Using Inertial Measurement Units to Examine Selected Joint Kinematics in a Road Cycling Sprint: A Series of Single Cases.

Sprinting plays a significant role in determining the results of road cycling races worldwide. However, currently, there is a lack of systematic research into the kinematics of sprint cycling, especially in an outdoor, environmentally valid setting. This study aimed to describe selected joint kinematics during a cycling sprint outdoors. Three participants were recorded sprinting over 60 meters in both standing and seated sprinting positions on an outdoor course with a baseline condition of seated cycling at 20 km/h. The participants were recorded using array-based inertial measurement units to collect joint excursions of the upper and lower limbs including the trunk. A high-rate GPS unit was used to record velocity during each recorded condition. Kinematic data were analyzed in a similar fashion to running gait, where multiple pedal strokes were identified, delineated, and averaged to form a representative (average ± SD) waveform. Participants maintained stable kinematics in most joints studied during the baseline condition, but variations in ranges of movement were recorded during seated and standing sprinting. Discernable patterns started to emerge for several kinematic profiles during standing sprinting. Alternate sprinting strategies emerged between participants and bilateral asymmetries were also recorded in the individuals tested. This approach to studying road cycling holds substantial potential for researchers wishing to explore this sport.

Validating an inertial measurement unit for cricket fast bowling: a first step in assessing the feasibility of diagnosing back injury risk in cricket fast bowlers during a tele-sport-and-exercise medicine consultation.

This study aimed to validate an array-based inertial measurement unit to measure cricket fast bowling kinematics as a first step in assessing feasibility for tele-sport-and-exercise medicine. We concurrently captured shoulder girdle relative to the pelvis, trunk lateral flexion, and knee flexion angles at front foot contact of eight cricket medium-fast bowlers using inertial measurement unit and optical motion capture. We used one sample t-tests and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) to determine the mean difference between the two systems and Smallest Worth-while Change statistic to determine whether any differences were meaningful. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) but small mean difference of -4.7° ± 8.6° (95% Confidence Interval (CI) [-3.1° to -6.4°], LOA [-22.2 to 12.7], SWC 3.9°) in shoulder girdle relative to the pelvis angle was found between the systems. There were no statistically significant differences between the two systems in trunk lateral flexion and knee flexion with the mean differences being 0.1° ± 10.8° (95% CI [-1.9° to 2.2°], LOA [-22.5 to 22.7], SWC 1.2°) and 1.6° ± 10.1° (95% CI [-0.2° to 3.3°], LOA [-19.2 to 22.3], SWC 1.9°) respectively. The inertial measurement unit-based system tested allows for accurate measurement of specific cricket fast bowling kinematics and could be used in determining injury risk in the context of tele-sport-and-exercise-medicine.

Relationship Between Mechanical Effectiveness in Sprint Running and Force-Velocity Characteristics of a Countermovement Jump in Australian Rules Football Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Morris, CG, Weber, JA, and Netto, KJ. Relationship between mechanical effectiveness in sprint running and force-velocity characteristics of a countermovement jump in Australian rules football athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): e59-e65, 2022-This study evaluated the mechanical determinants of 40-m sprint performance in elite Australian Rules Football (ARF) athletes and identified variables of countermovement jumps (CMJs) that related to the sprint. Fourteen elite male ARF athletes (age = 22.7 ± 3.6 years; height = 1.88 ± 0.08 m; mass = 88.2 ± 9.38 kg) completed two 40-m sprints and 3 CMJs. Sprint mechanics were calculated using inverse dynamic methods from sprint times, anthropometric and spatiotemporal data, whereas CMJ variables were obtained from in-ground force plates. Associations between sprint mechanics, sprint performance, and CMJ variables were identified using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A p-value of <0.036 was considered statistically significant for all analyses after performing Bonferroni correction adjustment. Relative peak running power was significantly correlated (p < 0.036, r = -0.781 to -0.983) with sprint split times across all distances (5-40 m). Relative maximum horizontal force significantly correlated with acceleration performance (0-20 m, p < 0.036, r = -0.887 to -0.989). Maximum running velocity was significantly correlated (p < 0.036, r = -0.714 to -0.970) with sprint times across 20-40 m. Relative peak force in the CMJ was significantly associated (p < 0.036, r = -0.589 to -0.630) with sprint kinetics (power and horizontal force) and 5-20-m sprint times. Jump height and concentric time in the CMJ were significantly (p < 0.036) correlated with sprint time at 20 m (r = -0.550 and r = 0.546), respectively. These results indicate emphasis should be placed on training protocols that improve relative peak power, particularly in time-constrained environments such as team sports, focusing on maximal force production or maximal running velocity ability. Furthermore, associations between CMJ variables and sprint performance provide practitioners with an approach to assess sprint performance in-season, monitor training adaptations and further individualize training interventions, without requiring maximal sprint testing.

