Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Barriers And Facilitators To Recruiting Older Adult Care Homeresidents Into Clinical Trials Of Medicines And Vaccines: A Scoping Review, Selvarani Subbarayan, Imogen A. Smith-Dodd, Gabriel Nicolson, Jennifer K. Burton, Janet T. Scott, Seshadri S. Vasan, Susan D. Shenkin, Roy L. Soiza, The Watch Consortium

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Excluding Care Home (CH) residents from clinical trials of medicines and vaccines has led to an evidence gap. Findings from younger adults may not be generalisable to CH residents with frailty and dementia. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate pharmacological treatments directly in CH residents to assess their safety and efficacy.

Methods: As part of the Widening Access to Trials in Care Homes project, we conducted a scoping review using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology to identify barriers and facilitators to recruiting CH residents into clinical trials of medicinal products. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library …

A Case For Qualitatively Driven Mixed Methods In Nursing Research: A Methodological Discussion, Jennifer Hamilton, Cooper, Irene Ngune, Amanda Cole, Richard Bostwick, Debbie Louise Massey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mixed methodology continues to grow as a rigorous and respected research design. However, the value of qualitatively driven mixed methods research within nursing is underrepresented. Qualitatively driven mixed methods, where qualitative data dominate meaning-making, have the potential to capture critical experiential elements pertinent to nursing research while supporting empirical rigour. This methodology paper argues for the importance of qualitatively driven mixed methods approaches within nursing research to enable greater understanding of complex phenomenon. Through discussion and case example the role of qualitatively driven mixed methods, including within a sequential explanatory design, are presented. Nurses and midwives are well placed to …

Patient-Reported Measures In Children And Adolescents With Chronic Kidney Disease And Their Validation: A Scoping Review, Angela Rejuso, Asif, Martin Howell, Chandana Guha, Siah Kim, Allison Jaure, Anastasia Hughes, Kristy Nicholl, Kylie Ann Mallit, Farzaneh Bouroumad, Jonathan Craig, Armando Teixeira-Pinto, Anna Francis, Nicholas Larkins, Anita Van Zwieten, Germaine Wong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience complex challenges affecting their physical, emotional and quality of life outcomes. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and experience measures (PREMs), collectively known as patient-reported measures (PRMs) are essential to capture these impacts, but their validation and suitability in pediatric CKD research remain underexplored. Objective: To identify and evaluate the psychometric properties of PRMs used in research in children with CKD. Data sources: Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PSYCinfo searched from inception to March 2025. Study selection: Studies that reported the results of at least one PRM completed by patients or proxies in children aged …

Neuromotor Function Following Lower-Limb Muscle Or Tendon Injury: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jack Andringa-Bate, Moath Almusallam, Molly Coventry, Myles C. Murphy, Ebonie Rio, Tania Pizzari

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Alterations in neuromotor function occur following lower-limb injuries and might be a factor in recurrent injury. We evaluated if adults with previous lower-limb muscle or tendon injury demonstrate differences in neuromotor function compared with uninjured or control limbs. Methods: A systematic search of health databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus was conducted from inception until the end of April 2024. Studies evaluating neuromotor function of adults with a history of lower-limb muscle or tendon injury compared to an uninjured contralateral or control limb were included. Inverse variance, random effects meta-analyses were used to generate effect estimates for neuromotor outcomes. …

Unraveling The Significance Of Fecal Microrna Profile In Alzheimer’S Disease, Kavisha Katuwawala, Prashant Bharadwaj, Ian Martins, B. G.D.N.K. De Silva, Vincent Ho, Asiri Dissanayake, Ralph N. Martins, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive cognitive decline, affects millions globally. With no current cure, treatment focuses on symptom management and slowing disease progression. Early identification is therefore crucial. Fecal microRNA (miRNA) analysis is emerging as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool. Evidence suggests that miRNAs present in fecal samples may regulate gene expression linked to AD pathology, impacting cellular functions and disease progression. Dietary factors critically influence gut microbiota composition and diversity, affecting brain health via the gut brain axis. Macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats modulate miRNA expression and gut microbiota, influencing AD risk. …

