Spectral Reconstruction Improvement in a Cycloidal Coded-Aperture Mass Spectrometer.

Spatial aperture coding is a technique used to improve throughput without sacrificing resolution both in optical spectroscopy and sector mass spectrometry (MS). Previous work demonstrated that aperture coding combined with a position-sensitive array detector in a miniature cycloidal mass spectrometer was successful in providing high-throughput, high-resolution measurements. However, due to poor alignment and field nonuniformities, reconstruction artifacts were present. Recently, significant progress was made in eliminating most of the reconstruction artifacts with improved field uniformity and alignment. However, artifacts as large as 1/3 of the main peak were still observed at low mass (<17 u). Such artifacts will reduce accuracy in identification and quantification of analytes, reducing the impact of the throughput advantage gained by using a coded aperture. The artifacts were hypothesized to be a result of a mass dependent in curvature of ions in the ion source. Ions with higher mass (m/z > 17 u) and a larger curvature did not pass through all slits in the coded aperture. Therefore, when reconstructing with a system response derived from the aperture image from a higher mass m/z = 32 u ion, reconstruction artifacts appeared for m/z < 17 u. In this work, two methods were implemented to significantly reduce the presence of artifacts in reconstructed data. First, we modified the reconstruction algorithm to incorporate a mass-dependent system response function across the mass range (10-110 u). This method reduced the size of the artifacts by 82%. Second, to validate the hypothesis that the mass-dependent system response function was a result of differences in curvature of ions in the ion source, we modified the design of the ion source by shifting the coded aperture slits relative to the center of the ionization volume. This method resulted in ions of all masses passing through all slits in the coded aperture, a constant system response function across the entire mass range. Artifacts were reduced by 94%.

Beliefs, barriers, and promotion practices of Indian nurses' regarding healthy eating for cancer survivors in a tertiary care hospital-A cross sectional survey.

Purpose: To describe the beliefs, barriers and promotion practices of Indian nurses' regarding healthy eating (HE) behaviours amongst cancer survivors, and to gain insights into whether their educational qualifications might affect the promotion of HE. Methods: Data was gathered using a validated questionnaire, 388 of the approached 400 nurses who worked at a tertiary care hospital in India gave informed consent to participate in the study. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi square analysis (for continuous and categorical variables respectively) were performed to carry out sub-group comparisons based on the qualification of the nurses i.e., Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). Results: The nurses believed that dieticians/nutritionists were primarily responsible for educating the cancer survivors regarding HE. HE was promoted by nurses' relatively equally across multiple treatment stages ("during" treatment 24.4%, "post" treatment 23.1%; and "pre" treatment 22.3%). Nurses' believed HE practices had numerous benefits, with improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (75.7%), and mental health (73.9%) being the most frequent responses. The most frequently cited barriers by the nurses in promoting HE were lack of time (22.2%), and lack of adequate support structure (19.9%). Sub-group comparisons generally revealed no significant difference between the BSc and GNM nurses in their perceptions regarding HE promotion to cancer survivors. Exceptions were how the GNM group had significantly greater beliefs regarding whether HE can "reduce risk of cancer occurrence" (p = 0.004) and "whether or not I promote HE is entirely up to me" (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The nurses in India believe in the promotion of HE practices among cancer survivors across various stages of cancer treatments. However, they do face a range of barriers in their attempt to promote HE. Overcoming these barriers might facilitate effective promotion of HE among cancer survivors and help improve survivorship outcomes. Implications for cancer survivors: Indian nurses employed in the two tertiary care hospitals wish to promote HE among cancer survivors, but require further knowledge and support services for more effective promotion of HE.

