Members' Research Articles

Quantifying Functional Ankle Rehabilitation Progression Criteria Using GPS: A Preliminary Study

Matt Greig, Hannah Emmerson, and John McCreadie

Quantifying Functional Ankle Rehabilitation Progression Criteria Using GPS: A Preliminary Study in: Journal of Sport Rehabilitation Volume 28 Issue 7 (2019) (humankinetics.com)

 

Abstract

Context: Contemporary developments in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology present a means of quantifying mechanical loading in a clinical environment with high ecological validity. However, applications to date have typically focused on performance rather than rehabilitation. Objective: To examine the efficacy of GPS microtechnology in quantifying the progression of loading during functional rehabilitation from ankle sprain injury, given the prevalence of reinjury and need for quantifiable monitoring. Furthermore, to examine the influence of unit placement on the clinical interpretation of loading during specific functional rehabilitation drills. Design: Repeated measures. Setting: University athletic facilities. Participants: Twenty-two female intermittent team sports players. Intervention: All players completed a battery of 5 drills (anterior hop, inversion hop, eversion hop, diagonal hop, and diagonal hurdle hop) designed to reflect the mechanism of ankle sprain injury, and progress functional challenge and loading. Main Outcome Measures: GPS-mounted accelerometers quantified uniaxial PlayerLoad for each drill, with units placed at C7 and the tibia. Main effects for drill type and GPS location were investigated. Results: There was a significant main effect for drill type (P < .001) in the mediolateral (η2 = .436), anteroposterior (η2 = .480), and vertical planes (η2 = .516). The diagonal hurdle hop elicited significantly greater load than all other drills, highlighting a nonlinear progression of load. Only the mediolateral load showed evidence of progressive increase in loading. PlayerLoad was significantly greater at the tibia than at C7 for all drills, and in all planes (P < .001, η2 ≥ .662). Furthermore, the tibia placement was more sensitive to between-drill changes in mediolateral load than the C7 placement. Conclusions: The placement of the GPS unit is imperative to clinical interpretation, with both magnitude and sensitivity influenced by the unit location. GPS does provide efficacy in quantifying multiplanar loading during (p)rehabilitation, in a field or clinical setting, with potential in extending GPS analyses (beyond performance metrics) to functional injury rehabilitation and prevention. For further details: Quantifying Functional Ankle Rehabilitation Progression Criteria Using GPS: A Preliminary Study in: Journal of Sport Rehabilitation Volume 28 Issue 7 (2019) (humankinetics.com)
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The effect of self-selected music on endurance running capacity and performance in a mentally fatigued state

Lam, Hui Kwan Nicholas | Middleton, Harry | Phillips, Shaun M.

Journal of Human Sport and Exercise

DOI: http://rua.ua.es/dspace/handle/10045/113523

Abstract

We investigated the effects of listening to self-selected music on intermittent running capacity (study 1) and 5 km time-trial (TT) performance (study 2) in a mentally fatigued state. In study 1, nine physically active males performed a 30-minute incongruent Stroop test (IST) followed by the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT1) with (MF+MUSIC) and without (MFONLY) music. They also completed a baseline trial (BL). Study 2 repeated these trials with nine recreational runners. Mental fatigue (MF) showed large increases following IST in both studies (dunb = 1.44 – 2.0). Intermittent running capacity was moderately greater in MF+MUSIC (564 ± 127 m; dunb = 0.52) and BL (551 ± 106 m; dunb = 0.51) vs. MFONLY (496 ± 112 m). Time-trial performance showed small improvements in MF+MUSIC (23.1 ± 2.4 min; dunb = 0.28) and BL (23.4 ± 3.5 min; dunb = 0.20) vs. MFONLY (24.1 ± 3.2 min). Differences in ratings of perceived exertion between trials were trivial to small in both studies (dunb = 0-0.47). Listening to self-selected music in a mentally fatigued state negates the negative impact of MF on endurance running capacity and performance, potentially due to altered perception of effort when listening to music. Continue reading at:     LamEtal2021JHSETheEffectOfSelfSelectedMusic.pdf
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Factors associated with increased propensity for hamstring injury in English Premier League soccer players

Gary Henderson a , Christopher A. Barnes b , Matthew D. Portas a
a – School of Social Sciences and Law, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, UK
b – Sport Science Department, Middlesbrough Football Club, Middlesbrough, UK