Posture and Muscle Activity during Waste Collection Work.

The musculoskeletal load in waste collection has been examined through simulated assessment of pulling and pushing bins as well as lifting and throwing rubbish bags. With the onset of mechanization, many of these tasks do not exist and workers are faced with other loads not previously assessed. The purpose of this study was to quantify the postures and muscle activity during mechanized waste collection work. Three subtasks of mechanized waste collection were identified, namely driving, bin collection, and egress and access of the vehicle. Spinal, shoulder, and upper limb kinematics along with surface electromyography from three muscles were collected during these tasks in a typical work shift. During driving and bin collection, participants adopted a head-extended, torso forward-flexed posture with frequent rotations of the head and neck. Egress and access of the vehicle produced substantially larger ranges of movement compared with driving and bin collection. The forward-flex, sitting posture can increase the risk of low back pain if there are undulations in the terrain and if this posture is adopted for prolonged periods. The frequent head and neck rotations can increase the incidence and severity of neck pain. Prolonged driving has been linked with an increased cardiometabolic risk and egress and access has increased risk of trips and falls from a height. Managers of waste collection workers should consider implementing interventions to reduce the exposure of this important workforce to the deleterious demands of their work.

Head Accelerations during a 1-on-1 Rugby Tackling Drill Performed by Experienced Rugby Union Players.

Rugby Union is a popular sport played by males and females worldwide, from junior to elite levels. The highly physical skill of tackling occurs every few seconds throughout a match and various injuries associated with tackling are relatively common. Of particular interest are head injuries that result in a concussion. Recently, repeated non-injurious head impacts in sport have attracted the attention of researchers interested in brain health. Therefore, this study assessed head movement during repeated rugby tackle drills among experienced Rugby Union players. Experienced male and female participants performed 15 1-on-1 tackles in a motion analysis laboratory to measure the head movements of the ball carrier and tackler during each tackle, using three-dimensional motion capture. The average peak acceleration of the head for ball carriers was 28.9 ± 24.08 g and 36.67 ± 28.91 g for the tacklers. This study found that the type of head impacts common while performing a tackle in Rugby Union are similar to those experienced by soccer players during heading, which has been found to alter brain function that lasts hours after the event. This has important implications for player health and suggests that mitigation strategies should be considered for Rugby Union.

Comparing shallow, deep, and transfer learning in predicting joint moments in running.

Joint moments are commonly calculated in biomechanics research and provide an indirect measure of muscular behaviors and joint loads. However, joint moments cannot be easily quantified clinically or in the field, primarily due to challenges measuring ground reaction forces outside the laboratory. The present study aimed to compare the accuracy of three different machine learning (ML) techniques - functional regression [ MLfregress ], a deep neural network (DNN) built from scratch [ MLDNN ], and transfer learning [ MLTL ], in predicting joint moments during running. Data for this study came from an open-source dataset and two studies on running with and without external loads. Three-dimensional (3D) joint moments of the hip, knee, and ankle, were derived using inverse dynamics. 3D joint angle, velocity, and acceleration of the three joints served as predictors for each of the three ML techniques. Prediction performance was generally the best using MLDNN, and the worse using MLfregress. Absolute predictive performance was the best for sagittal plane moments, which ranged from a RMSE of 0.16 Nm/kg at the ankle using MLDNN, to a RMSE of 0.49Nm/kg at the knee using MLfregress. MLDNN resulted in the greatest improvement in relative prediction performance (relRMSE) by 20% compared to MLfregress for the ankle adduction-abduction moment. DNN with or without transfer learning was superior in predicting joint moments using kinematic inputs compared to functional regression. Synergizing ML with kinematic inputs has the potential to solve the constraints of obtaining high fidelity biomechanics data normally only possible during laboratory studies.

Lower-limb stiffness mediates speed but not turning angle during unplanned side-step cutting.

