Mechanisms of lateral ankle ligament sprains in professional netball: A systematic video analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To undertake a systematic analysis of 17 medical attention and time-loss lateral ankle ligament sprain (LALS) events from televised Australian professional netball games during the 2020-2023 seasons. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Three analysts independently assessed the video footage and then convened to review and discuss each case until a consensus was reached. RESULTS: When in possession (7 cases) a player was commonly performing an agility-based manoeuvre to break free from an opponent and reposition themselves to be a passing option (5/7 cases). When out of possession (10 cases) a player was either attempting to intercept a pass (6 cases) or marking an opponent (4 cases). Players tended to land on the anterior one-third of the plantar surface of the foot - forefoot or shoe tip (7 cases). Players often landed on either the ground (7 cases) or the opponent's shoe then the ground (8 cases). In 9 cases the ankle-foot was considered to be in a neutral alignment in the frontal plane at landing. At the estimated index frame the players' weight tended to be all on the foot on the injured side (11 cases) or favouring the foot on the injured side (5 cases). Inversion and adduction was a common injury mechanism. Plantar-flexion was rarely involved. CONCLUSION: Landing on the anterior one-third of the plantar surface of the foot and subsequent weight transference onto the injured limb side was more important than ankle-foot inversion at initial ground contact. Exercises involving external perturbations that challenge the control of frontal and transverse plane ankle-foot motion and improve proprioception, neuromuscular control, and dynamic balance are warranted.

Advances in Hand Therapy: Best Practice in Conservative Management of Proximal Phalangeal Fractures in Children.

BACKGROUND: Proximal phalangeal fractures are one of the most commonly treated hand injuries in children. Conservative management of these fractures is often to splint for 5 weeks post injury, despite children presenting as clinically healed at 3 weeks post injury. Therefore, we investigated the effect of splinting for only 3 weeks in children who present with clinically healed proximal phalangeal fractures at 3 weeks compared with usual care. METHODS: Participants (n=80, aged 10.3 ±2.5 years) presenting to the Hand Clinic of a tertiary Children's Hospital in Sydney, Australia, were randomly allocated into a Current Protocol and a New Protocol group. Following were the inclusion criteria: aged between 5 and 16 years; present with an non-displaced or minimally displaced and stable fracture; no surgical intervention; assessed as clinically healed at 3-week visit. The primary outcome measure was total active motion (TAM) of the injured digit compared with the contralateral digit (deg), at 5 weeks post injury. Secondary outcome measures were grip strength, and a parent-reported questionnaire. Statistical analysis used χ 2 test and the absolute difference described by a 90% CI. The New Protocol was considered noninferior if the 90% CI overlap was > 20% of the Current Protocol. Analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS: There was a 10% loss to follow up at 5 weeks (Current Protocol =4, New Protocol =4). All CIs between groups overlapped by >10%. TAM 90% CI for Current Protocol was 17.7 to 5.4 degrees and for the New Protocol was 4.7 to 1.6 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: A change in practice is warranted to cease immobilization for children with conservatively managed proximal phalangeal fractures who present as clinically healed at 3 weeks. Therapist assessment of fracture healing is an appropriate indicator for intervention and can be utilized in a therapist-led model of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1-noninferiority randomized control trial with 2 parallel arms.