Abstract

Date Accepted - 08/02/2009
Published Online First - 10/02/2009
The aim of this study was to concurrently model the influence of a number of physical and performance parameters on subsequent incidence of hamstring injury in a squad of English Premier League soccer players. Thirty six healthy, male, elite, professional soccer players (age 22.6 ± 5.2 years, height 1.81 ± 0.08 m, mass 75.8 ± 9.4 kg, lean mass 69.0 ± 8.0 kg) were assessed during the first week of pre-season training for anthropometry, flexibility, lower limb strength and power, speed and agility. Over the subsequent 45 week competitive season all hamstring injuries were diagnosed and recorded. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to link individual physical and performance capabilities with propensity to sustain a hamstring injury. A model containing age, lean mass, non-counter movement jump (NCM) performance and active hip flexion range of movement (ROM) was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased propensity for hamstring injury. Odds for sustaining an injury increased ×1.78 for each 1 year increase in age, ×1.47 for each 1 cm increase in NCM and ×1.29 for each 1° decrease in active range of hip flexion. Older, more powerful and less flexible soccer players are at greater risk of sustaining a hamstring injury. Support staff should identify such individuals and make appropriate interventions to minimise risk without compromising performance capabilities. Read Full Article
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Relationship Between Ankle Mobility and Golf Swing Kinematics

Tom Outram1, Jen Wilson1 and Ryan Wesselingh1

School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom

International Society of Biomechanics in Sport

ISBS  Vol. 38 (2020)  Iss. 1

Abstract

Published Online First - 14/08/2026
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ankle mobility and golf swing kinematics. Sixteen male golfers volunteered to take part. Ankle mobility was assessed using the weight bearing lunge test and three-dimensional kinematic data from 10 golf drives were collected using a Vicon motion capture system. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to identify the relationship between ankle mobility and the rotations of four segments; pelvis, shoulders, upper arm and forearm. Large positive relationships were identified for the rotations of the pelvis (r = 0.670) and shoulders (r = 0.604) in the downswing as well as for peak rotational velocities of the pelvis (r = 0.553), shoulder (r = 0.571) and upper arm (r = 0.549) segments. These results indicate that improvements in ankle joint mobility are associated with superior rotations of segments further up the kinetic chain and that the weight bearing lunge test should be used as part of golf specific movement screening. Continue reading at:   https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol38/iss1/152
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Therapeutic perceptions in management of transplant athletes at transplant games

Sheila Leddington Wrighta, Alison Bloxhamb , Thomas Hamesa, Mike Pricea

a School  of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
b Transplant Sport, UK

Abstract

Date Accepted - 14/08/2026
Published Online First - 14/08/2026
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Objective To investigate manual therapist’s knowledge and beliefs of working with Transplantee Athletes (TxA) at Transplant Games. Design On-line questionnaire. Participants Thirty present and previous members of Transplant Sport ‘therapy team’ (age; 35 ± 14 years, 24 female). Main outcome measures Questions concerned demographics and general information on the background of the therapists. Closed questions with rating statements concerning beliefs when treating TxA and open questions asking for advice the participants would give to colleagues and further information they would like to have available to them. Results TxA were thought to be a vulnerable group of athletes requiring special precautions and considerations. Two areas of information evolved: “general advice for TxA management” and “specific advice for therapists”. General advice was to understand TxAs and be vigilant with hygiene. Specific therapy advice was to avoid grade V manipulations and care with taping and massage, because of complications resulting from side effects of long-term medication. Conclusion There appears to be a lack of research-based evidence to guide practitioners in their management of TxAs. Generic, good advice is now available from experienced practitioners however there is a paucity of research evidence to support this. Thus, there is a potential danger of being overcautious in approaches to treatment which ultimately may impact on athletic performance. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Reduced severity of lumbo-pelvic-hip injuries in professional Rugby Union players following tailored preventative programmes

1.Kate L. Evans, 2.Jonathan Hughes, 3.Morgan D. Williams

1.School of Sport, Health and Outdoor Education, Faculty of Business & Management, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, United Kingdom
2.School of Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
3.School of Health, Sport and Professional Practice, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, United Kingdom

Abstract

Date Accepted - 07/05/2017
Published Online First - 07/12/2017
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The aim of this study was to tailor lumbo-pelvic-hip (LPH) injury reduction programmes in professional rugby union players based on screening data and examine its effectiveness. Twenty-eight professional rugby union players were screened pre- and immediately post- the YO-YO intermittent recovery level 1 test using six hip and groin strength tests (adductor squeeze at 0°, 60° and 90°, prone hip extension, abductor, adductor hand held dynamometry). The changes in hip and groin measures, were analysed using hierarchical cluster analysis. Three clusters emerged and a tailored LPH injury reduction programme was administered for each cluster. In addition, 22 players who were not involved in the initial testing received a generic LPH injury reduction programme and were used as the control. Seasonal information for LPH injury incidence, severity and prevalence were compared to the previous season. The same number of injuries were observed when the prospective injury surveillance data was compared to the previous season, however a reduced injury severity (936 days vs 468 days), average severity (78 ± 126 days vs 42 ± 37 days) and prevalence (21% vs 19%) were found. Moreover, LPH injury severity for players who were prescribed a tailored injury reduction programme (209 days) were 50 days less than players given a generic LPH injury reduction programme (259 days). Our preliminary observations support the effectiveness of grouping players and tailoring intervention based on common group characteristics in reducing the severity of LPH injuries in professional Rugby Union. To read more please access the link below: http://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(17)30945-3/fulltext [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Psychological readiness to return to sport: three key elements to help the practitioner decide whether the athlete is REALLY ready?

