bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFYING THE CURRENT PRACTISE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ADVICE GIVEN TO WOMEN FOLLOWING A MISCARRIAGE AND THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Edwards Dr Kate , Lee Vivian , Keep Melanie 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION & AIMS
Miscarriage is the most common adverse pregnancy outcome, with up to 36% of women reporting a miscarriage by 40-45 years old. While physical activity is known for its benefits on physical and mental health in various population, the evidence in women following a miscarriage is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify current practice and advice on physical activity following a miscarriage, assess current physical activity levels and to identify women’s attitudes to physical activity following a miscarriage. Women’s willingness to participate in future studies on the benefits of physical activity following miscarriage was also examined.

METHODS
A cross-sectional survey consisting of 21 questions across 5 subsections including demographics, pregnancy loss experience, physical activity advice, physical activity participation and research participation was used. Participation was opened to all Australian women who had ever experienced a miscarriage.

RESULTS
A total of 77 surveys were complete and suitable for analysis. Most participants (82%, n=63) reported receiving no physical activity guidance following their miscarriages and said they would like physical activity advice specific to their experiences (84%, n=65). The proportion of women who do not meet the recommended physical activity guideline increase from pre-pregnancy (32%) to following a miscarriage (83%) and continues to be higher (58%) than it was pre-pregnancy. The most frequently identified barriers to physical activity was feeling mentally/emotionally unprepared (34%, n=51). Majority of participants (68%, n=52) were willing to participate in future studies on the benefits of physical activity for women post-miscarriage.

CONCLUSION
This study strongly supports the need for further research into appropriate physical activity guidelines for women following a miscarriage. There is a clear unmet need in this population who are being disadvantaged by the current lack of support and guidance.
UNDERSTANDING THE BARRIERS AND ENABLERS TO ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST’S INTEGRATION WITHIN THE AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE SETTING
Authors: Beecroft Mr Aaron , Sahlqvist Dr Shannon , Bolton Dr Kristy , Kremer Dr Peter , Mundell Dr Niamh 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION
Physical activity (PA) is crucial in managing the high rates of non-communicable disease (NCD) within Australia. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are well-placed to assist individuals in managing symptoms of NCD through PA intervention. However, General Practitioner referral rates to AEPs are very low (&lt; 1%), with a lack of time and education reported as key barriers to their referral practices. Research has yet to explore the underutilization of AEPs from the AEP’s perspective. AIM: To explore the perspectives of Australian AEPs regarding their role and utilisation within the healthcare setting.

METHODS
Currently practicing AEPs (n=15) participated in audio-recorded, individual semi-structured interviews between May to July 2023. Interviews were transcribed and data were analysed via an inductive, semantic approach to reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS
Four primary themes emerged. The first, understanding is important, identified that a key barrier to AEP practice was the general population’s lack of understanding regarding the role of an AEP. The second, education and support of AEPs is crucial, reflected the perception that some recent graduates required further support to be better integrated within the healthcare setting and to provide a higher quality service. The third, interaction is key, highlighted that AEPs regarded communication with referrers as crucial to improve referral processes. The final theme, systematic and policy barriers impact AEP services, highlighted systematic barrier’s including time-consuming administration tasks and cost, as impacting AEP services.

CONCLUSION
The findings highlight a need to promote the role of AEPs to the general population. Ongoing support is required to ensure recent graduate AEPs can integrate effectively within the healthcare setting. Enhanced connection between AEPs and referrers may assist in generating referrals and broadening the understanding of the profession. Addressing systematic barriers, such as reducing clients’ financial constraints through increased funding, may help improve AEP service uptake.
CAN REFERRAL TO COMMUNITY-BASED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST SERVICES REDUCE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT BURDEN? A CHART AUDIT
Authors: Mundell Dr Niamh , Buntine Dr Paul , Considine Prof Julie , Miller Mr Joseph , Hackett Mr Liam , Lawson Dr Heather , MacMahon Dr Iseult , Neason Christopher , Neilson Alice , Patel Diya , Samanna Claire , Owen Patrick 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION & AIMS
Despite the rapid growth of exercise physiology in Australia, its potential within the healthcare system remains underutilised. Healthcare system strain, characterised by increased emergency department (ED) waiting times and length-of-stay is exacerbated by preventable, non-urgent ED attendances. In 2022, musculoskeletal conditions constituted the majority of &gt;800,000 non-urgent ED presentations. Community care and underutilised allied health services, such as exercise physiology, may offer better management options. This study aimed to examine characteristics of patients presenting to ED for musculoskeletal conditions, treatment advice provided on physical activity, and referral practices to community-based exercise physiology services.