Effect of exercise based interventions on sleep and circadian rhythm in cancer survivors-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Disrupted circadian rhythm commonly reported in cancer survivors is closely associated with cancer related fatigue, sleep disturbances and compromised quality of life. As more cancer survivors request non-pharmacological treatment strategies for the management of their chronic sleep-related symptoms, there is a need for meta-analyses of various interventions such as exercise on sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances. Methods: A search for RCT's was conducted in April 2020 and updated in July 2023 using relevant keywords for cancer, sleep, circadian rhythm and exercise interventions on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro and CINAHL. Results: Thirty-six studies were included for qualitative analysis and 26, for meta-analysis. Thirty-five studies analyzed sleep outcomes, while five analyzed circadian rhythm. RCT's studying the effect of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, physical activity, yoga, or tai chi were included. Meta-analysis results showed significant exercise-related improvements on sleep quality assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index (PSQI) (SMD = -0.50 [-0.87, -0.13], p = 0.008), wake after sleep onset (WASO) (SMD = -0.29 [-0.53, -0.05], p = 0.02) and circadian rhythm, assessed by salivary cortisol levels (MD = -0.09 (95% CI [-0.13 to -0.06]) mg/dL, p < 0.001). Results of the meta-analysis indicated that exercise had no significant effect on sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, total sleep time and circadian rhythm assessed by accelerometry values. Conclusion: While some sleep and circadian rhythm outcomes (PSQI, WASO and salivary cortisol) exhibited significant improvements, it is still somewhat unclear what exercise prescriptions would optimize different sleep and circadian rhythm outcomes across a variety of groups of cancer survivors. Implication: As exercise does not exacerbate cancer-related circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances, and may actually produce some significant benefits, this meta-analysis provides further evidence for cancer survivors to perform regular exercise.

The Training and Tapering Practices of Highland Games Heavy Event Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Winwood, PW, Keogh, JW, Travis, SK, Grieve, I, and Pritchard, HJ. The training and tapering practices of Highland Games heavy event athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): e116-e124, 2024-This study provides the first empirical evidence of how Highland Games heavy event athletes train and taper for Highland Games competitions. Athletes (n = 169) (mean ± SD: age 40.8 ± 10.7 years, height 181.2 ± 9.5 cm, weight 107.2 ± 23.0 kg, 18.8 ± 10.3 years of general resistance training, and 8.1 ± 6.9 years of competitive Highland Games experience) completed a self-reported 4-page online survey on training and tapering practices. Analysis by sex (male and female) and competitive standard (local or regional, national, and international) was conducted. Seventy-eight percent (n = 132) of athletes reported that they used a taper. Athletes stated that their taper length was 5.2 ± 3.5 days, with the step (36%) and linear tapers (33%) being the most performed. Athletes reported that their highest training volume and intensity were 5.5 and 3.8 weeks out (respectively) from competition, and all training ceased 2.4 ± 1.4 days before competition. Training volume decreased during the taper by 34%. Athletes typically stated that, tapering was performed to achieve recovery, peak performance, and injury prevention; training intensity, frequency, and duration stayed the same or decreased; game-specific training increased with reductions in traditional exercises; the caber toss, weight for height, and heavy weight throw were performed further out from competition than other events; muscular power and strength were the most common types of training performed; static stretching, foam rolling, and massage were strategies used in the taper; and poor tapering occurred because of life/work circumstances, lack of sleep/rest, or training too heavy/hard. These results may aid Highland Games athletes to optimize training and tapering variables leading to improved performances.

Relationships between physical fitness characteristics, technical skill attributes, and sports injury in female Australian football players.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationships between physical fitness and i) technical skills and ii) time-loss from Australian football injury in female players across the talent and participation pathways. METHODS: This study uses a subset of data from two cross-sectional and one prospective cohort studies. A total of 223 female Australian football players across five competition levels (elite/non-elite senior, high-level junior, and non-elite junior (14-17 years)/(10-13 years)) were included in this study. Comprehensive physical fitness assessments and modified Australian football kicking and handballing tests were conducted in the 2018/19 pre-seasons. During the respective competitive in-season, time-loss injuries were recorded by team personnel. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were performed to determine the relationship between physical fitness and kicking and handballing scores. Cox proportional regressions were conducted to identify physical fitness factors associated with injury. RESULTS: Increased running vertical jump height, greater hip abduction strength, and faster timed 6 m hop speed demonstrated a relationship with kicking accuracy when adjusted for years of Australian football playing experience (adjusted R2 = 0.522, p < 0.001). Faster agility time and increased lean mass were associated with better handballing accuracy (adjusted R2 = 0.221, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression revealed an increased risk for sustaining a time-loss injury in less agile players (adjusted HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.23, 4.73, p = 0.010). However, this relationship no longer remained when adjusted for age and years of Australian football experience (adjusted HR 1.68, 95% CI 0.81, 3.50, p = 0.166). CONCLUSIONS: Physical fitness may be a significant factor contributing to development of Australian football technical skills in female players. However, its role is unclear in protecting against injury risk in this athlete population. Further research is needed to explore the multifactorial and complex phenomenon of talent development and injury risk reduction in female Australian football players.

