Health Papers

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/11371

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The rowing-specific reinvestment scale
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Sparks, Katherine V.; Kavussanu, Maria; Masters, Rich S.W.; Ring, Christopher
This research project aimed to develop and validate a rowing-specific reinvestment scale. In Study 1, a 24-item questionnaire was developed and the content validity was assessed using experts (N = 7) and pilot-tested in rowers (N = 24). Next, rowers (N = 282) completed the questionnaire with the remaining items, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. This further reduced the number of items and revealed two factors, rowing specific conscious motor processing (RS-CMP) and movement self-consciousness (RS-MSC). In Study 2, rowers (N = 270) completed the scale that was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Moreover, the construct validity of the scale was investigated by asking them to complete measures of movement-specific reinvestment, perceived performance, self-consciousness, and state anxiety. Actual performance was also determined based on their race finishing position. Study 1 EFA resulted in a 2-factor model with six items assessing RS-CMP and six items assessing RS-MSC. Study 2 supported the factor structure of scale; CFA indicated an acceptable model fit with good internal consistency. Content validity was also supported, with evidence of concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. In conclusion, these studies provided good initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the RSRS.
Acute and persistence of the effects of the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted-club warm-up on golf driving performance and kinematics
(Taylor & Francis, 2021) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Wardell, George Leslie
High-level golfers use various warm-up strategies to enhance clubhead and ball speed, including weighted equipment. We investigated the acute effects of the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted-club warm-up on clubhead, ball, and swing kinematics, and the persistence of any acute effects in subsequent sets. Twelve competitive golfers (handicap < 3.0) completed five sets of five swings using their own drivers under two randomised warm-up conditions (Control and SuperSpeed). We compared swing, peak segment and club angular velocity, and centre of mass (COM) parameters collected using a 3D motion capture system (500 Hz) between conditions. The temporal persistence of any meaningful (Cohen’s d ≥ small) and significant (p≤ 0.05) effect detected in the first set was investigated in subsequent sets. SuperSpeed led to small significant changes in clubhead speed (2.6 mph); downswing time; peak angular velocities of the torso, lead arm, and club; and two COM variables in the initial set. There was no significant change in ball speed, resulting in a large negative change in smash factor acutely (d − 0.82, p= 0.009). Nearly all changes observed were no longer meaningful or significant in subsequent sets. Overall, golfers can expect an increase in driving clubhead speed on the first tee using the SuperSpeed Golf™ vs Control warm-up, with trivial effects from the second tee onwards.
Biomechanical determinants of placekicking success in professional Rugby Union players
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Lamb, Peter; Beaven, Christopher Martyn
The ability to score from placekicks discriminates winning from losing Rugby Union teams. We aimed to identify which biomechanical variables related to successful placekicking in professional Rugby Union players, and use self-organising maps (SOM) to determine whether meaningful sub-groups existed. Three professional placekickers performed 10 kicks outdoors. Placekicks were categorised into best, worst, and typical performances based on outcomes and coach and player perceptions. Seven 3D biomechanical variables consistently and meaningfully (moderate Cohen’s effect size) discriminated best from worst placekicks in all players. The three-cluster solution from SOM on these seven variables highlighted differences between players rather than best, worst, and typical attempts. Within-clusters, however, the best and worst placekicks tended to be represented in separate map regions. The seven variables identified using standardised effect sizes can be useful for group-level coaching of placekicking skills in absence of individual data, and translated in an applied setting using verbal and visual cues to promote overall placekicking performance. However, players’ idiosyncrasies formed the main SOM boundaries, indicating that optimising placekicking success would benefit from an individualised approach and numerous effective movement templates may exist.
Reporting guidelines for running biomechanics and footwear studies using three-dimensional motion capture
(Taylor & Francis, 2023) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Dai, Boyi; Nunome, Hiroyuki; Kong, Pui Wah; Hobara, Hiroaki; Hsu, Wei-Chun; Bradshaw, Elizabeth J.; Fong, Daniel T.P.; Vanwanseele, Benedicte
Running shoes act as an interface between the foot and the ground and play a central role in running. Running shoes are constantly evolving, as is the research on running biomechanics and footwear. Experts agree that comfort, injury prevention, and performance are important factors to consider in the design and manufacturing of running footwear; however, these topics are often complex to investigate due to their multifactorial, individualised, or subjective nature with no clear evidence-based direction for footwear prescription.