Gender Justice In The Triple Planetary Crisis: A Scoping Review, Catelyn Richards, Micah Peters, Julia Charalambous, Lila Singh-Peterson, Lucy Osborn, Aletha Ward, Jessica Leclair, Tracy Levett-Jones

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To identify and report how gender justice is conceptualised and discussed in contemporary health literature in relation to the Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, with a particular focus on the experiences of women and gender-diverse populations, and the representation of nurses and other healthcare professionals dominated by women. Design: Scoping review. Data Sources: Searches were conducted across MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, CINHAL, Embase and ProQuest, focusing on studies published from January 1 2000–23 September 2024. Review Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported against the Preferred …

An Exploratory Survey Of The Application Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading In Resistance Training, Jiahao Yang, Comfort, Kristina Kendall, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aim of this study was to investigate how accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) is currently utilised by strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches. The survey consisted of closed- and open-ended questions divided into 3 key areas of focus (1-Coach and Athlete Demographic, 2-Perceptions of AEL, and 3-Program Design) was administered to S&C coaches. Response frequencies for sections 1 and 2 were calculated as percentages of total respondents, whereas frequencies in Section 3 were calculated relative to respondents who selected each specific training purpose. A thematic analysis was conducted for the responses to an open-ended question. A total of 38 respondents met …

Participatory Development Of Innovation And Implementation Strategy: An Action-Oriented Approach, Miae Lee, Lesley A. Anderson, Emilia Piltonen, Abha Maheshwari, Julian Griffin, Seshadri S. Vasan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Healthcare and academic institutions face growing challenges in strategic planning due to rapid advances in medicine and technology, alongside fiscal and workforce constraints that limit traditional consultation. Participatory approaches offer a way to integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives under these constraints, generating contextually relevant strategies that can indicate whether current directions are appropriate or whether priorities have been overlooked.

Methods: A structured, time-limited participatory workshop was conducted at the 10th Grampian Research Conference (June 2025), that brought together National Health Service (NHS) staff, academia, industry and patients and public communities. Participants engaged in 14 parallel roundtable discussions, with contributions captured …

A Mass Cytometry-Based Blood Cell Phenotyping Workflow Enabling Inclusion Of Resource-Limited And Rural Sites In Immune System Studies, Natalie J. Smith, Michael Cohen, Lauren Tracey, Julie Alipaz, Christina Loh, David King, Neha Pulyani, Rebecca Auzins, Elin Gray, Sandra Taylor, Rajat Rai, Steven Kao, Barbara Fazekas De St Groth, Helen M. Mcguire

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Insight into disease detection and treatment through comprehensive immune phenotyping relies on the generation of high-quality data. However, the execution of robust immune monitoring in clinical trials by flow cytometry is complex due to logistical challenges in sample preparation and reagent stability. These challenges are exacerbated when considering remote and rural communities in Australia, which are burdened by both an increased prevalence and a worse prognosis of many chronic and infectious pathologies. This is not unique to the Australian context as globally remote and rural communities are underrepresented in biomedical research studies, contributing to persistent health inequities. To address these …

Association Between Protein Intake From Animal And Plant Sources And The Presence Of Frailty In Community-Dwelling Australian Women, Trent Bozanich, Jack Dalla Via, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Cassandra Smith, Elsa Dent, Anthony Villani, Robin M. Daly, Michael Tieland, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Kun Zhu, Richard L. Prince, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We investigated the cross-sectional association between total, animal and plant protein intake with the presence of a multidimensional measure of frailty in older women. Participants included 1380 community-dwelling Australian women, mean (SD) age 75.1 (2.7) years. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to determine total, plant, and animal protein intake. Frailty was assessed using a frailty index across numerous health domains (scored 0–1, ≥0.25 indicating frailty). Cross-sectional associations were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. In total, 275 (19.9%) women were identified as frail. A non-linear inverse association was observed between higher intakes of total protein and the odds …

Association Of Source-Specific Nitrate Intake With Inflammation And Cardiometabolic Health: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carolyn J. English, Catherine P. Bondonno, Liezhou Zhong, Anna Lohning, Nicola P. Bondonno, Dianne P. Reidlinger

