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Summary: Sleepwear and bedding materials can affect sleep quality by influencing the skin and body temperature and thermal comfort. This review systematically evaluates the impact of sleepwear or bedding of different fibre types on sleep quality. A systematic search was conducted in six data bases plus Google Scholar and manual searches. Original articles that compared human sleep quality between at least two fibre types of bedding or sleepwear were included, resulting in nine eligible articles included in the review. The fibre types included cotton, polyester, wool, and blended materials for sleepwear; cotton, duck down, goose down, polyester and wool for duvet; and linen and a combination of cotton and polyester for bedding. The interplay between fibre materials and sleep quality is complex. Blended sleepwear demonstrated potential benefits for specific populations. Wool sleepwear showed benefits for sleep onset in adults (cool conditions) and in older adults (warm conditions). Linen bedsheets improved sleep quality under warm conditions in young adults. Goose down‐filled duvets increased slow‐wave sleep under cool conditions in young adults. However, a systematic comparison of fibre types is challenging due to the diverse nature of the studies evaluating sleep quality. Further research employing standardised methodologies with standard fibre samples in different populations and in different temperature conditions is imperative to elucidate comprehensively the effects of fibre choices on sleep quality. Despite the limitations and heterogeneity of the included studies, this analysis offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to optimise their sleep experiences and for manufacturers developing sleep‐related products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increased awareness of the multifactorial nature of Hamstring Strain Injury (HSI), the role of running biomechanics remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether an association exists between running biomechanics and HSI. Five databases were searched from inception to January 2021. Eligibility criteria included epidemiological studies that provide data on running biomechanics in athletes who have sustained a HSI (retrospectively or prospectively) and compared to control data. Searches yielded 4,798 articles. Twelve met the selection criteria. Biomechanical analysis differed considerably across studies, thus meta-analyses was not possible. Studies largely found either no differences or contradicting findings between running biomechanics of athletes who have sustained a HSI (retrospectively or prospectively) and controls, with the exception of lateral trunk kinematics and horizontal propulsive forces. It is important to note some concern regarding the quality of included studies, particularly sample size, increasing the risk of bias associated with results. Further research utilising validated methods of biomechanical analysis, is needed to determine if an association exists between running biomechanics and HSI. Until then, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn as to whether specific biomechanical interventions should be included in injury prevention and/or rehabilitation programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI), such as Parkinson's disease, dementia or stroke, can result in communication difficulties that lead to an impoverished ability to connect meaningfully with others. Choral singing is a complex task that uses multiple brain regions which are also responsible for language and communication skills. The potential therapeutic effects of group singing on communication-related outcomes across ABI aetiologies have not been systematically reviewed. Aims: To examine whether participation in group singing over multiple sessions improves speech, voice, language and/or communication skills in individuals with ABI-related communication disorders. Methods & Procedures: A database search was undertaken according to the PRISMA guidelines. Search terms included: stroke OR Parkinson* OR dementia OR 'acquired brain injury' AND choir OR choral OR singing OR sing OR 'choral sing*' OR group adj3 singing OR community adj3 singing AND speech OR language OR communication. Main Contribution: A total of 11 studies were included. Nine were quantitative, including one randomized and one non-randomized control trial, and two were mixed method. Nine studies were scored as level IV (uncontrolled) on the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of Evidence Matrix and two as level III (e.g., lack of blinded assessors). Eight examined speech and voice skills in Parkinson's disease, two functional communication skills in post-stroke aphasia and one communication between individuals with dementia and a significant other. One level III control trials provided evidence for a therapeutic effect of group singing on communication in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Conclusions & Implications: Currently, there is only one study providing support for using group singing to improve speech and voice skills in people with Parkinson's disease, and no studies of adequate quality indicating positive effects on language and functional communication abilities in ABI. Further research using more rigorous experimental designs is required to determine whether group singing can influence communication skills in ABI.