Moving beyond models: Theorizing physical disability in the sociology of sport
(Human Kinetics, 2021) Brighton, James; Townsend, Robert C.; Campbell, Natalie; Williams, Toni L.
In this paper we explore current theoretical approaches available from the discipline of critical disability studies (CDS) for conceptualizing physical disability and advocate how these understandings can advance sociological research on disability sport. After reviewing a dominant “models” approach that has historically been employed, we illuminate how theoretical architecture provided by selected sociological theorists (Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and Zygmunt Bauman) and from aesthetic, cyborg, and new materialist approaches can help reveal the materialist conditions, sociocultural structures, and lived realities of disability. In doing so, we appeal to researchers of disability sport to develop critical understandings of why alternative theoretical approaches are valuable, what theoretical choices to make, and how we can use theory to highlight oppression and empower those involved in disability sport.
Landing error scoring system scores change with knowledge of scoring criteria and prior performance
(Elsevier, 2020-11) Hanzlíková, Ivana; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Objective: To examine if the knowledge of scoring criteria and prior performance influence Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) outcomes. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty individuals. Main outcome measures: The LESS was tested at Baseline and one week later under two conditions: Pre and Post information. For the Post condition, LESS items were explained to participants, as were their individual Baseline scores. Mean LESS scores and number of individuals categorized at high and low risk were compared between Pre and Post using paired t-tests and McNemar's tests, respectively. McNemar's tests were also used to compare proportions of specific LESS errors between Pre and Post conditions. Results: Mean LESS Post scores (4.7 ± 1.2 errors) were significantly lower than Pre scores (6.6 ± 2.0 errors, p < 0.001) as was the number of individuals at high risk (25 vs 10 participants, p < 0.001). A significantly lower proportion of participants scored an error for the joint displacement item of LESS Post compared to Pre condition (p < 0.001). Conclusion: When using the LESS, it is important that tested individuals have no knowledge of scoring criteria or previous errors for a valid assessment of innate jump-landing movement patterns and injury risk.
Clinical implications of Landing Error Scoring System calculation methods
(Elsevier, 2020-07) Hanzlíková, Ivana; Athens, Josie; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Objectives: To explore whether final Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores differ between calculation methods used in literature. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 328 individuals. Main outcome measures: LESS scores from 984 drop-jumps were extracted. Final LESS scores were calculated for every participant according to five methods: mean of 3 jumps, 1st jump score, 3rd jump score, best jump score, and sum of errors present in at least 2 jumps. The influence of the calculation method on group mean LESS score and group-level risk categorization using threshold of 5 errors was estimated using Generalized Estimating Equations, with the mean of 3 jumps score set as the reference method. The agreement in individual-level risk categorization was assessed using odds ratios and McNemar's tests. Results: Compared to the reference, estimated group mean LESS score was 0.92 errors lower (p < 0.001) using the best jump method, as was group-level risk categorization (odds ratio: 0.50, p < 0.001). Individual-level risk categorization between calculation methods was inconsistent for 8–15% of participants compared to the reference method, significantly different from reference for the best jump score method (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Calculation method meaningfully influences final LESS scores and risk categorization.
Understanding dis/ableism in sport coaching
(Edward Elgar Publishing, 2026-05-07) Townsend, Robert C.; Randrup, Kelsey; Clare, Olivia; Roberts, William M.
This chapter provides an overview of the rapidly evolving field of coaching in disability and para sport. In adopting a critical position, we argue that coaching in disability sport is more than adapting practice—it requires a critical understanding of the social and cultural factors shaping disabled athletes’ experiences in sport and the role coaching plays in either resisting or reinforcing dominant narratives of disability. We provide readers with the theoretical language to interrogate the intersections of disability, sport, and coaching, drawing from Critical Disability Studies (CDS) to introduce the concepts of disablism and ableism, and how these are implicated in coaching discourse, practice, and coach education. In providing researchers and practitioners with a sensitising framework drawn from critical disability studies, we argue for more participatory and inclusive approaches to coaching research—ensuring that the field collectively moves beyond accommodation and towards transformation.
