Physiotherapy - Research Publications

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    Evaluation of an injury prevention programme (Prep-to-Play) in women and girls playing Australian Football: design of a pragmatic, type III, hybrid implementation-effectiveness, stepped-wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial
    Patterson, BE ; Donaldson, A ; Cowan, SM ; King, MG ; Barton, CG ; McPhail, SM ; Hagglund, M ; White, NM ; Lannin, NA ; Ackerman, IN ; Dowsey, MM ; Hemming, K ; Makdissi, M ; Culvenor, AG ; Mosler, AB ; Bruder, AM ; Choong, J ; Livingstone, N ; Elliott, RK ; Nikolic, A ; Fitzpatrick, J ; Crain, J ; Haberfield, MJ ; Roughead, EA ; Birch, E ; Lampard, SJ ; Bonello, C ; Chilman, KL ; Crossley, KM (BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, 2022-09)
    INTRODUCTION: Due to the increase in participation and risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and concussion in women's Australian Football, an injury prevention programme (Prep-to-Play) was codesigned with consumers (eg, coaches, players) and stakeholders (eg, the Australian Football League). The impact of supported and unsupported interventions on the use of Prep-to-Play (primary aim) and injury rates (secondary aim) will be evaluated in women and girls playing community Australian Football. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This stepped-wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial will include ≥140 teams from U16, U18 or senior women's competitions. All 10 geographically separated clusters (each containing ≥14 teams) will start in the control (unsupported) phase and be randomised to one of five dates (or 'wedges') during the 2021 or 2022 season to sequentially transition to the intervention (supported Prep-to-Play), until all teams receive the intervention. Prep-to-Play includes four elements: a neuromuscular training warm-up, contact-focussed football skills (eg, tackling), strength exercises and education (eg, technique cues). When transitioning to supported interventions, study physiotherapists will deliver a workshop to coaches and player leaders on how to use Prep-to-Play, attend team training at least two times and provide ongoing support. In the unsupported phase, team will continue usual routines and may freely access available Prep-to-Play resources online (eg, posters and videos about the four elements), but without additional face-to-face support. Outcomes will be evaluated throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons (~14 weeks per season). PRIMARY OUTCOME: use of Prep-to-Play will be reported via a team designate (weekly) and an independent observer (five visits over the two seasons) and defined as the team completing 75% of the programme, two-thirds (67%) of the time. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: injuries will be reported by the team sports trainer and/or players. Injury definition: any injury occurring during a football match or training that results in: (1) being unable to return to the field of play for that match or (2) missing ≥ one match. Outcomes in the supported and unsupported phases will be compared using a generalised linear mixed model adjusting for clustering and time. Due to the type III hybrid implementation-effectiveness design, the study is powered to detect a improvement in use of Prep-to-Play and a reduction in ACL injuries. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: La Trobe University Ethics Committee (HREC 20488) approved. Coaches provided informed consent to receive the supported intervention and players provided consent to be contacted if they sustained a head or knee injury. Results will be disseminated through partner organisations, peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04856241.
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    VIRTUAL FRACTURE CLINIC: A PANDEMIC-READY TOOL FOR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF FRACTURE CLINIC
    McRae, B ; Shortt, N ; Campbell, N ; Burton, C ; Scott, J ; Fitzpatrick, J (AUSTRALIAN COLL HEALTH SERVICE MANAGEMENT, 2021)
    Background: The traditional model of care of the Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic (OFC) is labour intensive, expensive, has poor satisfaction rates, and often has minimal impact on management and outcomes of patients with minor injuries. Our aim was to implement a Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) for the management of minor injuries that is safe, reduces OFC clinic workload and reduces the OFC failure to attend (FTA) rate. Methods: This study was a retrospective longitudinal audit of OFC workload before (January 2012 -February 2017) and after (March 2017 – December 2019) implementation of the VFC. It was performed in an urban district general hospital in South East Queensland, Australia. The primary outcome measures included attendances per timepoint (month). Results: Overall, we observed a significant reduction in total number of patients from 1,055 (IQR 104.5) to 831 (IQR: 103) per month) coming through the OFC following the introduction of the VFC (F = 21.9; df=1; p <0.0001). The failure to attend rate was reduced by 44% from 271 (IQR: 127.3) to 151 (IQR: 72.8) (F=4.0; df=1; p = 0.047). Conclusion: The VFC implementation was successful in improving efficiency and reducing the current OFC workload, as well as reducing FTA rate. Reduction in clinic workload allows more time to be spent with complex patients, prevents clinic backlogs and overbooking, and crowding of waiting rooms. In the midst of a global pandemic that is spread by close contact, virtual clinics seem the way of the future to treat patients whilst minimising risk of COVID-19 spread.