The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Psychological and Cognitive Health Outcomes Compared with Other Forms of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is known to improve psychological and cognitive outcomes. Learning dance sequences may challenge cognition, partnered or group dance may benefit social interactions, and the artistic aspect may improve psychological wellbeing. Dance is an equally effective form of physical activity compared with other structured physical activities to improve physical health, but it is unclear how effective dance could be for psychological and cognitive outcome measures. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of structured dance interventions, compared with structured exercise programmes, on psychological and cognitive outcomes across the lifespan. METHODS: Eight databases were searched from earliest records to July 2022. Studies investigating a dance intervention lasting ≥ 4 weeks, including psychological and/or cognitive health outcomes, and having a structured exercise comparison group were included. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers at all stages. All reviewer disagreements were resolved by the primary author. Where appropriate, meta-analysis was performed, or an effect size estimate generated. RESULTS: Of 21,737 records identified, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Total sample size of included studies was 1392 (944 females, 418 males, 30 unreported). Dance was equally as effective as other physical activity interventions in improving quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease [mean difference 3.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 2.13 to 8.30; p = 0.25], reducing anxiety (standardised mean difference 2.26; 95% CI - 2.37 to 6.90; p = 0.34), and improving depressive symptoms (standardised mean difference 0.78; 95% CI - 0.92 to 2.48; p = 0.37). Preliminary evidence found dance to be superior to other physical activity interventions to improve motivation, aspects of memory, and social cognition and to reduce distress. Preliminary evidence found dance to be inferior to other physical activity interventions to improve stress, self-efficacy and language fluency. CONCLUSION: Undertaking structured dance of any genre is generally equally and occasionally more effective than other types of structured exercise for improving a range of psychological and cognitive outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42018099637.

Effect of Braces on Performance in the Context of Chronic Ankle Instability.

Ankle braces are commonly recommended for prevention of ankle sprains, especially secondary sprains, rehabilitation, and return to normal activity or sport after injury. One common resistance to use is the feeling that braces will impede functional performance. For people with chronic ankle instability, the limited research indicates that the use of semirigid, lace-up, or soft-shell braces will not affect, and in some cases, may enhance performance. Activities that could be enhanced are jumping, hopping, and dynamic balance.

Back pain beliefs among Indian migrants in Australia: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: One of the largest migrant communities in Australia is the Indian migrant community. Current back pain guidelines recommend assessment of patients' beliefs; however, little is known about these beliefs in Indian communities. We aimed to investigate beliefs about back pain among Indian migrants living in Sydney. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online questionnaire with demographic information, participant characteristics, the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) and open-ended questions relating to beliefs about causes of back pain and treatment preferences was completed by 386 Indian migrants in Sydney. RESULTS: The overall BBQ score was 25.1 ± 6.7. We found significant but slightly more positive beliefs among Indian females than Indian males (standardized regression coefficient, ß = 0.134, p = 0.014). Presence and severity of pain did not affect back pain beliefs. There seemed to be a belief in physical and structural/anatomical causes of back pain, and a belief in the effectiveness of exercise, medications, and Indian traditional approaches for pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Beliefs of Indian migrants aligned with a "western traditional" biomedical model for the cause of pain, but with a belief in the effectiveness of both Indian traditional and western treatment approaches. Awareness of these beliefs could enable an effective therapeutic alliance between clinicians and Indian patients.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONBack pain beliefs of Australian Indian migrants are similar to their western counterparts, so the current guidelines for back pain can potentially be implemented without too much adjustment for this migrant community.Awareness of these beliefs is likely to improve the therapeutic alliance between clinician and an Indian migrant patient.

Reliability and validation of the Thai version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT-THA).

PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide a version of Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) for the Thai younger adult population and examine psychometric properties and determine the cut-off score. METHODS: CAIT-Youth Thai version was modified to CAIT Thai version (CAIT-THA). To validate the CAIT-THA psychometric properties, 72 with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and 72 without (age 23.45 ± 4.45 years) were recruited. The validation was carried out by using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), concurrent validity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient), discriminative validity (Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve), and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC). A cut-off score was determined via Youden's index. RESULTS: Validation showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.837), and concurrent validity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.762 and 0.731 for right ankle and left ankle, respectively). Test-retest reliability was excellent with ICC (2,1) of 0.945 (95% CI = 0.93-0.96). A cut-off score of ≤ 25, determined by ROC curve and Youden's index, was distinguished between participants with and without CAI. CAIT-THA obtained 97.2% sensitivity, 94.4% specificity, 0.03 negative, and 17.5 positive likelihood ratios. CONCLUSION: CAIT-THA is a validated tool that can be used in Thai younger adults. Clinicians and researchers can confidently use a score of ≤ 25 to determine the presence of CAI.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool Thai version (CAIT-THA) questionnaire is available for Thai young adults.The CAIT-THA had high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood cut-off ratio scores for discrimination between chronic ankle instability (CAI) and non-CAI.The CAIT-THA questionnaire may be used in rehabilitation and research settings for the identification and management of CAI conditions.

