RSS 1.0Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre
Recent Submissions
-
The effects of pilates mat classes on abdominal core control and dance performance: a pilot studyDancers trained in classical ballet and modern forms are taught to use their core strength to execute movements with proper alignment. Pilates is an exercise regimen used by dancers to improve muscle conditioning, flexibility, and coordination. However, currently, there is limited research on the impact of Pilates for dancers which support these claims. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of a Pilates mat program during dance performance. Dancers (n = 3) participated in a ten-week study consisting of pre- and post-testing and eight weeks of a Pilates mat program. Pre- and post-test comparisons in the plank strength test showed a statistically significant improvement for all three dancers. Survey results indicate dancers perceived an overall improvement in awareness and engagement of the core during dance class. Three independent dance instructors also saw an improvement in the dancers’ alignment and core strength throughout the eight-week study.
-
Can dance improve turning in people with Parkinson’s Disease?Objective: To investigate the effects of a dance intervention on selected functional parameters during the 180° turning phase of the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD). Methods: Fifteen adults clinically diagnosed with idiopathic PD were allocated into dance intervention (DIG; n = 7 ; age 73 ± 2 years) and control (CG; n = 8; age 64 ± 5 years) groups. The dance intervention lasted for 3 months (1 hour, twice a week). At baseline, all participants completed the Unified PD Rating Scale–part III, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form, and the Hoehn & Yahr scale. Pre- and post-intervention, the primary outcomes were measured (number of steps and time to complete the 180° turning phase of the TUG test) at 2 speeds (comfortable walking and as quickly and safely speed) while using the Xsens® 3D motion suit. The secondary outcome (girdle dissociation) was assessed by calculating the difference between pelvis and affected shoulder orientation in the transverse plane (dissociation angles) at each data point during the TUG test’s 180° turning phase. Results: At participant’s comfortable walking speed, the functionality during the 180° turning remained unaffected following the dance intervention. However, at participant’s fast speed, the dance intervention group significantly reduced the number of steps with a large effect size, and the total time taken to complete the 180° turning with a medium effect size. Post-intervention, most participants in the dance intervention group reduced the affected shoulder and pelvic girdle dissociation and turned more “en bloc.” Conclusion: Dance can improve selected functional parameters during the 180° turning at fast speed in PwPD. The current results should be considered in rehabilitation programs.
-
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the ‘Fit to Dance?’ surveyBackground: The ‘Fit to Dance?’ survey has been used in a number of studies to understand the health and wellbeing of dancers. These data have not been collected in Brazil as there is no validated questionnaire available in Brazilian Portuguese, culturally validated in Brazil with a scope as broad and comprehensive as that of ‘Fit to Dance?’. Objective: Translate into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally validate the questionnaire ‘Fit to Dance?’ in Brazil. Methods: This was a validity and reliability study of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the ‘Fit to Dance?’ Survey. The stages of the research were: translation into the target language (Brazilian Portuguese), translation synthesis, translation validation and cross-cultural adaptation by a committee of experts in Dance Medicine and Science (DMS), reverse translation into English, pilot study (test/retest), and final version of the questionnaire. Results: The questionnaire was applied to 21 dancers of different dance genres, with an age average of 25 ± 7.0 years. Cronbach's alpha (0.705), ICC (0.984) and Kappa (0.794) results reached adequate values. Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the questionnaire ‘Fit to Dance?’ is effective, has adequate levels of validity and reliability, and can be used to report injuries and aspects of health and well-being of Brazilian dancers.
-
The effects of dance interventions on physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults: A systematic reviewBackground: Fundamental physical functions such as postural control and balance are vital in preserving everyday life, affecting an individual’s quality of life. Dance is a physical activity that offers health advantages across various life stages. Nevertheless, the effects of dance interventions on physical function, postural control, and quality of life among older adults have remained underexplored. The review aimed to examine the strength of evidence for dance interventions on physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Medline), focusing on studies involving more than four weeks of dance interventions. MeSH terms [dance or dance intervention or dance rehabilitation or dance movement] and [motor function or functional capacity or postural control or functional mobility or mobility or postural balance or balance or flexibility or gait] and [well-being or quality of life or life satisfaction] were utilized in the search. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023422857). Included studies were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias. Results: The search revealed 885 studies, and 16 met the inclusion criteria. The effects of various dance genres on physical functions and quality of life were compared. Most studies showed that dance intervention improved physical function, balance, postural control and quality of life. Dance intervention showed a high level of adherence compared to physiotherapy, self-care, conventional therapy, and aerobic and resistance exercise. Conclusion: In terms of improving physical function and quality of life, structured dance is a secure and relatively effective alternative to exercise. Note the effect of movement selection and intensity in the dance interventions. Dance with music may increase participants’ interest, encouraging more physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.
