Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Fall Prevention Interventions In Community-Dwelling Older People With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review, Sumattana Glangkarn, Pelden Chejor, Rujira Nonsa-Ard, Kasama Wongprachum, Sirapat Khodseewong, Chaiwut Bourneow, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Falls are a major health concern for older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment. Many factors contribute to the risk of falls, making it a complex issue to manage. Aim: This systematic review aimed to identify and describe the implementation strategies used for fall prevention in community-dwelling older people with cognitive impairment. Eligibility criteria: The review included studies on fall prevention interventions for community-dwelling adults aged > 50 years with cognitive impairment. Eligible studies were primary research, including experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods designs, with detailed implementation strategies. Systematic reviews, protocols, editorials, opinions, commentaries, and conference papers were excluded. …

Rock On Technology: Perspectives Of People With Neurological Conditions On Robot-Assisted Lower Limb And Gait Neurorehabilitation, Rachel G. Buckingham, Saran Chamberlain, Amanda Timler, Matthew K. Bagg, Nikki E. Bakhtazad, Taya Hamilton, Patricia Martinet, Bianca Haagman, Stuart I. Hodgetts, Barbara Singer, Ann Maree Vallence, Jodie Marquez, Eric Gaitho, Emma Gee, Jessica Nolan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Explore perspectives of people living with neurological conditions in Western Australia (WA) on robot-assisted lower limb neurorehabilitation (RALLR), and implementation requirements. Materials and methods: This co-designed, qualitative descriptive study included people living with neurological conditions. In-person semi-structured focus groups (FGs) were facilitated by a person with lived experience of stroke. FGs were recorded, data were transcribed, and thematically analysed using a reflexive approach. Results: Five FGs included 24 participants (54.2% women, median age 50 years). Of these, thirteen participants had RALLR experience. Primary neurological conditions represented among participants comprised spinal cord injury (n = 11), stroke (n = 3), …

The Prevalence Of Varus Thrust: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Haonan Shen, Nicole D'Souza, Claire E. Hiller, Marnee J. Mckay, Kun Hu, Zhiyong Wang, Milena Simic

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To determine the prevalence of varus thrust in adults with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA), including across clinically relevant subgroups. A secondary objective was to explore whether varus thrust prevalence varied according to age, body mass index (BMI), and knee pain severity, where sufficient data were available. Design: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Five electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched from inception to January 21, 2025. Studies reporting varus thrust during gait in adults, assessed using clinical observation methods, were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Results: …

Efficacy And Effectiveness Of Melatonin For The Management Of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Placebo And Active Controlled Trials, Kangchao Wu, Ting Him Ho, Paula R. Beckenkamp, Michelle Hall, Hanzhi Zhang, James Puterflam, Karin Due Bruun, Jianhua Lin, Christopher Gordon, Ron Grunstein, Manuela L. Ferreira, Paulo Ferreira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Melatonin may provide benefits for managing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, and this review evaluated its efficacy and effectiveness on pain intensity and sleep quality. We searched 6 databases from inception to April 2025 and included randomized controlled trials in people with chronic or postoperative MSK pain reporting pain or sleep outcomes. Comparators included placebo or active controls (eg, analgesics). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted by comparator type. Sensitivity analyses included only low-risk studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Twenty-three studies (2028 participants) were included. For people with chronic MSK …

Clinicians’ Experiences And Perspectives On Robot-Assisted Lower Limb And Gait Neurorehabilitation In Western Australia: Robot-Assisted Lower Limb Neurorehabilitation, Nikki Bakhtazad, Amanda Timler, Matthew K. Bagg, Rachel Buckingham, Saran Chamberlain, Barbara Singer, Patricia Martinet, Taya Hamilton, Jodie Marquez, Stuart Hodgetts, Ann Maree Vallence, Eric Gaitho, Emma Gee, Jessica Nolan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation (RALLR) may be an effective adjunct to conventional therapy for those with neurological conditions. Robot-assisted rehabilitation is emerging in Western Australia (WA) and local perspectives on this technology have not been explored. This study aimed to explore perspectives of WA clinicians on RALLR, to inform further implementation.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of neurorehabilitation clinicians across metropolitan WA. A subset of respondents completed semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results: Fifty-six clinicians (across four professions) completed the survey. Eleven participated in an interview. The majority of clinicians expressed interest in upskilling in rehabilitation robotics …

Exploring Factors That Influence Meal Management And Eating Behaviours In People Living With Huntington’S Disease, Joanna Rees, Ran Yan, Melanie Clark, Melanie Jolly, Alex Fisher, Amanda Devine, Simon M. Laws, Kelly Moes, Travis Cruickshank

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: People living with Huntington’s disease (pwHD) experience cognitive and motor changes that affect meal planning, preparation and food consumption. This study explored factors that influence meal management and eating behaviours of pwHD and their families.