An inability to pre-plan a side-step cutting maneuver results in a greater reduction in speed and shallower cut angle. Although leg stiffness has not been directly quantified in cutting, indirect evidence suggest that greater stiffness may benefit cutting speed, but lower stiffness may benefit cut angle. No studies have investigated if stiffness causally mediates the relationship between anticipation, cutting speed and angle. The aims of the present study were to determine the influence of anticipatory cues on leg stiffness, and quantify the mediation effects of stiffness on cutting speed and angle. Seventeen healthy participants performed a 45° cut at an approach speed of 4 m/s. Leg stiffness (% bodyweight/leg length [BW/LL]), cutting angle and change in running speed between initial contact and toe-off of the cut were calculated. Causal mediation analysis was performed with anticipatory cues as the independent variable, cutting speed and angle as the dependent variables, and stiffness as the mediator. Unanticipated cutting significantly increased leg stiffness (ß=3.82%BW/LL,P=0.005) compared to anticipated cutting. The average causal mediation effect of stiffness on cutting angle was not significant (P = 0.68). The average causal mediation effect of stiffness on cutting speed was significant (-0.02 m/s [95%CI -0.04 to 0.00 m/s, P = 0.016). Reduced preplanning time in cutting increased leg stiffness. Alterations in leg stiffness only explained the change in speed, and not angle, associated with cutting under different anticipatory cues. Loss of speed when cutting is unplanned may be mitigated by improving leg stiffness.

Kinematic and perceptual responses in heavy lifting and pulling: Are there differences between males and females?

This study investigated kinematic and perceptual differences between the sexes in a heavy lifting and pulling task. A 20 kg box was lifted from floor to chest height, and a 70 kg mannequin pulled across 20m. The effect of height, mass and average grip strength on kinematics and perceived workload was examined in 42 (19 females, 23 males) healthy individuals. A univariate linear regression analysis found females lifted with greater lumbar extension compared to males (p < 0.001), and adopted more hip (p = 0.006) and knee flexion (p = 0.036) in the pulling task. Females reported a greater perceived workload in both tasks (p < 0.001). After the multivariable analysis, only grip strength remained significant for perceived workload in the lift (p = 0.04), and height for knee flexion in the pull (p = 0.009). This highlights that height and strength are important factors driving kinematics and perceived workload. Clinicians may consider these factors in heavy manual tasks, more so than sex.

The Effect of Sub-Concussive Impacts during a Rugby Tackling Drill on Brain Function.

Concussion is known to detrimentally affect brain health. Rugby tackles commonly occur with high collision force between tackler and ball carrier, and low impact head contact is not uncommon. Cognitive deficits following a bout of soccer ball heading has been attributed to the impact and termed sub-concussion. Although soccer ball heading studies provide evidence for acute effects of sub-concussion, it is unknown whether this phenomenon occurs following rugby tackles. This study investigates the acute effects of rugby tackles on brain function and balance in rugby players. Twenty-six volunteers were assigned to either the ball carrier (9), tackler (9) or control (8) group. Controls performed running without the tackle. Outcome measures included corticomotor function using transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) and balance was assessed by a series of tasks performed on a NeuroCom Balance Master before and immediately after a tackle training drill. Following the tackling bout, the cortical silent period (cSP) increased for the tacklers with no change for ball carrier and control groups, and no differences between groups for balance measures were observed. Lengthening of cSP observed in the tacklers following the bout has been reported in studies of concussion and may indicate long term detrimental effects.

Trunk-pelvis coordination during load carriage running.

Understanding the influence of load carriage on trunk-pelvis coordination and its variability has important functional implications for athletes who need to run with load. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of load carriage on trunk-pelvis coordination in running. Thirty healthy adults performed running while wearing a 20% bodyweight backpack, and without load. Vector coding was used to quantify trunk-pelvis segmental coordination and its variability during the stance phase of running. The four coordination patterns were: 1) anti-phase (segments moving in opposite directions), in-phase (segments moving in same directions), trunk-only phase (only trunk movement), and pelvic-only phase (only pelvic movement). For each plane, the percentage of stance phase spent in a specific coordination pattern was quantified. Coordination variability for each plane was averaged over the stance phase. Mixed effects models were used to analyse the effects of load, adjusted for the covariate of sex, on coordination and its variability. Running with load increased trunk-only coordination in the sagittal plane (P < 0.001), increased anti-phase coordination in the frontal plane (P < 0.001), reduced trunk-only phase coordination in axial rotation (P < 0.001), and increased coordination variability in all three planes (Flexion-Extension: P < 0.001; Lateral flexion: P = 0.03; Axial rotation: P < 0.001). Future studies would benefit from investigating how trunk-pelvis coordination and its variability alters candidate end-point variability indices (e.g. COM displacement), and its functional implications in load carriage running.