Understanding nurses’ perspectives on Māori health equity: A systematic scoping review
(Taylor & Francis, 2026) Hughes, Seamus; Grout, Emily; Hiakita, John; Aporosa, S. 'Apo'; Egli, Victoria
Background Nurses have professional, ethical and legal obligations to address health inequities for Māori. Objective To investigate and synthesise the literature available on nurses’ views of health equity for Māori to inform future research, policy and practice. Design Informed by kaupapa Māori methodology, the systematic scoping review was conducted with the JBI approach and reported with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMAScR). Database searches included the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, EMBASE, Psychinfo, Ovid MEDLINE and Google Scholar with 634 articles screeded. Methods Data were extracted and charted by author SH and reviewed by VE and EG. The JBI framework was used to guide data charting, followed by thematic analysis. Results Three key themes were identified in the literature. For Māori nurses, health equity for Māori was seen as an obligation; non-Māori nurses often viewed health equity for Māori as optional. Barriers to achieving health equity for Māori were identified by both Māori and non-Māori nurses. Three subthemes were identified for Māori nurses: te ao Māori and tikanga Māori, dual clinical–cultural role and lived experiences of racism. For non-Māori nurses, two subthemes were identified: non-Māori nurses demonstrating both an understanding and a lack of understanding of health equity. Conclusion Due to culture, Māori nurses had a greater commitment to addressing health equity. Conversely, non-Māori nurses appear to show greater ambivalence over whether to address health inequities. This study was limited by a small sample of non-Māori participants in the literature. Future research could focus on barriers and enablers for non-Māori nurses’ commitment to health equity, valuing Māori nurses’ cultural contribution and monitoring, education and action of NCNZ, nursing education institutions and professional leadership in addressing health equity.
Why the PISC TC-3 Standards must begin with defining kava
(2026) Aporosa, S. 'Apo'
Context: I am a kava health researcher of iTaukei (indigenous Fijian) ancestry, based at the University of Waikato, and leading a team of 40+ part-time kava health researchers across three countries inclusive of traditional knowledge experts, molecular biologists, toxicologists, ethnopharmacologists, clinical psychologists and more. For eight of the past 10 years, our work has been funded by the Aotearoa New Zealand Government through the Health Research Council Pacific. I (personally) have no financial interests in the kava industry. This is reasoned on an increasing level of unethical practice associated with ‘kava capitalism’ and the threat this poses to another kava ban. A lot our research addresses kava-related health mis- and dis-information, with the aim of safeguarding kava as a Pacific cultural keystone species and protecting smallholder Pacific kava farmer livelihoods and export earnings. Attendees have been invited by the TC3 Committee lead to speak on kava initiatives in our area. For our team, this centres on research: supporting kava as a cultural icon, addressing misinformation and safety concerns through clinical trials, computational analysis and other approaches, all to aid kava’s ongoing availability for cultural purposes and as an income source for Pacific farmers. This also involves challenging cultural appropriation, greed-driven capitalists and ‘culture industry’a activities that threaten kava’s integrity and consumer safety. I will speak to kava initiatives from this research perspective.