Methods: This is a qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Participants included gene-positive individuals living in Perth Western Australia, ranging from asymptomatic or experiencing subtle changes, to early to mid-stage HD.

Results: Nine individuals (mean age 47 ± 12.3 years) were interviewed for the study, including five gene-positive being asymptomatic or minimal symptoms. Seven themes were identified reflecting participants’ existing meal management …

Aerobic Exercise Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) In Sub-Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Christopher P. Mackay, Suzanne Kuys, Mia Schaumberg, Li Ann Leow, Sandy Brauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key neurotrophin due to its role in neuron process outgrowth, plasticity, and neuronal survival. Aerobic exercise can induce BDNF release and may ultimately maximize post-stroke recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to determine if a program of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise increased concentrations of BDNF in subacute stroke survivors compared to usual care. Methods: A parallel-group, RCT was undertaken in people with subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation. Participants were randomly allocated to usual care (control group) or usual care plus an 8-week program of moderate-high intensity treadmill walking (3 x 30 min sessions per week) (experimental …

Developing Consumer Consensus On Remote Assessment And Management Of Physical Function In Older Adults (Ramp): International Modified Delphi Process, Elsa Dent, Christopher Hurst, Jack Dalla Via, Jackson J. Fyfe, Paul Jansons, Eleanor J. Hayes, Gary Skinner, Marc Sim, Mylene Aubertin-Leheudre, Sabine Britting, Fanny Buckinx, Gavin Connolly, Lora Giangregorio, Jennifer R.A. Jones, Pauline Kelly, Robert Kob, Suzanne N. Morin, Girish Nandakumar, Lucas B.R. Orssatto, Maria Pearson, Daniel Pinto, Esmee M. Reijnierse, Catherine M. Said, Mohamed Salem, Vina P.S. Tan, Rosanna Tran

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Remote health care delivery, including the use of digital health interventions, is emerging as a tool for assessing and managing physical function, but its design and implementation often overlook the needs and preferences of older adult end users. Objective: The primary aim of this modified Delphi process was to develop consumer consensus on preferences for remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults. Methods: Research and consumer experts of the Remote Assessment and Management of Physical Function in Older Adults (RAMP) Working Group co-developed the Round 1 Delphi survey, which was advertised to consumers (adults aged ≥60 …

The Role Of Physical Therapy Across The Transplant Trajectory In Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, A Systematic Review And Clinical Framework, Houssem Ben Jemia, Rebecca Catterina, Marialaura Calonghi, Maria Anna Dossena, Stefano Giuseppe Lazzarini, Francesco Bettariga, Michele Malagola, Enrico Morello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) increasingly involves older and medically complex patients, in whom impaired pulmonary function and high comorbidity burden adversely affect survival and long-term outcomes. Rehabilitation and exercise interventions are biologically plausible strategies to mitigate deconditioning along the transplant trajectory, but their role in allo-HSCT has not been systematically organized within a phase-specific clinical framework. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted according to Cochrane guidance and PRISMA 2020, with prospective registration in PROSPERO. PubMed, Embase, PEDro, Web of Science, CENTRAL and Scopus were searched from inception to early 2025, with an updated PubMed …

A Survey Of Australian Healthcare Practitioners’ Perspectives On Goal Setting In Occupational Rehabilitation, Grace Redden, Christopher J. Stevens, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Syeda Farah Zahir, Christian Swann

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Nearly half a million Australians experience workplace injury or illness each year, and return-to-work rates have declined, particularly for psychological conditions. Practitioners use goal setting to structure return-to-work planning and are directed by national guidance to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals. How practitioners apply these criteria across different injuries and illnesses is not well understood. This study examined practitioners’ perspectives on goal setting in workers’ compensation rehabilitation in Australia, with a focus on SMART goals.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of Australian healthcare practitioners who treated physical conditions, psychological conditions, or both, was conducted. Quantitative data …

