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Large breasts may increase the likelihood of thoracic vertebral fractures by increasing the mechanical loading of the spine. We examined breast size as a factor associated with prevalent thoracic vertebral fractures, also considering its relationship with thoracic kyphosis and upper back extensor muscle endurance. Using a cross-sectional study, the design measurements collected were thoracic vertebral fractures (≥20% loss in vertebral body height on lateral radiograph), breast size (bra size converted to an ordinal breast size score), BMD (g/cm2 averaged femoral neck, DXA), upper back extensor muscle endurance (isometric chest raise test), body composition (DXA), thoracic kyphosis (radiograph), and upper back pain (numerical rating scale). Correlations and multivariable logistic regression examined relationships between characteristics and their association with vertebral fracture. Participants were 117 healthy postmenopausal women. The 17 (15%) women with ≥1 thoracic vertebral fracture had larger breast size (mean difference [MD]: 2.2 sizes; 95% CI, 0.6 to 3.8 sizes), less upper back extensor muscle endurance (MD: -38.6 s; 95% CI, -62.9 to -14.3 s), and greater thoracic kyphosis (MD: 7.3°; 95% CI, 1.7° to 12.8°) than those without vertebral fracture. There were no between group differences in age, height, weight, and BMD. Breast size (r = -0.233, p = 0.012) and thoracic kyphosis (r = -0.241, p = 0.009) correlated negatively with upper back extensor muscle endurance. Breast size was unrelated to thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.057, p = 0.542). A (final) multivariable model containing breast size (OR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.10 to 3.10) and thoracic kyphosis (OR 2.04; 95%CI, 1.12 to 3.70) explained 18% of the variance in vertebral fracture. Breast size had a significant, but weak relationship with vertebral fracture (R2 = 0.10), which was independent of BMD and unrelated to thoracic kyphosis. Further work is needed to confirm larger breast size as a risk factor for vertebral fractur

Background: Clinical testing to determine the presence of a cam morphology is becoming more common however the correlation between hip range of motion and the degree of cam morphology remains controversial in the literature. The prevalence of a cam morphology in athletes has been reported as higher than in the general population but the prevalence of cam morphology has not been reported in Australian Football (AF). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between hip range of motion and hip alpha angle and report the proportion of players with a cam morphology in a sample of AF players. Design: Cross-sectional Study. Methods: Twenty-one semi-elite AF players (42 hips) from the Peel Thunder Football Club were included in this study. A hip Flexion Internal Rotation (IR) test and a modified maximal squat test using the difference in depth of squat in hip internal and external rotation were used. These measures were then compared to alpha angles on 90 degree Dunn view x-rays. Results: Four of the 42 hips (9.5%) had a cam morphology (alpha angle?>?60 degrees). There was no significant correlation between alpha angle and ROM in a Flexion IR test or the difference in modified maximal squat test depth within this sample of players. Conclusions: The proportion of cam morphology seems to be lower in this sample than the previously reported prevalence in other sports. The lack of correlations between hip range and hip alpha angle in players means that screening hips using clinical measures to detect cam morphology associated with poor hip range of motion may be inaccurate. Level of Evidence: Level 3a.

Introduction: Sleeping is generally considered a period for rest and recovery, however some people wake with spinal symptoms not present on going to sleep and seek treatment. It has been clinically postulated that some sleeping postures, especially those involving sustained end range rotation or extension, can provoke pain sensitive spinal tissues. While sleep research generally has blossomed, little attention has been paid to the physical effects of nocturnal posture on waking spinal symptoms. Furthermore, sleep research is generally conducted in high technology sleep laboratories that are expensive to operate and usually only accessible in metropolitan centers limiting availability to a broader population. We aimed to develop a recording protocol that was low cost, unobtrusive and portable, enabling sleep posture assessment to occur in a person’s habitual environment. Method: Fifteen participants were recruited by word of mouth. Participants completed a Pre-Sleep Questionnaire. Two infrared cameras (placed overhead and foot end of bed) plus associated recording equipment were installed in their habitual sleeping area. One camera recorded continuously, the other camera was activated by motion detection. Recordings occurred over two consecutive nights, commencing automatically at 2000hrs and stopping at 0800hrs. Four sleeping postures were defined; supine, prone, supported sidelying, where the spine is neutral and ¾ sidelying, where the spine is rotated and extended. Recordings were viewed, posture classified and the time spent in each posture calculated. Time spent in each posture for night one and night two was analyzed to determine the presence of a first night effect. Results: The protocol was effective in capturing good quality video data. Utilising motion detection reduced analysis time by 50%. The classification system had high intra-rater reliability for all four postures (ICC > 0.91). No first night effect was detected. Participants’ self-report was accurat

Introduction and hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in recreationally active women attending gyms or exercise classes. Methods: Data were collected on the frequency and severity of incontinence and the prevalence of SUI risk factors; screening for PFM dysfunction in a fitness appraisal; symptom modification strategies; knowledge of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises and the Pelvic Floor First (PFF) initiative. Three hundred and sixty-one women aged 18–83 who attended exercise classes or gyms in Western Australia were surveyed. Results: Nearly half (49.3 %) of participants reported SUI, the majority of whom slight or moderate leakage. Ninety-six per cent reported at least one SUI risk factor, with the mean being 2.7 (SD = 1.4). Almost all women surveyed had heard of PFM exercises (97.2 %), but only 15.2 % of participants were screened for PFM dysfunction in a fitness appraisal. Forty-three per cent reported that a fitness instructor cued PFM activation during a workout. Less than 1 in 10 (9.7 %) of the women surveyed had heard about the PFF initiative. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is common in women attending gyms or exercise classes, but is rarely screened for. More education is required to encourage fitness leaders to screen exercise participants and to provide PFM-’friendly” modifications.