-
Relative energy deficiency in dance (RED-D): a consensus method approach to REDs in danceRelative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a potentially severe, challenging, broad-spectrum syndrome with potential negative health and performance outcomes. The numerous research publications and International Olympic Committee consensus statements relating to REDs testify to the challenges faced in early identification or screening, diagnosis, and management. Like sport, dance, in its simplest form, can be identified as an activity resulting in physiological energy demands and, as such, requires appropriate energy availability concerning energy expenditures. However, the specificity of physiological and psychological demands in dance must be considered when considering REDs. An environment where physical activity can exceed 30 hours per week and where culture may instil a value that thinness is required puts dancers at increased risk for REDs. The purpose of this study was to provide dance specific guidance dance on this complex condition. A RAND/UCLA Delphi Panel method with nominal group technique was used to review the literature from REDs to evaluate how it may relate to dance. In addition to the EP, which was assembled from a multidisciplinary background with expertise in REDs and multiple genres of dance, six focus groups were commissioned. Four of the focus groups were drawn from the EP members and two additional focus groups formed by dancers and artistic leaders. These panels were used to guide the development of a RED-D Diagnosis Pathway, Management Plan and Risk stratification and Return to Dance Pathway. The dance specific pathways are designed to be a practical tool for guiding and supporting clinicians managing RED-D. Furthermore, this paper represents an important focus of this area in dance and serves to stimulate discussion and further research within the sector.
-
A peer-led walking intervention for adolescent girls (the WISH study): a cluster-randomised controlled trialBACKGROUND: Adolescent girls in the UK and Ireland fail to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. PA behaviours track from childhood into adulthood. The effects of walking interventions on adult health are known; however, the potential of walking to promote PA in adolescents is less known. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel, school-based walking intervention aimed at increasing PA levels of adolescent girls. METHODS: In this cluster-randomised controlled trial, female pupils aged 12-14 years were recruited from 18 (mixed or single-sex) schools across the border region of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Schools were randomly assigned to either the control group (usual physical activity; n=9) or the intervention group (n=9) by independent faculty staff using an online randomisation tool (randomization.com). In intervention schools, female pupils aged 15-18 years were trained as walk leaders and led the younger pupils in 10-15 min walks before school, at break, and at lunchtime. Walks were in school grounds and pupils were encouraged to join as many walks as possible. The intervention was delivered for a full school year excluding holidays (for a total of 18-21 weeks). Accelerometers measured PA, and the primary outcome was total PA (counts per minute [cpm]). Ethics approval was granted by Ulster University Research Ethics Committee and written informed consent (parent or guardian) and assent (pupils) was obtained. This study is registered with the ISRCTN Registry, 12847782. FINDINGS: The study took place from Sept 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023. In total, 589 pupils were recruited (n=286 in intervention group; n=303 in control group). Median moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) at baseline was 36·1 min/day (IQR 23·0) for the intervention group and 35·3 min/day (19·8) for the control group. Only 37 (15%) girls in the intervention group and 29 (10%) girls in the control group met PA guidelines (60 min/day of MVPA). The mean total PA after intervention was 676 cpm (SD 18·7) for the intervention group and 710 cpm (SD 17·7) for the control group. Post-intervention total PA did not differ between groups when adjusted for age, body-mass index, z-scores, and baseline PA (mean difference -33·5, 95% CI -21·2 to 88·1; p=0·213). INTERPRETATION: Scaling up PA interventions is challenging. Despite a promising feasibility study, the results of this fully powered trial indicate that in this context, the walking programme did not increase PA. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, school environments have changed, and although pupils enjoyed the programme, attendance at walks was low. There is a need to better understand the implementation of interventions such as this within schools. FUNDING: Cross-border Healthcare Intervention Trials in Ireland Network (CHITIN).
-
The Influence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other related factors upon health-related quality of life in women of reproductive age: a case-control studyThis study aimed to assess the impact of a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis and other factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women of reproductive age. Online questionnaires were completed and study groups compared. Potential causal relationships were evaluated using path analysis. Analyses revealed that a PCOS diagnosis alongside BMI had the largest effect on HRQoL. Higher levels of physical activity (PA) were not associated with greater HRQoL, and PA was not directly affected by any other outcome. However, reduced self-esteem was identified as a key factor in the promotion of physical and mental health.