Clinician-Led, Single-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating The Efficacy Of A High-Intensity Resistance And Impact Training Intervention For Improving Health-Related Quality Of Life In People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol For Strong-Ms, Lisa Grech, Beck, David Scott, Marc Sim, Jakub Mesinovic, Paul Jansons, Fernanda Rodrigues Fonseca, Julie Abimanyi-Ochom, Michelle Allan, Stefan Blum, Ernest Butler, William Carroll, Nigel Caswell, Peter Ebeling, Vanessa Gan, Alan Herschtal, Nevin John, Allan Kermode, Linh Le-Kavanagh, Shalika Bohingamu Mudiyanselage, Lynne Elizabeth Ohman, Mia Poposka, Alison Reece, Phoebe Sansom, Charlotte Scroggie, Christopher Todaro

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in less physical activity and experience higher rates of osteoporosis, falls and fractures than the general population, contributing to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and increased healthcare costs. High-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) has beneficial effects on bone, muscle and physical function in other populations, but its effectiveness in people with MS is unclear. Methods and analysis: STRONG-MS is a codesigned, clinician-led, single-blind, randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of a HiRIT programme, ONERO, on HRQoL for people with MS. Secondary aims include assessing changes in bone mineral density, body composition, …

Implementing Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy After Stroke In An Early-Supported Discharge Rehabilitation Service: A Process Evaluation Using Re-Aim Quest, Ashan Weerakkody, Erin Godecke, Barby Singer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) improves upper limb (UL) function after stroke. Despite extensive evidence supporting its efficacy and multiple clinical practice guidelines recommending its provision, very few eligible stroke survivors receive mCIMT internationally. A multi-modal behaviour change intervention, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Wheel, was implemented across a large early-supported discharge (ESD) rehabilitation service in Perth, Australia, to increase delivery of mCIMT within existing resources. As part of this iterative implementation process, qualitative data from stroke survivors, carers, clinicians and managers informed program adaptations to support sustained mCIMT delivery. This study aimed to …

Co-Design Of A Personalised Physical Activity Intervention For Stroke Survivors, Natalie A. Fini, Emily R. Ramage, Julie R. Bernhardt, Erin M. Bicknell, Chris C.M. Tzefronis, Paul M. Fink, Erin Godecke, Jill L. Francis, Rebecca Wood, Nicole Li, Brandon Lin, Coralie English, Catherine M. Said

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction/ aims: Incorporating the perspectives of knowledge-users such as stroke survivors into intervention development processes can enhance their relevance and feasibility. The aims of this study were: i) to use co-design to determine “active ingredients” and develop a personalised physical activity intervention for stroke survivors, and ii) to evaluate the co-design process. Methods: A four-stage integrated knowledge translation approach (involving planning and workshops) was applied to co-design a post-stroke physical activity intervention. Knowledge-user participants (stroke survivors (n = 10), carers (n = 3) and clinicians (n = 12)) were recruited. Knowledge-user participants (n = 25) and the research team (n …

Voluntary Activation Of The Ankle Plantar Flexors: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Molly E. Coventry, Christopher Latella, Brady Green, Andrea B. Mosler, Jayden Peak, Maria Luciana Perez Armendariz, Ebonie K. Rio, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Voluntary activation is a measure of neural drive, typically measured during maximal contractions, and provides insight into motor function. This systematic review examined voluntary activation assessment of the ankle plantar flexors in healthy and pathological populations, and the association of participant age and positioning (knee and ankle joint angles) with voluntary activation level. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted. Six electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that assessed voluntary activation of the ankle plantar flexors using the interpolated twitch technique or the central activation ratio. Meta-analyses were performed using an inverse variance, random-effects maximal likelihood model …