Promoting behavior-related low back health in nurses by in-person and social media interventions in the workplace.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are put at high risk of work-related low back pain due to the nature of their work. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model on promoting behaviors of low back health via two educational approaches. METHODS: This study was a community randomized-controlled clinical trial. The educational content was developed with six modules: knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, reinforcing factors, enabling factors, and behavior. Intervention was delivered by two modes: (1) in-person (n = 60) and (2) social media (n = 60). Data were evaluated by a self-designed questionnaire at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Baseline comparisons between groups were made with Mann-Whitney U Test and T-Test. Comparison of change scores between groups and two delivery types across the three time periods used the mixed between-within subject analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 120 nurses received the allocated intervention. All educational component scores increased at 3-months in both groups. At the 6-month follow-up scores increased for enabling factors and behavior in the intervention group, while in the control group all scores increased except for attitude. Based on Bonferroni Post hoc analysis social media was more effective in knowledge, self-efficacy, reinforcing factors, and behavior than the in-person intervention. CONCLUSION: An educational program for low back health based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model proved effective at improving all components. However, social media was more successful than in-person in the maintenance of behavior over the long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20170313033054N2: 25-02-2018. https://www.irct.ir/trial/25598.

Dance for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Globally, 20-25% of people will experience chronic pain in their lifetimes. Dance is a physical activity with psychosocial benefits that might positively impact pain. This review aimed to investigate the effect of dance interventions on the experience of pain by quantitative measures and qualitative themes. METHODS: Seven major databases were searched from inception to January 2021. Two independent reviewers screened articles at each stage. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included if the dance interventions lasted more than 6 weeks, participants reported pain of duration longer than 3 months, and pain was an outcome of the study. All articles were critically appraised with appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and data were collated through the use of results-based convergent synthesis. RESULTS: From 23,628 articles, 34 full papers were included, with a total of 1,254 participants (75.2% female). Studies predominantly investigated individuals with fibromyalgia (26%) and generalized chronic pain (14%), with aerobic dance (20.7%) and Biodanza (20.7%) being the most common dance genres investigated. Overall, 74% of studies noted either reduced pain through quantitative pain measures or qualitative themes of improved pain experience (88% for chronic primary pain and 80% for chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain). DISCUSSION: There were positive effects of dance on chronic primary and secondary musculoskeletal pain across diverse populations. A variety of study designs and interventions noted improved pain measures and themes around pain coping and acceptance, with all dance therapies showing improvements, particularly when performed for 60-150 minutes' duration weekly. Dance should be considered as an effective adjunct in the management of chronic pain.

Pain experiences of Hindi-speaking Indian migrants in Sydney: a qualitative study.

Cultural beliefs and values are increasingly understood to influence the experience of pain, health-seeking, and pain management behaviours. Research exploring cultural beliefs about pain is particularly needed for Indian migrants, who have a high prevalence of pain and are among the largest migrant communities in Australia and internationally. The objective of this study was to explore pain-related beliefs and coping strategies of Hindi-speaking Indian migrants with chronic back pain living in Sydney. Indian migrants (n = 26) completed a demographic survey, standardised pain questionnaires (RMDQ, PSEQ and BBQ) and participated in one of five focus group discussions. This cohort had low levels of disability: Mean (SD) [RMDQ 5.04 (3.2)], high self-efficacy [PSEQ 44.6 (8.8)], and relatively positive beliefs about back pain [BBQ 28.6 (4.4)]. Three categories of interconnected beliefs emerged from the focus groups: causative, treatment/coping-related, and prognostic beliefs underpinned by a core cultural belief in 'the philosophy of Karma'. Within this core philosophy, three cultural values were central to the experience of pain and the construction of pain-related beliefs: collectivism and contribution, gendered roles, and mind-body wellness. The incorporation of holistic approaches to back pain management with an emphasis on mindfulness, exercise, and physical activity aligned with family-oriented goals could be considered for management of chronic back pain among Indian migrant communities. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

