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ChatGPT, I have a Legal Question? The Impact of Generative AI Tools on Law Clinics and Access to Justice
No full textThe launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 will perhaps be come to be one of the defining moments in our relationship with technology. The rapid pace in which generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is developing and the rate in which it is being adopted, is transforming how we interact with technology, and poses new risks and challenges. As GAI tools such as ChatGPT are used by non-lawyers, this article explores the implications of generative AI in the provision of legal advice. This research examines the performance of GAI tools in providing legal information and advice in response to commonly experienced legal problems and finds there are significant errors and mistakes with the responses it produces. There is a critical need to improve access to justice and this article explores the implications for non-lawyers in using GAI tools and considers the risks of reliance on GAI advice. The article goes on to examine the utility of generative AI in clinical legal education to consider whether there is a role for responsible use of GAI in law clinics. It suggests the adoption of GAI tools has the potential to increase the capacity of law clinics, and enhance employability skills, but law schools need to be cognisant of the risks of GAI
A03 Non-targeted analysis of the plasma proteome between early and late rugby playing career
No full textPlasma proteomics can offer objective biological insight into the physiological responses of athletes. Rugby players may be repeatedly exposed to high-impact collisions that could predispose them to a higher risk of neurodegenerative conditions. The potential mechanisms underlying the heightened risk are unclear and discovery proteomics could provide unbiased insight into the pathways involved. Plasma extracellular vesicles (EV) are a novel system of intercellular communication which have been implicated in the propagation of misfolded proteins in the brain and could carry putative diagnostic biomarkers. This project investigates whether differences in plasma EV proteome exist between early and late career rugby players. Twenty-four male participants were recruited, including 8 academy players (18 ± 1 years), 8 rugby players (33 ± 5 years) with 10-year professional rugby career and 8 CrossFit athletes (32 ± 5 years) with no history of collision-related sports injuries. Participants gave their informed consent to the ethically approved procedures. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA blood sample tubes, according to standard operating procedures. Hyper-porous strong-anion exchange magnetic microparticles (MagReSyn® SAX) were used to capture membrane-bound particles (i.e. EV) from plasma. EV-enriched samples were digested with trypsin and analysed using nano-flow liquid chromatography and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (Thermo, U3000 and Q-Exactive mass spectrometer). Label free quantitation was performed using Progenesis QI-P (Waters Corp) and proteins were identified by Mascot (Matrix Sci) searches of the UniProt Knowledge base. Statistical differences were investigated by one-way analysis of variance (with correction for multiple testing) in R (v4.3.2). Functional enrichment analysis was performed using ShinyGO (0.80). In total, 449 proteins were confidently identified (false discovery rate; FDR <1%) and gene ontology profiling confirmed 414 of these proteins were of EV origin (Jensen COMPARTMENTS). One-way ANOVA highlighted 192 significantly (P < 0.05, q < 0.02) different proteins across the 3 participant groups, of which 24 proteins were specific to professional rugby players. Functional enrichment analysis revealed key pathways related to Vitamin digestion and absorption, complement and coagulation cascade, inflammatory response, neuron death and negative regulation of cell death (FDR=5%).In conclusion, proteomic profiling is able to detect robust differences between the plasma EV proteome of long-serving professional rugby players compared to younger rugby players or age-matched athletes that did not have a history of collision-related sports injuries. Our findings shed new light on processes affected by a professional rugby playing career, further exploitation of this type of analysis could be used to discover sport-specific biomarkers
B09 The impact of various massage gun percussive therapy protocols on physiological adaptations