State Of Stroke Rehabilitation In Australia: A Who Stars Assessment To Identify Strengths And Gaps Across Policy, Practice And Funding, Lauren J. Christie, Erin Godecke, Maddison Smith, Katharine Scrivener, Kelvin Hill, Joosup Kim, Maria Crotty, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Angela Dos Santos, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of Review: Rehabilitation following stroke is a complex series of assistive and catalytic interventions enabling a survivor to recover and adapt to their stroke. To achieve adaptation, rehabilitation should supplement healthcare across the continuum, however comprehensive evidence on the provision of stroke rehabilitation in Australia is lacking. The aim of this paper was to describe stroke rehabilitation provision, collecting data using the World Health Organisation (WHO) template for rehabilitation information collection (TRIC). Data were analysed descriptively to complete the Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) assessment. Recent Findings: Challenges include inadequacies in reporting and poor data integration between state- …

Characteristics Of Australian And New Zealand Osteopaths Who Treat Patients Presenting With Non-Musculoskeletal Complaints: Outcomes From Two Practice-Based Research Networks, Brett Vaughan, Francesco Cerritelli, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Jack Feehan, Ana Paula A. Ferreira, Michael Fleischmann, Gopi Mcleod, Cindy Mcintyre, Chantal Morin, Lee Muddle, Oliver P. Thomson, Loïc Treffel, Nicholas Tripodi, Kesava Kovanur Sampath, Niklas Sinderholm Sposato, Amie Steel, Jon Adams

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Australian and New Zealand osteopaths predominantly manage musculoskeletal complaints using a variety of modalities including manual therapy, exercise and lifestyle and occupational advice. There appears to be a small percentage of patients who seek osteopathy care for non-musculoskeletal issues such as conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The evidence base for osteopathic treatment as part of the management of such conditions is equivocal. The aim of this study was to describe the practice of Australian and New Zealand osteopaths who report often treating patients with non-musculoskeletal complaints. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Australian and …

I Know What To Say Now: Students' Evaluation And Utilisation Of Accidental Counsellor Training, Joanna E. Harnett, Claire E. Ashton-James, James Kite, Tonia Crawford, Sanetta H.J. Du Toit, Leigh A. Wilson, Rosa Howard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction In 2020 and 2021, 280 health profession students who were engaged in student leadership roles and peer mentoring were invited to undertake extracurricular training in accidental counselling to build skills in recognising and responding to a person in distress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the online training course, and to explore students’ confidence to use Accidental Counsellor tools to support peers in distress after completion of the training course. Methods A retrospective cohort study including a post- intervention only design was used. A survey was administered approximately 12 months after 225 students completed …

Integrated Upper Limb And Language Impairment And Functional Training (Uplift) After Stroke: Study Protocol For An Umbrella Bayesian Optimal Phase Iia Clinical Trial, Kathryn S. Hayward, Geoffrey Donnan, Erin Godecke, Anna Balabanski, Ruth Barker, Julie Bernhardt, Sandra Brauer, Amy Brodtmann, Emily Brogan, Sonia Brownsett, Paul Chapman, David Copland, Elise Cowley, Emily Dalton, Fiona Ellery, Paul Fink, Carlos Garcia Esperon, Annie J. Hill, Heidi Janssen, Siobhan Kavanagh, Timothy Kleinig, Liudmyla Olenko, Joanne J.E. Quek, Trevor Russell, Moira Smith, Lillian Taylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction One in six stroke survivors continue to experience arm and language disability at 3 months post-stroke. This study aims to identify which model(s) of integrated UPper limb and Language Impairment and Functional Training (UPLIFT) show promise for people 3 months to 24 months post-stroke. We hypothesise that at least one promising UPLIFT model of rehabilitation will be identified. Methods and analysis This is an adaptive Phase IIa master protocol umbrella design that includes four simultaneous Bayesian Optimal Phase II studies to evaluate individual UPLIFT interventions against prespecified objective performance criteria. The intervention is upper limb and language training at …

Evaluation Of A Theoretical And Experiential Training Programme For Allied Healthcare Providers To Prescribe Exercise Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Co-Designed Effectiveness-Implementation Study, Yvonne C. Learmonth, Georgios Mavropalias, Kym Wansbrough

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent neurological disorder in young adults, characterised by physical, psychological and cognitive dysfunction. Exercise training is a safe management strategy. Healthcare providers (HCPs) acknowledge deficiencies in awareness, counselling strategies, and resources that prevent them from promoting and prescribing this effective treatment. We implemented an online evidence-based educational programme and evaluated the effect, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the programme in improving HCP confidence, knowledge, and attitudes towards remote exercise prescription to persons with MS. Methods: Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists were recruited and received the educational programme (online theory and 16-week experience of prescribing …