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to explore whether health effects of dietary nitrate depend on its source, by investigating associations between plant and animal-sourced dietary nitrate groups with markers of inflammation and CVD risk factors. Among 100 non-smoking adults (mean age 49 ± 13 years, 31% male), dietary nitrate intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaire (n=100) and 3-day food diary (n=89), combined with nitrate food composition databases. Nitrate intake was classified into plant, naturally occurring animal and additive-permitted meat-sourced groups. Associations between source-dependent nitrate intakes and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting plasma lipids, anthropometry, and blood pressure were …

Time To Hang Up The Gloves: A Scoping Review Of Evidence On Non-Sterile Glove Use During Intravenous Antimicrobial Preparation And Administration, Natasya Raja Azlan, Debbie Massey, Lesley Andrew, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Seng Giap Marcus Ang, Carol Crevacore, Martina Costello, Aaron Alejandro, Weiting Liu, Naila Zaman, Peta Anne Zimmerman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To systematically summarise evidence related to the use of non-sterile gloves when preparing and administering intravenous antimicrobials. Design: Scoping review. Methods: A rigorous scoping review was undertaken following Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework and the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping review guidelines (2018). Five databases and grey literature were included in the search. Literature published between 2009 and 2024 was included. Data Sources: Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science) and the grey literature were searched in February 2024. Results: Three studies were included; however, none directly addressed correct …

Within-Session Dose–Response And Between-Session Carry-Over Effects Of Eccentric Contractions Versus Static Stretches On Range Of Motion And Muscle–Tendon Mechanics, Anthony David Kay, Anthony William Baross, Brett Anthony Baxter, Anthony John Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Eccentric resistance training produces substantial increases in maximum joint range of motion (ROM), highlighting its potential as an alternative to static stretching. However, little is known about the short-term effects or associated mechanisms. Therefore, this study compared within-session responses and between-session carry-over effects of eccentric contractions and static stretching in 18 healthy human volunteers. Methods: Using a counterbalanced crossover design, participants completed four sessions across two conditions: Eccentric contractions (EC1, EC2) and static stretching (SS1, SS2), with 48–72 h between sessions. EC comprised 5 sets of 10 × 3-s isokinetic eccentric contractions while SS comprised 5 sets of 30-s …

A Survey Of Nurses’ Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Guidelines For Indwelling Urinary Catheter Care, Linda Coventry, Michelle Gay, Amineh Rashidi, Anke Ebeling, Roshnika Fernando, Christine Hallauer, Manjari Jayarathna, Rashmi Shrestha, Blake Smith, Paige Watkins, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Urinary tract infections are one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, with catheter-associated urinary tract infections being a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. Aim: To assess nurses’ knowledge of evidence-based indwelling urinary catheter care and explore the barriers and facilitators of evidence-based indwelling catheter care. Design: A cross-sectional survey-based study of nurses in an acute private hospital in Western Australia was conducted from March 2021 to April 2021. Methods: Respondents were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire included (1) demographics, knowledge of: (2) indications, (3) catheter care, (4) catheter-associated urinary tract infections prevention, and two open-ended …

Application Of Generative Artificial Intelligence By Nurse Academics In Higher Education: A Scoping Review, Jennifer Hamilton, Martina Costello, Lesley Barr, Simon Cooper, Martin Jones

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To systematically map existing research on nurse academics incorporation of generative artificial intelligence when developing teaching and learning resources in higher education and to identify knowledge gaps and future research. Background: Generative artificial intelligence technology is rapidly evolving in healthcare and it's use in nursing higher education is developing. However, concerns regarding its adoption in higher education relate to academic integrity and ethical considerations, including privacy, confidentiality, bias and critical thinking development. Generative artificial intelligence tools present new pedagogy possibilities in nursing higher education; however, the scope and impact of its adoption is unclear. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute …

Association Of Rurality Status With All-Cause And Cancer-Specific Survival: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Adjusting For Clinical Factors, Demographics, And Geographical Remoteness, Skye Marshall, Charlene Wright, Lucy Leigh, Sharina Riva, Megan Crichton, Helena Rodi, Hannah Jongebloed, Elizabeth A. Johnston, Rebecca J. Bergin, Anna Chapman, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Nicolas H. Hart, Laura Alston, Joel Rhee, Lan Gao, Kate Gunn, Anna Ugalde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The association of rurality status with cancer survival has not been consistently reported. In people diagnosed with cancer, this review aims to determine the association of rural and remote living with survival as compared to urban living, and to determine the modifying effects of geographical, medical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors on cancer survival. A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression was conducted, searching four databases in August 2024. Observational cohort studies were eligible if they reported all-cause or cancer-specific survival according to rurality status in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. All ages, sexes, and cancer types were …

Beta-Band Modulation Reveals The Cortical Dynamics Of Auditory Statistical Learning In Children, Jarrad A.G Lum, Christine N. Moreau, Li Ann Leow, Welber Marinovic, Sarah J. Lum, Marc F. Joanisse, Laura J. Batterink

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Children's ability to extract statistical regularities from speech is considered fundamental to lexical, syntactic, and grammatical development. However, the neural oscillatory mechanisms supporting this process in childhood remains poorly understood. While beta-band oscillations have been linked to statistical learning in visual and motor domains, it is unclear whether similar dynamics support auditory statistical learning in children. In this study, we recorded electroencephalography (EEG) from children aged 8–12 years as they listened to a continuous stream of trisyllabic nonwords (e.g., dapiku), where syllable order within each nonword was fixed (high predictability), but transitions between nonwords were variable (low predictability). Beta power …

Bridging Idealism And Reality: Nursing Students’ Perceptions About The Impact On Their Wellbeing From Being A Nurse: A Qualitative Study, Louise M. Allen, Karen Missen, Simon J, Cooper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nursing students often enter undergraduate nursing programs with idealistic perceptions of how nursing can impact personal wellbeing. The gap between expectations and clinical realities may hinder progress and contribute to attrition. Aim: To explore nursing students' perceptions of how the nursing profession impacts a nurse's wellbeing. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study, informed by Transformational Learning Theory, involved semi-structured online interviews with 23 nursing students from three Australian universities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results: Students began the program with idealistic views about the physical, emotional and social impacts of nursing. Clinical placements played a key role in …

Effects Of Exercise Interventions On Motor Coordination In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dcd): A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Changhui Peng, Jinrong He, Kai Xu, Xueping Wu, Dandan Wang, Lei Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Exercise interventions are recognized as an established therapeutic approach for children with DCD. This review aims to quantify the effectiveness of exercise interventions and examine the influence of potential moderating factors on outcomes. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCO from inception to November 1, 2025. All studies were rigorously screened based on predefined eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2 and ROBINS-I. Effect sizes were calculated as Hedges’ g (g) and pooled under a random-effects model, and potential moderators were examined through subgroup and regression analyses. Results A …

Emergency Clinicians’ Knowledge And Practice Of Pain Assessment For Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carrie Janerka, Kaoru Nosaka, Aaron Lapuz Alejandro, Jeffery Hughes, Natasya Raja Azlan, Amineh Rashidi, Wenhong Zhao, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Older adults with cognitive impairment frequently present to emergency departments and often experience poor pain management. Patients’ impaired self-reporting, limited clinician training, inconsistent use of behavioural tools, and environmental pressures have been reported challenges. This study examined emergency clinicians’ knowledge and practices in assessing pain for this population. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted across two emergency departments in Australia. An 86-item survey collected clinicians’ pain assessment knowledge and practices. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were thematically analysed. Results 148 clinicians (110 nurses, 21 doctors, 17 allied health staff) responded to the survey …

Effectiveness Of Prophylactic Foam Dressings In The Prevention Of Sacral Pressure Injuries In At-Risk Hospitalised Patients (Eepoc): A Randomised Control Trial, Rachel M. Walker, Wendy Chaboyer, Lukman Thalib, Sharon Latimer, Haitham Tuffaha, Marie Cooke, Brigid M. Gillespie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a serious patient safety issue with the sacrum the most common location. Silicone foam border dressings are increasingly used in hospitalised patients, yet their clinical and cost-effectiveness in preventing pressure injuries is unclear in some patient cohorts. Objective: To determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a silicone foam border dressing in preventing sacral hospital acquired pressure injuries in at-risk medical-surgical patients. Methods: A prospective, multi-site, parallel group, pragmatic, superiority randomised controlled trial was conducted in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Medical-surgical adult patients (≥ 18 years) at-risk of pressure injury were recruited and randomly allocated to either …

