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Background. Pilates exercise is recommended for people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). In the literature, however, Pilates exercise is described and applied differently to treat people with CLBP. These differences in the definition and application of Pilates exercise make it difficult to evaluate its effectiveness. Objective. The aim of this study was to establish consensus regarding the definition and application of Pilates exercise to treat people with CLBP. Methods. A panel of Australian physical therapists who are experienced in treating people with CLBP using Pilates exercise were surveyed using the Delphi technique. Three electronic questionnaires were used to collect the respondents' opinions. Answers to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically, combined with systematic literature review findings, and translated into statements about Pilates exercise for people with CLBP. Participants then rated their level of agreement with these statements using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved when 70% of the panel members strongly agreed, agreed, or somewhat agreed (or strongly disagreed, disagreed, or somewhat disagreed) with an item. Results. Thirty physical therapists completed all 3 questionnaires and reached consensus on the majority of items. Participants agreed that Pilates exercise requires body awareness, breathing, movement control, posture, and education. It was recommended that people with CLBP should undertake supervised sessions for 30 to 60 minutes, twice per week, for 3 to 6 months. Participants also suggested that people with CLBP would benefit from individualized assessment and exercise prescription, supervision and functional integration of exercises, and use of specialized equipment. Limitations. Item consensus does not guarantee the accuracy of findings. This survey reflects the opinion of only 30 physical therapists and requires validation in future trials. Conclusion. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Pilates exercise and how it is utilized by physical therapists to treat people with CLBP. This information provides direction for future research into Pilates exercise, but findings need to be interpreted within the context of study limitations., Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is defined as back pain of more than 12 weeks' duration between the lower ribs and above the gluteal folds, with or without leg pain. [...]

Background. The effectiveness of Pilates exercise for treating people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is yet to be established. Understanding how to identify people with CLBP who may benefit, or not benefit, from Pilates exercise and the benefits and risks of Pilates exercise will assist in trial design. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus regarding the indications, contraindications, and precautions of Pilates exercise and the potential benefits and risks of Pilates exercise for people with CLBP. Methods. A panel of 30 Australian physical therapists experienced in the use of Pilates exercise were surveyed using the Delphi technique. Three electronic questionnaires were used to collect participant opinions. Answers to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically, combined with research findings, and translated into statements about Pilates exercise. Participants then rated their level of agreement with statements using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved when 70% of panel members agreed or disagreed with an item. Results. Thirty physical therapists completed the 3 questionnaires. Consensus was reached on 100% of items related to the benefits, indications, and precautions of Pilates exercise, on 50% of items related to risks, and on 56% of items related to contraindications. Participants agreed that people who have poor body awareness and maladaptive movement patterns may benefit from Pilates exercise, whereas those with pre-eclampsia, unstable spondylolisthesis, or a fracture may not benefit. Participants also agreed that Pilates exercise may improve functional ability, movement confidence, body awareness, posture, and movement control. Limitations. The findings reflect the opinions of only 30 Australian physical therapists and not all health professionals nationally or internationally. These findings, therefore, need to be verified in future research trials. Conclusions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the indications, contraindications, and precautions of Pilates exercise and the benefits and risks of Pilates exercise for people with CLBP. This information can assist in design of future trials examining the effectiveness of Pilates exercise., Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is common, affecting approximately 23% of people in their lifetime. (1-3) This condition leads to significant disability and is associated with a large socioeconomic burden. [...]

OBJECTIVE Lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are best positioned for success if participants live in supportive neighborhood environments. Deprived neighborhoods increase T2DM risk. Parks and other 'green [...]

Occupational stress is of increasing concern for employers and employees. The term stress has multiple, and at times conflicting, definitions and uses in the academic literature. In addition very little investigation has related to how employees define stress, and whether their definitions have any relationship to those used by academics. This may call into question the relevance of academic research to those who experience, or must attempt to manage, stress. This paper investigated managers' experiences and concepts of stress and finds a core of agreement between managers' experience of stress and academic definitions.

