Browsing by Author "Cochrane D"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Acute Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Promotes Favorable Handgrip Neuromuscular Modifications in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Over Randomized Clinical
    (Hindawi Limited, 2021-12-02) Coelho-Oliveira AC; Lacerda ACR; de Souza ALC; Santos LMDM; da Fonseca SF; dos Santos JM; Ribeiro VGC; Leite HR; Figueiredo PHS; Fernandes JSC; Martins F; Filho RGT; Bernardo-Filho M; da Cunha de Sá-Caputo D; Sartorio A; Cochrane D; Lima VP; Costa HS; Mendonça VA; Taiar R; Song C
    OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes progressive changes in the musculoskeletal system compromising neuromuscular control especially in the hands. Whole-body vibration (WBV) could be an alternative for the rehabilitation in this population. This study investigated the immediate effect of WBV while in the modified push-up position on neural ratio (NR) in a single session during handgrip strength (HS) in women with stable RA. METHODS: Twenty-one women with RA (diagnosis of disease: ±8 years, erythrocyte sedimentation rate: ±24.8, age: 54± 11 years, BMI: 28 ± 4 kg·m-2) received three experimental interventions for five minutes in a randomized and balanced cross-over order: (1) control-seated with hands at rest, (2) sham-push-up position with hands on the vibration platform that remained disconnected, and (3) vibration-push-up position with hands on the vibration platform turned on (45 Hz, 2 mm, 159.73 m·s-2). At the baseline and immediately after the three experimental interventions, the HS, the electromyographic records (EMGrms), and range of motion (ROM) of the dominant hand were measured. The NR, i.e., the ratio between EMGrms of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle and HS, was also determined. The lower NR represented the greater neuromuscular efficiency (NE). RESULTS: The NR was similar at baseline in the three experimental interventions. Despite the nonsignificance of within-interventions (p = 0.0611) and interaction effect (p = 0.1907), WBV exercise reduced the NR compared with the sham and control (p = 0.0003, F = 8.86, η 2 = 0.85, power = 1.00). CONCLUSION: Acute WBV exercise under the hands promotes neuromuscular modifications during the handgrip of women with stable RA. Thus, acute WBV exercise may be used as a preparatory exercise for the rehabilitation of the hands in this population. This trial is registered with trial registration 2.544.850 (ReBEC-RBR-2n932c).
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Effectiveness of a 12-week Periodised Recovery Programme on Muscle Performance and Mood States in Youth Athletes
    (Australian International Academic Centre PTY.LTD., 2024-10-30) Younger L; Cochrane D
    Background: Youth athletes experience high-intensity physical and mental stress during a competitive season. In athlete populations, accumulated stress and strain have been associated with contributing to levels of fatigue that decrease athletic performance. While deliberate heat and cold exposure have been prevalent to aid recovery, there is a lack of conclusive literature regarding the specific implementation, periodisation, and monitoring for optimal recovery in youth athletes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate external physical (lower-body muscular power), internal physical (rating of perceived exertion) and psychological (profile of mood states) outcome measures during a 12-week competitive first XV rugby season to determine the effectiveness of a deliberate heat and cold exposure intervention. Methods: A single-group repeated measure within-subjects design was performed with 29 male first XV rugby athletes (mean age 17.6 ± 0.6 years; mean body weight 87.5 ± 9.7 kg; mean height 182.2 ± 6.2 cm) who volunteered for this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and profile of mood states (POMS) were recorded every fortnight over a 12-week competition. A total of two separate deliberate cold exposures (5°C for 5-minutes) and one deliberate heat exposure (100°C for 15-minutes) were administered weekly over the 12-week competitive season. Results: CMJ peak power (p = 0.759) and mean CMJ concentric power (p = 0.712) revealed no significant time effect. RPE presented a significant time effect (p < 0.001). Among the ten POMS domains examined, eight domains did not show a significant time effect (p > 0.05). However, the domains related to feeling sore or fatigued (p = 0.032) and excitement about competition (p < 0.001) displayed significant time effects. Conclusion: The recovery intervention of two cold and one heat exposures did not directly improve changes in CMJ power or psychological states; however physical and psychological performance was maintained. Further research is necessary to understand the duration and frequency of using recovery strategies to improve the long-term effectiveness of young athletes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Enhancing Health and Exercise Consultation through Scenario-Based Learning: An Approach for Interpersonal Skill Development. A Practice Report
    (University of Southern Queensland Library, 2025-03-04) Cochrane D
    This practice report describes the application of scenario-based learning to improve awareness of interpersonal skills in sport and exercise students. Thirty second-year undergraduate students over two consecutive academic years engaged in three scenario-based learning activities that simulated client interviews and consultations. The consensus among the students was that the scenarios increased their awareness of active listening, recognising physical client cues, and understanding the intricate dynamics of the ‘client-practitioner’ interaction. The implementation of scenario-based health and exercise consultations provided students with an immersive and effective learning experience, which promoted the development of the interpersonal skills required for successful client consultations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Evaluating the Usefulness of a PNT Solution Using DGNSS-SBAS for Canoe Slalom: Simulated and Real-World Analysis