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    Use of a smartphone electrocardiogram to diagnose arrhythmias during exercise in athletes: a case series
    Jewson, JL ; Orchard, JW ; Semsarian, C ; Fitzpatrick, J ; La Gerche, A ; Orchard, JJ ; Sande, DVD ; Mango, F ; Marwaha, SK ; McNaughton, E ; van Trier, TJ (OXFORD UNIV PRESS, 2022-04-13)
    BACKGROUND: While athletes are generally very fit, intense exercise can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Moreover, other arrhythmias such as atrial flutter or supraventricular tachycardia can cause distressing, exercise-related symptoms. Given symptoms are infrequent and may occur during intense exertion, traditional monitoring devices are often impractical to use during exercise. Smartphone electrocardiograms (ECGs) such as the Alivecor Kardia device may be the portable and reliable tool required to help identify arrhythmias in this challenging population. This case series highlights the use of such devices in aiding the diagnosis of arrhythmias in the setting of exercise-related symptoms in athletes. CASE SUMMARY: The six cases in this series included one elite non-endurance athlete, two elite cricketers, one amateur middle-distance runner, and two semi-elite ultra-endurance runners, with an age range of 16-48 years. An accurate diagnosis of an arrhythmia was obtained in five cases (atrial fibrillation/flutter and supraventricular tachycardias) using the smartphone ECG, which helped guide definitive treatment. No arrhythmia was identified in the final case despite using the device during multiple symptomatic events. DISCUSSION: The smartphone ECG was able to accurately detect arrhythmias and provide a diagnosis in cases where traditional monitoring had not. The utility of detecting no arrhythmia during symptoms in one case was also highlighted, providing the athlete with the confidence to continue exercising. This reassurance and confidence across all cases is perhaps the most valuable aspect of this device, where clinicians and athletes can be more certain of reaching a diagnosis and undertaking appropriate management.
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    Fit, Female or Fifty-Is Cardiac Rehabilitation "Fit" for Purpose for All? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Meta-Regression
    Smith, M ; Orchard, J ; La Gerche, A ; Gallagher, R ; Fitzpatrick, J (FRONTIERS MEDIA SA, 2022-03-29)
    AIMS: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based intervention promoting risk factor modification following coronary artery disease events but the relative benefits for patient subgroups is not clear. This review synthesizes the available evidence on the effectiveness of modern CR programs and determines outcomes for age, sex and prior level of fitness. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE were examined for RCT and cohort studies involving exercise prescription or phase II or III CR following Myocardial Infarction (MI), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and cardiac surgery from January 2010 to February 2021. Outcomes assessed included peakVO2max, 6-min walk test and Metabolic Equivalent of Task. Meta-regression was used to determine CR impact for change in fitness and age and sex influences. RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 59.5 years and 82.7% were male. Females, younger people and those of average or above cardiorespiratory fitness were substantially under-represented in data and attendance, with 13% of study groups with a mean age <55 years. At entry, 73% were below average for fitness vs. age-matched normative values. Fitness improved across all groups following CR with no evidence of sex or age independently affecting outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Modest improvements in fitness in all groups were shown, but the benefits of CR can be far greater. A modern, innovative approach to CR will likely lead to more substantial benefits. This may require a "Precision Medicine" model which tailors exercise prescription to different populations to ensure all CR participant's needs are met. This will ensure that CR is more flexible and accessible for all.
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    Insights into the complexity of presentation and management of patients: the Sport and Exercise Physician's perspective
    Gamage, PJ ; Seker, S ; Orchard, J ; Humphries, D ; Fitzgerald, K ; Fitzpatrick, J (BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, 2021-11)
    OBJECTIVES: Sport and Exercise Physicians represent a relatively new specialty focusing on exercise in complex diseases including musculoskeletal diseases. Our objective was to describe the characteristics, type and complexity of patient presentations, their management strategies and referral information in Australian practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including a cohort of 11 senior Sport and Exercise Physicians in Australia studied all new patient consultations within an 8-week period. Data were analysed relating to presentation, referral source, follow-up referrals, and patient management strategies. RESULTS: Data from 419 patients were recorded. The majority, 97% (n=406), had musculoskeletal conditions, 53% (n=222) had one or more associated comorbidities and 47% (n=195) had ongoing symptoms for >12 months. Most patients, 82% (n=355), were referred by general practitioners. Prior consultations included physiotherapy 72% (n=301) and orthopaedic 20% (n=85). A multidisciplinary network of referrals from Sport and Exercise Physicians was observed, including 210 referrals to 9 allied health specialities and 61 referrals to 17 medical specialities. Over 74% (n=311) of patients received exercise-based intervention as part of the treatment plan, including 57% (n=240) physician managed exercise interventions. CONCLUSION: Our work shines a light on the nature and complexity of the role of Sport and Exercise Physicians in an Australian practice context. Findings will assist in implementing measures to promote patient care at the community level in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Sport and exercise medicine stakeholders and government policy makers can use this information in developing appropriate programmes to support patients and create integrated sport and exercise medicine services for the community.
