days after intra-muscular botulinum toxin A injection in the adductor longus.
{"title":"Ultrasound-guided intra-muscular botulinum toxin A in athletes with chronic adductor-related groin-pain: A retrospective observational study","authors":"Julien Orhan , Romain Garofoli , Émilie Alperin , Fabien Ladauge , Jennifer Zauderer , Guillaume Paris , François Rannou , Christelle Nguyen , Marie-Martine Lefèvre-Colau","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100105","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Chronic adductor-related groin pain (AP) is a frequent and disabling sport condition. Intra-muscular injection of botulinum toxin A may have positive effects on pain in some chronic tendinitis. We aimed to describe the short-term evolution of pain, activity limitations and quality of life, after an injection of the <em>adductor longus</em> with botulinum toxin A, as an add-on therapy to standard of care in patients with chronic AP.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective observational single-centered study. We included individuals with clinical and MRI chronic AP, for whom medical and/or surgical treatments have failed and who were treated with an intra-muscular injection of botulinum toxin A (100 units of botulinum toxin A in the <em>adductor longus</em>) under ultrasound guidance. Participants were assessed 50 days after injection for pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and for activity limitations and quality of life using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Participants were also asked to self-report adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We included 20 participants. Mean age was 34.3 (11.7) years and mean symptom duration was 48.9 (61.6) months. Mean pain decreased from 55.3 (SD [22.4] before injection to 38.3 [21.7], 50 days after injection (<em>p</em> = 0.027). Each of the 6 HAGOS subscales improved before and after injection. No serious adverse events were self-reported by the patients included in the main analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this retrospective uncontrolled trial, we observed a numerical decrease in pain intensity in individuals with chronic AP 50 days after intra-muscular botulinum toxin A injection in the <em>adductor longus</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144213297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100104
Matthew R. Turnbull , Tania F. Gallo , Hannah E. Carter , Michael Drew , Liam A. Toohey , Jocelyn Mara , Gordon Waddington
Background
The objective of this study was to quantify the salary costs of match-loss injuries and illnesses at a single professional AFL club.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study involving male professional AFL players across a six-season period (2016–2021). Analysis of player injury and illness data, and corresponding salary data, was performed with costs calculated using the human capital method.
Results
There were 95 individual players across the six-seasons, with 79 unique diagnoses, 267 match-loss injuries or illnesses and 1130 matches missed. The total salary cost of match-loss injury and illness was AU$13.0 million across the period. Hamstring biceps femoris grade 1–2 strains had the highest proportion of these costs according to diagnosis (AU$1.3 million, 30 incidences, 10.0 % of total salary costs), followed by soleus strains (AU$1.1 million, 20 incidences, 8.7 %) and concussions (AU$1.1 million, 25 incidences, 8.4 %). Of the most frequent injuries, hamstring semimembranosus strains had the highest mean (SD) cost per injury occurrence at AU$139,988 (126,023), followed by knee anterior cruciate ligament injuries at AU$99,264 (105,086). Injury or illness costs as a proportion of the total salary spend across six seasons was 17 % (range 10 %–22 %).
Conclusion
Match-loss injuries and illnesses incur a considerable financial cost relative to the player salary expenditure. This study may provide a costing model for sports businesses to utilise as an approach to inform resource allocation decisions, particularly in relation to injury management and prevention.
{"title":"The player salary costs of match-loss injury and illness at an Australian Football League Club: A six-season retrospective cohort study","authors":"Matthew R. Turnbull , Tania F. Gallo , Hannah E. Carter , Michael Drew , Liam A. Toohey , Jocelyn Mara , Gordon Waddington","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The objective of this study was to quantify the salary costs of match-loss injuries and illnesses at a single professional AFL club.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort study involving male professional AFL players across a six-season period (2016–2021). Analysis of player injury and illness data, and corresponding salary data, was performed with costs calculated using the human capital method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 95 individual players across the six-seasons, with 79 unique diagnoses, 267 match-loss injuries or illnesses and 1130 matches missed. The total salary cost of match-loss injury and illness was AU$13.0 million across the period. Hamstring biceps femoris grade 1–2 strains had the highest proportion of these costs according to diagnosis (AU$1.3 million, 30 incidences, 10.0 % of total salary costs), followed by soleus strains (AU$1.1 million, 20 incidences, 8.7 %) and concussions (AU$1.1 million, 25 incidences, 8.4 %). Of the most frequent injuries, hamstring semimembranosus strains had the highest mean (SD) cost per injury occurrence at AU$139,988 (126,023), followed by knee anterior cruciate ligament injuries at AU$99,264 (105,086). Injury or illness costs as a proportion of the total salary spend across six seasons was 17 % (range 10 %–22 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Match-loss injuries and illnesses incur a considerable financial cost relative to the player salary expenditure. This study may provide a costing model for sports businesses to utilise as an approach to inform resource allocation decisions, particularly in relation to injury management and prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144213376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100103
S.M. Tweedy , I.M. Dutia , L. Caughey , B. Demetriou , E.M. Beckman , J. Cairney
Background
Evidence quality from exercise trials which use group designs is partly dependent on whether study samples represent the population and acceptable sample homogeneity is achieved. This study aimed to review studies evaluating exercise training for people with cerebral palsy (CP) and appraise to what extent i) participants were representative of people with CP; and ii) internal validity was threatened by sample heterogeneity.