-
‘Including us, talking to us and creating a safe environment’—youth patient and public involvement and the Walking In ScHools Study (WISH): lessons learnedBackground: Young people have the right to be informed and consulted about decisions affecting their lives. Patient and public involvement (PPI) ensures that research is carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ young people rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them. The aim of this paper is to outline how youth PPI can be embedded within a physical activity intervention, reflect on the impact of PPI and provide recommendations for future PPI in a similar context. Methods: A Youth Advisory Group (YAG) was set up within the Walking In ScHools (WISH) Study to involve adolescent girls in the delivery, implementation and dissemination of a physical activity intervention targeted at adolescents. Schools invited pupils aged 12–14 years and 15–18 years to YAG meetings (n3, from 2019 to 2023). Participative methods were used to inform recruitment strategies and data collection methods for the WISH Study. Results: Across the three YAG meetings, n51 pupils from n8 schools were involved. Pupils enjoyed the YAG meetings, felt that their feedback was valued and considered the meetings a good way to get young people involved in research. The YAG advised on specific issues and although measuring impact was not the primary aim of the YAG meetings, over the course of the study there were many examples of the impact of PPI. Recruitment targets for the WISH Study were exceeded, the attrition rate was low and pupils were engaged in data collection. Conclusion: Youth PPI is a developing field and there are few physical activity studies that report the PPI work undertaken. Within the WISH Study, three YAG meetings were held successfully, and the views of adolescent girls were central to the development of the study. Considering the specific issues that the YAG advised on (study recruitment, attrition and data collection), there was evidence of a positive impact of PPI. Patient or Public Contribution: Pupils from post-primary schools interested/participating in the WISH Study were invited to attend YAG meetings. YAG meetings were set up to consult adolescent girls on the delivery, implementation and dissemination of the WISH intervention.
-
Teaching professionalism during and posta pandemic to surgical trainees: A survey of the impact of a workshop on trainers and traineesIntroduction: Focussed professionalism training improves surgical trainees’ communication, information gathering, and counselling skills. This study reviews the impact of a professionalism workshop for surgical trainees within a large trust in the United Kingdom developed during the pandemic to support the trainees and help them develop resilience and appropriate behaviours during the time of increased pressure. Methods: A workshop involving case-based discussions and reflections on professionalism was developed from the themes and methods of training noted to be effective on a literature search of Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases carried out in May 2020. The impact of Covid on surgical trainees and educator’s professionalism training and the techniques of training preferred by trainees was evaluated by a survey of trainees and trainers after the intervention to evolve future training initiatives. During the workshop, a behavioural marker checklist was used to improve feedback on the observed behaviours. Results: 83 trainers and trainees were surveyed following a professional behaviour workshop training 63 surgeons at various stages of training. Surgical list availability had reduced by at least 5-10 a month for all the trainees within the trust during the pandemic. Most trainees surveyed (49 (60%)) felt that this had reduced the opportunities to train technical skills and develop professional non-technical skills like teamwork and communication skills, adversely impacting the trainee’s clinical performance. The increased support offered by the workshop helped 50 trainees (80%) to improve non-technical skill performance objectively by referencing to behavioural markers and this was felt to have become embedded in practice when surveyed 4 weeks later in 38 trainees (60%). The majority of those surveyed (47 (75%)) felt trainers and trainees had acted professionally during the pandemic and subsequently. The workshop discussions also helped (56 (67%)) trainers and trainees to consider how best to engage professionally with new ways of working as work, and training switched to virtual or telemedicine platforms during the pandemic. Conclusion: Professionalism-based education facilitates surgical trainee development, making them stronger team members and helping to restore team working skills and embrace new working practices.
