Running quietly reduces ground reaction force and vertical loading rate and alters foot strike technique

This study aimed to determine if a quantifiable relationship exists between the peak sound amplitude and peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and vertical loading rate during running. It also investigated whether differences in peak sound amplitude, contact time, lower limb kinematics, kinetics and foot strike technique existed when participants were verbally instructed to run quietly compared to their normal running. A total of 26 males completed running trials for two sound conditions: normal running and quiet running. Simple linear regressions revealed no significant relationships between impact sound and peak vGRF in the normal and quiet conditions and vertical loading rate in the normal condition. t-Tests revealed significant within-subject decreases in peak sound, peak vGRF and vertical loading rate during the quiet compared to the normal running condition. During the normal running condition, 15.4% of participants utilised a non-rearfoot strike technique compared to 76.9% in the quiet condition, which was corroborated by an increased ankle plantarflexion angle at initial contact. This study demonstrated that quieter impact sound is not directly associated with a lower peak vGRF or vertical loading rate. However, given the instructions to run quietly, participants effectively reduced peak impact sound, peak vGRF and vertical loading rate

Effects of Static and Dynamic Hamstring Stretching on Anaerobic Exercise Performance

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Investigating Bilateral Asymmetries in Joint Angular Motion of the Lower Limb During Running

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Video Measures of Running Ground Contact Times and Vertical Ground Reaction Forces

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The Effects of an Adjustable Workout System on Performance Gains in Collegiate Lacrosse Athletes

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Demonstration of the use of the ICF framework in detailing complex functional deficits after major burn

Burns can result in long term impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions in a patients’ life. The focus of current surgeries and therapy is to improve body functions and structures. However, often this does not translate to an improvement in activity and participation for the patient. Improvement in activity and participation is the ultimate goal of all therapy to enhance patient’s quality of life. The incorporation of assessment measures at all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can assist in a holistic, patient centred approach to identify thecomplex impairments that impact on activity and participation, with a view to appropriately targeting future therapeutic interventions. This paper presents an example case of how implementing measures at all levels of the ICF can improve our understanding of a patient’s body functions and structures, activity and participation. A number of the outcome measures utilised in this study are novel in the burns population, such that video footage supplements the methodology where relevant

Indigenous community-based outreach program: The program and its evaluation

In 2004, the Drug and Alcohol Services Association (DASA) in Alice Springs to piloted the Indigenous Community-based Outreach Program. The main aim of this intervention is to provide evidence based follow-up services for clients in a post-treatment situation. In particular, this Program is to provide community outreach for Indigenous people who need specialised support to reduce the harm associated with substance use. DASA opened a combined detoxification and rehabilitation facility two years ago in Alice Springs. The Indigenous Outreach Team were paramount for the success of the facility; the Team refer many clients, and continue to provide support to clients throughout the rehabilitation process and eventually back into their normal lives, a process that can take well over a year.From its inception, the National Drug Research Institute progressively evaluated the Program. Using measures of success identified at the establishment of the Program, the results of the evaluation will be discussed, showing the evolution into the Program that is operating two years later.As this Program was funded as a pilot, evaluation has been integral to program sustainability. With evidence from the evaluation, the Program attracted recurrent funding and has expanded to employ three additional outreach workers. The Indigenous Community-based Outreach Program was awarded the 2008 National Drug and Alcohol Award for Excellence in Treatment and Support. This paper highlights the value and benefit of well-planned progressive evaluation for community-based interventions, as well as the importance of a Program evolving to meet the needs of the organisation and clientele