Methods
A search of 5 major databases was conducted to identify exercise trials which use group designs for people with CP. Participant characteristics were extracted and used to divide participants into sub-populations. Indicative Participant Prevalence Ratio (iPPR) was calculated to assess representativeness. Sample homogeneity was appraised for each study.
Results
Fifty-one studies evaluating 836 participants were appraised. Adults comprise 60 % of the CP population but were grossly underrepresented (iPPR<0.4). Older adults, people with dyskinetic and ataxic CP and wheelchair users were also grossly underrepresented. The number of studies that accounted for key prognostic variables was: age - 26 studies (51 %); sex - 0 studies (0 %); neurological subtype - 21 studies (41 %); functional effects - 14 studies (27 %) and comorbidities - 1 study (2 %).
Conclusion
Adults with CP and people with high support needs are underrepresented, and future research should prioritise this subpopulation. Trials using group designs require researchers to reconcile two competing interests – adequate sample size and sample homogeneity and to date, sample homogeneity has received insufficient priority. This threatens internal validity and, consequently, the overall quality of evidence underpinning clinical exercise prescription is likely to be lower than previously thought.
{"title":"A systematic review of sample representativeness and homogeneity in exercise trials using group designs for people with cerebral palsy","authors":"S.M. Tweedy , I.M. Dutia , L. Caughey , B. Demetriou , E.M. Beckman , J. Cairney","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Evidence quality from exercise trials which use group designs is partly dependent on whether study samples represent the population and acceptable sample homogeneity is achieved. This study aimed to review studies evaluating exercise training for people with cerebral palsy (CP) and appraise to what extent i) participants were representative of people with CP; and ii) internal validity was threatened by sample heterogeneity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A search of 5 major databases was conducted to identify exercise trials which use group designs for people with CP. Participant characteristics were extracted and used to divide participants into sub-populations. Indicative Participant Prevalence Ratio (iPPR) was calculated to assess representativeness. Sample homogeneity was appraised for each study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifty-one studies evaluating 836 participants were appraised. Adults comprise 60 % of the CP population but were grossly underrepresented (iPPR<0.4). Older adults, people with dyskinetic and ataxic CP and wheelchair users were also grossly underrepresented. The number of studies that accounted for key prognostic variables was: age - 26 studies (51 %); sex - 0 studies (0 %); neurological subtype - 21 studies (41 %); functional effects - 14 studies (27 %) and comorbidities - 1 study (2 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Adults with CP and people with high support needs are underrepresented, and future research should prioritise this subpopulation. Trials using group designs require researchers to reconcile two competing interests – adequate sample size and sample homogeneity and to date, sample homogeneity has received insufficient priority. This threatens internal validity and, consequently, the overall quality of evidence underpinning clinical exercise prescription is likely to be lower than previously thought.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144089556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100100
Sonali Pande , Viran DeSilva , Elizabeth Paratz , Marianne Tiemensma , Nadarajah Kangaharan
Objective
To present data from coronial records on sudden cardiac death (SCD) cases seen in young, First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory of Australia, estimate its incidence, and propose potential pre-participation screening strategies.
Design
Retrospective observational study.
Methods
Coronial records of sudden cardiac death cases in First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory under 40 years of age occurring between 2019 and 2023 were reviewed to study the incidence, demographics, medical history, circumstances of death and causes of death with autopsy and toxicology analysis.