Patient-reported outcome measure comparison of two cemented primary total hip arthroplasty implant combinations for osteoarthritis: A regional New Zealand study
(Springer, 2026-04-02) Pearce, Amy; Joshi, Chaitanya; Chan, Georgina; Lamberton, Tony; MacLean, Simon; Vane, Andrew; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Purpose Compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of two cemented implants in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis in a New Zealand regional joint registry. Identify patient predictors of poorer PROMs. Methods We analysed observational data from primary THA surgeries for osteoarthritis performed between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2023, with at least one recorded PROM (n = 1365) from a regional joint registry. We compared preoperative, 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year PROMs in the cemented, highly crosslinked polyethylene Exeter® X3 Rimfit cup (Rimfit) and its conventional polyethylene predecessor, the Exeter® Contemporary Flanged cup (ECF) with the same cemented Exeter® V40 stem. We investigated six patient factors and their influence on physical function, and mental and physical health PROMs. Results No significant difference in physical function PROMs were noted between implants at any timepoint. Both implant combinations exhibited excellent (> 41) mean postoperative Oxford hip scores based on published thresholds (Rimfit: mean 41.30 ± SD 8.46; ECF: mean 41.64 ± SD 8.67). Mental health was significantly better preoperatively and at 1-year and 5-year with the Rimfit based on Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. Public funding was a significant and clinically meaningful predictor of poorer preoperative outcomes in all PROMs and in both cohorts, followed by comorbidity status. The strongest significant predictor of poorer postoperative PROMs was poorer preoperative PROMs, followed by Māori ethnicity. Conclusion Both implant combinations demonstrated similar PROMs up to 10 years, but the Rimfit exhibited superior mental health. Public funding, comorbidity status, and Māori ethnicity were predictors of statistically significant and clinically meaningful poorer preoperative and postoperative PROMs.
Structure and function of the Achilles tendon and plantarflexors after non-surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture: A cross-sectional study
(Elsevier, 2026-02) Briggs-Price, Samuel; Yates, Tom; Mangwani, Jitendra; Bhatia, Maneesh; Jones, Annette; Mielcarek, Klaudia; Solaini, Amy; Leung, Shing Yan; Gravare Silbernagel, Karin; Hébert-Losier, Kim; de Vos, Robert-Jan; Millar, Neal L.; Vicenzino, Bill; O'Neill, Seth
Background Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) impacts the structure and function of the tendon and triceps surae. We aimed to describe recovery at different time points after injury using ultrasound imaging, strength testing and patient reported outcomes. Methods Cross-sectional study design, collecting data from 15 different non-surgically managed participants at six independent rehabilitation time points (week 0, 8, 10, 16, 26, 52 post ATR). Outcomes included ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC), isometric plantarflexor strength, Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS), Euroqol 5-dimension, hospital anxiety and depression scale and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. UTC echo type percentage is reported as aligned fibrillar structure (AFS) and disorganised fibrillar structure (DFS). Findings Participants mean (SD) age was 48 years (15.8), 91 % male, body mass index 29kg/m2 (4.3) and 54 % was white British. Primary mechanism of injury was sport (71 %). Ruptured tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) was 303.55 mm² (90.43) at 10 weeks and 218.18 mm² (61.82) at 52 weeks post ATR. For the ruptured tendon, later assessment time points were associated with decreased AFS but had no association with DFS. Isometric plantarflexor strength on the ruptured limb at 52 weeks was 61.3 kg (20.8) or 0.7x bodyweight (BW). Non-ruptured plantarflexor strength was 93.3 kg (29.5) or 1.1x BW. Leg symmetry index at 52 weeks was 67 %. ATRS at 52 weeks was 75.1 (16.5). Conclusion Substantial tendon remodelling may occur during the initial 52 weeks post ATR, CSA was 28 % lower from 10 weeks to 52 weeks. At 52 weeks there was persistence of fibrillar disorganisation, isometric plantarflexor weakness and reduced function.
An evidence-based educational video does not influence running shoe selection: A randomised controlled trial
(Taylor & Francis, 2026) Fife, Andrew; Esculier, Jean-François; Ramsey, Codi; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Runners may select shoes based on marketing recommendations rather than scientific evidence. It remains unknown if education on the latest research can influence subjective appreciation of footwear and selection. Our aims were to identify how an evidence-based educational video influences how runners select shoes, and perceive shoe comfort, satisfaction, and performance over three months compared with a control video. Fifty-six uninjured runners looking for a new pair of running shoes completed this randomised controlled trial. Prior to purchasing new shoes for road running in speciality stores, runners were assigned to watch an educational video on (1) the latest research about the association between running shoes and injuries (intervention) or (2) the evolution of running demographics (control). Runners completed surveys about their newly purchased shoes in reference to their previous shoes at three time points: before first use, one-month post-purchase, and three-months post-purchase. Perceived shoe comfort, satisfaction, and performance were assessed using 100 mm visual analogue scales. Comfort and satisfaction were not significantly different between groups at any time points. The average perceived performance of new shoes (75.6 mm) was significantly greater than previous shoes (67.6 mm) before first use, but ratings returned to previous-shoe levels one month later in both groups. The intervention group reported the educational video influencing their purchase (55.4 mm) more so than the control group (21.8 mm). However, participants from both groups chose the same brand and model as previously worn over half of the time. The evidence-based educational video did not appear to influence overall perceived shoe comfort, satisfaction, or performance or shoe selection habits. Runners in both groups often chose similar shoes to the ones they previously used.