Mechanical work performed by distal foot-ankle and proximal knee-hip segments during anticipated and unanticipated cutting.

Side-step cutting is a common evasive maneuver which is typically performed without prior anticipation. Studies quantifying joint work and its inter-joint proportions in cutting have not accounted for work done by the foot, even though this segment has been shown to be an important source of mechanical work in walking, running, and landing. The aims of this study were to: (1) quantify the magnitude of foot work performed and provide a more precise account of percentage joint work during cutting, and (2) examine the effect, a lack of anticipation had on these variables. Three-dimensional motion capture with forceplates were used to assess the cutting behaviour of 17 healthy participants. All participants performed a 45° cut with an approach speed of 4 m/s. Hip, knee, and ankle joint work were calculated using inverse dynamics; whilst foot work was quantified using the Unified-Deformable foot method. The foot contributed up to 12.45% and 3.09% of total limb negative and positive work, respectively. Unanticipated cutting significantly reduced ankle positive work (-0.09 J/kg [95% CI -0.13 to -0.06], P < 0.001) and significantly reduced percentage ankle positive work (-2.17% [95% CI -3.47 to -0.86], P = 0.001). The foot performs as much negative work as the hip but had only a minor contribution to positive work during cutting. Anticipation had a negligible influence on joint work and its inter-joint proportions. The foot should not be neglected in understanding whole-body dynamics during cutting, with greater understanding of its function potentially useful for informing athletic footwear design and cutting technique modification.

THE EFFECT OF A RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS-BASED POWER-FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM ON THE LOWER LIMB FLEXIBILITY AND POWER OF CONTEMPORARY DANCERS.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing cross-fertilization between the movements in contemporary dance and aesthetic sports such as rhythmic gymnastics. In such sports, supplementary training is commonly used to enable athletes to achieve all of their training goals, however dancers typically do not engage in cross training from other disciplines. PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to test the effectiveness of a rhythmic gymnastics-based supplementary training program on lower limb flexibility and power of contemporary dancers. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study using a between-groups design. SETTING: Training Intervention: Prahran Rhythmic Gymnastics Specialist Centre, Testing: Deakin University. METHODS: Eleven female contemporary dancers were randomly assigned to either a control or intervention group. The intervention group (n = 6) participated in an eight-week rhythmic gymnastics-based supplementary training program comprising two one-hour sessions per week in addition to their usual training. The control group (n = 5) continued their usual dance training. Pre and post measures of range of motion (ROM) and power were taken via a dance-specific kick test using an isokinetic dynamometer and a customized grand jeté test in a 3D-motion laboratory. RESULTS: Significant increases in right and left leg grand jeté ROM, right leg peak kicking torque and left leg grand jeté height were recorded in the intervention compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that rhythmic gymnastics training could provide a viable means for contemporary dancers to target active ROM and power of explosive dance movements. Future research should include subjective evaluations of dance performers to confirm that training adaptions are transferred to improvements in performance quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Agricultural Dust Exposures and Health and Safety Practices among Western Australian Wheatbelt Farmers during Harvest.

BACKGROUND: Agricultural farmworkers are routinely exposed to high levels of airborne dust particles that have been linked to adverse health outcomes. METHODS: This study measured personal and environmental exposures to dust particulates by farmworkers during harvesting activities. Farmers completed a workplace survey with regards to their health and safety awareness and practices and researchers observed general farm safety practices on selected farms using a checklist. RESULTS: In this study, farmers were noted to commonly work extended hours and shifts during harvest due to rigid timing deadlines. Results showed that 40% of farmers were exposed to concentrations of inhalable particles greater than SafeWork Australia's workplace exposure standards for grain dusts, assuming a 16 h working day over 5 shifts. Twenty-two percent were exposed to concentrations that were above the adjusted standard for 12 h shifts. Survey results showed that three-quarters of farm owners provided new workers with some type of induction related to farm safety, however this was mostly undertaken in an arbitrary manner. Despite noting that farming was a dusty occupation and reporting to use protective measures to reduce harmful dust exposures, no workers were observed to wear respiratory protection when working outside of the protection of a vehicle cabin. CONCLUSION: This study identified substantial gaps in health and safety knowledge among farm managers and workers, and improved education and training are highly recommended.

Defining gait patterns using Parallel Factor 2 (PARAFAC2): A new analysis of previously published data.