Prioritising restorative care programs in light of current age care reform.

BACKGROUND: Short-term restorative care (STRC) aims to reduce the demand for long-term aged care services through 8 weeks of intensive, multidisciplinary services designed to enhance the independence of community-dwelling older Australians at risk of functional decline. Evidence surrounding the effectiveness and feasibility of STRC is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an existing exercise-based STRC model and help inform successful service delivery to maximise participant outcomes nationally. METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate the potential benefits accrued by community-dwelling older adults accessing Southern Cross Care's current exercise-based STRC model in Adelaide, South Australia. Program effectiveness was determined via improvements in outcome measures specific to functional decline risk factors from baseline (Week 0) to discharge (Week 8). RESULTS: Results demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.001) in participants' (n = 62) lower extremity function (44.9%), depressive symptoms (52.4%), anxiety (45.8%), frailty stage (57.9%), independence in activities of daily living (17.3%) and health-related quality of life (24.0%). No significant change was found for grip strength or BMI post-intervention. The most frequent services were exercise-based (54.3% of total services), with participants receiving an average of two to three exercise services per week. CONCLUSIONS: An exercise-based STRC model is an effective mechanism to reverse functional decline and associated risk factors among community-dwelling older Australians. Adoption of multidisciplinary intervention as a standardised STRC service model could help improve client outcomes nationally and offset expected increases in community and long-term aged care demand.

Predicting repeat power ability through common field assessments: is repeat power ability a unique physical quality?

Background: The repeat power ability (RPA) assessment is used to test the ability to repeatedly produce maximal ballistic efforts with an external load. The underpinning physical qualities influencing RPA are undetermined. This study aimed to gain further insight into the physical qualities that determine RPA by analysing the association between physical qualities and an assessment of RPA. Materials and methods: Ten well-trained male field hockey players performed an RPA assessment consisting of 20 repetitions of loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJ20), with a percent decrement score of peak power output calculated. Over a two-week period, each participant performed the YoYo Intermittent Recovery Test 2 (IRT2), a repeated speed ability assessment incorporating a 180° change of direction (RSA180), a 40-meter linear speed test (40 mST), an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), a countermovement jump (CMJ), and a 3-repetition maximum half squat (HS) assessment. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the strength of relationships between each assessment variable and the LCMJ20. The assessment variables with the strongest relationships within each assessment were used in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis to determine the best predictor model of LCMJ20. Results: RSA180percent decrement score (RSA180% had a very strong, significant relationship with LCMJ20 (r = 0.736: p < 0.05). HS relative strength (HSrel) was found to have a significant and very strong, negative relationship with LCMJ20 (r =  - 0.728: p < 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed RSA180 to explain 48.4% of LCMJ20 variance (Adjusted R2 = 0.484) as the only covariate included in the model. Conclusion: The findings indicate that RSA180 as a repeated high intensity effort (RHIE) task is strongly related to LCMJ20 and is also the best predictor of LCMJ20. This may suggest that RPA can provide practitioners with information on RHIE performance. The variance between assessment methods indicates that RPA may be a distinct physical quality, future research should assess other physical capacities to better understand the factors contributing to RPA.

Effects of 56-Kilogram Kettlebell Swing Endpoint on Total Body Mechanics.

ABSTRACT: Ross, JA, Keogh, JWL, Lorenzen, C, and Lake, J. Effects of 56-kilogram kettlebell swing endpoint on total body mechanics. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2333-2338, 2023-In the past 2 decades, kettlebell training popularity has increased and the range of kettlebells has expanded to 2-92 kg. However, commercially available kettlebells above 56 kg have 12 kg increments, so alternatives to load are required to provide a suitable way of increasing training stimulus until the athlete is strong enough for a load increase. This study aimed to determine the differences in the force plate-derived biomechanical characteristics of heavy kettlebell swings to 3 different heights, as altering the height of the kettlebell swing may be one way to alter the mechanical demands with the same kettlebell mass. Fifteen resistance-trained men performed the kettlebell swing to acromion process height (AH), acromion process height + 20% (AH+20), and acromion process height-20% (AH-20). Swing height significantly affected vertical braking and propulsion phase net impulse and displacement, vertical braking velocity, and braking and propulsion work but not braking and propulsion duration. Altering kettlebell swing trajectory endpoint is a method to regress/progress the demands of kettlebell training. Coaches may be able to alter the acute demands and likely chronic adaptations of kettlebell training by prescribing different swing heights and kettlebell masses to their athletes.