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    Long-Term Outcome Measures of Repeated Injections in Osteoarthritis: A 6-Year Cohort Study with 623 Consecutive Patients
    Carney, G ; Harrison, A ; Fitzpatrick, J (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS LTD, 2021)
    PURPOSE: To determine the duration of symptom relief following repeated administration of hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a 6-year observational study with 623 consecutive patients who had received hyaluronic acid injections. The primary outcome measure was the mean time between injections measured in days. Classical one-sample 2-sided t-tests, one-way analysis of variances and post-hoc analyses were performed to determine if there were statistically significant differences between age, gender, radiographic severity and the type of joints injected. All patients were invited to complete an online post-treatment experience and satisfaction survey. RESULTS: The analysis included 727 joints (mean Kellgren-Lawrence grade, 2.9 ± 0.8 (range 2-4)) in 623 patients (297 (47.7%) male; mean age at first injection, 57.8 ± 12.7 years (range 21.2-92.1)). Patients ranged from having 1-8 injections per joint. The mean time between injections in days was 466.8 ± 321.7 (2nd injection, 157 joints), 400.5 ± 164.7 (3rd injection, 58 joints), 378.2 ± 223.1 (4th injection, 27 joints), 405.3 ± 216.3 (5th injection, 7 joints), 268.4 ± 104.4 (6th injection, 5 joints), 289.8 ± 99.4 (7th injection, 4 joints), and 272.5 ± 33.2 (8th injection, 2 joints). Patients with grades 2 and 3 compared to grade 4 osteoarthritis experienced a longer time between injections (F (2, 154) = 3.53, p = 0.0316). No statistically significant differences were observed between age, gender, or joint groups. The survey included 233 participants (109 (46.8% male)). A total of 144 respondents (64.9%) recommended hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Pain relief from hyaluronic acid injections was sustained for on average 466.8 days post initial treatment. Patients who received subsequent 3rd, 4th, and 5th injections also experienced extended duration of benefit. Patients with grades 2 or 3 osteoarthritis are more likely to experience a longer duration of relief.
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    Safety and efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis of the hip: a case series of 87 patients
    Long, DM ; Fitzpatrick, J (BMC, 2021-09-16)
    BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of joint disease and commonly affects the hip. Hip OA is associated with a high socioeconomic burden. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection may be of benefit but quality evidence for HA use in hip OA is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound guided injection of a high molecular weight, non-animal derived, stabilised HA (NASHA) in patients with mild to moderate hip OA. METHODS: This single site study is an analysis of prospectively collected outcome data for 87 consecutive patients over a 2-year period who received a single HA (Durolane) injection for symptomatic hip OA. Inclusion criteria were male or female patients over 18-years of age with mild to moderate hip OA on x-ray. Patients with severe hip OA were excluded. The primary outcome measure was a modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) questionnaire at baseline and 6-weeks with a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 10 points. All adverse events were recorded and assessed. RESULTS: Data from 87 patients, 49 women and 38 men with mean age of 54 (SD = 10.8) were analysed. At baseline, mean mHHS was 58.47 (SD 14.31). At the 6 week follow up, mean mHHS improved to 71.30 (SD 16.46), a difference of 12.83 (p < 0.01). This was greater than the MCID of 10. No significant adverse events were encountered. Five patients reported short-lived injection site pain. CONCLUSION: A single injection of HA (NASHA) in the setting of hip joint OA was both safe and efficacious in this 87 patient cohort. Improvement in pain and function as measured with mHHS was statistically significant and reached the MCID of 10. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered on the 1st of February 2021 in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with registry number ACTRN12621000098831 . All research was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
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    Treatment of Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Stage-Adjusted Treatment Recommendation
    Ladurner, A ; Fitzpatrick, J ; O'Donnell, JM (SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2021-07)