Influence Of Chronotype On Cycling Performance In Simulated 20-Km Time Trials—A Pilot Study, Sabrina Forster, Sascha Schwindling, Chris Abbiss, Fabienne Döringer, Andreas Klütsch, Anne Hecksteden, Tim Meyer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The chronotype (CT) refers to an individual's diurnal preference towards morningness (M) or eveningness (E). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of chronotype on 20-km cycling performance throughout the day. Seventy-six competitive male cyclists and triathletes completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire to determine chronotype. Only participants categorised as ‘definite’ M- (n = 10) and E-types (n = 7) were included in the study. In a randomised order and separated by 2–7 days, participants performed four self-paced 20-km cycling time trials at four different times of the day (06:00 h, 12:00 h, 18:00 h, 22:00 h). Mental readiness …

Insulin Resistance As A Mediator Of Physical Activity's Effects On Beta-Amyloid Accumulation And Tau Phosphorylation: A Scoping Review, Michael G. Slee, Joanne Scotney, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Kirk I. Erickson, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Giuseppe Verdile, Belinda M. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased Alzheimer’s disease risk and brain beta amyloid (Aβ) burden, suggesting an underlying mechanistic relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes. Animal studies show exercise reduces levels of brain Aβ and tau, and while human studies are somewhat limited, some studies have reported physical activity is associated with lower brain Aβ and tau levels. Exercise has well established links to reductions in insulin resistance; thus, as physical activity can impact both insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease pathology and/or biomarkers, it is reasonable to hypothesise that a mediating relationship may exist. The objective …

Facilitators To The Implementation Of Exercise Into Cancer Care: A Systematic Review, Georgia L. White, Mary A. Kennedy, Brent J. Cunningham, Riley Dunn, Jason Martin, Meegan Walker, Craig T. Wallington-Gates, Hattie Wright, Bryan Chan, Grace L. Rose

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Although governing bodies urge the importance of integrating exercise into routine cancer care, facilitators to implementation have not been systematically identified and collated. This review aimed to summarise facilitators to implement exercise services within real-world settings. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies was conducted (three databases, 13th September 2024). Reports were included if they documented the implementation of co-located exercise services (delivered onsite within cancer centres) or referral pathways to external exercise services from cancer centres. The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0) was used to code and synthesise facilitators. Results: Of 8544 …

Implementation Strategies For Evidence-Based Healthcare Interventions In Rural And Remote Settings: A Scoping Review, Anna Chapman, Cadeyrn J. Gaskin, Hannah Beks, Charlene Wright, Skye Marshall, Elizabeth A. Johnston, Rebecca J. Bergin, Sharina Riva, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Camille E. Short, Nicole Kiss, Sze Lin Yoong, Nicolas H. Hart, Anna Wong Shee, Helena Rodi, Hannah Jongebloed, Anna Ugalde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Globally, people living in rural and remote areas experience poorer healthcare access and outcomes than urban populations. Applying implementation strategies that support the translation of evidence-based healthcare interventions may help reduce these inequities; however, real-world implementation is complex, and it remains unclear how strategies are applied and tailored to rural and remote contexts. This scoping review synthesised evidence on implementation strategies for healthcare interventions in rural and remote settings of high-income countries. Five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 1/1/2000 and 25/10/2024. Extracted data were synthesised using a descriptive …

Nursing Leadership And Pandemic Preparedness Via Game-Based Learning Simulation: A Narrative Review (Registered Nurses And Undergraduate Nursing Students), Scott James Andrews, Olivia Gallagher, Alecka Miles, Carol Crevacore, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Early progression of newly registered nurses into leadership roles is commonplace in clinical settings. Nurses and student nurses can prepare for leadership by gaining exposure through simulation-based learning. A novel and expanding modality are game-based learning (GBL) simulation. Nurse leaders play a crucial role during pandemics, guiding their teams through crises and ensuring effective response strategies. Reviewing the literature to identify the content, structure, and effectiveness of current pandemic preparedness and GBL simulation in nursing education is necessary to identify lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic response to guide workforce preparation for future surge planning. Aim: The aim of …