-
Injury incidence and severity in Chinese pre-professional dancers: a prospective weekly monitoring surveyObjective: To determine dance injury incidence and severity in full-time Chinese pre-professional dancers. Study Design: Prospective weekly online monitoring survey Methods: Respondents were asked to record all dance-injury incidences between September 2020 to July 2021 using a remote weekly self-report injury monitoring tool. An inclusive definition of injury was used in this study to record all injuries, even if they didn’t cause a cessation of training. Data were excluded if respondents completed less than 90% of the survey period and had over 3 consecutive weeks of missing data. Results: 450 individuals from 11 different schools were included in the analyses. A total of 1157 injuries were reported over a 30-week academic year. Injury prevalence was 64.9% and injury incidence was 5.51 injuries per 1000 hours. Forty-eight percentage of the injuries were minor severity and 41% were of moderate severity, and the main injury sites were knees (0.89/1000hrs), lower back (0.80/1000hr), feet (0.58/1000hrs), groin (0.56/1000hrs). Female dancers reported significantly higher injury prevalence and injury incidence, and higher rates of moderate to severe injuries than males. The university group reported higher injury incidence than the adolescent group (p<0.05), whereas the latter reported higher rates of moderate to severe injuries than the former (p<0.001). Conclusion: The injury incidence found in this study (5.1 injuries/1000hrs) is higher than most previous sets of data. Female dancers are at a higher risk of injury and reported higher levels of injury severity than male dancers, especially for the female adolescent group.
-
Force plate coverings significantly affect measurement of ground reaction forcesThe purpose of this study was to carry out a material test to investigate the effect of different force plate coverings on vertical and horizontal ground reaction force and derived parameters. Four surface conditions were analysed; bare plate, vinyl, sportflex, and astroturf on a Kistler force plate. Vertical data were collected by dropping a 2 kg rigid, textured medicine ball from a low (61 cm) and a high (139 cm) height. Horizontal data were collected using a custom-built, rigid, metal pendulum device. A one-way ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of surface on peak force and rate of force development for high height, low height, and horizontal force conditions (all p<0.001), with effect sizes in the post-hoc analysis being mostly large to very large. Interestingly, sportflex yielded the highest vertical but the lowest horizontal ground reaction forces. This study showed the use of current force platform coverings had a significant effect on peak force and rate of force development measurements during a standardised testing procedure. Future research should try to obtain rate of force development values that more closely replicate aspects of human performance during standardised testing procedures. Also further investigate the effect of the different surfaces on ground reaction forces during human movement.
-
Reliability, variability and minimal detectable change of the isometric mid-thigh pull in adolescent dancersIntroduction: The importance and potential benefits of muscular strength in the adolescent’s development for health and fitness has been demonstrated in the literature. Maximal muscular strength and its assessment, however, is not a primary assessment criterium in the selection of young talented dancers. Methods: The present study evaluated the within- and between session reliability, variability, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Thirty-five participants (female n = 17) participated in 2 identical assessments on the same day with 4-hour break in between. Three 3-second IMTP were performed, and the mean peak force value was used for the analyses. Results: Within-session the ICC indicated excellent reliability (ICC = .99, 95% CI: 0.98-0.99). Between-session reliability was excellent (ICC = .98, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99). The standard error of measurement was 4% (48 N), the minimum detectable change was 12% (134 N) and the CV was 3%. There were no within-session statistically significant differences, but statistically significant differences between-session were observed (P < .001). Limits of agreement ranged from −121 N (95% CI −186 to −56 N) to 307 N (95% CI 243-372 N). Conclusion: The observed results demonstrated excellent within- and between sessions reliability, low variability, and an MDC of 12%. The consistency of the within-session scores suggest that peak force data may be obtained with single try efforts. The statistically significant difference in the means of the retest session, however, suggests that the time of the day or the time since entrained awakening may be affecting performance in adolescent dancers. The results of the current study indicate that the IMTP is a reliable assessment tool for maximal muscular strength in adolescent dancers.
-
The efficacy of strength and conditioning training on dance injury, physical fitness and dance performance in Chinese pre-professional dancersObjective: To examine the effects of a strength and conditioning training intervention on dance injury, physical fitness and dance performance in Chinese pre-professional dancers. Design: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 89 full-time pre-professional dancers participated. Sixty-seven dancers volunteered for a 12-week strength and conditioning training intervention (2-session/week, 4060-min/session), and 22 dancers acted as controls. All members of the intervention group carried out seven physical fitness tests pre- and post-intervention and a dance performance test using a ratified 10-item performance proficiency tool. Information on injury was self-reported by the dancers using a weekly remote dance injury monitoring tool. An inclusive definition of injury was used to record all injuries, even if they didn’t cause a cessation of training. Multivariate analysis of variance was employed to assess differences in physical fitness and dance performance pre and post-intervention. Injury data were initially analyzed for differences between the intervention and control groups; the intervention groups’ injury data were further analyzed by comparing to their own data collected during the previous year at the same period. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant increases in physical fitness (p<0.001), but their dance performance data remained statistically unchanged (p>0.05). The intervention group also demonstrated lower weekly injury prevalence (28% vs 15%, p<0.001) and injury incidence (8.09 vs 5.16 injuries per 1000hrs, p<0.05) during the intervention period compared to their own injury just a year earlier. Conclusion: Strength and conditioning training improved physical fitness levels and decreases the risk of injury in pre-professional dancers, without detrimentally affecting dance performance.