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01203.x Byline: Gregory S. Kolt (*[dagger]), Grant M. Schofield ([dagger]), Ngaire Kerse ([double dagger]), Nick Garrett ([dagger]), Melody Oliver ([dagger]) Keywords: physical activity; primary healthcare; randomized; controlled trial; older people Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term effectiveness of a telephone counseling intervention on physical activity and health-related quality of life in low-active older adults recruited through their primary care physician. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Three primary care practices from different socioeconomic regions of Auckland, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and eighty-six low-active adults (aged 65) recruited from their primary care physicians' patient databases. INTERVENTION: Eight telephone counseling sessions over 12 weeks based on increasing physical activity. Control patients received usual care. MEASUREMENTS: Change in physical activity (as measured using the Auckland Heart Study Physical Activity Questionnaire) and quality of life (as measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)) over a 12-month period. RESULTS: Moderate leisure physical activity increased by 86.8 min/wk more in the intervention group than in the control group (P=.007). More participants in the intervention group reached 2.5 hours of moderate or vigorous leisure physical activity per week after 12 months (42% vs 23%, odds ratio=2.9, 95% confidence interval=1.33-6.32, P=.007). No differences on SF-36 measures were observed between the groups at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Telephone-based physical activity counseling is effective at increasing physical activity over 12 months in previously low-active older adults. Author Affiliation: (*)School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia ([dagger])Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand ([double dagger])Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Article note: Address correspondence to Gregory S. Kolt, PhD, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, New South Wales 1797, Australia. E-mail: g.kolt@uws.edu.au

The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions, barriers and enablers to physical activity (PA) and minimising sedentary behaviour among Arab‐Australians, a group who have lower levels of PA and higher rates of certain chronic diseases when compared with the general Australian population. A total of 28 Arab‐Australians aged 35‐64 years participated in one of five focus groups conducted in Western Sydney during 2017‐2018, a culturally diverse region in New South Wales, Australia. Focus group duration ranged from 35‐90 minutes with 4‐7 participants in each group. Focus group data were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Participants had a general understanding of PA and the associated health benefits. Fewer participants were aware of the independent health effects associated with prolonged sitting. A lack of time and motivation due to work, familial duties, domestic roles and lack of effort reportedly influenced PA participation. Health was perceived to be both a barrier and an enabler to PA. Barriers related to health included pain and existing conditions and enablers included preventive and reactive measures. Social support and accessibility, such as a lack of support networks, the availability of services and costs were also discussed. Cultural and religious influences, such as traditional gender roles and the importance of gender‐exclusive settings, were also important factors influencing the PA behaviours of participants. This study highlighted the factors that influence the PA levels and sedentary behaviour of Arab‐Australian adults aged 35‐64 years. The findings of this study could help inform the design and development of culturally tailored PA interventions for Arab‐Australian adults.

The objective of this study was to systematically review health promotion interventions in the fire services. Four databases were searched for articles reporting on health promotion interventions for firefighters evaluated in randomised controlled trials (RCT) and measuring efficacy on health or lifestyle behaviour outcomes. Data were extracted to create a narrative synthesis regarding study design, intervention characteristics and impact on outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using a 13-item tool. Of 448 papers identified, after removal of duplicates, 209 were excluded based on title/abstract screening. A further 60 papers were excluded, mostly due to studies not being RCTs, not including a lifestyle behaviour intervention, or not focusing on health or lifestyle behaviour outcomes. Ten studies (reported in 11 papers) were eligible for inclusion. Six studies compared an intervention to usual practice, one compared a full intervention to a minimal intervention, one compared two exercise programmes and two compared two interventions to usual practice. Four studies evaluated structured physical activity interventions. Five studies evaluated physical activity and diet-focused behaviour change programmes, and one study included a mindfulness programme. When assessing risk of bias, three studies had low risk ratings for >8/13 items, leaving seven studies with high-risk ratings for ≥5/13 items. Eight of the 10 studies reported improvements in at least 1 outcome from baseline to final follow-up in the intervention group over a comparison group. The majority of lifestyle behaviour interventions targeted physical activity and/or diet. Findings from included studies suggest that programmes for firefighters initiated in the workplace can improve some health outcomes.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONThe Green Prescription is a primary care programme designed to increase physical activity in individuals with low activity levels. Older adults tend to engage in insufficient physical activity to obtain health-related gain. AIMTo examine participants’ ratings of the Healthy Steps intervention and to assess how participants rated the use of a pedometer-based Green Prescription in aiding their physical activity. METHODSIn total, 330 community-dwelling older adults who have low levels of activity were randomised to receive either a standard time-based Green Prescription or a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription. Post-intervention, 259 participants completed the participant evaluation questionnaire via postal survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared analyses. RESULTSThe standard components of the Green Prescription (general practitioner consultations and telephone counselling) received similar and higher ratings across both allocation groups than the use of print materials. A pedometer-based Green Prescription was rated as being helpful in aiding physical activity. DISCUSSIONThis study supports the importance of general practitioners’ initial role in prescribing physical activity for older adults and of ongoing telephone support for longer-term adherence. Incorporating a pedometer can be effective in helping low-active older adults initiate and maintain regular physical activity.