METHODS
A retrospective chart audit (n=267) examined patient characteristics, referral patterns and treatment advice due to non-urgent musculoskeletal conditions at Eastern Health EDs.

RESULTS
Most (n=223, 84%) patients presented with conditions that had persisted for a mean (SD) duration of 9.3 (32.4) days. Conditions affecting the leg (n=92, 34%), lower back (n=59, 22%) and arm (n=44, 16%) were most common. Sharp pain was the most common descriptor of pain (n=33, 12%). Almost half (45%, n=119) had comorbid cardiovascular disease (n=59, 22%), metabolic conditions (n=31, 12%) or mental health issues (n=29, 11%). Treatment advice on physical activity was provided for 17% to patients with 12% advised to avoid physical activity (n=31, 12%) and 5% to stay active (n=12). Advice to return to (n=2, 1%) or take time off (n=47, 18%) work was provided for 19% (n=49) patients. No patients were referred to exercise physiology services.

CONCLUSION
Patients presenting to EDs for musculoskeletal conditions appeared suitable for referral to community-based exercise physiology services, yet no referrals were identified. Moreover, few patients received advice on whether to stay active or avoid physical activity. Strategies to increase external ED referral to exercise physiology are warranted to alleviate burden within this setting.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPINAL CORD INJURY: BEHAVIOUR, BARRIERS, MOTIVATIONS AND GAINS
Authors: Watson Mr Paul , Stendell Laura , Middleton James W , Arora Mohit , De Oliveira Camila Quel , Davis Glen M 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION & AIMS
To attain a comprehensive understanding of physical activity (PA) behaviour in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in Australia. Investigation and analysis included volumes, guideline-adherence, barriers, motivators, and perceived benefits of PA.

METHODS
Methodology included quantitative and qualitative approaches. Statistical tests were used on national survey data (n=1,579) to scrutinise PA volumes and guideline-adherence. Semi-structured interviews (n=105) were used to explore barriers to PA, whilst focus groups (six groups of six people) were used to uncover motivations for, and gains of, PA.

RESULTS
The average PA per week was 333 (+/-318) minutes, 42% of people were sedentary, and less than half (47%) of individuals met PA-specific guidelines. Sociodemographic and injury characteristics displayed very weak capacity (2-5% variance) in predicting PA volume. Barriers pertained to cost, accessibility, pain, self-consciousness, and a perceived lack of return of investment in PA. Whilst appearance/weight management and improved health appeared initially as motivators to PA, participants reported they gained more affiliation and revitalisation through PA, and less appearance/weight management and health change than they had anticipated. Focus group analysis highlighted that the primary (and more significant) motivators and benefits of PA include independence, reclamation of identity, restitution, reduced familial burden, and mitigation of perceived hastened aging.

CONCLUSION
People with SCI in Australia are amongst the most sedentary in the nation, and less than half of individuals meet PA guidelines. Specific attention is needed toward females, older individuals and people injured non-traumatically. Barriers are significant and affordable and accessible services, skilful and knowledgeable clinicians, and an inclusive environment are needed to improve consumer confidence. Motivation and perceived benefits extend beyond obvious physical advantages of PA. Clinicians and scientists need to understand the psychosocial influence of PA in this sedentary population and harness this knowledge to improve participation and quality of life.
ASSESSMENT OF SLEEP HEALTH IN ELITE FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS DURING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Bird Prof Stephen P. , Charest Dr. Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION & AIMS
Sleep health is recognised as an essential component to optimise overall wellbeing and athletic performance. However, athletes frequently report sleep disturbance prior to and during competition, with nearly a quarter of athletes experiencing moderate to severe sleep problems international travel and subsequent competition. The Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) was developed as a sleep screening tool to detect clinically significant sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction in athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess sleep health (sleep disturbances, sleep difficulty and daytime dysfunction) via a sleep screening tool in elite female basketball players during international competition.

METHODS
Participants were 12 elite female basketball players (New Zealand Women’s Senior National Team, Tall Ferns) competing at the 2021 International Basketball Federation Women’s Asia Cup in Amman Jordan. The Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (16 item) was used to assess sleep health and associated factors during the 7-day tournament to determine the impact of international travel. The ASSQ was scored according to previous validated methods to determine chronotype, sleep difficulty score, clinical sleep problem category (none, mild, moderate, or severe), and potential referral to a sleep physician for assessment due to poor sleep health. Categorical variables were summarised with frequency and percent. The study was approved by the University of Southern Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (H21REA182).