Measuring Cancer Equity Globally: Harmonising International Rural-Urban Classifications For Exploring Cancer Outcomes, Charlene Wright, Sharina Riva, Megan Crichton, Helena Rodi, Hannah Jongebloed, Lucy Leigh, Elizabeth A. Johnston, Rebecca J. Bergin, Anna Chapman, Laura Alston, Fiona Crawford–Williams, Nicolas H. Hart, Joel Rhee, Lan Gao, Kate Gunn, Harry Gasper, Anna Ugalde, Skye Marshall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Geographic disparities in cancer outcomes represent a critical health equity challenge, with rural populations consistently experiencing poorer outcomes than urban populations. The lack of harmonised rurality measures creates substantial barriers to evidence synthesis and has precluded meta-analyses. This perspectives paper discusses concepts of rurality, identifies rurality classification systems used by cancer researchers in OECD countries that can be harmonised with the OECD Extended Typology, and develops recommendations for consistent rural-urban coding. Targeted searches of grey and published literature on cancer policy and rurality classification systems were conducted. The secondary analysis examined studies identified through systematic database searching of OVID Medline, …

The Perceptions And Applications Of Cluster Sets In Strength And Conditioning, Tsuyoshi Nagatani, Shayne Vial, Kristina L. Kendall, Paul Comfort, Jiahao Yang, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

It is well documented that cluster sets, a modified set structure with additional rest between individual repetitions or groups of repetitions, can be used to modulate exercise-induced fatigue during resistance training. While practical guidelines exist, it remains unclear to what extent strength and conditioning (S&C) professionals utilise this programming tactic. The aim of this study was to examine S&C professionals’ perceptions of cluster sets and their application in practice. A secondary aim was to assess the alignment between cluster set programming tactics used in the field and evidence-based recommendations from the scientific and coaching literature. Forty-six S&C professionals (age: 40.0 …

Single Joint Posterior Chain Isometric Testing Using Force Plates: A Systematic Review Of The Methodologies And Reliability Of Testing Methods, Jack T. Fahey, Christopher Bramah, Richie Barber, James Williams, John J. Mcmahon, Paul Comfort, Nicholas J. Ripley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The posterior chain muscles (i.e. hamstring and gluteal) play an important role in performance and injury prevention. Posterior chain muscle injuries lead to time lost from training, competition and increased reinjury risk. Force plates enable valid and reliable assessment, current methods assessing isometric posterior chain (IPC) force production using force plates have yet to be reviewed. This review was designed to systematically review methods of single joint IPC force plate testing; establish existing reliability; and summarise descriptive data. A literature search was conducted using the following search terms: ‘force plat*’ AND ‘isometric’ AND (‘hamstring*’ OR ‘knee flex*’ OR ‘posterior chain’ …

Plasma Aβ42/40 Predicts Progression From Aβ-Amyloid Negative To Positive Pet Scans, Azadeh Feizpour, Vincent Doré, Pierrick Bourgeat, James D. Doecke, Rodrigo Canovas, Simon M. Laws, Tenielle Porter, Kun Huang, Christopher Fowler, Ralph N. Martins, Paul Maruff, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Michael W. Weiner, John C. Morris, Tammie L.S. Benzinger, Suzanne E. Schindler, Randall J. Bateman, Yan Li, Ovod Vitaliy, Larry Ward, Jurgen Mejan-Fripp, Colin L. Masters, Victor L. Villemagne, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background The agreement between plasma Aβ42/40 and Aβ positron emission tomography (PET) is approximately 75 %, with ∼85 % of discrepancies due to positive plasma but negative PET results. It is unclear whether this reflects Aβ changes in plasma before PET-detectable. Objectives To assess the influence of Aβ42/40 positivity on risk of progression to Aβ PET positivity, and feasibility of using plasma Aβ42/40 tests to enrich a primary prevention trial. Design A prospective longitudinal cohort study. Setting Participants of Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study (AIBL), Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), and Open Access Series of Imaging Studies 3 (OASIS3). …