There is limited validation for portable methods in evaluating high-speed running biomechanics, with inertial measurement unit (IMU) systems commonly used as wearables for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of an IMU system in high-speed running compared to a 3D motion analysis system (MAS). One runner performed incremental treadmill running, from 12 to 18 km/h, on two separate days. Sagittal angles for the shank, knee, hip and pelvis were measured simultaneously with three IMUs and the MAS at the point of contact (POC), the timing when the foot initially hits the ground, as identified by IMU system acceleration, and compared to the POC identified via force plate. Agreement between the systems was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients, Pearson's r, Bland–Altman limits of agreements, root mean square error and paired t-tests. The IMU system reliably determined POC (which subsequently was used to calculate stride time) and measured hip flexion angle and anterior pelvic tilt accurately and consistently at POC. However, it displayed inaccuracy and inconsistency in measuring knee flexion and shank angles at POC. This information provides confidence that a portable IMU system can aid in establishing baseline running biomechanics for performance optimisation, and/or inform injury prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latissimus dorsi may contribute to trunk movement and control because of its extensive attachments to the trunk. However, electromyography studies have shown highly variable activity levels during trunk tasks. To critically evaluate whether latissimus dorsi has a role in trunk movement and/or control. Studies assessing the activation of latissimus dorsi using electromyography during trunk movements and/or trunk stability tasks were sourced (May 2022). Risk of biases and quality of evidence was assessed. Activation levels were pooled and meta-analysed where possible. Thirty nine of 6125 studies identified in the search met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses showed high latissimus dorsi activity levels (60% maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]) during ipsilateral trunk rotation and low levels (<20% MVC) during contralateral trunk rotation, extension and stability tasks. Considerable variability of activity levels existed between studies when using high loads. Quality of evidence was very low to moderate. Although high activity levels were found during ipsilateral trunk rotation, there is very low confidence that these activity levels reflect the true levels. There is moderate confidence latissimus dorsi has a limited contribution to trunk control. The use of surface electrodes and non-validated normalisation processes were critical methodological issues that contributed to lower quality of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to (1) accurately examine longitudinal relationships between maturity status and both technical skill indices and performance in Australian male (N = 64) age-group Front-crawl swimmers (10–15 y) and (2) determine whether individual differences in maturation influenced relationships between technical skill level and swimming performance. Methods: A repeated-measures design was used to assess maturity status and performance on 200-m Front-crawl trial across 2 competition seasons (2018–2020). Assessments were made on 3 to 5 occasions (median = 3) separated by approximately 4 months. Average horizontal velocity and stroke frequency were used to calculate technical skill indices, specifically stroke index, and arm propelling efficiency. Relationships between variables were assessed using linear mixed models, identifying fixed, and random effect estimates. Results: Curvilinear trends best described significant longitudinal relationships between maturity status with horizontal velocity (F = 10.33 [1, 233.77]; P =.002) and stroke index (F = 5.55 [1, 217.9]; P =.02) during 200-m Front-crawl trials. Maturity status was not significantly related to arm propelling efficiency (P =.08). However, arm propelling efficiency was an independent predictor of Front-crawl velocity (F = 55.89 [1, 210.45]; P <.001). Conclusions: Maturity status predicted assessment of swimmer technical skill (stroke index) and swimming performance. However, technical skill accessed via arm propelling efficiency was independent of maturation and was predictive of performance. Maturity status influences performance evaluation based on technical skill and velocity. Findings highlight the need to account for maturation and technical skill in age-group swimmers to better inform swimmer evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals living in residential aged care facilities with cognitive decline are at risk of social isolation and decreased wellbeing. These risks may be exacerbated by decline in communication skills. There is growing awareness that group singing may improve sense of wellbeing for individuals with dementia. However, to date few studies have examined broader rehabilitative effects on skills such as communication of individuals with dementia. Aims: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of the MuSic to Connect (MuSiCON) choir and language/communication assessment protocol in people with cognitive impairment living in non-high-care wards of a residential facility. Methods: Six