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-11-18) Macdermid PW; Irwin ME; Cochrane D; Daniel M-L
    Featured Application: dGNSS-SBAS combined with geographical mapping software and georeferenced drone imagery is a cutting-edge approach to geographically track activities pertaining to canoe slalom. The PNT solution provided <0.3 m accuracy and provided a reliable means of tracking athletes’ trajectory, which could be used to monitor or develop best practice in athlete trajectories. This study investigated the accuracy and precision of a commercially available PNT solution that uses DGNSS-SBAS technology. Time and position data were sampled at a frequency of 20Hz during both a short and long trajectory of a simulated controlled dry-land slalom, as well as during a real-world on-water slalom exercise. The primary objective was to assess the positional accuracy, availability, integrity, and service continuity of the PNT solution while evaluating its ability to differentiate between trajectories. Additionally, the simulated results were compared with an on-water real-world slalom test to validate the findings. The results of the controlled dry-land slalom test indicate that the PNT solution provided accurate measurements with an overall mean ± SD Hrms of 0.20 ± 0.02 m. The integrity measures, HDOD and PDOP, were found to be ideal to excellent, with values of 0.68 ± 0.03 and 1.36 ± 0.07, respectively. The PNT solution utilised an average of 20 ± 1 satellites from the constellation, resulting in an accuracy of <1.5% when measuring the known trajectory of 50 simulated slalom runs. The data from the real-world on-water slalom test supported these findings, providing similar or improved results. Based on these findings, a PNT solution using DGNSS-SBAS can be considered an effective means of tracking athlete trajectory in the sport of canoe slalom. Future research should be conducted to quantify its efficacy more precisely.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Investigating scapula positioning in individuals with non-specific lower back pain: A preliminary study
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024-04) Cochrane D; Leyten C
    Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is an economic and physically disabling burden on individuals and society. With 70% of cases classed as non-specific, there is a need for further research into the causes and consequences associated. The involvement of postural balance in musculoskeletal conditions is gaining increasing interest in research and health practice. However, there is a lack of literature surrounding LBP and posture in distal segments of the body. Objective: The current study investigated scapula positioning in those with non-specific LBP. Methods: Scapula angle of rotation, scapula protraction, and scapula elevation were assessed in nine participants with chronic non-specific LBP and compared with that of nine asymptomatic controls (aged 18–60 years). The degree of pelvic tilt was assessed across both groups as a secondary outcome measure. Results: No difference was identified between the two sample groups for scapula angle of rotation (p = 0.707), protraction (p = 0.755), or elevation (p = 0.691). Anterior pelvic tilt was greater in those with LBP (p = 0.046), supporting previous literature. Conclusion: The findings for the scapula position are novel, given that research in this field is limited. It is concluded that there is no change in scapula positioning in those with non-specific LBP, but there is an increased anterior pelvic tilt.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Jockey Career Length and Risk Factors for Loss from Thoroughbred Race Riding
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2020-09-10) Legg K; Cochrane D; Gee E; Rogers C
    Professional thoroughbred racing jockeys repeatedly work close to physiological capacity during races, whilst maintaining low body weights, on a daily basis with no off-season. The effects of this on their career length is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the career lengths and reasons for loss from the industry of 674 jockeys and apprentices who rode over 14 racing seasons and 421,596 race day starts in New Zealand. Descriptors were compared between jockeys in short (1–2 years), middle (3–9 years) and long (>10 years) career cohorts with descriptive statistics and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. The median career length for jockeys was 2 years (IQR 1–6). Long career cohort jockeys (11%) had lower carried weights (IQR 56–57 kg, p = 0.03), 40 times the median number of rides per season (248, IQR 61–434, p < 0.001), half the rate per 1000 rides of falling (1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2, p = 0.009) and 1.3 times the rate of winning (100, 95% CI 99–101, p < 0.01) than jockeys in the short career cohort. Jockeys who rode over 200 races per season had careers three times longer than jockeys with fewer races per season (p < 0.001). Half of the 40% of jockeys who failed to complete their apprenticeship were lost from the industry in their first year of race riding. In conclusion, most jockeys had short careers where the workload of a jockey and their ability to obtain rides had greater impact on career longevity than their performance.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Physiological Demands and Muscle Activity of Jockeys in Trial and Race Riding.