Three-dimensional gait analysis (3D-GA) is commonly used to answer clinical questions of the form "which joints and what variables are most affected during when". When studying high-dimensional datasets, traditional dimension reduction methods (e.g. principal components analysis) require "data flattening", which may make the ensuing solutions difficult to interpret. The aim of the present study is to present a case study of how a multi-dimensional dimension reduction technique, Parallel Factor 2 (PARAFAC2), provides a clinically interpretable set of solutions to typical biomechanical datasets where different variables are collected during walking and running. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data used for the present analyses came from two publicly available datasets on walking (n = 33) and running (n = 28). For each dataset, a four-dimensional array was constructed as follows: Mode A was time normalized cycle points; mode B was the number of participants multiplied by the number of speed conditions tested; mode C was the number of joint degrees of freedom, and mode D was variable (angle, velocity, moment, power). Five factors for walking and four factors for running were extracted which explained 79.23% and 84.64% of their dataset's variance. The factor which explains the greatest variance was swing-phase sagittal plane knee kinematics (walking), and kinematics and kinetics (running). Qualitatively, all extracted factors increased in magnitude with greater speed in both walking and running. This study is a proof of concept that PARAFAC2 is useful for performing dimension reduction and producing clinically interpretable solutions to guide clinical decision making.

Biomechanical correlates of running performance in active children.

OBJECTIVES: Examine the running kinematics in healthy, physically active prepubescent children and to determine if specific biomechanical factors correlate with running performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Fifteen children (age 9years, ±11months) completed a 1km time trial before undergoing three-dimensional running motion analysis. RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was observed between the biomechanical variables of stride length (p<.01), contact time (p<.01) and ankle dorsiflexion angle (p=.04) with time trial performance. Between variable analyses revealed a strong positive correlation between peak angles of hip adduction and knee flexion. There was no correlation between hip adduction and knee flexion peak angles or the vertical displacement of centre of mass with trial performance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that children with a better time trial performance display longer stride length, shorter contact time and mid or forefoot strike pattern. These findings have implications for targeted technique intervention in children's running training to improve running performance.

Deceleration characteristics of elite Australian male field hockey players during an Olympic tournament.

OBJECTIVES: This study described the deceleration efforts of the Australian men's field hockey team during the 2016 Olympics by categorising efforts into 'bands' of intensity; and comparing the deceleration intensity and frequency by player position, game period and opponent. DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective analysis. METHODS: Global positioning system sensors (MinimaxX S4, Catapult Sports Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, Australia; 10Hz) were worn by 15 male field hockey players during six games of the 2016 Olympic tournament. RESULTS: There were 8998 individual deceleration efforts (≤-3ms-2) performed over the tournament with the most intense effort measured at -13.6ms-2. Deceleration intensity 'bands' were calculated using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves as low intensity=-3 to -5.99ms-2; medium intensity=-6 to -8.99ms-2; high intensity=-9 to -11.99ms-2; and, very high intensity=<-12ms-2. There were no significantly different decelerations between field positions but decelerations performed within game period one were more intense than game period two (-0.11±0.01ms-2, p<0.001). Deceleration efforts were more frequent in game period one than two [X2(3, N=8997)=12.00, p=0.007]. CONCLUSIONS: Decelerations are common in elite field hockey and very high intensities are present. These findings, in conjunction with other metrics can be used as a tool to monitor the load associated with training and match play in field hockey.

Noise Exposure on Mixed Grain and Livestock Farms in Western Australia.

Noise presents an ongoing occupational health and safety issue, which despite numerous studies still presents a significant risk in agriculture with high exposures prevalent. In this study, we measured noise exposures associated with significant activities on 42 mixed grain and livestock farms in Western Australia. Employing a mixture of personal noise measurements using dosimeters, noise measurements using sound level meters, and a validated survey, we identified that 32% of farm workers were exposed to noise levels above the LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) limit, before considering extended shifts. We also noted that extended shift lengths, of up to 16 h in some cases, were possible. In addition, we found that 37% of workers were exposed to noise peak of 140 dB(C) or greater. It was further noted that hearing protection is not typically worn for the duration of an activity and is only for a small number of tasks. However we did find some evidence that farmers had begun to implement some form of noise management practice, usually in the form of buying quieter equipment or separating noisy tasks from quiet tasks. Improved education for farmer and farm workers in terms of the risks posed by noise, identifying noisy tasks, is recommended, as well as a programme to encourage better and consistent use of hearing protection.

Not all brawn, but some brain. Strength gains after training alters kinematic motor abundance in hopping.