The effect of ankle supports on lower limb biomechanics during functional tasks: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature on the effects of ankle supports on lower extremity biomechanics during functional tasks. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2019. Studies of biomechanical outcomes during functional tasks that used a within-participant (repeated measures) design were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, assessed the methodological quality of the included studies and rated the quality of evidence. Meta-analysis was performed and reported as standardised mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 8350 studies were identified in the electronic search and 42 studies involving a total of 761 participants were included in the review (21 studies included for qualitative reporting and 21 studies in the meta-analysis). Most individual studies and the meta-analyses demonstrated no effect of ankle supports on ground reaction force or ankle inversion angle. However, there was high quality evidence that ankle taping decreased plantarflexion angle at initial contact during landing from a height (P = 0.0009, standerdised mean differences = 0.72, 95% confidence intervals = 1.15, 0.03, I 2 = 3%). The effect of ankle supports on transverse plane ankle biomechanics has not been adequately investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle taping only decreased plantarflexion angle at initial contact during landing from a jump. Ankle supports did not affect inversion angle or forces in linear and multiplanar tasks. There was insufficient evidence on the effect of ankle supports on ankle transverse plane biomechanics.

Return to sport decisions after an acute lateral ankle sprain injury: introducing the PAASS framework-an international multidisciplinary consensus.

BACKGROUND: Despite being the most commonly incurred sports injury with a high recurrence rate, there are no guidelines to inform return to sport (RTS) decisions following acute lateral ankle sprain injuries. We aimed to develop a list of assessment items to address this gap. METHODS: We used a three-round Delphi survey approach to develop consensus of opinion among 155 globally diverse health professionals working in elite field or court sports. This involved surveys that were structured in question format with both closed-response and open-response options. We asked panellists to indicate their agreement about whether or not assessment items should support the RTS decision after an acute lateral ankle sprain injury. The second and third round surveys included quantitative and qualitative feedback from the previous round. We defined a priori consensus being reached at >70% agree or disagree responses. RESULTS: Sixteen assessment items reached consensus to be included in the RTS decision after an acute lateral ankle sprain injury. They were mapped to five domains with 98% panellist agreement-PAASS: Pain (during sport participation and over the last 24 hours), Ankle impairments (range of motion; muscle strength, endurance and power), Athlete perception (perceived ankle confidence/reassurance and stability; psychological readiness), Sensorimotor control (proprioception; dynamic postural control/balance), Sport/functional performance (hopping, jumping and agility; sport-specific drills; ability to complete a full training session). CONCLUSION: Expert opinion indicated that pain severity, ankle impairments, sensorimotor control, athlete perception/readiness and sport/functional performance should be assessed to inform the RTS decision following an acute lateral ankle sprain injury. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12619000522112.

The effectiveness of social media and in-person interventions for low back pain conditions in nursing personnel (SMILE).

AIM: To compare two educational approaches to reduce low back pain in nurses. DESIGN: A community randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Data were collected with two interventions and a control arm between August 2018 and January 2019. Participants were recruited from three hospitals. Hospital 1 received an in-person educational programme, Hospital 2 received via the website and Hospital 3 received nothing. Statistical analysis was carried out with a follow-up of 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 180 female nurses with low back pain participated in the study. Dimensions of the quality of life improved over 3 and 6 months, pain and disability decreased over 3 months in both intervention groups and over 6 months in the social media group. CONCLUSION: Two educational approaches can be effective in decreasing pain, disability and improving quality of life. However, the findings suggest that the social media approach was more successful over the long-term and might be a better way to present the programme.