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-09) Legg K; Cochrane D; Gee E; Macdermid P; Rogers C
    Physiological parameters and muscle activity of jockeys may affect their fall and injury risk, performance, and career longevity, as well as the performance and welfare of the horses they ride. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the physiological demands, body displacement, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of twelve jockeys riding 52 trials and 16 professional races. The jockeys were instrumented with heart rate (HR) monitors, accelerometers, and integrated EMG clothing (recording eight muscle groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal, erector spinae/lower back, abdominal external obliques, abdominal, trapezial and pectoral) which recorded continuously whilst riding. During race day, jockeys rode an average of 5 ± 4 trials and 4 ± 2 races over 2–2.5 h. The trials represented lower intensity cardiovascular demand (~81% HRmax) and Training Impulse (TRIMP) scores (4.4 ± 1.8) than races at maximal intensity effort (~94% HRmax, 7.2 ± 1.8 TRIMP, p < 0.05). Jockey head displacement was similar in trials (5.4 ± 2.1 cm) and races (5.6 ± 2.2 cm, p > 0.05), with more vertical (6.7 ± 2.7 cm) and less medio/lateral (2.3 ± 0.7 cm) and fore/aft (3.7 ± 1.6 cm) displacement for jockeys riding in trials than races (5.5 ± 2.3, 2.8 ± 1.0, 5.6 ± 2.5 cm, p < 0.05). Jockeys in races adopted a lower crouched posture, with their centre of mass (COM) shifted anteriorly, using greater hamstring activation and less upper arm muscle activation than in trials. The differences in riding posture and physiological demands on jockeys riding in a race rather than a trial, highlight the requirement for an off-horse race-specific training programme to improve jockey fitness and performance. Greater jockey stability and coordination will have mutual benefits for both horse welfare and performance.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Short-term effects of lumbopelvic complex stability training in elite female road cyclists
    (Hylonome Publications on behalf of the International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions and the Hellenic Osteoporosis Foundation, 2022-03-01) San Emeterio C; Cochrane D; Guillén-Rogel P; Marín PJ; Lyritis G
    OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term lumbopelvic stability training on muscular endurance and stability in elite female cyclists. METHODS: Twenty-four female road cyclists were randomly allocated to a core training group (CTG, n=12) or control group (CG, n=12). In addition to their scheduled training the CTG performed a core training program, that consisted of 6 core exercises performed in a session every other day until a total of 8 training sessions were completed. The CG did not receive the core training program and completed their scheduled training. The lumbopelvic-hip complex was assessed pre- and post-core program included the following exercises: single leg deadlift (SLD), bird-dog (BD), plank test (PT), and side-bridge plank test (SPT). RESULTS: In comparison to CG, CTG significantly improved the time to failure in PT, SPT-Left, and SPT-Right (p<0.05). Further, CTG resulted in a significant decrease in SLD (p<0.05) compared to CG for the three accelerometry measures. CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that following 8 sessions of lumbopelvic stability training muscular endurance and core stability were enhanced.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Effects of Cushioning Properties on Parameters of Gait in Habituated Females While Walking and Running
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2025-01-23) Macdermid PW; Walker SJ; Cochrane D; Voloshin A