The reliability and validity of repeat power ability assessments and measurement indices in loaded vertical jumps.

Background: Repeat power ability (RPA) assessments are a valuable evaluation of an athlete's ability to repeatedly perform high intensity movements. Establishing the most reliable and valid loaded jump RPA assessment and method to quantify RPA has yet to be determined. This study aimed to compare the reliability and validity of an RPA assessment performed with loaded squat jumps (SJ) or countermovement jumps (CMJ) using force-time derived mean and peak power output. Materials and Methods: RPA was quantified using calculations of average power output, a fatigue index and a percent decrement score for all repetitions and with the first and last repetitions removed. Validity was established by comparing to a 30 second Bosco repeated jump test (30BJT). Eleven well-trained male field hockey players performed one set of 20 repetitions of both SJs (20SJ) and CMJs (20CMJ) on separate occasions using a 30% one repetition maximum half squat load. These assessments were repeated 7 days apart to establish inter-test reliability. On a separate occasion, each participant performed the 30BJT. Results: The reliability of average peak power for 20SJ and 20CMJ was acceptable (CV < 5%; ICC > 0.9), while average mean power reliability for 20CMJ (CV < 5%; ICC > 0.9) was better than 20SJ (CV > 5%; ICC > 0.8). Percent decrement of 20CMJ peak power, with the first and final jump removed from the percent decrement calculation (PD%CMJpeak18), was the most reliable measurement of power output decline (CV < 5 %; ICC > 0.8). Average mean and peak power for both RPA protocols had moderate to strong correlations with 30BJT average mean and peak power (r = 0.5-0.8; p< 0.05-0.01). No RPA measurements of power decline were significantly related to BJT measurements of power decline. Conclusions: These findings indicate that PD%CMJpeak18 is the most reliable measure of RPA power decline. The lack of relationship between power decline in the loaded RPA and the 30BJT assessment suggest that each assessment may be measuring a different physical quality. These results provide sport science practitioners with additional methods to assess RPA and provide useful information on the reliability and validity of these outcome measures. Additional research needs to be performed to examine the reliability and validity of the novel RPA assessments in other athletic populations and to determine the sensitivity of these measurements to training and injury.

Methods of performance analysis in women's Australian football: a scoping review.

Background: The first women's Australian football (AF) professional competition was established in 2017, resulting in advancement in performance analysis capabilities within the sport. Given the specific constraints of women's AF, it is currently unclear what match-play performance analysis methods and techniques are implemented. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to describe and critically appraise physical, technical, and tactical performance analysis methods that have been employed in women's and girls' AF match-play. Methodology: A systematic search was conducted on the 27th of June 2022 through five databases. Eligibility criteria were derived from the PCC framework with the population (P) of women and girls AF players, of any level of play; concepts (C) of interest which were measures, data, and methods related to the sport's physical, technical, and tactical performance; and the context (C) of methods that analysed any match-play performance. A narrative synthesis was conducted using extracted study characteristic data such as sample size, population, time period, collection standards, evaluation metrics for results, and application of thematic categorisations of previous sports performance reviews. Critical appraisal of eligible studies' methodologies was conducted to investigate research quality and identify methodological issues. Results: From 183 studies screened, twelve eligible studies were included, which examined match-play through physical (9/12, 75%), technical (4/12, 33%), and tactical analysis (2/12, 17%). Running demands and game actions analysis were the most researched in senior women's AF. Research into junior girls' AF match-play performance has not been investigated. No research has been conducted on non-running physical demands, contact demands, acceleration, and tactical aspects of women's AF. All studies utilised either inferential statistics or basic predictive models. Critical appraisal deemed most studies as low risk of bias (11/12, 92%), with the remaining study having satisfactory risk. Conclusions: Future research utilising increased longitudinal and greater contextual data is needed to combat the prominent issue of data representativeness to better characterise performance within women's and girls' AF. Additionally, research involving junior and sub-elite AF players across the talent pathways is important to conduct, as it provides greater context and insight regarding development to support the evolving elite women's AF competition. Women's AF has been constrained by its resource environment. As such, suggestions are provided for better utilisation of existing data, as well as for the creation of new data for appropriate future research. Greater data generation enables the use of detailed machine learning predictions, neural networks, and network analysis to better represent the intertwined nature of match-play performance from technical, physical, and tactical data.