Feasibility of the Archercise biofeedback device to strengthen foot musculature.

BACKGROUND: Foot muscle weakness can produce foot deformity, pain and disability. Toe flexor and foot arch exercises focused on intrinsic foot muscle strength and functional control may mitigate the progression of foot deformity and disability. Ensuring correct exercise technique is challenging due to the specificity of muscle activation required to complete some foot exercises. Biofeedback has been used to improve adherence, muscle activity and movement patterns. We investigated the feasibility of using a novel medical device, known as "Archercise", to provide real-time biofeedback of correct arch movement via pressure change in an inflatable bladder, and foot location adherence via sensors embedded in a footplate during four-foot exercises. METHODS: Thirty adults (63% female, aged 23-68 years) performed four-foot exercises twice on the Archercise sensor footplate alone and then with biofeedback. One-way repeated measures ANOVA with pairwise comparisons were computed to assess the consistency of the exercise protocol between trial 1 and trial 2 (prior to biofeedback), and the effectiveness of the Archercise biofeedback device between trial 2 and trial 3 (with biofeedback). Outcome measures were: Arch movement exercises of arch elevation and lowering speed, controlled arch elevation, controlled arch lowering, endurance of arch elevation; Foot location adherence was determined by percentage of time the great toe, fifth toe and heel contacted footplate sensors during testing and were analysed with paired sample t-tests. Participant survey comments on the use of Archercise with biofeedback were reported thematically. RESULTS: Seventeen (89%) arch movement and foot location variables were collected consistently with Archercise during the foot exercises. Archercise with biofeedback improved foot location adherence for all exercises (p = 0.003-0.008), coefficient of determination for controlled arch elevation (p < 0.0001) and endurance area ratio (p = 0.001). Twenty-nine (97%) participants reported Archercise with biofeedback, helped correct exercise performance. CONCLUSIONS: Archercise is a feasible biofeedback device to assist healthy participants without foot pathologies perform foot doming exercises. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): 12616001559404. Registered 11 November 2016, http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12616001559404p.aspx.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool - Youth Thai version.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to translate the original version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAITY) into a Thai version by using cross-cultural adaptation, and to examine the psychometric properties and cut-off score of the CAITY - Thai version (CAITY-T). METHODS: Six cross-cultural adaptation steps were used to translate and validate the psychometric properties with 267 participants, 140 with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and 127 without CAI. Their mean age was 12.3 ± 2.42 years. Validation was carried out for internal consistency and concurrent validity against a visual analog scale for global perceived ankle instability, and for discriminant validity (receiver operating characteristic curve). The CAITY-T was completed twice by 133 volunteer children (49.62%) for test-retest reliability. The cut-off score was determined using Youden's index. RESULTS: The CAITY was successfully adapted for the Thai language. Validation showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.767) and concurrent validity (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.8 right ankle and 0.784 left ankle). The test-retest reliability was substantial with an intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) of 0.865 (95% Confidence Interval = 0.809-0.904). The receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden's index showed the cut-off score that discriminated between children with and without CAI on the CAITY-T at ≤25. The CAITY-T obtained 95.2% sensitivity, 97% specificity, 0.05 negative, and 32 positive likelihood ratios. CONCLUSION: The CAITY-T was valid and available for Thai children aged 8-16 years. It displayed positive reliability, good validity, and an acceptable cut-off score. The cut-off score for children had high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios.

The relationship between pain and associated characteristics of chronic ankle instability: A retrospective study.