No full textCurrent protocols for delivering percussive therapy (PT) using massage guns are heterogenetic creating a need to establish the impact of study design on physiological measures and the standardisation of future research. This study aimed to determine the most effective protocol on lower body strength, net impulse, and flexibility, and to support the provision of protocol validation for future research. With institutional ethics approval, a convenience sample of recreationally active healthy adults (n = 35; a-priori calculation suggested 34 participants) with no lower body massage gun PT experience, undertook two main protocols; three sessions per week at 2100 rpm or increasing the speed for each session: 1750 to 2100 to 2400 rpm. PT was applied at tolerable pressure for 60 s to each of the quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings and calves of both legs. Paired-samples t tests (alpha levels: P = .05) assessed pre- and post-intervention data for strength, net impulse, and flexibility. These were collected in all sessions using a dynamometer, My Jump 2 app and goniometer allowing changes for eight different protocols to be reported with Cohen’s d. After three sessions a week involving increments in speed, results showed significant improvements in strength (dominant; non-dominant) of quadriceps (P = .005, d = 0.51; P < .001, d = 0.77), hamstrings (P = .001, d = 0.61; P = .006, d = 0.49) and calves (P <.001, d = 0.69; P = .015, d = 0.44), and flexibility of hamstrings (P < .001, d = 1.14; P < .001, d = 0.74) and calves (P = .04, d = 0.36; P = .005, d = 0.51). Combined lower body muscle strength (quadriceps, hamstrings and calves) increased on average by 10.1% (mean ± 2.14 kg, range ± 1.30-2.98 kg) and flexibility (hamstrings and calves) increased on average by 5.8% (mean ± 1.77°, range ± 1.70-5.66°). A significant improvement (P = 0.33, d = 0.36) was seen in net impulse after three treatments a week at 2100rpm, an increase of 3.2% (mean ± 4.75 N·s). The most effective protocol for gains in lower body strength and flexibility is applying massage gun PT three times a week with increased speeds across sessions (1750, 2100, 2400rpm). For gains in net impulse, the most effective protocol is three applications a week at 2100 rpm. Practitioners using these protocols could target specific improvements in physiological adaptations and in addition, and in addition researchers may wish to adopt these protocols to allow homogenous analysis across study populations in future research. 
F02 Chainmail inspired metamaterials for use in protective sports equipment
No full textContact sports and action sports require intense performance yet also include a high risk of injury. Subsequently, protective equipment for those sports usually must trade flexibility for protection and vice versa. Chainmail inspired mechanical metamaterials could be a solution to this dilemma. Chainmail is a type of body armour, consisting of a structured fabric made up of thousands of interlocking metallic rings. Chainmail inspired materials have recently been made from connected 3D shapes, rather than the typical 2D (flat) rings. This chainmail inspired material is flexible when relaxed but stiff when the chains are compressed together. This ability to control the material’s stiffness means chainmail is a type of mechanical metamaterial. Mechanical metamaterials are engineered structures which derive their properties from the structure of the material, not the material itself. In relation to protective equipment, this means that these chainmail materials or fabrics, can be flexible during normal use but stiffen when indented or impacted. The flexibility of these materials can be influenced by changing the size and shape of the connecting chains but to what extent and the effect this has on their stiffness is unknown. This type of structure could improve sporting protective equipment, where (as stated before) there are various trade-offs. The aim of this project was to develop a chainmail inspired material and test the effect of varying cell sizes has on the flexibility and indentation resistance of the material. Additive manufacturing was used to create the chainmail materials and a range of indenters were used to test them, the results of which indicate that as cell size decreases and number of cells increase; their flexibility and formability increases while also maintaining a good degree of indentation resistance, when compared to larger cell sizes. Based on this work, these structures could be tailored to different sporting protective equipment where flexibility, support, and stiffness requirements may vary between normal use and collisions or falls. These chainmail inspired materials could have various applications in contact sports such as rugby, American football and ice hockey where protection for players is key to reduce the severity of injuries. Similarly, action sports such as mountain biking, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding also necessitate a high degree of protection. An Alternative application for these materials could be as a first aid device, where the material would be formed around the injury site as a brace and stiffened with compression, such as a vacuum pack