Understanding The Role Of Sports Injury Management By Australian Osteopaths: A Cross Sectional Survey Of 992 Practitioners, Brett Vaughan, Jon Adams, Wenbo Peng, Lauren V. Fortington, Michael Fleischmann, Kylie Fitzgerald, Amie Steel, David Sibritt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sport-related injuries are common presentations to primary care and hospital settings. Australian osteopaths practice mainly in private clinical settings in which the frequency of sport-related injury presentations, and how these injuries are managed, is unknown. The objective of the study was to describe the demographic, practice, and clinical management characteristics of Australian osteopaths who report often treating sport-related injuries. The study is a secondary analysis of data derived from the Australian osteopathy practice-based research network. Respondents indicated the frequency treating sports-related injuries in addition to other demographic, practice, and patient management characteristics. Backward logistic regression identified significant characteristics associated with …

The Cortical Motor Map For The Extensor Digitorum Communis Muscle Fails To Increase In Treatment-Related Clinically Significant Upper Limb Post-Stroke Recovery, Tomoko Kitago, Joshua Silverstein, Michael B. Gerber, Charlene Thomas, Linda M. Gerber, Gary W. Thickbroom, Dylan J. Edwards

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Cortical reorganization has been proposed as a mechanism for motor recovery of the upper limb. The objective of this study was to determine if intervention-related clinical improvement in post-stroke hemiparesis is associated with enlarged motor cortex representation. Methods: Data were analyzed from a single site subset of the NICHE trial. Clinical assessments of upper limb movement (Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment, FM-UE, Action Research Arm Test, ARAT, and Wolf Motor Function Test, WMFT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor mapping of the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscle were performed in 23 participants (3–12 months post-stroke, 10 female, 40–88 yrs) …

Finger Orthoses For Rehabilitation―Part I: Biomedical Insights And Additive Manufacturing Innovations, Alireza Nouri, Lijing Wang, Hamed Bakhtiari, Yuncang Li, Cuie Wen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Finger orthoses are essential for treating injuries, deformities, and disorders of the upper limbs by supporting, immobilizing, or correcting deformities. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have significantly enhanced precision and customization compared to traditional fabrication methods such as thermoplastic molding, plaster or fiberglass casting, and the use of prefabricated splints. Methods: The present review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and other databases with keywords such as “hand therapy”, “additive manufacturing”, “finger and thumb”, and “orthosis”. Only English-language publications were considered, with a primary focus on articles published between 2010 and 2025. Key themes were identified and categorized into …

Resistance Exercise Dose Effects On Muscle Morphology, Muscle Function And Quality Of Life In Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer Survivors, Christelle Schofield, Marit Mol, Dennis R. Taaffe, Laurien M. Buffart, Pedro Lopez, Robert U. Newton, Daniel A. Galvão, Paul A. Cohen, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: Advanced-stage ovarian cancer survivors often have compromised muscle morphology (muscle mass and density), muscle function (muscle strength and physical function), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We recently reported improvements in these outcomes following resistance training. Information on the resistance exercise dose required to improve health-related outcomes is still lacking in this cancer group. Here we examined the exercise dose delivered and the effect of the delivered dose on changes in outcomes of interest. Methods: Twelve women with stage III or IV ovarian cancer completed a 12-week supervised resistance exercise intervention. Exercise metrics included compliance (exercise dose completed), dose …

I Couldn't Change His Nappy: New Mothers' Experiences Of De Quervain's Tendinosis And Its Impact On Occupational Performance, Caroline Khama, Marina Ciccarelli, Julie Brayshaw, Megan Hatfield, Thuy Tran

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: De Quervain's stenosing tendinosis (DQST) is common in new mothers because of awkward wrist postures during repetitive mothering occupations such as nursing and lifting their baby. However, little is known about how DQST affects occupations of first-time mothers. This study aimed to explore the experiences of first-time mothers living with DQST and how it affects performance of their motherhood occupations. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study design was used. Participants were 15 first-time mothers of a child aged ≤24 months, with a current or previous diagnosis of DQST, and/or non-trauma-related symptoms of pain, tenderness, and/or swelling near the base of …