RESULTS
Clinical sleep problems, as categorised by sleep difficulty score ≥ 8, were reported in 33% of the athletes, with 25% classified as moderate and 8% classified as severe. Fifty percent of the athletes reported sleep disturbance during travel, while 42% reported daytime dysfunction when travelling for competition. According to chronotype classification, 75% of athletes were categorised into evening type, 33% ‘definitely evening’ type sub-category, with 25% categorised into morning type. In total, 42.0% of athletes (5 players) were identified for further assessment.

CONCLUSION
This study highlights the effective use of the ASSQ as an easy to administer sleep screening tool to determine sleep health in elite female basketball players. The ASSQ provides a method of accurately identifying athletes that would benefit from sleep hygiene education, sleep travel management and subsequent preventative measures related to clinically significant sleep problems. In this case study, a substantial portion of elite female basketball players appear to suffer from suboptimal sleep and would likely benefit from interventions targeting sleep health. This is an important consideration and provides valuable insights into indicators of sleep health in the management of female athlete sleep health and wellbeing during international competition.
INDIVIDUAL STRENGTH CHANGES FOLLOWING A VERY BRIEF INTERVENTION ON NATIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING GUIDELINES IN ADULTS AGED 50 - 75 YEARS
Authors: Gluchowski Dr. Ashley 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
There is little evidence that the public or healthcare practitioners are aware of and implementing the strength training component of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines in practice. Our study aimed to objectively measure strength following a very brief intervention with the strength component to determine if this practice could increase muscle strength.

METHODS
This was a mixed method, one-arm, pre-post six-month study. Thirty adults aged 50-75 years had hand grip (upper) isometric strength and ankle plantarflexion (lower) isometric strength measured. The average of two trials on the dominant limb were recorded. Participants were provided a physical copy of the guidelines and were asked to follow the strength recommendations. The very brief intervention (five minutes) included information on why and how to follow the strength guidelines, example exercises, along with a proven behaviour change technique (providing a journal to record training sessions). Strength was tested after six-months.

RESULTS
The group average indicated that there was no change in upper or lower body strength from baseline. However, when data were viewed individually, upper body strength was gained in 21 of 30 participants and lost in 9 (range: -4.5 to +6 kg). 42% of participants gained more than 2 kg in hand strength after six-months. Lower body strength was gained in 15 participants and lost in 15 (range: -12.4 to +8.65 kg). 43% of participants lost more than 2 kg. Qualitatively participants took the opportunity to ‘procure some new weights’ as they found their weights at home ‘too easy.’ Participants had a new-found realisation that ‘strength training is vital to muscle strength.’ Some mentioned that ‘strength training is now part of my life.’ On the other hand, other participants wanted more, noting that ‘there should be more publicity, information about [strength training] to the general public’ and found it unnecessarily ‘hard to find [follow up information] online.’

CONCLUSIONS
In the movement to make ‘every contact count,’ a very brief intervention has been shown to raise awareness and change strength training behaviour. Healthcare practitioners should focus on lower body exercise examples alongside progression techniques to avoid rapid loss in lower body strength. Public health stakeholders need to work together to provide easily accessible strength training resources.
RETHINKING THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES-RELATED FOOT ULCERS FROM AN AEP PERSPECTIVE: AN UPDATE FROM THE DFUEX STUDY
Authors: Baker Dr Callum , Min Dr Danqing , Chuter Professor Vivienne , Twigg Professor Stephen , Johnson A/Professor Nathan 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION & AIMS
Current treatments for people with diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) focus on foot outcomes - potentially at the expense of broader health and wellbeing considerations. There are barriers to exercise for people with DFU and hesitancy in promoting physical activity by clinicians. AEPs may have the clinical skills to help people with DFUs engage in safe and effective exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of AEP supervised exercise intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness, health and wound healing in adults with DFU.

METHODS
Using a randomised control trial design (ANZTR registration: 12622000885796p) adults aged 18 to 70 years (n=32) with active DFU are being recruited from an interdisciplinary High-Risk Foot Service (iHRFS) at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney Australia, and randomised to receive 12 weeks of supervised exercise (aerobic and resistance) training (Exercise) with usual care or usual care (Control) Measurements including fitness, metabolic and wound outcomes are acquired at baseline and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS
Preliminary baseline demographic, fitness and health data will be presented. Consideration for the scope of practice for AEPs in the multidisciplinary management of DFUs will be discussed incorporating observations and guidance on implementing exercise in a high risk DFU population, where there is limited patient and practitioner knowledge about safe and effective exercise options, and historical avoidance of physical activity to lessen the risk of wound deterioration. This will include consideration of aspects around exercise which are unique to people with DFUs, such as working with iHRFS, patient ambulation and transport, wound type and location, diversity of wound offloading devices and individual facilitators and barriers to exercise participation.

CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for robust evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of exercise intervention, and a need for strategies to engage AEPs into the multidisciplinary care of people with DFUs. Supported by the Exercise and Sports Science Australia Research Grant.
REGULAR LOW-DOSE CAFFEINE SUPPLEMENTATION DURING TRAINING DOES NOT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BENEFIT TO SUBSEQUENT EXERCISE PERFORMANCE IN AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL ATHLETES
Authors: Ducker Dr Kagan , Maylor Mr Joel , Hiscock Dr Daniel , Brade Dr Carly 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION & AIMS
Acute caffeine supplementation can improve exercise types like those completed by Australian Rules football (ARF) players during training. Hypothetically athletes could implement caffeine supplementation prior to training, allowing them to complete more training volume, improving adaptation and subsequent exercise performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of regular low-dose caffeine ingestion pre-training during a training block on subsequent exercise performance.

METHODS
Twenty-nine male semi-professional ARF players were randomly allocated to a caffeine or placebo group. The four-week intervention period involved participants ingesting 2 mg·kg·BM-1 of caffeine or a placebo 60 min prior to two of their three weekly training sessions, which incorporated sport-specific conditioning and skills training. To assess exercise performance, a battery of tests was used before and after the intervention period including the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YYIRT2), 20 m sprint and vertical jump (VJ). Performance differences were assessed using a linear mixed-effect model.

RESULTS
Mean session rating of perceived exertion (p = .24) and total training load (p =.53) were not different between caffeine and placebo groups over the intervention. There were no significant time x condition interaction effects for YYIRT2 accumulated distance (p = .87), or 5, 10 and 20 m sprint times (p =.06 - .44), however both caffeine and placebo groups improved YYIRT2 distance and sprint times following four weeks of training (p &lt; 0.01). There was a significant effect for time showing decreased VJ performance (p &lt; 0.01), with greater reductions in the placebo group (p = .03).

CONCLUSION
It is more beneficial to implement an effective training program for athletes rather than focusing effort on regular low-dose caffeine supplementation to augment the training stimulus. The training stimulus itself is typically greater for developing endurance and sprint effort performance, with supplemental caffeine showing no additional performance benefit.
EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE IN PEOPLE WITH METABOLIC-ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE: A META-ETHNOGRAPHIC REVIEW
Authors: Keating Dr Shelley , Dreyer Carla , Hallsworth Dr Kate , Stine Associate Professor Jonathan , Hickman Associate Professor Ingrid 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION & AIMS
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects one third of adults worldwide (&gt;5 million Australians) with significant health and socioeconomic burden. Physical activity (PA) is an effective component of MAFLD management, with Australian exercise guidelines recently developed. However, &lt;20% of people with MAFLD meet recommended PA targets. We aimed to review published data on the lived experiences and perceptions of PA and exercise in people with MAFLD.

METHODS
A meta-ethnographic synthesis was utilised to systematically review articles published in English relating to the experiences and perceptions of PA/exercise in people with MAFLD. Databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) were searched from inception to November 2023. Two researchers (CD, SK) independently screened titles and extracted data. Data (study-level themes and subthemes) were coded and themed using the validated Noblit and Hare model. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.

RESULTS
A total of 1538 articles were screened, with seven studies included (n=161 participants across six countries; overall study quality rated ‘high’). Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were the predominant methods. Key findings encompassed barriers to PA/exercise uptake and maintenance including: lack of awareness of MAFLD, which lowered risk perception; lack of information provision regarding the role and importance of PA/exercise for MAFLD management; lack of resources, tailored exercise plans or referrals; multiple comorbidities and symptoms including obesity, musculoskeletal conditions, pain and fatigue; ambivalence of perceived exercise capabilities and low exercise-related self-efficacy; lack of time and competing priorities. Reported enablers of PA/exercise included: accountability to themselves (e.g., habit forming) and to the healthcare professional; social support from family, friends, and healthcare providers; the experience of symptom relief and holistic benefits.

CONCLUSION
This study translated first-hand experiences and perceptions of physical activity and exercise for people with MAFLD, identifying priorities to target for improved uptake and maintenance.