F03 How athletes’ biomechanical running characteristics effect running economy during the use of running shoes with and without carbon inserts
No full textTo maximise running economy (RE), shoe manufacturers placed carbon plates within the midsole of shoes. Shoe technology research is limited on understanding the variability of individual responses to carbon-plated shoes and how these responses vary across running velocities. Little research on same shoe characteristics with and without a stiff element has been completed. This study aimed to investigate how running shoes with carbon versus without a carbon composite stiff element alter individual running biomechanics and the metabolic cost of running. Ethical approval was gained from Cardiff Metropolitan University Ethics Committee. Ten male athletes (69 ± 9 kg; 174 ± 4 cm; 28 ± 9 years) completed two submaximal incremental treadmill runs. One test was completed in a shoe without carbon (C1), the other test was completed in carbon shoes (C2), the order of testing for each shoe were randomised. Running velocity started at 9 km/h and increased by 1 km/h every four mins, blood lactate samples were taken after every stage. Once 4 mmol·L−1 (OBLA; the second lactate turn point) had been reached one more stage was completed. Gas exchange was analysed throughout the whole test. The first 15 s of the final 2 minutes of each stage was recorded using Theia3D markerless motion capture software (Theia3Dv2022.1.0.2309, Theia Markerless, Inc., Kingston, ON, Canada). Data were analysed in 4 stages, the initial stage, pre-OBLA, OBLA and post-OBLA. Physiology data were averaged over the final two mins of each stage. Discrete joint angles were taken from each stage, and an average of the 15 s recording was taken for spatiotemporal measure. Data were analysed using a four-way repeat measures ANOVA, to show individual differences. Non-parametric data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Hedges g calculations were completed to calculate effect size (ES). Results showed significant increase in flight time (FT; P = 0.04, ES = 0.20) in the pre-OBLA stage when using C2. Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) dorsiflexion showed significant increase during the initial stage in C2 (P = 0.05, ES = 0.8), and ankle dorsiflexion had significant increase in the post-OBLA stage in C2 (P = 0.03, ES = 0.2). The were no significant differences present in the physiology data. Across the physiological, spatiotemporal and kinematics, high dispersions around the mean were exhibited. Findings suggest that to improve RE, mechanical and spatiotemporal changes need to be present when using C2. Further findings show carbon shoes elicit highly individual responses to both RE and mechanics of running
E02 The prevalence and factors associated with knee pain in a sample of cyclists within the United Kingdom: A cross sectional study
No full textThe study aimed to determine: (i) the lifetime and period prevalence of knee pain, (ii) the prevalence and nature of medical attention cycling- related injuries, (iii) and the risk factors associated with knee pain and in a sample of competitive and non-competitive cyclists in the UK. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to collect data on knee pain, medical attention injuries, and potential risk factors associated with knee pain. Participants were competitive and non-competitive cyclists aged 18 years and older and were recruited through cycling clubs and online advertisement. Binary logistic regression was used to assess for potential risk factors associated with knee pain. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were reported in staged adjustment models, controlling for potential confounders of age and sex. Keele University Ethics Committee approved this study. A total of 115 respondents completed the questionnaire. Lifetime knee pain prevalence was 48%, with period prevalence 26.1% (past-month) and 18.3% (past-week). Aged 40 and over was the only factor found to be associated with knee pain, although this was no longer significant after adjustment for sex. The most prevalent site and type of injury was the lower back and fracture (traumatic), respectively. Knee pain prevalence is high in this sample of cyclists, particularly in those aged 40 years and over. Injury prevention strategies should target the lower back and fractures. Longitudinal research is needed to identify if there are modifiable risk factors that may reduce the occurrence of both knee pain and traumatic fractures in cyclists
G02 Variability in depth for national-level swimmers’ freestyle dive starts, push starts and tumble turns