Effectiveness Of Additional Or Standalone Corticosteroid Injections Compared To Physical Therapist Interventions In Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Stefano Giuseppe Lazzarini, Riccardo Buraschi, Joel Pollet, Francesco Bettariga, Simone Pancera, Paolo Pedersini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Importance. Rotator cuff tendinopathy represents the most prevalent cause of shoulder pain, the third most common musculoskeletal disorder after low back pain and knee pain. Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection(s), alone or in combination with anesthetic injection or any other physical therapist interventions, compared to physical therapist interventions alone in adults with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Design. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and Physiotherapy Evidence …

Barriers And Motivators To Attending Group Exercise Classes In Women With Anxiety, Depression And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sarah Ford

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Research has demonstrated the positive effect of exercise on mental health disorders such as anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies have also investigated the barriers and motivators that women in particular experience when contemplating the ways in which to engage in physical activity. However, a literature gap exists regarding women who experience anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the barriers and motivators that they specifically navigate when looking to attend group exercise classes. In this body of research for the award of Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, a scoping review was first conducted …

The Interplay Between Injury And Body Composition With Performance In Police Recruits, Vanessa Sutton

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The occupational demands of policing are challenging and potentially hazardous, with substantial rates of musculoskeletal injuries occurring during recruit training. Academy injury prevalence can be as high as one in five recruits. Injuries impact performance, result in lost training, and impose financial burdens on police agencies. However, limited research has explored pre-injury body composition or musculoskeletal characteristics in relation to police recruit performance. This thesis investigates injuries, body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics in physical performance and injury risk among law enforcement recruits.

Study One quantified prevalence and severity of pre-academy injuries and association with performance. Among 121 recruits, nearly half …

Reduced Achilles Tendinopathy Symptoms (E.G. Stiffness), But Not Pain, Relate To Patient-Perceived Resolution Of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study, Myles C. Murphy, Fletcher Bright, George White, Ruth L. Chimenti, Andrea B. Mosler, Ebonie K. Rio

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We aimed to determine whether pain, symptoms and/or physical function are associated with perceived recovery in people with current or resolved Achilles tendinopathy. We performed a cross-sectional cohort study, including people who reported having either “current” or “resolved” Achilles tendinopathy. Participants completed an online survey, including the Tendinopathy Severity Assessment- Achilles (TENDINS-A). We used multivariable binary logistic regression and reported odds ratio (OR) to quantify the strength of the association. We included 100 cases (n = 63 current, n = 37 resolved). There were no associations of age, sex, BMI, TENDINS-A (Pain) or TENDINS-A (Physical Function) with whether participants reported …

The Potential Impact Of Social Prescribing On Meaningful Engagement In Collective Aged Care Settings: Perspectives From The Global South, Melissa Kilian, Tania Rauch Van Der Merwe, Itumeleng Tsatsi, Ronelle Jansen, Marieta Visser, Rayne Stroebel, Sanetta Henrietta Johanna Du Toit

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Promoting collective care philosophies in residential aged care homes that enhances person-centred care remains a global challenge. More success is evident when an organisation’s approach to care impacts the well-being of everyone who lives and works in the home. However, funding systems are seldom applied in favour of a collective approach. The uptake of social prescribing is potential yet another obstacle in eradicating the prevailing dominance of the medical model of care in aged care homes. Objective: In the Global South, institutionalised care is becoming a more acceptable and viable option to ensure health and well-being of older adults. …

The Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation During Extended Reality Exercises For Cortical, Neuromuscular, And Clinical Recovery Of Stroke Survivors, Cassio V.M. Ruas, Bruna M. Carlos, Saulo Feitosa, Márcio Vinícius Silva, Pedro Vazquez, Larissa L. Pontes, Jayne Silvestre, Sara R.M. Almeida, Alexandre F. Brandão, Gabriela Castellano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Rehabilitation methods that include anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) and extended reality (XR) exercises have been used to enhance neural networks and improve functional performance in stroke patients, but the neuromuscular and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these improvements are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of atDCS during XR rehabilitation exercises on cortical, neuromuscular, and clinical outcomes of stroke survivors. Methods: Nineteen chronic stroke survivors were placed into either a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or a Sham group, without significant (p > 0.73) differences in the baseline levels of disability between groups. …