BACKGROUND: The effects of resistance training on a muscle's neural, architectural, and mechanical properties are well established. However, whether resistance training can positively change the coordination of multiple motor elements in the control of a well-defined lower limb motor performance objective remains unclear. Such knowledge is critical given that resistance training is an essential and ubiquitous component in gait rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate if strength gains of the ankle and knee extensors after resistance training increases kinematic motor abundance in hopping. METHODS: The data presented in this study represents the pooled group results of a sub-study from a larger project investigating the effects of resistance training on load carriage running energetics. Thirty healthy adults performed self-paced unilateral hopping, and strength testing before and after six weeks of lower limb resistance training. Motion capture was used to derive the elemental variables of planar segment angles of the foot, shank, thigh, and pelvis, and the performance variable of leg length. Uncontrolled manifold analysis (UCM) was used to provide an index of motor abundance (IMA) in the synergistic coordination of segment angles in the stabilization of leg length. Bayesian Functional Data Analysis was used for statistical inference, with a non-zero crossing of the 95% Credible Interval (CrI) used as a test of significance. RESULTS: Depending on the phase of hop stance, there were significant main effects of ankle and knee strength on IMA, and a significant ankle by knee interaction effect. For example at 10% hop stance, a 1 Nm/kg increase in ankle extensor strength increased IMA by 0.37 (95% CrI [0.14-0.59]), a 1 Nm/kg increase in knee extensor strength decreased IMA by 0.29 (95% CrI [0.08-0.51]), but increased the effect of ankle strength on IMA by 0.71 (95% CrI [0.10-1.33]). At 55% hop stance, a 1 Nm/kg increase in knee extensor strength increase IMA by 0.24 (95% CrI [0.001-0.48]), but reduced the effect of ankle strength on IMA by 0.71 (95% CrI [0.13-1.32]). DISCUSSION: Resistance training not only improves strength, but also the structure of coordination in the control of a well-defined motor objective. The role of resistance training on motor abundance in gait should be investigated in patient cohorts, other gait patterns, and its translation into functional improvements.

Hip Taping Positively Alters Running Kinematics in Asymptomatic Females.

Greater functional knee valgus (FKV) is thought to contribute to a greater risk of sustaining overuse running injuries. The hip is commonly implicated in greater functional knee valgus, but no studies have investigated the effects of hip taping on running kinematics. The present study investigated whether or not hip taping altered hip and knee kinematics compared to sham and no taping in female runners demonstrating excessive functional knee valgus. Lower limb stance-phase kinematics were collected from 23 female runners using three-dimensional motion capture. Participants performed over ground running at 3.5 m/s and 5.0 m/s. Three taping conditions (no tape; sham tape; hip tape) were tested. Statistical inference was performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping Hotelling's paired t-tests, with post-hoc paired t-tests. Hip taping significantly decreased hip adduction and internal rotation angles throughout stance phase by up to 7°, compared to sham and no taping. Hip taping significantly increased knee adduction, internal rotation, flexion, and reduced peak knee flexion angles, compared to no tape. Hip taping reduced excessive hip motion by clinically meaningful magnitudes, and also benefited knee frontal and transverse plane kinematics at the slower running speed. Hip taping may provide an immediate solution in correcting FKV in running.

Occupational exposures to agricultural dust by Western Australian wheat-belt farmers during seeding operations.

Agricultural operations routinely expose farm workers to high levels of soil dust and other airborne particulate matter that have been linked to adverse health outcomes. The main objective of this study was to investigate exposure to agricultural dust during seeding operations of Western Australian farm workers. Twenty-one wheat-belt farms were recruited to participate in the study. Data were collected over the 6-week seeding period of April-June 2014. Each farm was visited once, and workers were asked to complete a workplace survey that asked questions related to minimizing exposure to agricultural dusts and occupational health and safety issues on their farm. Farmers were also asked to simultaneously participate in monitoring of personal exposure to inhalable or respirable dust along with real-time monitoring for particulate air pollution in their tractor cabin. Sampling was undertaken for 4 hr. The results showed that, on average, Western Australian farmers were exposed to personal respirable dust concentrations above the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists recommended guideline values, with some farmers being exposed to concentrations up to seven times higher than the value for respirable dusts. In comparison, in-cabin dust concentrations were lower, although some individual tractors recorded intermittently higher levels, which might be attributed to the type of work activity or process being undertaken. Remaining in tractor cabins with closed doors and windows with properly maintained seals might minimize the infiltration of hazardous dusts and may provide some protection from dust exposures. Future research should focus on educating and providing farm owners and workers with more information on adopting work processes and procedures related to minimizing harmful exposures to agricultural dusts.