No full textThe dive start and tumble turn are key skills in freestyle swimming and are the fastest part of a race (Higgs, Pease & Sanders, 2016, J Sports Sci, 35, 995-1003). Consistency in performing them, to a high-level, is crucial when races can be won by <0.1s. Many studies have investigated dives, tumble turns and underwater undulatory swimming performance, however, very few have examined the effect of depth (West et al., 2022, Sports Med Open, 8). Swimming depth will affect wave drag, total distance travelled underwater and, possibly, kick amplitude. Collectively, these will impact dive and tumble turn performance. The current project aims to quantify the variability of a swimmer’s freely chosen depth when performing a freestyle dive start, push start and turn. Ethics approval for this study was provided by the School of Medicine’s Research ethics board. We aim to recruit 14 participants (7=male, 7=female), over the age of 16 and currently competing at a national level in freestyle events. After a 10-min self-determined warm-up, participants are asked to perform three freestyle dives, push starts, and tumble turns in a randomised order. There are three minutes rest between each task and five minutes between three tasks. Each of the nine tasks will be recorded using a custom-built CONTEMPLAS camera system, using 12 cameras filming at 100Hz. Participants are provided with 5-min to complete a self-determined cool-down. Video recordings will be analysed using SIMI Motion capture to perform manual digitisation. A coefficient of variance analysis and a repeated measures Anova and intraclass correlation to quantify the variability in depth within the dives, push starts and the turns at both an individual and group level. As part of this study, we are also assessing the reliability and validity of an automated digitising software package. The validity and reliability of the automatic digitisation method versus the manual digitisation method was analysed via a Bland Altman analysis to obtain the limits of agreement between the two methodologies. The results are pending, although they will be used to assign individual swimmers with target depth ranges for subsequent experiments that aim to identify the optimum depth for these skills
G04 The effect of the conventional deadlift and Romanian deadlift on muscle activation and joint angles at submaximal intensity
No full textFor fitness professionals delivering strength and conditioning programmes and recreational athletes designing their own programmes, exercise selection and an appropriate loading stimulus over time are the cornerstones of an effective resistance training programme. The conventional deadlift (CD), a compound, closed-chain movement, is prescribed to increase the strength of the posterior chain and the quadriceps. The Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is an isolated knee variation of the CD, whereby the knee angle is stable throughout the movement (Lee et al., 2018, J Exer Sci Fit, 16, 87-93). The RDL is a key movement in weightlifting training and is a commonly used developer of posterior chain muscles (Weaver and Kerksick, 2017, Strength Cond J, 39, 85-90). Studies comparing the CD and RDL are limited. Using surface EMG 2D motion analysis of the lower limb, we aim to determine if (i) biceps femoris activation is greater than the vastus lateralis during the RDL, (ii) there is a higher activation of both vastus lateralis and biceps femoris during the CD, and (ii) whether an injury is more likely to occur during a CD or RDL using the angles and range of motion (ROM) of the hip, knee, and ankle. 15 recreationally active adults with experience with the CD and RDL were recruited. Surface EMG sensors were placed on the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris, and markers were placed for 2D motion analysis in the sagittal plane. MVC data were collected for three repetitions of both lifts at 70% RDL 1RM. Five repetitions at 50% RDL 1RM were used for analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using a paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results show greater activation of the vastus lateralis in the CD than the RDL (P < 0.05) but no difference in the biceps femoris. No differences were found in hip angles during ascent or descent at mid-thigh and knee height (P = 0.343), but there were differences at the bottom position. Knee angles during ascent and descent at the mid-thigh were different (P = 0.027) but not at knee height. No differences at the ankle joint were found at the mid-thigh (P = 0.12), but differences were found at knee height and bottom position. Finally, ROM at the hip, knee, and ankle during ascent and descent were significantly different (P = 0.002). The findings may help fitness professionals and recreational athletes make decisions such as exercise selection, load management, and injury prevention strategies based on the comparative effectiveness and risks of the CD and RDL
G06 The exploration of the upper body kinematics and kinematic asymmetries during forwards and backwards wheelchair propulsion