individuals with mild-moderate cognitive impairment participated (age range 55–91 years, five female, one male). A mixed method approach was used. Quantitative outcomes included attendance rates, quality of life and communication measures. The qualitative measure was a brief survey of experience completed by participants and carers post-intervention. Results: Overall, MuSiCON was perceived as positive and beneficial, with high attendance, perception of improved daily functioning and high therapeutic benefit without harmful effects. While there was no reliable change in communication skills over the course of the six-week intervention, most participants successfully engaged in the conversational task, suggesting it is a suitable and ecologically valid method for data collection Conclusions: The MuSiCON protocol demonstrated feasibility and was well received by participants and staff at the residential facility. A co-design approach is recommended to improve upon feasibility, acceptability and validity of the assessment protocol prior to Phase II testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hamstring strain injury (HSI) remains a performance, economic, and player availability burden in sport. High‐speed running (HSR) is cited as a common mechanism for HSI. While evidence exists regarding the high physical demands on the hamstring muscles in HSR, meta‐analytical synthesis of related activation and kinetic variables is lacking. Methods: A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Cochrane library databases was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies reporting hamstring activation (electromyographic [EMG]) or hamstring muscle/related joint kinetics were included where healthy adult participants ran at or beyond 60% of maximum speed (activation studies) or 4 m per second (m/s) (kinetic studies). Results: A total of 96 studies met the inclusion criteria. Run intensities were categorized as "slow," "moderate," or "fast" in both activation and kinetic based studies with appropriate relative, and raw measures, respectively. Meta‐analysis revealed pooled mean lateral hamstring muscle activation levels of 108.1% (95% CI: 84.4%–131.7%) of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) during "fast" running. Meta‐analysis found swing phase peak knee flexion internal moment and power at 2.2 Newton meters/kilogram (Nm/kg) (95% CI: 1.9–2.5) and 40.3 Watts/kilogram (W/kg) (95% CI: 31.4–49.2), respectively. Hip extension peak moment and power was estimated as 4.8 Nm/kg (95% CI: 3.9–5.7) and 33.1 W/kg (95% CI: 17.4–48.9), respectively. Conclusions: As run intensity/speed increases, so do the activation and kinetic demands on the hamstrings. The presented data will enable clinicians to incorporate more objective measures into the design of injury prevention and return‐to‐play decision‐making strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous Standpoint Theory forms the epistemological foundation for this study and methodological choices were made within this theoretical framework to ensure culturally responsive research processes that engaged the Indigenous agenda of self-determination and rights. The objectives of this research were to determine: (i) Indigenous perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to exercise; (ii) The potential feasibility and sustainability of an exercise intervention. In this context, Participatory Action Research methods were used to design the data-gathering instrument for the study—a questionnaire, co-designed with the Noongar Aboriginal community of Perth, Western Australia. This self-administered questionnaire, distributed to participants by email, post and manual delivery, sought to elicit the factors that impact uptake and retention of regular exercise activities. Questionnaire data included individual demographic detail and specific question responses on labelled 5 point Likert Scales. Specific question responses were tabulated by Likert Scale label category and the response distribution for each question was enumerated. Simple descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and variance) were used to characterize the data set and the Chi squared test was used to evaluate frequency differences between males and females. A total of 133 participants (71 females) completed the questionnaire. The results indicated that people valued exercise. The most common barriers indicated by participants were exercising with an injury (63%), changing diet (58%), finding time to exercise every day (55%) and exercising the next day with pain from exercising the day before (54%). A larger proportion of males (34%) than females (24%) reported greater ease in finding time to exercise every day (p  < 0.05). Facilitators mainly related to the potential social and community benefits of exercising with other people, preferably in small groups, and the importance of a culturally secure venue. These findings shed light on what a culturally secure exercise programme might involve for the Noongar community. As this may have implications for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and international First Nations' Peoples, more focused research is needed on the place of traditional physical activities and the nature of culturally secure exercise programmes and spaces to enable wider application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]