    BACKGROUND: Gluteal tendinopathy is the most common lower limb tendinopathy. It presents with varying severity but may cause debilitating lateral hip pain. PURPOSE: To review the therapeutic options for different stages of gluteal tendinopathy, to highlight gaps within the existing evidence, and to provide guidelines for a stage-adjusted therapy for gluteal tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We screened Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, PubMed Central, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, UpToDate, and Google Scholar databases and databases for grey literature. Patient selection, diagnostic criteria, type and effect of a therapeutic intervention, details regarding aftercare, outcome assessments, complications of the treatment, follow-up, and conclusion of the authors were recorded. An assessment of study methodological quality (type of study, level of evidence) was also performed. Statistical analysis was descriptive. Data from multiple studies were combined if they were obtained from a single patient population. Weighted mean and range calculations were performed. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies (6 randomized controlled trials) with 1103 patients (1106 hips) were included. The mean age was 53.7 years (range, 17-88 years), and the mean body mass index was 28.3. The ratio of female to male patients was 7:1. Radiological confirmation of the diagnosis was most commonly obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. Reported treatment methods were physical therapy/exercise; injections (corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, autologous tenocytes) with or without needle tenotomy/tendon fenestration; shockwave therapy; therapeutic ultrasound; and surgical procedures such as bursectomy, iliotibial band release, and endoscopic or open tendon repair (with or without tendon augmentation). CONCLUSION: There was good evidence for using platelet-rich plasma in grades 1 and 2 tendinopathy. Shockwave therapy, exercise, and corticosteroids showed good outcomes, but the effect of corticosteroids was short term. Bursectomy with or without iliotibial band release was a valuable treatment option in grades 1 and 2 tendinopathy. Insufficient evidence was available to provide guidelines for the treatment of partial-thickness tears. There was low-level evidence to support surgical repair for grades 3 (partial-thickness tears) and 4 (full-thickness tears) tendinopathy. Fatty degeneration, atrophy, and retraction can impair surgical repair, while their effect on patient outcomes remains controversial.
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    Reliability of a Novel Scoring System for MRI Assessment of Severity in Gluteal Tendinopathy: The Melbourne Hip MRI Score
    Tso, CKN ; O'Sullivan, R ; Khan, H ; Fitzpatrick, J (SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2021-04)
    BACKGROUND: Gluteal tendinopathy is commonly reported in the literature, but there is a need for a validated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based scoring system to grade the severity of the tendinopathy. PURPOSE: To use intra- and interobserver reliability to validate a new scoring system, the Melbourne Hip MRI (MHIP) score, for assessing the severity of gluteal tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The MHIP score assesses gluteal tendinopathy according to each 1 of 5 categories: (1) extent of tendon pathology (maximum 5 points); (2) muscle atrophy (maximum 4 points); (3) trochanteric bursitis (maximum 4 points); (4) cortical irregularity (maximum 3 points); and (5) bone marrow edema (maximum 1 point), with an overall range of 0 to 17 (most severe). A total of 41 deidentified MRI scans from 40 patients diagnosed with gluteal tendinopathy (mean baseline age, 57.44 ± 25.26 years; 4 male, 36 female) were read and graded according to MHIP criteria by 2 experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. The radiologists were blinded to previous reports, and the scans were read twice within a 2-month period. Statistical analysis using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine intra- and interobserver reliability and mean/range for the MHIP scores. RESULTS: Of a total of 123 readings, the mean MHIP score (±SD) was 3.93 ± 2.24 (range, 0-17 points). The MHIP score demonstrated excellent reliability for determining the severity of gluteal tendinopathy on MRI. The ICC for intra- and interobserver reliability was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67-0.89) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.62-0.87), respectively. CONCLUSION: The MHIP score had excellent intra- and interobserver reliability in scoring gluteal tendinopathy. This score allows gluteal tendon pathology to be graded prior to treatment and to be used for standardized comparisons between results in future research undertaking radiological review of gluteal tendinopathy.
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    A major new alliance in Australian healthcare: the Australian consensus framework for ethical collaboration in the healthcare sector
    Lipworth, W ; Fitzpatrick, J ; Cosenza, A ; Kerridge, I ; Subramanian, P ; Verhoeven, A ; Wells, L (WILEY, 2020-06)
    The 'Australian Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration in the Healthcare Sector' (ACF) is an Australian initiative aimed at countering dysfunction and growing mistrust in the health sector through the development of a cross-sectoral consensus framework. The development of this framework arose from Australia's involvement in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperative (APEC) and has since become the largest of its kind internationally, with over 70 signatories representing professional bodies, industry organisations, hospital and health services associations, regulators and patient and advocacy groups. In this article, we describe and critique the framework and outline its implementation.