No full textThe current literature available on the kinematic asymmetries in the upper body during wheelchair propulsion remains limited (Slowick, Requejo, Mulro. & Neptune, 2015, Front Bioeng Biotech, 3, 86-86). This research provides an opportunity to add to this limited area and help provide an understanding of the how the upper body movements change when faced with a change in speed and direction. The present cross-sectional laboratory study aimed to explore the kinematics and kinematic asymmetries during forwards and backwards wheelchair propulsion in able bodied individuals. This study investigated the effect of changes in speed and quantified the upper body kinematics of forwards and backwards wheelchair propulsion. Upon ethical approval, five able bodied participants, 3 male and 2 female (age = 21 ± 1 years, stature = 173 ± 8 cm, mass = 73 ± 7 kg) provided written informed consent and participated in this study. Participants took part in exercise regularly but had no prior wheelchair experience. Individual measurements (Height, weight, weekly exercise levels, injury history, dominant hand and upper body pain via the musculoskeletal pain questionnaire) were taken then participants took part in a series of trials in a wheelchair. Four Inertial Measurement Units (IMeasureU, Blue Trident, VICON, Oxford, UK) were placed on the participant's 7th cervical vertebrae, underneath the wheelchair seat and on the lateral side of each humerus above the elbow joint. Before testing began, participants were given a five-minute familiarisation period on the wheelchair. The testing consisted of ten forwards and ten backwards self-paced wheelchair propulsions on an Invictus Active Trainer (Invictus Active, Wolverhampton, UK), a 20 metre sprint overground on a track (with verbal encouragement throughout the sprint) and a single arm 3 kg medicine ball throw. All tests were performed from a stationary start and shoulder angles were measured to 180° before each test began. This research expects to see a difference in angular velocity between each participant's arms, with a greater level of asymmetry as speed increases. Participants are required to work harder in order to gain speed and as a result their propulsion technique will change to meet the new demands. The other expectation is to see the same side as the participants dominant hand have a higher level of force production during propulsion compared to their arm with the non-dominant hand
J06 Can caffeine improve early morning physical performance in team athletes?
No full textTeam-athletes often perform sub-optimally in early morning qualifiers and competitions (Drust et al., 2005, Chron Int, 22, 21-24). This study investigated whether caffeine could improve morning physical performance. Ten team-sport male athletes underwent four sessions [age (mean ± SD) 21 ± 1 years, stature 180 ± 5 cm, body mass 79 ± 9 kg]. These included two familiarisation sessions, one control (no pill) session and a caffeine pill (3 mg/kg body mass) session. Participants woke at 06:30h for all conditions (consuming the caffeine at 06:30 h) before arriving in the laboratory at 07:00 h. Temperature, lactate and glucose were recorded prior to mood states (POMS) and hand-grip strength. Thereafter, a warm -up (10 km/h for 5-mins on a treadmill), 10-mins of dynamic stretching and three build up 20m sprints of 50, 70, and 90% effort were undertaken. Temperature, lactate, and glucose were then measured. The repeated sprint performance (RSP) test was undertaken in 10 × 20 m RS on an indoor runway with 30 s recovery. Following each sprint; time was recorded via cameras and reflectors (Witty, UK); heart rate (HR) was recorded via a heart rate monitor on the upper arm connected to the POLAR app; thermal comfort and RPE were taken from participant verbal feedback. After the RSP, temperature, lactate and glucose were taken a final time. It was found that caffeine did not have an effect on sprint time (F1, 9 = 1.33, P = 0.278, ES = 0.129). However, sprint time for caffeine (3.16 m/s, s = 0.2) was quicker than that of no pill (3.18 m/s, s = 0.2). There was no difference (95% CI of the mean difference= −1.527 to 0.267) between caffeine and no pill on RPE. Handgrip strength for caffeine (45.65 kg, s = 9) was higher than that of no pill (44.48 kg, s = 10) and glucose levels for caffeine were higher and lactate levels lower than that of no pill, although not significantly. There was an effect of caffeine on ‘happy’ POMS score (P = 0.006). These results showed that caffeine did improve early morning physical performance for team-athletes, although not significantly. The effectiveness of caffeine as an ergogenic aid to improve early morning physical performance was challenged but needs to be investigated further, with a larger sample, to establish levels of significance