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Identifying contributory risk factors for neck pain in fast jet aircrew: a prospective cohort study
No full textPurposeFast jet aircrew (FJA – aka fighter pilots, fighter aircrew) commonly suffer musculoskeletal complaints, particularly of the neck, which degrades operational capability and workforce health. Establishing injury aetiology is a prerequisite for developing effective preventative interventions. Our objective was to examine the aetiology of neck-related musculoskeletal complaint episodes (NRMCEs) among FJA across a range measures including physical capacity, psycho-social recovery-stress states, workload measures, and strength and conditioning (S&C) participation.Methods279 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) FJA were followed over four 5-month reporting periods. Forty-four baseline measures and 26 weekly measures were analysed for their effect on weekly risk of NRMCEs. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used, potential confounders were adjusted for, and non-linear relationships were examined.Results320 new NRMCEs were included with mean weekly prevalence of 4.1% (SD 2.3) and mean 5-month reporting period prevalence of 22.4% (range 15.3–28.5%). Previous neck pain, higher worry scores, larger acute flying workloads, more weekly flights, and larger acute and chronic S&C workloads, were factors identified to increase weekly risk of NRMCE. Significant non-linear effects were identified for chronic flying workloads, acute and chronic sleep quality scores, and absolute isometric strength of neck rotation and trunk flexion. Demographics, flying history, anthropometry measures, neck and trunk range of motion, and S&C participation, however, did not affect weekly risk of new NRMCE.ConclusionThese findings provide crucial support for the design of targeted prevention programs for FJA, ensuring they are both effective and efficient, which will in turn optimise operational capability
A qualitative study exploring influencers on metropolitan and regional physiotherapy practice in prostate cancer
No full textPhysiotherapists play a crucial role in managing symptoms that can arise from treatments for prostate cancer. Despite the benefits, limited evidence exists on physiotherapists’ self-perceived capabilities, enablers, and barriers in service provision. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of physiotherapists providing supportive care to patients with prostate cancer in metropolitan and regional Victoria, Australia. Two online focus groups were conducted, one with metropolitan and the other with regional physiotherapists. Reflexive thematic analysis identified three key themes: 1) the need for accessible professional development, 2) the impact of public system operational constraints on service access, and 3) the importance of rapport building within the multidisciplinary team and with patients. Positive enablers included online learning opportunities and effective multidisciplinary collaboration. Recommendations highlight the importance of bolstering professional development opportunities, fostering mentorship programs, and dismantling systemic barriers to enhance access to physiotherapy services. This study identifies the necessity for targeted support for physiotherapists in delivering optimal care for patients with prostate cancer across different geographical contexts. Contribution of the Paper: • This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of physiotherapists providing supportive care to people with prostate cancer (PCa). • It highlights critical areas requiring attention, such as enhancing professional development, the constraints of systems operations, the value of multi-disciplinary collaboration and unique challenges faced by regionally located physiotherapists. • Addressing these challenges will enhance the ability to provide accessible and evidence-based care to patients with PCa, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.</p
Criticisms against Spotify keep mounting. Luckily there are alternatives
No full textSpotify has been subject to various lingering critiques. These range from criticism of its payment model, to the presence of “fake artists”, the Joe Rogan boycott saga, and controversies around AI-made music.More recently, cofounder and chief executive Daniel Ek has come under fire for investing €600 million (more than A$1 billion) in the military AI company Helsing. The news prompted several artists to remove their music from the platform, including King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Xiu Xiu, Deerhoof, Wu Lyf and, as of last week, Massive Attack
Policy analysis in sport: a review of mainstream meso-level frameworks and developing more sustainable policy for grassroots sport
Get PDFThis paper reviews some mainstream meso-level policy analysis frameworks widely applied in sport. There is, however, an absence of consensus for an established framework for analysing sport policy in general and, instead, techniques emanating from other fields of study have been relied upon. The resultant approach to sport policy analysis is inconsistent, multidimensional, and lacks unanimity, leading to calls for a sport-specific framework. This research outlines how meso-level frameworks have been applied in sport policy and issues linked to sustainability from a grassroots policy perspective. A narrative literature review provides an overview of prevalent approaches, namely Institutional Analysis, the Multiple Streams Framework, Policy Network Theory, and the Advocacy Coalition Framework. Aspects of applying these models to sport policy—including some key advantages and disadvantages—are outlined, especially the issue of conventional top-policy processes, the impact on policy implementers at grassroots level, and the potential for bottom-up policy influence. The article examines the four frameworks in the context of praxes in sport, noting the overall importance of a meso-level approach to sport policy analysis and that arriving at an holistic and inclusive accord has merit.</p
Examining control group changes in physical activity levels in people with coronary heart disease:a systematic review and meta-analyses
No full textAims There is evidence to suggest that physical activity measurement alone can improve physical activity levels, but this has not been investigated in people with coronary heart disease (CHD). This systematic review aims to examine changes in physical activity levels in control groups of physical activity intervention studies for people with CHD and possible explanatory factors. Methods and results Five electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SportDiscus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception to January 2024. Physical activity (controlled) intervention studies measuring physical activity (device-measured or self-reported) in people with CHD were included. Meta-analyses were completed using generic inverse variance with random effects model and 95% confidence intervals. Twenty-six studies with a total of 4372 participants were included. Fourteen studies were included in meta-analyses. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the percentage of control group participants meeting physical activity guidelines (9.16%, 95% CI: 3.67 to 14.65, P = 0.001). Meta-analyses for MET minutes.week−1 and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes.week−1 were not significant. Noteworthy improvements (≥10%) in physical activity were found in 42% of studies. Factors associated with noteworthy improvements were hospital setting, receiving measurement plus usual care, self-reported and self-administered physical activity measures, and measurement of other health behaviours. Conclusion There is some evidence to suggest that measuring physical activity may improve physical activity levels in people with CHD, particularly in a hospital setting. Further research is indicated to ascertain how these factors can be leveraged to increase physical activity levels in this group. Registration PROSPERO CRD42023426603 (Registered 25 May 2023).</p
Conceptualising Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT) to Examine Cognitive Risks of Generative AI in Higher Education
No full textThis research-in-progress presents a conceptual framework examining how students perceive and respond to cognitive risks from Generative AI (GenAI) use in higher education (HE), where undergraduate usage reached 92% by 225. The study adapts Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT) beyond traditional IT security threats to understand risks from beneficial technologies that threaten students' intellectual development through cognitive offloading and reduced critical thinking. The proposed framework extends TTAT by incorporating demographic and experiential factors as antecedents to the threat perception and coping appraisal and including expected institutional measures as outcomes. A quantitative survey will test hypotheses exploring relationships between antecedents, threat perception, coping appraisal, and student behavioural responses. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps in student perceptions of GenAI cognitive risks in HE, contributing to understanding the dark side of AI in education and offering theoretical advances and practical contributions for developing student-centred policies and differentiated interventions
Exploring English language usage and attitudes to the integration of Social Networking Sites in EFL education in Jordan: A mixed-methods approach
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