title: The effect of tissue flossing on ankle range of motion, jump and sprint performance in elite rugby ‎union athletes

authors: Mills, Blair Stephen

abstract: Context:
Given the relatively novel technique of tissue flossing is currently lacking in the research literature despite some positive findings in preliminary studies, the modality clearly requires further research. Current evidence suggests that band flossing results in performance improvements and may also be an effective method in injury prevention.

Objective:
Previous research has shown that tissue flossing may result in increased ankle ROM, jump and sprinting performance in recreational athletes. The present study aims to extend on this research, within an elite athlete sample.

Design:
counter-balanced, crossover design with experimental and control trials, separated by one week.

Setting:
University laboratory.

Participants:
14 professional male rugby union athletes (mean ± SD: age; 23.9 ± 2.7).

Intervention:
Application of a floss band to both ankles (FLOSS) for two minutes or without flossing of the ankle joints (CON) on two separate occasions.

Main Outcome Measures:
A weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT), a countermovement (CMJ) jump test and a 20m sprint (SPRINT) test pre and at 5 and 30 minutes post application of the floss band or control.

Results:
There were no statistically significant interactions between treatment (FLOSS/CON) and time for any of the measured variables (p > 0.05). Effect size analysis revealed small benefits for FLOSS in comparison to CON for CMJ performance 5 mins post (d = 0.28) and for 10m (d = -0.45) and 15m (d = -0.24) sprint time 30 mins post.

Conclusion:
Findings from the current study suggest minimal benefits of tissue flossing when applied to the ankle joint in elite athletes for up to 30 minutes following their application.

text: The effect of tissue flossing on ankle range of motion, jump and sprint performance in elite rugby ‎union athletes Context:
Given the relatively novel technique of tissue flossing is currently lacking in the research literature despite some positive findings in preliminary studies, the modality clearly requires further research. Current evidence suggests that band flossing results in performance improvements and may also be an effective method in injury prevention.

Objective:
Previous research has shown that tissue flossing may result in increased ankle ROM, jump and sprinting performance in recreational athletes. The present study aims to extend on this research, within an elite athlete sample.

Design:
counter-balanced, crossover design with experimental and control trials, separated by one week.

Setting:
University laboratory.

Participants:
14 professional male rugby union athletes (mean ± SD: age; 23.9 ± 2.7).

Intervention:
Application of a floss band to both ankles (FLOSS) for two minutes or without flossing of the ankle joints (CON) on two separate occasions.

Main Outcome Measures:
A weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT), a countermovement (CMJ) jump test and a 20m sprint (SPRINT) test pre and at 5 and 30 minutes post application of the floss band or control.

Results:
There were no statistically significant interactions between treatment (FLOSS/CON) and time for any of the measured variables (p > 0.05). Effect size analysis revealed small benefits for FLOSS in comparison to CON for CMJ performance 5 mins post (d = 0.28) and for 10m (d = -0.45) and 15m (d = -0.24) sprint time 30 mins post.

Conclusion:
Findings from the current study suggest minimal benefits of tissue flossing when applied to the ankle joint in elite athletes for up to 30 minutes following their application.

year: 2019

title: Bridging language barriers in statistics for Year-12 Pasifika students: A collaborative study

authors: Sharma, Sashi

abstract: This paper focuses on the use of home languages as a resource for Pasifika students who are learning about statistical methods. It is acknowledged that there are connections between language use and mathematics in mathematics learning and teaching, and the potential challenges this issue can pose have been investigated by researchers. Yet how the challenges of the use of home language versus teaching language might be overcome in statistics classrooms, where language is even more important as a medium of instruction, has received very little scrutiny. This article reports on research carried out in three New Zealand largely Pasifika dominated Year-12 classes. Data was collected from audio recordings of student group discussions and teacher reflections while students were carrying out an investigation of existing datasets. Findings from the teacher reflection aspect of the study indicate that teachers can struggle with how to use home language and real-life contexts to maximise learning in their classroom. Some strategies to incorporate students home language in their learning worked better than others. However, more in-depth research is needed to explore language issues and the barriers they might present in statistics education.

text: Bridging language barriers in statistics for Year-12 Pasifika students: A collaborative study This paper focuses on the use of home languages as a resource for Pasifika students who are learning about statistical methods. It is acknowledged that there are connections between language use and mathematics in mathematics learning and teaching, and the potential challenges this issue can pose have been investigated by researchers. Yet how the challenges of the use of home language versus teaching language might be overcome in statistics classrooms, where language is even more important as a medium of instruction, has received very little scrutiny. This article reports on research carried out in three New Zealand largely Pasifika dominated Year-12 classes. Data was collected from audio recordings of student group discussions and teacher reflections while students were carrying out an investigation of existing datasets. Findings from the teacher reflection aspect of the study indicate that teachers can struggle with how to use home language and real-life contexts to maximise learning in their classroom. Some strategies to incorporate students home language in their learning worked better than others. However, more in-depth research is needed to explore language issues and the barriers they might present in statistics education.

year: 2018

title: Reha Aperahama: a Ngati Rahiri rangatira

authors: Hart, Philip

abstract: Reha Aperahama had an illustrious whakapapa and was affiliated to several hapu. His father was notable as one of the most loyal rangatira (from the Crown’s perspective) in Hauraki, and Reha followed his lead, probably in part because of the financial rewards he received from selling land to settlers. He tried to maximize his income from this source, spending several years pleading for permission to sell his Te Kawana block (near Te Aroha). After opposing Ngati Haua ambitions to acquire the Aroha block, by 1878 he was willing to encourage road building. 
Reha was regularly before the courts because of his inability or reluctance to pay his debts, occasionally perjuring himself to avoid liability. In his later years he had little money. Despite occasionally being drunk and even violent, he was an important figure in Maori society, with a leadership role in his hapu and in the Mormon church. He was also notable for his marital complications.

text: Reha Aperahama: a Ngati Rahiri rangatira Reha Aperahama had an illustrious whakapapa and was affiliated to several hapu. His father was notable as one of the most loyal rangatira (from the Crown’s perspective) in Hauraki, and Reha followed his lead, probably in part because of the financial rewards he received from selling land to settlers. He tried to maximize his income from this source, spending several years pleading for permission to sell his Te Kawana block (near Te Aroha). After opposing Ngati Haua ambitions to acquire the Aroha block, by 1878 he was willing to encourage road building. 
Reha was regularly before the courts because of his inability or reluctance to pay his debts, occasionally perjuring himself to avoid liability. In his later years he had little money. Despite occasionally being drunk and even violent, he was an important figure in Maori society, with a leadership role in his hapu and in the Mormon church. He was also notable for his marital complications.

year: 2016