Exploring mental health approaches and curriculum in physiotherapy: an Australasian perspective

Background:Exposure to mental health problems are becoming increasingly more frequent within physiotherapy. Physiotherapists recognize the need for a biopsychosocial approach, how-ever their knowledge, assessment, and treatment skills specific to mental health problems requires further research.Purpose:To profile the level of education and perception of education that physiotherapists have acquired specific to mental health problems; and to profile an understanding of the current practice of physiotherapists specific to mental health problems.Methods:An online survey addressed the aims of the study and collected data from physiothera-pists in Australia and New Zealand (open between 20th of October 2022 to the 20th of March 2023).Results: 139 respondents were included in the analysis. Physiotherapists had a perception that a significantly greater amount of coursework related to mental health needed to be included within their initial degree compared to what they received (mean difference of 20.0%, 95% CI: 17.5 to 22.5). This trend was evident irrespective of the degree level or the year of graduation. Higher perceived knowledge of anxiety (MD of 11.4, p = 0.001, ES: 0.5) and depression (MD of 11.8, p = 0.001, ES: 0.5) was evident in outpatient care physiotherapists. Lack of perceived knowledge is a reason for whether an assessment or treatment strategy is used with patients experiencing a mental health problem. Motivational interviewing and mindfulness were the most frequently used psychologically based techniques.Conclusion:This study reveals the need to increase the amount of mental health and psycholo-gically based techniques within Physiotherapy curriculum

The Effects of a 2-hour Surfing Session on the Hydration Status of Male Recreational Surfers

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(6): 1388-1399, 2021. Surfing is a popular sport globally which is performed in varied environmental conditions. With limited research in the field exploring hydration, monitoring the effect of surfing on subject hydration is warranted. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between surfing intensity and hydration status. A total of ten recreational male surfers were recruited for this study where hydration status was assessed pre-and post-surf session by measures of body mass (BM) and urine specific gravity (USG). Intensity of the surf session was quantified by Global Positioning Systems and Heart Rate monitoring. Subjects surfed for two hours and covered an average distance of 4974.18 ± 542.62 m, with an average speed of 2.48 ± 0.27 km/h and peak speed of 31.86 ± 3.51 km/h. A statistically significant decrease in absolute and relative BM was observed (0.70 ± 0.4 kg, p \u3c 0.05 & 0.86 ± 0.54%, p \u3c 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant correlation was found between variables (total distance paddled and relative BM, r = 0.432, p = 0.245; average HR and relative BM change, r = -.246, p = 0.595). Total distance paddled combined with average HR significantly predicted relative body mass change (F(2,3) = 29.362, p = 0.011, adjusted R2 = 95.1%). The results demonstrate that a 2-hour recreational surfing session, in temperate environmental conditions, without neoprene garments resulted in minimal BM changes and no changes in USG. Surfers who paddle a greater distance at a higher average HR sustained greater BM changes

Isokinetic Dynamometry as a Tool to Predict Shoulder Injury in an Overhead Athlete Population: A Systematic Review

Prospective and cross-sectional studies have used pre-season isokinetic dynamometry strength and endurance measurements of shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) to determine if they can be correlated to injury. However, to date, no review has provided a synthesis of all available literature on this topic. The aim of this systematic review was to identify isokinetic dynamometry studies that assess shoulder IR and ER strength and endurance in the overhead athletic population in relation to shoulder injury. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and SportDiscus) were searched through September 2019 using pre-determined search terms. Both prospective and cross-sectional studies were included in this review. Studies were assessed for quality using either Appraisal Tool for Cross-sectional Studies (AXIS) or Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Data on outcome measures of strength and endurance peak torque (PT) and ratios (ER:IR) were extracted and further analysed using a best evidence synthesis approach. A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria. Conflicting evidence was found when reviewing all studies without differentiating by study type. Prospective study designs revealed strong evidence that reduced IR endurance and reduced strength ratios are predictive of shoulder injury. Cross-sectional literature showed only conflicting and limited evidence for all outcome measures. At this stage, more research is needed in individual sporting populations using prospective cohort designs

Effect of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on Hydration Status in Recreational and Competitive Individuals

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(6): 756-767, 2021. Stand up paddle (SUP) boarding is a popular water-based aquatic sport and recreational activity that continues to grow in popularity, however, little is known about its effect upon hydration status in recreational and elite level participants. The aim of this study was to examine the hydration status in SUP by investigating fluid loss through measurement of nude body mass. Thirty participants successfully completed the study. Hydration status was assessed by measurements of nude body mass taken pre and post SUP session. Intensity of the session was monitored throughout each session using a telemetry heart rate (HR) monitor; both mean and maximum HRs were assessed. Environmental conditions were recorded prior to each session and participants rated perceived hydration pre and post activity. SUP sessions average duration was 68 ± 13 mins (mean HR: 135 ± 20 bpm, peak HR: 167.1 ± 12 bpm). The average mass lost in a SUP session was 0.82 ± 0.4 kg (absolute), 0.03 ± 1 (relative BMI), 0.43 ± 0.2 (relative BSA) and the overall percentage of loss was 1.2 ± 0.6 % (p \u3c 0.01, d = 0.47). Key predictors (p \u3c 0.05) of fluid loss included ambient air temperature, gender (males), mean HR and SUP session duration. Results from this study suggest that SUP participants may require fluid loss monitoring to allow for effective rehydration strategies. Pre-hydration strategies are also recommended to avoid dehydration which is associated with decreased performance (aerobic and strength), increased core temperature, heart rate and may lead to detrimental health outcomes such as renal failure and heat illness in extreme circumstances