A super-resolution proof of concept in a cycloidal coded aperture miniature mass spectrometer.

RATIONALE: Higher resolution in fieldable mass spectrometers (MS) is desirable in space flight applications to enable resolving isobaric interferences at m/z < 60 u. Resolution in portable cycloidal MS coupled with array detectors could be improved by reducing the slit width and/or by reducing the width of the detector pixels. However, these solutions are expensive and can result in reduced sensitivity. In this paper, we demonstrate high-resolution spectral reconstruction in a cycloidal coded aperture miniature mass spectrometer (C-CAMMS) without changing the slit or detector pixel sizes using a class of signal processing techniques called super-resolution (SR). METHODS: We developed an SR reconstruction algorithm using a sampling SR approach whereby a set of spatially shifted low-resolution measurements are reconstructed into a higher-resolution spectrum. This algorithm was applied to experimental data collected using the C-CAMMS prototype. It was then applied to synthetic data with additive noise, system response variation, and spatial shift nonuniformity to investigate the source of reconstruction artifacts in the experimental data. RESULTS: Experimental results using two ½ pixel shifted spectra resulted in a resolution of ¾ pixel full width at half maximum (FWHM) at m/z = 28 u. This resolution is equivalent to 0.013 u, six times better than the resolution previously published at m/z = 28 for N2 + using C-CAMMS. However, the reconstructed spectra exhibited some artifacts. The results of the synthetic data study indicate that the artifacts are most likely caused by the system response variation. CONCLUSIONS: This paper demonstrates super-resolution spectral reconstruction in C-CAMMS without changing the slit or detector pixel sizes using a sampling SR approach. With improvements, this technique could be used to resolve isobaric interferences in a portable cycloidal MS for space flight applications.

Effects of a specific injury prevention neuromuscular training program for young female dancers. A randomized-controlled trial.

To assess the effects of a specific injury prevention neuromuscular training programme (IPP) on balance and lower-limb asymmetry in female competitive dancers (age 12-20 years; height 1.57 ± 0.06 m; weight 24.27 ± 2.79 kg) were randomly allocated to an active general control (GIPP, n = 7) and specific (SIPP n = 7) group. Both programmes were conducted for 6 weeks, with a frequency of three sessions per week. Dynamic balance and lower-limb asymmetry were assessed before and after the intervention. A greater improvement in right-leg total balance (86.6[84.0-90.5] vs 93.8[86.7-99.4];p = 0.035), left-leg total balance(87.8[81.0-89.1] vs 93.6[90.6-100.0];p = 0.013), left-leg anterior balance (71.9[69.1-72.2] vs 74.6[72.0-77.3];p = 0.041), left-leg posteromedial balance (80.5[72.9-83.3] vs 85.9[83.0-94.0];p = 0.048), and left-leg posterolateral balance (79.5[70.4-84.5] vs 85.0[80.0-88.5];p = 0.048) was observed in the SIPP group compared to the GIPP group. No other significant intra-group changes nor inter-group differences were noted. Therefore, compared to a GIPP, a SIPP induced greater improvements in lower-limb dynamic balance in female dancers, potentially leading to greater reduction in lower-limb injury risk.

