Selected Papers from the 5th International Electronic Conference on Sensors and Applications

This Special Issue comprises selected papers from the proceedings of the 5th International Electronic Conference on Sensors and Applications, held on 15–30 November 2018, on sciforum.net, an online platform for hosting scholarly e-conferences and discussion groups. In this 5th edition of the electronic conference, contributors were invited to provide papers and presentations from the field of sensors and applications at large, resulting in a wide variety of excellent submissions and topic areas. Papers which attracted the most interest on the web or that provided a particularly innovative contribution were selected for publication in this collection. These peer-reviewed papers are published with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications. We hope this conference series will grow rapidly in the future and become recognized as a new way and venue by which to (electronically) present new developments related to the field of sensors and their applications

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Incidence of Injury in Professional Female Soccer

The epidemiology of injury in male professional football is well documented and has been used as a basis to monitor injury trends and implement injury prevention strategies. There are no systematic reviews that have investigated injury incidence in women’s professional football. Therefore, the extent of injury burden in women’s professional football remains unknown. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to calculate an overall incidence rate of injury in senior female professional soccer. The secondary aims were to provide an incidence rate for training and match play. METHODS: PubMed, Discover, EBSCO, Embase and ScienceDirect electronic databases were searched from inception to September 2018. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement using a 22-item STROBE checklist. Seven prospective studies (n=1137 professional players) were combined in a pooled analysis of injury incidence using a mixed effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane Q statistic and I2. RESULTS: The epidemiological incidence proportion over one season was 0.62 (95% CI 0.59 - 0.64). Mean total incidence of injury was 3.15 (95% CI 1.54 - 4.75) injuries per 1000 hours. The mean incidence of injury during match play was 10.72 (95% CI 9.11 - 12.33) and during training was 2.21 (95% CI 0.96 - 3.45). Data analysis found a significant level of heterogeneity (total Incidence, X2 = 16.57 P < 0.05; I2 = 63.8%) and during subsequent sub group analyses in those studies reviewed (match incidence, X2 = 76.4 (d.f. = 7), P <0.05; I2 = 90.8%, training incidence, X2 = 16.97 (d.f. = 7), P < 0.05; I2 = 58.8%). Appraisal of the study methodologies revealed inconsistency in the use of injury terminology, data collection procedures and calculation of exposure by researchers. Such inconsistencies likely contribute to the large variance in the incidence and prevalence of injury reported. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated risk of sustaining at least one injury over one football season is 62%. Continued reporting of heterogeneous results in population samples limits meaningful comparison of studies. Standardising the criteria used to attribute injury and activity coupled with more accurate methods of calculating exposure will overcome such limitations

A randomised controlled feasibility trial to investigate the effects of a functional standing frame programme versus usual physiotherapy to improve function and quality of life and reduce neuromuscular impairment in people with severe sub-acute stroke

Background Task-related training can aid functional recovery post-stroke but has not been investigated in people with severe stroke. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) may limit rehabilitation, therefore, the effects of undertaking prolonged standing and sit to stand repetitions (functional standing frame programme) early after severe stroke during inpatient sub-acute rehabilitation is unknown. Methods A systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions to treat OH in people with neurological conditions was undertaken to inform a protocol for the management of OH during the functional standing frame programme. The feasibility of a blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effects of a functional standing frame programme compared to usual physiotherapy for people with severe stroke was conducted. Primary (Barthel Index, Edmans ADL Index for Stroke) and secondary outcomes (including lower limb joint range of movement, knee extensor strength, and quality of life) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 15-, 29- and 55-weeks post-randomisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants, relatives and physiotherapists to explore experiences of the intervention and trial procedures. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive analysis. Results The systematic review included randomised controlled trials (n=13), quasiexperimental (n=27), case control (n=1) and case report (n=2). A meta-analysis of seven studies concluded electrical stimulation, lower limb compression and resistance exercise training were favourable in treating or reducing OH. Forty-five participants (51-96 years; 42% male, mRS 4=80% 5=20%) were recruited; n=22 randomised to intervention, n=23 to control. Twenty-seven participants completed the trial: n=12 died (n=7 intervention), n=2 moved out of area, n=4 withdrawn. Adherence to the intervention was low: 38-51% of possible sessions being completed; average session duration 39.40 minutes (±18.8); standing duration 12.52 minutes (±8.8); and mean sit-to-stand repetitions 4.64 (±3.9 SD) per session. 91% of sessions were enjoyed. Adherence was affected by patient, physiotherapist and organisational factors. Conclusion A definitive RCT of a functional standing frame programme is feasible for people with severe stroke. However, intervention adherence need to be addressed before progressing to a definitive trial, which will investigate clinical and cost effectiveness.National Institute for Health Researc