Results
A total of 59 SCD cases in First Nations Australians under 40 years of age were recorded in the Northern Territory with an annual incidence of 19.8 cases per 100,000 persons. The mean ± SD of age was 32.8 ± 6.14 years. There were 61 % male and 2/3 of SCD cases occurred in remote location. Coronary heart disease (n = 36; 61 %) was the most common cause of death. In 3 cases, SCD was related to sports or exercise activity. Most common medical co-morbidities were cardiac (38.9 %), Diabetes mellitus (35.6 %), and rheumatic heart disease (20.3 %). Smoking (37.3 %) and alcohol abuse (32.2 %) were the most common risk factors.
Conclusions
SCD is more common and coronary heart disease and rheumatic heart disease are the most common causes in First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory under the age of 40 years. Medical co-morbidities and risk factors are prevalent in this population. There is a need for First Nation Australians specific local guidelines for a comprehensive pre-participation Heart-Health assessment.
{"title":"Sudden cardiac death in young First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory, Australia: Potential implications for pre-participation screening","authors":"Sonali Pande , Viran DeSilva , Elizabeth Paratz , Marianne Tiemensma , Nadarajah Kangaharan","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To present data from coronial records on sudden cardiac death (SCD) cases seen in young, First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory of Australia, estimate its incidence, and propose potential pre-participation screening strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Retrospective observational study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Coronial records of sudden cardiac death cases in First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory under 40 years of age occurring between 2019 and 2023 were reviewed to study the incidence, demographics, medical history, circumstances of death and causes of death with autopsy and toxicology analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 59 SCD cases in First Nations Australians under 40 years of age were recorded in the Northern Territory with an annual incidence of 19.8 cases per 100,000 persons. The mean ± SD of age was 32.8 ± 6.14 years. There were 61 % male and 2/3 of SCD cases occurred in remote location. Coronary heart disease (n = 36; 61 %) was the most common cause of death. In 3 cases, SCD was related to sports or exercise activity. Most common medical co-morbidities were cardiac (38.9 %), Diabetes mellitus (35.6 %), and rheumatic heart disease (20.3 %). Smoking (37.3 %) and alcohol abuse (32.2 %) were the most common risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SCD is more common and coronary heart disease and rheumatic heart disease are the most common causes in First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory under the age of 40 years. Medical co-morbidities and risk factors are prevalent in this population. There is a need for First Nation Australians specific local guidelines for a comprehensive pre-participation Heart-Health assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100101
Jessica J. Orchard, Nathan Luies, Rajesh Puranik, John W. Orchard
{"title":"A new urgency: addressing sudden cardiac death in young First Nations Australians through comprehensive screening","authors":"Jessica J. Orchard, Nathan Luies, Rajesh Puranik, John W. Orchard","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100101","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100098
Taylor M. Wileman, Daniel A. Hackett, Marnee J. McKay, Ché Fornusek
Background
All Abilities Touch Football provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in organised sport. However, the sport's rapid growth, coupled with the absence of a scientifically validated framework, has presented challenges in accommodating players with varying abilities while maintaining competitive balance. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of All Abilities Touch Football players through various physical fitness tests and assess player activity limitations based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework.
Methods
Twenty-four players participated in a battery of physical assessments, including measures of flexibility, balance, coordination, strength, power, speed, change of direction speed, and endurance. Intra-subject reliability was assessed using the coefficient of variation, and physical performance measures were standardised using z-scores.
Results
The results demonstrated considerable variation in performance, even among players with the same diagnosis. Tasks with increased motor demands such as the vertical jump and modified agility test, often required multiple attempts or assistance to complete (CV: 1.7–8.6 %).
Conclusion
These findings provide the first analysis of the physical performance characteristics of All Abilities Touch Football players, highlighting the broad range of abilities across the player cohort. The findings highlight the need for tailored strategies to enhance participation, while providing considerations for developing a classification framework that could support the growth and development of this sport.