Objective: To examine country of birth differences in the odds of reporting chronic diseases among those of Lebanese ethnicity in comparison to those of Australian ethnicity. Methods: Participants were 41,940 Australians aged 45 years and older, sampled from the 45 and Up Study baseline dataset. Participants included those of Lebanese ethnicity born in Lebanon (n=401), Australia (n=331) and other countries (n=73); and those of Australian ethnicity (n=41,135). Logistic regression models were conducted to examine differences in the odds of reporting chronic disease between those of Lebanese ethnicity and those of Australian ethnicity. Results: Those of Lebanese ethnicity had higher odds of reporting diabetes (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.32–2.00) and lower odds of reporting hypertension (OR 0.82; 95%CI 0.70–0.96) when compared with those of Australian ethnicity. After country of birth stratification, only those born in Lebanon had higher odds of reporting diabetes (OR 2.21; 95%CI 1.71–2.85) and also had lower odds of reporting cancer (OR 0.66; 95%CI 0.46–0.97), when compared with those of Australian ethnicity. Conclusions: Country of birth differences in health exist among those of Lebanese ethnicity. Implications for public health: Country of birth is an important factor that could assist in explaining differences in health among ethnic groups of the same origin.

ObjectiveQuality physical education (PE) is the cornerstone of comprehensive school physical activity (PA) promotion programmes. We tested the efficacy of a teacher professional learning intervention, delivered partially via the internet, designed to maximise opportunities for students to be active during PE lessons and enhance adolescents’ motivation towards PE and PA.MethodsA two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial with teachers and Grade 8 students from secondary schools in low socioeconomic areas of Western Sydney, Australia. The Activity and Motivation in Physical Education (AMPED) intervention for secondary school PE teachers included workshops, online learning, implementation tasks and mentoring sessions. The primary outcome was the proportion of PE lesson time that students spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), measured by accelerometers at baseline, postintervention (7–8 months after baseline) and maintenance (14–15 months). Secondary outcomes included observed PE teachers’ behaviour during lessons, students’ leisure-time PA and students’ motivation.ResultsStudents (n=1421) from 14 schools completed baseline assessments and were included in linear mixed model analyses. The intervention had positive effects on students’ MVPA during lessons. At postintervention, the adjusted mean difference in the proportion of lesson time spent in MVPA was 5.58% (p<0.001, approximately 4 min/lesson). During the maintenance phase, this effect was 2.64% (p<0.001, approximately 2 min/lesson). The intervention had positive effects on teachers’ behaviour, but did not impact students’ motivation.ConclusionsAMPED produced modest improvements in MVPA and compares favourably with previous interventions delivered exclusively face-to-face. Online teacher training could help facilitate widespread dissemination of professional learning interventions.Trial registration numberACTRN12614000184673.

To systematically review studies of health promotion intervention in the police force. Four databases were searched for articles reporting on prepost single and multigroup studies in police officers and trainees. Data were extracted and bias assessed to evaluate study characteristics, intervention design and the impact of interventions on health. Database searching identified 25 articles reporting on 21 studies relevant to the aims of this review. Few studies (n=3) were of long duration (≥6 months). Nine of 21 studies evaluated structured physical activity and/or diet programmes only, 5 studies used education and behaviour change support-only interventions, 5 combined structured programmes with education and behaviour change support, and 2 studies used computer prompts to minimise sedentary behaviour. A wide array of lifestyle behaviour and health outcomes was measured, with 11/13 multigroup and 8/8 single-group studies reporting beneficial impacts on outcomes. High risk of bias was evident across most studies. In those with the lowest risk of bias (n=2), a large effect on blood pressure and small effects on diet, sleep quality, stress and tobacco use, were reported. Health promotion interventions can impact beneficially on health of the police force, particularly blood pressure, diet, sleep, stress and tobacco use. Limited reporting made comparison of findings challenging. Combined structured programmes with education and behaviour change support and programmes including peer support resulted in the most impact on health-related outcomes.