-
Playing by white rules of racial equality: student athlete experiences of racism in British university sportInequalities related to racial identity are consistently reported across social institutions, not least education, and sport. These inequalities consistently challenge ‘post-race’ narratives that rationalise racism down to individual prejudices and poor decision-making. This paper presents part of the findings from a wider a twelve-month research project commissioned by British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) to explore race equality. This wider research privileged the voices of non-White students and staff in an exploration of race and equality in British UK university sport. ‘Non-white’ was chosen as a race identifier to focus on Whiteness, the normalised, raceless power that reproduces itself both knowingly and unknowingly, to ensure racial ‘others’ remain subordinate. This paper presents the findings of the student voices. In this study a research team of academic and student researchers explored the experiences of 38 students across five universities. Generating case studies from each university, the data was analysed from an Intersectional and Critical Race Theory perspective. Two core themes relating to negotiating Whiteness were developed from the data analysis which reflected experiences of university sport as predominantly White spaces; ‘Play by the Rules’ and ‘Keep You Guessing’. Racial abuse was subtle, camouflaged in comments and actions that happened momentarily and hence were implausible to capture and evidence. For incidents to be addressed, evidence had to meet a ‘beyond doubt’ standard. Students were required to consciously negotiate racial bias and abuse to ensure they did not provide a justification for abuse. Navigating racialisation and stereotypes, plus White denial, was additional emotional labour for students. This mechanism of silencing the victim served to normalise racism for both the abused and perpetrator. The conclusion explores potential ways of disrupting these mechanisms of Whiteness in placing students’ welfare at the heart of university sport.
-
Brief online interventions to improve 5K runningAthletes and coaches strive to identify and learn to use interventions to enhance performance. The goal to be a competent user of psychological skills which aid performance is common among coaches and athletes. However, how frequently such skills are used and how they are learned is less well understood. Many athletes experience plateaus in performance despite efforts to improve, and as such are prime candidates to test interventions to enhance performance. To he present study investigate the effectiveness of learning brief psychological skills among athletes who competed in a weekly 5km time trial whose performances had plateaued. Participants (n = 7) volunteered to follow brief psychological skills training which involved watching brief videos on how to use one of self-talk, reappraisal, if-then plans, or a non-treatment condition, but in the context of the study represent receiving encouragement to mentally prepare. Data analysis compared intervention results with baseline data taken from 2 months of data before the intervention. Results Psychological skills usage associated with finishing 347.37m (p = .019) ahead of baseline. Post-race reflections indicated using psychological skills helped re-appraise fatigue. Findings offer encouraging data on encouraging runners to engage in mental preparation and that following brief psychological skills training is helpful, however, confirmatory research is needed with larger samples.
-
Strength and conditioning (S&C) practices of judo athletes and S&C coaches: a survey-based investigationThe benefits of strength and conditioning (S&C) for improving judo performance and reducing injuries have been widely studied. However, the S&C practices employed and perspectives held by those delivering S&C have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the S&C practices and perspectives of judokas and S&C coaches working within judo. Forty-two judokas and nine S&C coaches completed an online survey comprising six sections: (a) written informed consent; (b) background information; (c) education, qualifications, and prescription; (d) views on S&C; (e) exercise selection; and (f) issues and improvements. Frequency analysis was used to report responses to fixed-response questions, and thematic analysis for open-ended questions. Results indicated that S&C coaches were primarily responsible for delivering S&C programs (60%), and S&C information was predominantly sourced from S&C coaches (43%). Strength and conditioning was deemed very important for randori (78-88%), overall judo-performance (67-79%), and judo-fitness (62-78%). Similarly, S&C was considered very important for the development of speed and power (76-89%), strength (71-89%), and injury reduction (69-78%). Novel findings were also observed, such as integrating judo-specific training within S&C practice, which may be partly explained by more S&C coaches holding judo belts (67%) than S&C qualifications (11%). This study supports practitioners delivering S&C in judo by offering a base of information to critique or align with their existing S&C practices and perspectives. Furthermore, our results may help identify potential gaps between methods used, proposed guidelines, and actual practice, facilitating the development of research and education resources tailored to the current climate.