{"title":"Physical performance characteristics and activity limitations of touch football players with disabilities: Preliminary study for classification framework development","authors":"Taylor M. Wileman, Daniel A. Hackett, Marnee J. McKay, Ché Fornusek","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>All Abilities Touch Football provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in organised sport. However, the sport's rapid growth, coupled with the absence of a scientifically validated framework, has presented challenges in accommodating players with varying abilities while maintaining competitive balance. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of All Abilities Touch Football players through various physical fitness tests and assess player activity limitations based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-four players participated in a battery of physical assessments, including measures of flexibility, balance, coordination, strength, power, speed, change of direction speed, and endurance. Intra-subject reliability was assessed using the coefficient of variation, and physical performance measures were standardised using z-scores.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results demonstrated considerable variation in performance, even among players with the same diagnosis. Tasks with increased motor demands such as the vertical jump and modified agility test, often required multiple attempts or assistance to complete (CV: 1.7–8.6 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings provide the first analysis of the physical performance characteristics of All Abilities Touch Football players, highlighting the broad range of abilities across the player cohort. The findings highlight the need for tailored strategies to enhance participation, while providing considerations for developing a classification framework that could support the growth and development of this sport.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100098"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143829677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100099
Lauren Ha , Claire E. Wakefield , Jacqueline Jacovou , Karen Johnston , Donna Drew , Mark W. Donoghoe , David Mizrahi , Richard De Abreu Lourenco , Richard J. Cohn , Natalie Taylor , Christina Signorelli
Background
Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease risk is further exacerbated by low physical activity levels and high levels of sedentary behaviour. Yet many survivors do not meet the physical activity guidelines, and those living in regional and remote areas have limited access to exercise interventions and cancer care programs. Therefore, it is critical that physical activity programs are accessible for childhood cancer survivors, no matter where they live. This protocol describes the development and planned evaluation of ‘Making Moves’, a co-designed online physical activity program for childhood cancer survivors aged 8–21 years.
Methods and analysis
This type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation pre-post trial will simultaneously (i) test the potential effectiveness of Making Moves on survivors' physical activity self-efficacy, and (ii) explore barriers and facilitators to implementation from multiple levels (individual, provider, organisational, and community) to inform future adaptations and implementation strategies. Making Moves includes an 8-week online program offering eight age-appropriate health behaviour educational modules with guided home-based physical activity videos, and up to five tailored telehealth sessions with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Assessment of the primary outcome (physical activity self-efficacy, i.e., perceived ability to engage in physical activity) and secondary outcomes (physical activity levels, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, symptoms of depression, readiness to exercise, perceived enjoyment of exercise, health-related quality of life) will occur at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 9), and follow-up (6 months). To assess the factors affecting the program’s implementation, we will conduct a process evaluation guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0 to interview survivors and parents, and future potential implementors. To judge the potential implementation success of Making Moves, we will collect implementation data (feasibility, acceptability, costs) for our process evaluation throughout the trial.
Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval was obtained from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH01614). We will publish our findings in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at relevant medical and scientific conferences, and disseminate research updates via newsletters to stakeholders and community networks.
{"title":"‘Making Moves’: Protocol for a hybrid effectiveness-implementation pre-post trial of a co-designed online physical activity program for childhood cancer survivors","authors":"Lauren Ha , Claire E. Wakefield , Jacqueline Jacovou , Karen Johnston , Donna Drew , Mark W. Donoghoe , David Mizrahi , Richard De Abreu Lourenco , Richard J. Cohn , Natalie Taylor , Christina Signorelli","doi":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease risk is further exacerbated by low physical activity levels and high levels of sedentary behaviour. Yet many survivors do not meet the physical activity guidelines, and those living in regional and remote areas have limited access to exercise interventions and cancer care programs. Therefore, it is critical that physical activity programs are accessible for childhood cancer survivors, no matter where they live. This protocol describes the development and planned evaluation of ‘Making Moves’, a co-designed online physical activity program for childhood cancer survivors aged 8–21 years.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and analysis</h3><div>This type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation pre-post trial will simultaneously (i) test the potential effectiveness of Making Moves on survivors' physical activity self-efficacy, and (ii) explore barriers and facilitators to implementation from multiple levels (individual, provider, organisational, and community) to inform future adaptations and implementation strategies. Making Moves includes an 8-week online program offering eight age-appropriate health behaviour educational modules with guided home-based physical activity videos, and up to five tailored telehealth sessions with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Assessment of the primary outcome (physical activity self-efficacy, i.e., perceived ability to engage in physical activity) and secondary outcomes (physical activity levels, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, symptoms of depression, readiness to exercise, perceived enjoyment of exercise, health-related quality of life) will occur at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 9), and follow-up (6 months). To assess the factors affecting the program’s implementation, we will conduct a process evaluation guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0 to interview survivors and parents, and future potential implementors. To judge the potential implementation success of Making Moves, we will collect implementation data (feasibility, acceptability, costs) for our process evaluation throughout the trial.</div></div><div><h3>Ethics and dissemination</h3><div>Ethical approval was obtained from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH01614). We will publish our findings in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at relevant medical and scientific conferences, and disseminate research updates via newsletters to stakeholders and community networks.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration number</h3><div>ANZCTR12623000188639. Registered 22 Feb 2023.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74029,"journal":{"name":"JSAMS plus","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100099"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143820384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}