Background/AimWeb 2.0 internet technology has great potential in promoting physical activity. This trial investigated the effectiveness of a Web 2.0-based intervention on physical activity behaviour, and the impact on website usage and engagement.Methods504 (328 women, 126 men) insufficiently active adult participants were randomly allocated to one of two web-based interventions or a paper-based Logbook group. The Web 1.0 group participated in the existing 10 000 Steps programme, while the Web 2.0 group participated in a Web 2.0-enabled physical activity intervention including user-to-user interaction through social networking capabilities. ActiGraph GT3X activity monitors were used to assess physical activity at four points across the intervention (0, 3, 12 and 18 months), and usage and engagement were assessed continuously through website usage statistics.ResultsTreatment groups differed significantly in trajectories of minutes/day of physical activity (p=0.0198), through a greater change at 3 months for Web 2.0 than Web 1.0 (7.3 min/day, 95% CI 2.4 to 12.3). In the Web 2.0 group, physical activity increased at 3 (mean change 6.8 min/day, 95% CI 3.9 to 9.6) and 12 months (3.8 min/day, 95% CI 0.5 to 7.0), but not 18 months. The Logbook group also increased physical activity at 3 (4.8 min/day, 95% CI 1.8 to 7.7) and 12 months (4.9 min/day, 95% CI 0.7 to 9.1), but not 18 months. The Web 1.0 group increased physical activity at 12 months only (4.9 min/day, 95% CI 0.5 to 9.3). The Web 2.0 group demonstrated higher levels of website engagement (p=0.3964).ConclusionsIn comparison to a Web 1.0 intervention, a more interactive Web 2.0 intervention, as well as the paper-based Logbook intervention, improved physical activity in the short term, but that effect reduced over time, despite higher levels of engagement of the Web 2.0 group.Trial registration numberACTRN12611000157976.

To investigate whether simultaneous telephone coaching improves the clinical effectiveness of a physiotherapist‐prescribed home‐based physical activity program for knee osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 168 inactive adults ages ≥50 years with knee pain on a numeric rating scale ≥4 (NRS; range 0–10) and knee OA were recruited from the community and randomly assigned to a physiotherapy (PT) and coaching group (n = 84) or PT‐only (n = 84) group. All participants received five 30‐minute consultations with a physiotherapist over 6 months for education, home exercise, and physical activity advice. PT+coaching participants also received 6–12 telephone coaching sessions by clinicians trained in behavioral‐change support for exercise and physical activity. Primary outcomes were pain (NRS) and physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC; score range 0–68]) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were these same measures at 12 and 18 months, as well as physical activity, exercise adherence, other pain and function measures, and quality of life. Analyses were intent‐to‐treat with multiple imputation for missing data. A total of 142 (85%), 136 (81%), and 128 (76%) participants completed 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month measurements, respectively. The change in NRS pain (mean difference 0.4 unit [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.4, 1.3]) and in WOMAC function (1.8 [95% CI −1.9, 5.5]) did not differ between groups at 6 months, with both groups showing clinically relevant improvements. Some secondary outcomes related to physical activity and exercise behavior favored PT+coaching at 6 months but generally not at 12 or 18 months. There were no between‐group differences in most other outcomes. The addition of simultaneous telephone coaching did not augment the pain and function benefits of a physiotherapist‐prescribed home‐based physical activity program.

To describe in detail the recruitment methods and enrollment rates, the screening methods, and the baseline characteristics of a sample of adults participating in the Walk 2.0 Study, an 18 month, 3-arm randomized controlled trial of a Web 2.0 based physical activity intervention.

20 competitive gymnasts (17 girls, 3 boys; mean age, 14.4 ± 3.4 yr.) were recruited from two clubs in Auckland, New Zealand. Gymnasts, who had competed at a national or international level, were divided into two groups to examine the effects of a longitudinal stress-management program on injury and stress. Those in the stress-management group took part in 12 1-hr. sessions over 24 weeks, while the control group took part in a placebo program of anthropometric measurements and lectures on nutrition. All participants completed the Life Experiences Survey and Athletic Experiences Survey at baseline, 3 mo., 6 mo. (end of intervention), and 9 mo. (3 mo. after completion of intervention). Injury data were collected prospectively by weekly self-report over the 9-mo. study. Repeated-measures analyses of covariance with age and, where applicable, the baseline measure of the dependent variable entered as covariates, indicated no significant group or group by time effects for the scores on the two surveys, or injury scores. However, given the small sample, the statistical power of the study to detect even large effects was low. Therefore, rather than concluding that the stress-management program had no effect on training hours lost to injury or on stress, upper limits were placed on the magnitude of any effects that might exist. Further research using larger samples is recommended.