Economy benefits of running in advanced footwear technology shoes remain with plantarflexion fatigue
(Springer, 2026) Bidois, Benjamin; Cumming, Christiaan; Giandolini, Marlene; Nguyen, Anh Phong; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Purpose: We investigated the effects of plantarflexion fatigue on running economy (RE) response to advanced footwear technology (AFT) in a group of heterogenous runners. Secondary aims were to examine the relationships between plantarflexion power and RE responses to AFT, and effects of plantarflexion fatigue and footwear on biomechanical measures. Methods: Sixty-four runners completed two laboratory sessions. Session one involved a peak oxygen uptake test. Session two included two RE tests in both a Control and AFT shoe before plantarflexion fatigue, and two rounds of plantarflexion fatigue before reassessment of RE in one of the two shoes (counterbalanced). Plantarflexion power was assessed at baseline, and before and after each fatigue protocol. Video-based running biomechanics were recorded during all RE tests. Results: RE measures were improved in AFT (35.3 ± 5.0 mL/kg/min, 12.5 ± 1.8 W/kg, 4.18 ± 0.40 J/kg/m) versus Control (36.8 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min, 13.1 ± 1.9 W/kg, 4.37 ± 0.40 J/kg/m), and better pre-fatigue (35.7 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, 12.7 ± 1.8 W/kg, 4.25 ± 0.40 J/kg/m) than post-fatigue (36.4 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min, 12.8 ± 1.9 W/kg, 4.30 ± 0.42 J/kg/m). Plantarflexion power decreased 6.5% post-fatigue. Despite these significant effects of AFT and plantarflexion fatigue on RE, no interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.476). Baseline plantarflexion power and changes in power did not correlate with AFT responses (P ≥ 0.566). Statistically significant differences indicated AFT reduced ground contact time and foot strike angle and increased cycle time and duty factor, with plantarflexion fatigue increasing cycle time and duty factor; however, estimates of differences were generally within the limits of instrumental resolution. Conclusion: Plantarflexion fatigue and plantarflexion power were not associated with RE responses to AFT, opposing the idea that plantarflexion strength explains variability in AFT response. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Trials Registry, ACTRN12624000753550, 18th June 2024.
How does it feel to run in minimalist and advanced footwear technology shoes: A qualitative study involving male recreational runners
(PLOS, 2025-12-01) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Knighton, Hannah; Finlayson, Steven; Peterson, Benjamin; Mousavi, Seyed Hamed
We examined the perceptions and experiences of male recreational runners when using minimalist racing flats (FLAT, Saucony Endorphin Racer 2) and advanced footwear technology (AFT, Nike Vaporfly 4%) shoes, compared with their habitual shoes (OWN). Eighteen runners completed three 1.5 km outdoor trials, running in OWN first, followed by FLAT and AFT in a randomised counter-balanced order. Semi-structured interviews conducted before and after each trial provided qualitative data, analysed using a six-phase reflexive thematic approach. Five interconnected themes emerged: ‘novelty and familiarity’, ‘feel’, ‘performance’, ‘biomechanics’, and ‘injury’. Runners’ perceptions were shaped by iterative feedback loops combining experiential, educated, and instinctual assessments. OWN shoes were generally ranked highest for comfort and lowest for perceived injury risk due to familiarity and balanced design. Novel shoes elicited mixed reactions. FLAT shoes were valued for their lightweight and natural feel, but raised concerns about discomfort and potential injury from minimal cushioning and support. AFT shoes were appreciated for their bounciness and performance potential, but raised concerns about instability and excessive cushioning. Findings indicate that footwear comfort is multifaceted, context-dependent, and not always aligned with performance or injury reduction. Runners often prioritised performance over comfort in competitive scenarios, highlighting the inherent trade-offs in footwear selection and the importance of personalised approaches. Concerns about injury and biomechanics changes underscore the need for gradual transitions to novel footwear. By adopting a real-world approach, this study advances understanding of footwear perceptions, emphasises the dynamic and subjective nature of runners’ experiences, and offers practical implications for runners, clinicians, and shoe manufacturers.