Background: Up to 74% of people with a history of ankle sprain develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). One commonly reported residual impairment is ankle pain; however, it has not been included in models or inclusion criteria for CAI. We investigated the prevalence of pain in people with CAI and the association between presence of pain and other CAI characteristics. Methods: Retrospective data from 1147 participants with CAI (age 26.6 ± 10.7 years, 59% female) were collated from previous studies that used the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool as an assessment tool. Pain was assessed from Item 1 of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, which asks participants about ankle pain. Responses were divided into 3 categories: pain during daily activities, pain during moderate/vigorous physical activities, and no pain. The presence of pain was analyzed with descriptive statistics, the correlation between pain category and CAI characteristics was analyzed by χ2 tests and factors associated with each pain category were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: Among the participants, 60.1% (n = 689) reported ankle pain. Of all participants, 12.4% (n = 142) reported pain during daily activities, 47.7% (n = 547) reported pain during moderate/vigorous physical activities, and 39.9% (n = 458) reported no pain. There was a strong association between ankle instability and ankle pain (χ2 = 122.2, p < 0.001, OR = 5.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.84-7.53). Perceived ankle instability, age and unilateral ankle sprains were independently associated with pain (ankle instability: χ2 = 43.29, p < 0.001; age: χ2 = 30.37, p < 0.001; unilateral ankle sprains: χ2 = 6.25, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the presence of pain between genders. Conclusion: The prevalence of pain in people with CAI was high and was related to perceived ankle instability. Number of sprains, age, gender and unilateral or bilateral sprain did not modify this result except for the first pain category (pain during daily activities). There is large gap in current knowledge about the impact of pain in people with CAI, and this topic needs further investigation.

Prevalence and unique patterns of lower limb hypermobility in elite ballet dancers.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the prevalence of lower limb hypermobility in elite dancers and secondarily to describe the patterns of mobility. DESIGN: Cross sectional. SETTING: Self-report questionnaires and physical assessments were undertaken at a tertiary dance institution and a professional ballet company. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-seven pre-professional and 29 professional ballet dancers (21±4years, 64% female, mean 13.7years training) were recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lower Limb Assessment Score (LLAS) was used to assess hypermobility. Prevalence was determined by descriptive statistics, between-leg and -group comparisons were analysed using the chi-square statistic and the pattern of mobility by cluster analyses. RESULTS: The right leg was significantly more hypermobile than the left for the whole cohort (44% vs 40% meeting ≥7/12 for the LLAS; LLAS mean/12(SD): right:5.0(2.4) and 7.6(1.9); left:4.8(2.1) and 6.7(2.0) in pre-professionals and professionals respectively (p = 0.02)). Subtalar pronation (p < 0.001) and hip abduction/external rotation (left:p = 0.01; right:p < 0.001) were significantly more hypermobile bilaterally in professionals. Three hypermobility profiles on the left and four on the right lower limb were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This paper presents unique lower limb hypermobility profiles identified in elite dancers.

Injury Fear, Stigma, and Reporting in Professional Dancers.

BACKGROUND: Professional dance is a physically demanding career path with a high injury prevalence, yet an ingrained culture of hiding or pushing through injuries. Developing better knowledge surrounding the cultural beliefs and behaviors related to injury reporting is critical to understand their incidence and burden. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate injury fear and injury reporting behaviors in professional dancers in Australia. METHODS: This study utilized data collected in a cross-sectional survey of professional dancers in Australia. Descriptive analysis of injury fear and reporting stigma are presented with comparisons between subgroups (full-time versus part-time dancers; men versus women) conducted using two-sided Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 146 professional dancers were included. Over half (63%) of the respondents reported that they fear sustaining a dance-related injury, that they believe there is still a stigma surrounding injuries in dance (62%), and that this stigma has led to a delay in reporting or seeking care for an injury (51%). A lower proportion of part-time than full-time dancers reported that they would usually tell someone within their dance employment about an injury (35.1% vs. 59.6%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Professional dancers are at risk of losing contracts or roles if they are injured, and therefore, it is common to dance through their occurrence. Many dancers, particularly those dancing part-time, are unwilling to tell their employers about their injuries. Action is required to improve this culture regarding injury reporting and help seeking for more effective injury understanding, prevention, and management in dance.