    Featured Application: Understanding the interaction between running shoe properties and parameters of gait are somewhat scarce, particularly in female runners. This study demonstrates that contrasting energy absorption properties reduce kinetic variables associated with injuries in females while running, but not walking. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of a non-cushioned minimalistic shoe and cushioned shoe during walking at 6 and running at 10 and 14 km∙h−1 in habituated female runners. Twelve habituated female runners completed two trials (cushioned shoe vs. minimalist shoe) with three within-trial speeds (6, 10, and 14 km∙h−1) in a counter-balanced design. Flexible pressure insole sensors were used to determine kinetic variables (peak vertical impact force, average loading rate, active vertical peak force, time to active peak vertical force, and impulse) and spatiotemporal variables (stride duration, cadence, ground contact time, swing time, and time to midstance). Cushioned running shoes exhibited greater energy absorption (690%), recovered energy (920%), and heat dissipation (350%). The cushioned shoes significantly reduced peak vertical impact (~12%) and average loading rate (~11%) at running speeds 10–14 km∙h−1. However, these effects were not observed during walking, nor did the cushioned shoes influence peak active force, impulse, stride duration, ground contact or swing time. Cushioned running shoes provide significant benefits in energy absorption, energy recovery, and heat dissipation, which decrease impact-related forces and loading rates in female runners without changing the spatiotemporal variables of gait.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The external workload of thoroughbred horse racing jockeys
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2020-09-14) Legg K; Cochrane D; Gee E; Rogers C
    The objectives of this study were to quantify the external workload of thoroughbred racing jockeys in relation to their experience and racing performance. The number of rides of 786 jockeys and apprentices who rode in 407,948 flat and 13,648 jumps racing starts over 14 seasons were examined. Jockey work (ride numbers, seasons riding) and performance characteristics (race falls or wins) between cohorts with low (1-10), middle (10-200) and high (>200) numbers of rides per season were compared. Flat racing apprentices had more rides per season (25, interquartile range [IQR] 7-97 vs. 14, IQR 3-222, p < 0.001) but fewer rides per race day (2, IQR 1-4 vs. 4, IQR 2-6, p < 0.001) than flat racing jockeys. Flat racing jockeys in the high workload cohort (23%) were responsible for 83% of the race-day rides, riding in a median of 375 (IQR 283-520) races per season. These jockeys had half the fall rate (Incidence rate [IR] 1.0, 95% CI 0.9-1.1) and 1.4 times the success rates per 1000 rides (IR 98, 95% CI 97-99) than jockeys in the low and middle workload cohorts (p < 0.05). Most jockeys had light workloads, greater risk of injury and lower winning rates than the smaller cohort of jockeys with heavier workloads. This disparity in opportunity and success between cohorts indicates inefficiencies within the industry in recruitment and retention of jockeys. These data provide a foundation to further studies investigating jockey competition-specific fitness and its effect on both riding success and reducing injury risk.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Validity and Reliability of a Global Navigation Satellite System in Canoe Slalom
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-01-21) Macdermid PW; Coppelmans A; Cochrane D; Keogh J
    This study investigates the usefulness of a 10 Hz GPS device for tracking scalar performance in canoe slalom through assessing the validity of automated-informed-aerial video tracking (30 fps and 10 fps) and GPS capability in relation to a known track. Additionally, a real-world (canoe-slalom). A comparison between manual-aerial video tracking (10 fps) and the 10 Hz GPS was performed. All three methods of tracking used during the dry-land test (30 fps or 10 fps video and GPS) reported significantly lower distances (−3.2, −5.1 and −8.5%, p < 0.0001) but were deemed useful based on sample rate and body positioning difference. Intra-method reliability was good (CV = 2.5−2.6%) but requires visual inspection for dataset errors. Informed-colour filtered automated tracking on-water was not possible, but manual tracking provided fewer dataset errors than dry-land automated tracking. GPS significantly (p < 0.0001) under reports distance travelled at key moments during real-world slalom with a bias ± SD of 2.26 ± 2.07 m compared to 10 fps manual-aerial video tracking. The aerial video combined with manual tracking proved most suitable for tracking canoe slalom athlete trajectory in a real-world setting but needs to be automated into an application-based package to make it useable for coaches. GPS, as presented, provides insight but does not accurately quantify movements critical in determining the performance of canoe slalom.