10-year survival comparison of two cemented implants in primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A New Zealand regional study
(Springer, 2025) Pearce, Amy; Joshi, Chaitanya; Chan, Georgina; Lamberton, Tony; MacLean, Simon; Vane, Andrew; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Introduction Compare 10-year survival of the cemented highly crosslinked polyethylene Exeter® Rimfit™ (Rimfit) Cup and its predecessor, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene Exeter® Contemporary Flanged Cup™ (ECF), both with an Exeter® V40™ stem, in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis in the Bay of Plenty region of NZ. Method We extracted national registry data for THA surgeries in the region between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2023 and report the 10-year survival and reasons for revision of the two fully cemented implants (n = 495). We compared standard Kaplan-Meier estimates using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard models investigated the potential influence of six patient variables on the survival of each implant: sex, age, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) rating, and funding source (public/private). Results No statistically significant difference in 10-year survival rate between the implants (p = 0.334) (ECF 95.6% [93.4, 97.9], Rimfit 97.0% [95.9, 98.2]) or statistically significant difference in revision reasons between the implants (p = 0.09) was noted. Cox regression revealed no statistically significant influence of any of the six patient variables on the 10-year survival of the ECF (p = 0.584) or Rimfit (p = 0.611). Conclusion Both implants exceeded 95% survival at 10-years, which is favourable compared to the corresponding 94.8% national survivorship of cemented implants in NZ. There is no statistically significant difference in the 10-year survival rate or reasons for revision of the two cemented implants compared in this region. The Rimfit appears a suitable alternative to the ECF, from a survival and revision perspective.
15-year patient-reported outcomes of a cemented flanged cup and stem combination in primary total hip arthroplasty: A New Zealand study
(SAGE, 2026) Pearce, Amy; Joshi, Chaitanya; Chan, Georgina; Lamberton, Tony; MacLean, Simon; Vane, Andrew; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Methods: We investigated 15-year patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and their predictors in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis using a cemented flanged cup and stem from a regional joint registry in New Zealand. Regional data were collected for all primary THAs with this cemented combination from 1 January 2003 to 30 June 2023 who had recorded PROMs on at least 1 occasion (n = 263). PROMs included Oxford Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and Veterans Rand-12, evaluated against patient age, ethnicity, sex, body mass index (BMI), funding pathway, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) rating. Results: Significant improvements across preoperative PROMs were noted 1-year post-surgery, with a mean change above 23 in the Oxford Hip Score maintained at 5, 10, and 15 years (p ⩽ 0.001). Conclusions: Regression analysis indicated that being female, public funding, and higher BMI were associated with worse preoperative PROMs. Poorer preoperative scores, older age and ASA 3 rating correlated with poorer postoperative outcomes.