The Prevalence of Pain in People With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of pain in people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and how pain is related to the impairments of CAI. DATA SOURCES: We searched the databases of AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from inception to March 2017. STUDY SELECTION: Eligible studies were peer-reviewed research in which investigators reported the presence of ankle pain or assessed the effects of pain on impairments in participants with CAI. Age and language were not restricted. Studies that included only surgical interventions were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies identified by the search strategy were screened according to the eligibility criteria, and 2 independent reviewers extracted the data. Outcome measurements were (1) pain ratings using measures such as a visual analog scale and (2) other residual impairments, such as feelings of weakness, giving way, or deficits in functional performance. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of the 5907 records identified through the database search, 14 studies were included in this review. All authors assessed ankle pain by self-report questionnaires or physical examination, or both. Pain was self-reported by 23% to 79% of participants and present on physical examination in 25% to 75% of participants, depending on the test applied. Among these studies, the highest reported pain level was 4.9 on the 11-point visual analog scale. Studies were heterogeneous for pain measures, participant groups, interventions, and follow-up periods. The relationship between pain and the structural and functional impairments associated with CAI was not investigated in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: Pain was present in a large proportion of people who had CAI, but pain levels were low. Information about the effects of pain was not reported, so researchers should examine the association between pain and function, balance, or other activities in people with CAI.

Injury rates and characteristics in recreational, elite student and professional dancers: A systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature and synthesise the evidence on injury rates and characteristics in recreational, elite student, and professional dancers. Five online databases were searched from inception to January 2018 and screened by two independent reviewers. Primary research studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported injury rates in recreational, elite student, and/or professional dancers of any genre and measured individual dance exposure at the hour, event, or day level. Sixteen studies were included, with only three studies incorporating recreational dancers. Reported injury incidence rates were less than 5 injuries per 1,000 dance hours, however substantially different definitions and methods for measuring injury and dance exposure were used. Based on the current evidence there is not an identifiable difference in injury rate or characteristics between recreational, elite student, and professional dancers. However, there remains a lack of high quality comprehensive data available across levels and genres of dance participation, and greater focus on consistency and completeness of reporting in dance injury research is still required.

Comparison of lower limb stiffness between male and female dancers and athletes during drop jump landings.

Repetition of jumps in dance and sport training poses a potential injury risk; however, non-contact landing injuries are more common in athletes than dancers. This study aimed to compare the lower limb stiffness characteristics of dancers and athletes during drop landings to investigate possible mechanisms of impact-related injuries. Kinematics and kinetics were recorded as 39 elite modern and ballet dancers (19 men and 20 women) and 40 college-level team sport athletes (20 men and 20 women) performed single-legged drop landings from a 30-cm platform. Vertical leg stiffness and joint stiffness of the hip, knee, and ankle were calculated using a spring-mass model. Stiffness data, joint kinematics, and moments were compared with a group-by-sex 2-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relative contribution of hip and knee and ankle joint stiffness to variance in overall vertical leg stiffness for dancers and athletes. Dancers had lower leg (P < 0.001), knee joint (P = 0.034), and ankle joint stiffness (P = 0.043) than athletes. This was facilitated by lower knee joint moments (P = 0.012) and greater knee (P = 0.029) and ankle joint (P = 0.048) range of motion in dancers. Males had higher leg (P < 0.001) and ankle joint stiffness (P < 0.001) than females. This occurred through lower ankle range of motion (P < 0.001) and greater ankle moment (P = 0.022) compared to females. Male and female dancers demonstrated reduced lower limb stiffness compared to athletes, indicating a more pliable landing technique. Dance training techniques could potentially inform approaches to injury prevention in athletes.