The aims of this study were to determine the rate, anatomical regions, onset, severity, and type of injury in the sport of calisthenics and compare injuries reported by elite and non-elite participants. Prospective reports of injuries were collected over a 12-month period from 550 elite and non-elite calisthenics participants. The participants recorded the number of training sessions, competition, and performances per week, hours of training, and information on any injuries sustained each week during the survey period. Five hundred and fifty participants reported 190 injuries during the survey period, 0.4 injuries per participant year or 0.3 injured participants per participant year. The odds ratio of injury in the elite to the non-elite group was 2.0 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.9). Injuries to the lower back (32.4% of all injuries), hip thigh and groin (25.4% of all injuries) were most common. Activities involving lumbar extension (29.8% of all injuries and 61.0% of lower back injuries) were perceived by participants to have led to injury. In general, injuries were minor and mainly involved soft tissue structures (95.6% of all injuries). Participants had difficulty in identifying why their injuries had occurred. Calisthenics participants did not report high injury rates, but activities that involve lumbar extension are implicated in low back injuries and warrant further attention.

The ability of the Feldenkrais®Method to reduce state anxiety was investigated. Specifically, both a single Feldenkrais®Awareness Through Movement lesson and a 10-week Feldenkrais®Awareness Through Movement programme were studied. Participants volunteered to take part in one 1-hour class each week for 10 weeks. Individuals who declined to participate in the 10-week programme were given the opportunity to participate in a single 1-hour lesson during week 5. Participants were divided into two groups: new and returning students, based on previous experience with Awareness Through Movement lessons. Participants were administered the state scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger et al. 1983) prior to the beginning of the first lesson (week 1 – T1), immediately before and after the fifth lesson (week 5 – T2 and T3), and after the final lesson (week 10 – T4). Findings indicated that state anxiety scores decreased significantly over a single lesson (T2–T3) for both new (n=13) and returning (n=42) students. In addition, state anxiety scores were significantly lower after the 10-week programme (T4) when compared with baseline scores (T1) for new (n=3) and returning (n=42) students, with new students experiencing a significantly greater reduction than returning students. These findings can be interpreted as further support for the efficacy of the Feldenkrais®Method in reducing state anxiety.

It is widely assumed that the success of rehabilitation programs is contingent on following or adhering to prescribed regimens. Adherence to sport injury rehabilitation programs may encompass a range of behaviours that vary across different injuries and rehabilitation protocols. It appears, however, that adherence to such programs is commonly less than 100%. The purpose of this review, therefore, is to critically evaluate the adherence literature related to sport injury rehabilitation. Specifically, the predictors of sport injury rehabilitation adherence are discussed, theoretical explanations of the adherence-outcome relationship are outlined and evaluated, strategies to enhance rehabilitation adherence are reported, and considerations for future research are suggested.

The effects of a Feldenkrais®Awareness Through Movement program and relaxation procedures were assessed on a volunteer sample of 54 undergraduate physiotherapy students over a 2-week period. Participants were randomly allocated into a Feldenkrais Method®group, a relaxation group, or a no-treatment (control) group, and state anxiety was measured using the Composed–Anxious scale of the Profile of Mood States-Bipolar Form (Lorr & McNair 1982) on four occasions: prior to the first intervention, prior to the fourth intervention, on completion of the fourth intervention, and one day after the fourth intervention. Analysis of variance showed that anxiety scores for all groups varied significantly over time and, specifically, that participants reported lower scores at the completion of the fourth intervention. Further, compared to the control group, females in the Feldenkrais®and relaxation groups reported significantly lower anxiety scores on completion of the fourth session (compared to immediately prior to the fourth session), and this reduction was maintained one day later. These findings can be interpreted as preliminary evidence of the efficacy of the Feldenkrais Method®and relaxation procedures in reducing anxiety.

The reasons why older women exercise were investigated in a sample of 218 participants (mean age = 67.5 years). The women, recruited from community-organised exercise programs, completed a 25-item version of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire adapted for use with older Australians. The reasons for exercising rated as most important by the sample related to maintaining or improving fitness and enjoying the activity and liking the company. The motives that were reported as least influential related to wanting to be noticed, to be popular, and to feel important. Analysis of the data revealed five factors. When the sample was categorised into young-old (50-64 years, n= 84), mid-old (65-74 years, n= 89), and old-old (75+ years, n= 45), discriminant function analysis showed that the oldest women placed significantly more importance on social/activity motives and less on personal fulfilment motives than did the younger groups. The present findings have potential value in designing strategies to encourage older Australian women to exercise.