Exploring the reliability of isometric benchmark tests and their relationship to performance characteristics in elite track sprint cyclists
(Taylor & Francis, 2025) Thompson, Roné; Paton, Carl D.; Bini, Rodrigo Rico; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Benchmark tests in competitive cycling identify talent, individualise training, and monitor performance. However, varying protocols often produce conflicting results, reducing comparability. Isometric tests are prevalent, but reliability and performance correlation are underexplored. Determine the test–retest reliability of benchmark test metrics in elite track sprint cyclists and their relationship to a performance outcome. Nineteen elite track sprint cyclists (12 males, 7 females) completed seven benchmark tests across two days: modified sit-and-reach; on-bike rolling seated maximum 6-s sprints; 3-s bilateral on-bike isometrics at 90° crank angle; 3-s prone bench pull isometrics; 3-s lumbar extension isometrics; 3-s seated off-bike isometrics; and modified plank endurance. For the performance outcome, a third session within 7 days assessed peak power using an inertial load cycle ergometer. All tests showed excellent measurement consistency (ICC3,1 ≥ 0.92), with low systematic bias (p ≥ 0.063), though confidence interval varied due to modest sample size. High test–retest reliability was supported by low typical errors (CV 2.0–5.5%; 9.6% for endurance). Nine benchmark metrics, including bilateral isometric measures, showed moderate to excellent correlation with peak power output (r = 0.52–0.94, p ≤ 0.023); six remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (p ≤ 0.005). All benchmark metrics were reliable, with six strongly and statistically significantly associated with performance.
Running shoe recommendations based on gait analysis improve perceptions of comfort, performance and injury risk: A single-blind randomised crossover trial
(Wiley, 2025) Fife, Andrew; Esculier, Jean-François; Ramsey, Codi; Hébert-Losier, Kim; Mendias, Christopher
Objectives: We examined how shoe recommendation based on gait analysis influences subjective perceptions of comfort, performance and injury reduction in runners while monitoring spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters. Design: Single-blind crossover randomised controlled trial with repeated measures. Method: Twenty-one women runners completed a clinical gait analysis and four 5-min treadmill trials at a self-selected comfortable speed sequentially in their own shoes (OS), the first experimental shoes (randomised), their OS, and the second experimental shoes (randomised). The two experimental shoes were identical except for their colour (randomised) and were presented to runners as either a ‘basic’ shoe or, deceptively, a ‘gait-matched’ shoe selected for them based on the clinical gait analysis conducted. Results: Running Comfort Assessment Tool (RUN-CAT) scores and 100 mm visual analogue scale ratings of subjective comfort, performance and injury reduction differed significantly between own and experimental shoes (p < 0.001). Post-hoc comparisons revealed that runners’ OS were the most comfortable (83.3 ± 3.8 mm) followed by gait-matched (66.1 ± 21.5 mm) and then basic (49.0 ± 24.1 mm) shoes. RUN-CAT, performance and injury reduction ratings were similar between own and gait-matched shoes, but gait-matched shoes had better mean difference (95% confidence intervals), RUN-CAT (15.6 mm [5.7, 25.5]), performance (17.1 mm [5.6, 28.6]) and injury reduction (30.1 mm [8.9, 51.2]) scores than the basic shoes. Discrete spatiotemporal, foot strike angle and resultant tibial acceleration parameters were not significantly different between shoes (p ≥ 0.157). Most runners overall preferred their OS (71.4%), followed by gait-matched (23.8%) and basic (4.8%) shoes. Conclusions: Shoe recommendation and description can significantly affect subjective shoe comfort and overall preferences without significantly altering spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters. Runners should be cautious while choosing shoes based on recommendations and descriptors derived from gait analysis or based solely on perceived comfort as runners’ subjective perceptions can be artificially manipulated.
Tackling ableism in sport and active recreation to ensure participation parity for disabled young people in Aotearoa New Zealand
(Human Kinetics, 2026) Carroll, Penelope; Madden, Linda; Witten, Karen; Opit, Simon; Jeanes, Ruth; Townsend, Robert C. ; Nazari Orakani, Solmaz
Significant barriers limit disabled young people’s opportunities in sport and active recreation. This is both a health and human rights issue: physical activity is vital for well-being, and equitable access to sport and active recreation is mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). Using Q methodology, a participatory mixed-methods approach that uncovers shared viewpoints through statistical analysis of participant-ranked statements, we examined ableist attitudes in Aotearoa New Zealand that privilege nondisabled access while marginalizing disabled peers, despite decades of inclusionary rhetoric. Forty participants from sport, physical education, and recreation sectors ranked 40 attitudinal statements on disability inclusion. Factor analysis of these rankings revealed three distinct ableist “viewpoints.” We present these viewpoints, propose a “variants of ableism” framework, and discuss implications for parity in participation in sport and physical activity.

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