Consensus guidelines for sarcopenia prevention, diagnosis and management in Australia and New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an age-associated skeletal muscle condition characterized by low muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. There is no international consensus on a sarcopenia definition and no contemporaneous clinical and research guidelines specific to Australia and New Zealand. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Management Task Force aimed to develop consensus guidelines for sarcopenia prevention, assessment, management and research, informed by evidence, consumer opinion, and expert consensus, for use by health professionals and researchers in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: A four-phase modified Delphi process involving topic experts and informed by consumers, was undertaken between July 2020 and August 2021. Phase 1 involved a structured meeting of 29 Task Force members and a systematic literature search from which the Phase 2 online survey was developed (Qualtrics). Topic experts responded to 18 statements, using 11-point Likert scales with agreement threshold set a priori at >80%, and five multiple-choice questions. Statements with moderate agreement (70%-80%) were revised and re-introduced in Phase 3, and statements with low agreement (<70%) were rejected. In Phase 3, topic experts responded to six revised statements and three additional questions, incorporating results from a parallel Consumer Expert Delphi study. Phase 4 involved finalization of consensus statements. RESULTS: Topic experts from Australia (n = 62, 92.5%) and New Zealand (n = 5, 7.5%) with a mean ± SD age of 45.7 ± 11.8 years participated in Phase 2; 38 (56.7%) were women, 38 (56.7%) were health professionals and 27 (40.3%) were researchers/academics. In Phase 2, 15 of 18 (83.3%) statements on sarcopenia prevention, screening, assessment, management and future research were accepted with strong agreement. The strongest agreement related to encouraging a healthy lifestyle (100%) and offering tailored resistance training to people with sarcopenia (92.5%). Forty-seven experts participated in Phase 3; 5/6 (83.3%) revised statements on prevention, assessment and management were accepted with strong agreement. A majority of experts (87.9%) preferred the revised European Working Group for Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP2) definition. Seventeen statements with strong agreement (>80%) were confirmed by the Task Force in Phase 4. CONCLUSIONS: The ANZSSFR Task Force present 17 sarcopenia management and research recommendations for use by health professionals and researchers which includes the recommendation to adopt the EWGSOP2 sarcopenia definition in Australia and New Zealand. This rigorous Delphi process that combined evidence, consumer expert opinion and topic expert consensus can inform similar initiatives in countries/regions lacking consensus on sarcopenia.

The Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) sarcopenia diagnosis and management task force: Findings from the consumer expert Delphi process.

OBJECTIVES: To develop guidelines, informed by health-care consumer values and preferences, for sarcopenia prevention, assessment and management for use by clinicians and researchers in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: A three-phase Consumer Expert Delphi process was undertaken between July 2020 and August 2021. Consumer experts included adults with lived experience of sarcopenia or health-care utilisation. Phase 1 involved a structured meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Management Task Force and consumer representatives from which the Phase 2 survey was developed. In Phase 2, consumers from Australia and New Zealand were surveyed online with opinions sought on sarcopenia outcome priorities, consultation preferences and interventions. Findings were confirmed and disseminated in Phase 3. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four consumers (mean ± standard deviation age 67.5 ± 12.8 years, 18 women) participated in Phase 2. Ten (42%) identified as being interested in sarcopenia, 7 (29%) were health-care consumers and 6 (25%) self-reported having/believing they have sarcopenia. Consumers identified physical performance, living circumstances, morale, quality of life and social connectedness as the most important outcomes related to sarcopenia. Consumers either had no preference (46%) or preferred their doctor (40%) to diagnose sarcopenia and preferred to undergo assessments at least yearly (54%). For prevention and treatment, 46% of consumers preferred resistance exercise, 2-3 times per week (54%). CONCLUSIONS: Consumer preferences reported in this study can inform the implementation of sarcopenia guidelines into clinical practice at local, state and national levels across Australia and New Zealand.

The Tapering Practices of Competitive Weightlifters.

ABSTRACT: Winwood, PW, Keogh, JW, Travis, SK, and Pritchard, HJ. The tapering practices of competitive weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 829-839, 2023-This study explored the tapering strategies of weightlifting athletes. Weightlifting athletes ( n = 146) (mean ± SD ; age: 29.2 ± 8.7 years, height: 172.5 ± 10.1 cm, body mass: 84.0 ± 17.2 kg, 4.7 ± 3.4 years of weightlifting training experience, and 3.9 ± 3.3 years of competitive weightlifting experience) completed a self-reported 4-page, 39-item internet survey on tapering practices. Subgroup analysis by sex (male and female) and competitive standard (local or regional, national and international level) was conducted. Ninety-nine percent ( n = 144) of weightlifting athletes reported they used a taper. Athletes stated that their typical taper length was 8.0 ± 4.4 days, with the linear (36%) and step tapers (33%) being the most performed. Training volume decreased during the taper by 43.1 ± 14.6%, and athletes ceased all training 1.5 ± 0.6 days out from competition. Muscular strength, light technique work, and aerobic conditioning were the most common types of training performed in the taper. Athletes typically stated that tapering was performed to achieve rest and recovery, physical preparation for peak performance and mental preparation; training intensity and training duration decreased whereas training frequency remained the same or decreased; traditional exercises were performed further out from competition than weightlifting exercises; assistance exercises and some strength work were reduced; nutritional changes, foam rolling, static stretching, and massage were strategies used in the taper; and poor tapering occurred because of training too heavy, too hard, or too light and life-work circumstances. These results may aid athletes and coaches in strength sports to optimize tapering variables leading to improved performances.