Reasons for participating in gymnastics were investigated with 280 Australian and 103 Chinese youth. The participants, aged 8 to 15 years, completed modified versions of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire. Treatment of the scores by principal components analysis yielded seven factors. Further analyses showed that the samples differed significantly on six of these factors. Comparisons of individual items indicated that the Australian gymnasts rated having fun and liking the rewards as more important than did the Chinese respondents. Chinese athletes allocated higher ratings to being part of a club, having a good body, liking to win, and wanting to be popular Both groups assigned high values to reasons associated with improving skills, being and getting exercise. It was suggested that the findings reflected cultural differences between Australian and Chinese societies as well as particular characteristics of the Chinese sample.

Psychological factors related to injury were investigated in 115 competitive gymnasts. The subjects were administered the Profile of Mood States-Bipolar Form (POMS-BI) and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). Direct discriminant function analysis showed that the best predictors for distinguishing between gymnasts with four or more injuries and those with fewer than four injuries were CSAI-2 Cognitive Anxiety and the POMS-BI Composed-Anxious and Energetic-Tired scores. The more-injured gymnasts were more anxious and tired, and reported higher scores on the CSAI-2 Cognitive Anxiety scale. Males could be differentiated from females by scores on the CSAI-2 Self-confidence and the POMS-BI Composed-Anxious, Confident-Unsure, Energetic-Tired, and Clearheaded-Confused scales. The female gymnasts were more anxious, unsure, tired, and confused, and reported lower levels of CSAI-2 Self-confidence. The findings were interpreted as further evidence of the anxiety-injury link in athletes.

The Ways of Coping with Sport questionnaire was used to investigate coping with performance problems in a sample of 115 adolescent gymnasts. The coping processes reported most frequently by the total sample of gymnasts were Increased Effort and Resolve, Wishful Thinking, Seeking Social Support, and Problem-focused Coping. Analysis of gender differences by multivariate analysis of variance indicated that, compared with males, the female gymnasts were more likely to use Seeking Social Support to cope with slumps in performance. The findings were consistent with previous research on coping in sporting and nonsporting populations.

The author discusses the rise in the impact factor of the periodical in 2014 with the rise in the journal rankings to 7th out of 81 journals in the category where all the sports medicine and sports science journals and the editorial team will continue to provide you with a high quality journal.

The article presents a reprint of the article "Shouldering the Load in Sport" published in the "The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport" on July 4, 2015, which discussed the important role of shoulder in sports and how to deal with the issue of shoulder complex in sports and exercise medicine.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topics within the issue including a study on the mental health of Australian elite athletes, and study which explored whether pain is catastrophising and acceptance predicted depression following ligament reconstruction.

A reprint of the article "The Pinnacle of World Cricket" by Gregory S. Kolt which appeared in the January 2015 issue of "The Journal of Science and Medicine" is presented, which discusses issues related to cricket injuries.

The article discusses the origin and scope of the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity (TCPA), a tool to help advocates of physical activity (PA) to put greater political and social commitments to support PA for everyone. Suggestions for physically active population in Toronto, Ontario on how to use the TCPA as a guiding framework for action are provided. Key areas of outcomes covered by the TCPA include the development of a national policy and action plan and the implementation of policies that support PA.

A volunreer sample of 50 competitive field hockey players completed the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory at pre- and postseason and prospectively collected injury data over a 20-wk. season. Multiple regression analysis showed no relationship between scores on Self-esteem and the number of injuries, the participation time affected due to injury, and sex of players. Further multiple regression analysis showed that frequency of the more severe injuries significantly predicted scores on Self-esteem. This finding can be interpreted as evidence of the relationship between low self-esteem and injury in sport.

The article looks at the progress of the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport" in 2012. About 600 published articles were sent by sports medicine experts from about 50 nations, as the Journal reached 8th place among the 84 journals in the Sports Sciences field on Impact Factor. The countries with the most users of the journal papers include Great Britain, Canada, and Australia, where most content of the articles boosted the clinical focus of the journal.

The article reviews the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport" (JSAMS) in 2012, a year marked by success and recognition in bringing relevant research to the membership of Sports Medicine Australia (SMA). It enumerates the journal's achievements, including the submission of 600 papers from 50 countries and ranking 8th out of 84 journals in the Sports Science category on Impact Factor. The article also views that JSAMS has become highly respected as a first-option journal for submission.

The article reviews the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport."

Participation motives were investigated in 81 Australian-born and 42 overseas-born older Australians (Mage = 67.8 yr.) involved in community-organised exercise programs. Australians born overseas scored significantly higher on factors of Affiliation/Personal, Recognition/Achievement, and Exercise Involvement of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire but not on Fitness.