1. Dale Forsdyke 1, 2. Adam Gledhill 2, 3. Clare Ardern 3,4,5
+ Author Affiliations

1. Applied Human Sciences Department, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, York St John University, York, UK.
2. Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
3. Aspetar Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
4. Division of Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
5. School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Date Accepted - 14/08/2026
Published Online First - 12/01/2016
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Characteristics of an athlete who is psychologically ready to RTS are multifaceted and include, among others: realistic expectations, high levels of self-efficacy and low levels of anxiety.1 ,4 ,6 Psychological readiness to RTS is likely influenced by multiple social agents, personal and contextual factors (eg, coaches, sports medicine practitioners, personality traits, performance level).4 Consequently, RTS decisions should be made from an interdisciplinary perspective, with multidimensional monitoring of psychological factors (eg, concurrently monitoring self-efficacy and re-injury anxiety levels).6 Psychological readiness to RTS is not commonly monitored in practice, despite specific instruments being available.7 Many practitioners feel underprepared to work within this area8 or might view evaluating psychological readiness to RTS as being outside their scope of their practice. On the other hand, sports medicine practitioners are ideally positioned to monitor athletes, because of the strong working relationship developed throughout injury rehabilitation. In this editorial, we describe three key elements that practitioners can consider when monitoring psychological readiness to RTS in preparation for RTS decision-making. Follow link to read more http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2016/12/01/bjsports-2016-096770[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion during the weight-bearing lunge: Links to knee valgus injuries in landing tasks in football?

Danielle C. Ritson1, Josean Lekue2, Imanol Martin Garechana2, Julio Calleja-Gonzalez2,3, Manuel Mosqueira2, Matthew Cole1, Tabitha Dickson1, Mark De Ste Croix1 & Jonathan D. Hughes1

1. University of Gloucestershire
2. Athletic Club Bilbao
3. University of the Basque Country

Abstract

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Adductor Longus Activation During Two Common Hip Adduction Exercises

C Long, N Light
Department of Sports & Exercise Sciences, University of Chichester, England

Abstract

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Various exercises are prescribed in the management of adductor-related groin pain. Isometric adductor ball squeeze exercises are commonly incorporated into both prevention and rehabilitation training, as is the Copenhagen Adduction exercise, which offers a more dynamic and challenging alternative. The adductor longus (AL) muscle is commonly indicated in adductor pathology and may be considered a ‘target’ tissue, yet there is minimal literature examining adductor muscle activation during such exercises. Understanding variation in levels of AL activation during differing exercises, may inform exercise selection. To read the full abstract and article please access the link below: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/22/e4.21.abstract[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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The Multi-Functional Foot in Athletic Movement: Extraordinary Feats by Our Extraordinary Feet

Jennifer Wilson 1*, John Kiely 2 1 University of Derby, College of Life & Natural Sciences: Sport, Outdoor & Exercise Science, Derby, United Kingdom 2 University of Central Lancashire, Institute of Coaching & Performance, School of Sport, Tourism and the Outdoors, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Article (PDF Available) in Human Movement 17(1):15-21 · June 2016

Abstract

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The unique architecture of the foot system provides a sensitive, multi-tensional method of communicating with the surrounding environment. Within the premise of the paper, we discuss three themes: complexity, degeneracy and bio-tensegrity. Complex structures within the foot allow the human movement system to negotiate strategies for dynamic movement during athletic endeavours. We discuss such complex structures with particular attention to properties of a bio-tensegrity system. Degeneracy within the foot structure offers a distinctive solution to the problems posed by differing terrains and uneven surfaces allowing lower extremity structures to overcome perturbation as and when it occurs. This extraordinary structure offers a significant contribution to bipedalism through presenting a robust base of support and as such, should be given more consideration when designing athletic development programmes. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304569936_The_Multi-Functional_Foot_in_Athletic_Movement_Extraordinary_Feats_by_Our_Ext[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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