Reliability of kettlebell swing one and five repetition maximum.

Background: Research into the kettlebell swing has increased in the last decade. There has been a paucity of literature assessing an individual's ability to perform the kettlebell swing exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the one and five repetition maximum (1RM and 5RM) kettlebell swing. Materials & Methods: Twenty four recreational resistance-trained participants performed an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and two familiarization sessions followed by three test sessions for each RM load approximately one week apart, using a custom-built plate-loaded kettlebell. On each test occasion, subjects completed a series of warm-up sets followed by 3-4 progressively heavier kettlebell swings to a standardized height until 1RM or 5RM was reached. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation (ICC) and typical error was represented as the coefficient of variation (CV%) with 90% confidence limits (90% CL). The smallest worthwhile change (SWC%) representing the smallest change of practical importance, was calculated as 0.2 × between-subject standard deviation. The relationship of kettlebell swing performance and maximum strength was determined by Pearson correlation with ±90% CL between the absolute peak force recorded during IMTP and 1RM or 5RM. Results: Results demonstrated a high test-retest reliability for both the 1RM (ICC = 0.97, 90% CL [0.95-0.99]; CV = 2.7%, 90% CL [2.2-3.7%]) and 5RM (ICC = 0.98, 90% CL [0.96-0.99]; CV = 2.4%, 90% CL [1.9-3.3%]), respectively. The CV% was lower than the SWC for both the 1RM (SWC = 2.8%, 90% CL [1.9-3.5]) and 5RM (SWC = 2.9%, 90% CL [1.9-3.6]) kettlebell swing. The correlation between IMTP absolute peak force and the 1RM (r = 0.69, 90% CL 0.43-0.83) was large and very large for the 5RM (r = 0.75, 90% CL [0.55-0.87]). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the stability of 1RM and 5RM kettlebell swing performance after two familiarization sessions. Practitioners can be confident that changes in kettlebell swing 1RM and 5RM performance of >3.6 kg represent a practically important difference, which is the upper limit of the 90% CL.

The Relationship Between Undulatory Underwater Kick Performance Determinants and Underwater Velocity in Competitive Swimmers: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Undulatory underwater swimming (UUS) has become an integral component of the start and turn phases in competitive swimming allowing higher velocities than can be achieved swimming at the surface. An understanding of the most important determinants for UUS performance and how these can be optimised to different swimmers is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to systematically assess the current peer-reviewed literature on the relationship between UUS performance determinants and underwater velocity in competitive swimmers. METHODS: An electronic search using AusSportMed, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming was performed. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using a biomechanics-specific checklist developed by Hindle and colleagues (Sports Med Open. 5(1):49, 2019. 10.1186/s40798-019-0222-z ). RESULTS: Twenty-five studies met the eligibility criteria. While UUS velocity was nearly perfectly related (r > 0.90) to foot resultant acceleration and kick frequency, several other biomechanical factors were also significant correlates. UUS velocity and frequency were typically higher in high-performance swimmers and during prone versus dorsal positions. UUS velocity, kick frequency and kick amplitude were also significantly correlated with high angular velocities of the hip, knee and ankle joints and knee range of motion. CONCLUSION: While there appears to be evidence supporting some performance variables to be related to UUS, future research should examine how to optimise the kinematic and kinetic characteristics with respect to the imposed task constraints and organism constraints between swimmers. Additional research should also investigate the effect of biomechanically informed interventions to improve UUS performance. REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework.

Indian nurses' beliefs on physical activity promotion practices for cancer survivors in a tertiary care hospital-a cross-sectional survey.

Purpose: To describe the physical activity (PA) promotion practices, beliefs, and barriers of Indian nurses working with cancer survivors, and to gain preliminary insights into how their educational qualification might affect PA promotion practices. Methods: A validated questionnaire was used to obtain the data (N = 388). Sub-group comparisons were performed based on nursing qualification i.e., Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) using Mann-Whitney U test and chi square analysis for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: The nurses believed that oncologists (47%) followed by physiotherapists (28.9%) were primarily responsible for providing information regarding PA to cancer survivors. The most common period in which the nurses' promoted PA was post treatment (31.7%), although very few nurses (13.3%) promoted PA across more than one of the three treatment periods. Nurses felt that PA had many benefits for cancer survivors; improved mental health (87.7%) and HRQoL (81.1%). Lack of knowledge (42.2%) and lack of time (41.6%) were the most frequently cited barriers. The comparisons based on educational qualification did not typically reveal many significant differences. Conclusion: Indian nurses both BSc and GNM qualified, wish to promote PA to cancer survivors despite numerous barriers, across various stages of treatment and believe PA is beneficial to the survivors in the process of recovery. Overcoming these barriers might aid in better promotion of PA to cancer survivors. Implication for cancer survivors: Nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in India are willing to promote PA amongst cancer survivors but require more training and support in this area of practice.

Ability of functional performance assessments to discriminate athletes with and without chronic ankle instability : a case-control study.

Background: The decline in motor function associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI) can be assessed using Functional Performance tests. Ankle muscular strength, endurance and range of motion (ROM) has been assessed in previous studies but functional activities such as sprinting and change of direction are less well studied in athletes with CAI. Hence the aim of this study was to determine how sprint, change of direction, ankle isometric strength, endurance and ROM measures may be associated with discriminate athletes with and without CAI. Methods: One hundred and six participants (CAI: n = 53 or no CAI: n = 53) provided informed consent to participate in this study. Participants performed three functional performance tests, (30-m sprint test, Modified Illinois change of direction test (MICODT)) and change of direction test. Range of motion for dorsiflexion was measured using weight bearing lunge test and inversion, eversion and plantarflexion using Saunders® digital inclinometer. Strength was assessed using Baseline® hand-held dynamometer for plantarflexors, dorsiflexors, invertors and evertors. Muscular endurance was assessed by single heel raise test and Modified single heel raise test. Between-group comparisons utilised Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-tests, with a number of unique variable and multivariable binomial logistic regression performed to determine which performance measures may discriminate participants with CAI. Results: The CAI participants performed significantly worse in the three functional performance tests as well as multiple measures of ankle ROM, isometric strength and muscular endurance (p < 0.008). While several measures of ROM (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion), strength (inversion and eversion) and both muscular endurance tests were significantly associated with CAI in the univariable analysis, the strongest association was the functional performance tests, especially MICDOT time (odds ratio (95% CI): 0.06 [0.02-0.17], sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 88.7%). Multivariable regression analyses indicated that performance across the functional performance tests were more strongly associated with CAI than any ankle ROM, muscular strength or endurance test. Further, the inclusion of the best ankle range of motion, strength or muscular endurance tests did not significantly improve upon the association of the MICDOT with CAI. Conclusions: Chronic ankle instability in athletic populations appears to be highly associated with declines in functional performance and to a somewhat lesser extent, ankle range of motion, strength and muscle endurance measures. This may suggest that optimal rehabilitation for athletes with CAI may require a greater focus on improving sprinting speed and change of direction ability in the mid to latter stages of rehabilitation, with regular assessments of these functional performance tests necessary to guide the progression and overload of this training.

"If somebody had told me I'd feel like I do now, I wouldn't have believed them " older adults' experiences of the BELL trial: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined older adults' experiences of participating in the Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training. METHODS: In the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59-79 years) completed six weeks of face-to-face group training, and six weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and inductively coded, with themes constructed from patterns of shared meaning. RESULTS: Four higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults' experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) "It's one of the best things we've done"-enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) "It's improved it tremendously!"-change in a long-term health condition, (3) "It put me on a better course"-overcoming challenges, and (4) "I wasn't just a number"-feeling part of a group/community. DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of older adults participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, and the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group exercise. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research, are discussed.