It is time to replace publish or perish with get visible or vanish: opportunities where digital and social media can reshape knowledge translation

Joining forces: Combining police and external expertise for cold case reviews

Cold case reviews within police and law enforcement agencies are challenging, not the least owing to the amount of time required to carefully review documentation, forensic exhibit holdings and various other casefile information. Most federal and state agencies are time poor, meaning there are very few dedicated cold case teams fortunate enough to have an abundance of police and expert staff resources. Universities and education organisations, however, have large troves of various expertise, alongside expansive human resources, by way of their academic and student body. In certain circumstances, the academic expertise and course offerings of a university may be well suited to assisting law enforcement in reviewing cold cases. There is growing desire for university courses to generate job ready graduates. In the field of law enforcement and policing this is difficult, as safety and the security of sensitive material and evidence is paramount. Educators strive to create workplace simulations, and with the correct mix of academic expertise, course offerings and industry linkages, the emerging opportunity for real cold case collaboration is possible. One such example is the Cold Case Review @ Murdoch (CCR) initiative. Since 2020, CCR has worked with the Lower Saxony Police Academy in Germany to develop the novel International Cold Case Analysis Project (ICCAP), now incorporating over 25 member institutions, to assist in solving real cases from both Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) and federal police jurisdictions. One case, known as "The North Sea Man" has shown great success and demonstrates the power of joining forces between law enforcement and external agencies to help advance cold cases.

Visual narratives in medicine - Bridging the gap in graphic medicine with an illustrated narrative of osteoarthritis

Objective

Visual narratives have been used in medicine to share information in the form of stories with the potential to improve understanding of conditions and change behaviours. One genre of visual narratives is "graphic medicine", which integrates comics into medical education and the delivery of healthcare. Graphic medicine can maximise the impact of research findings by presenting them in a more accessible format, which may be particularly useful in certain populations, such as those with low levels of health literacy. Those with lower health literacy levels and osteoarthritis (OA) are less likely to manage their condition with guideline recommended management strategies, experience a higher burden of disease, and have lower access to care. Our objectives were to review the current visual narratives in the field of and create a graphic medicine visual narrative based on existing research.

Design

This paper summarises the current visual narratives in OA and presents a graphic medicine visual narrative to illustrate the experience of living with OA. Considerations for the dissemination of visual narratives to target audiences are also discussed.

Results

The most common visual narratives in are infographics, videos, and graphic medicine. A graphic medicine visual narrative, based on previous qualitative work and informed by a framework, was created to illustrate two distinct narratives - impairment and participatory.

Conclusion

Visual narratives remain an emerging field in OA but may serve as a useful resource for patients or clinicians to discuss various aspects of OA management. Future research should evaluate and validate the use of visual narratives in OA.

Infographic summaries for clinical practice guidelines: results from user testing of the BMJ Rapid Recommendations in primary care

OBJECTIVES

Infographics have the potential to enhance knowledge translation and implementation of clinical practice guidelines at the point of care. They can provide a synoptic view of recommendations, their rationale and supporting evidence. They should be understandable and easy to use. Little evaluation of these infographics regarding user experience has taken place. We explored general practitioners' experiences with five selected BMJ Rapid Recommendation infographics suited for primary care.

METHODS

An iterative, qualitative user testing design was applied on two consecutive groups of 10 general practitioners for five selected infographics. The physicians used the infographics before clinical encounters and we performed hybrid think-aloud interviews afterwards. 20 interviews were analysed using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.

RESULTS

Many clinicians reported that the infographics were simple and rewarding to use, time-efficient and easy to understand. They were perceived as innovative and their knowledge basis as trustworthy and supportive for decision-making. The interactive, expandable format was preferred over a static version as general practitioners focused mainly on the core message. Rapid access through the electronic health record was highly desirable. The main issues were about the use of complex scales and terminology. Understanding terminology related to evidence appraisal as well as the interpretation of statistics and unfamiliar scales remained difficult, despite the infographics.

CONCLUSIONS

General practitioners perceive infographics as useful tools for guideline translation and implementation in primary care. They offer information in an enjoyable and user friendly format and are used mainly for rapid, tailored and just in time information retrieval. We recommend future infographic producers to provide information as concise as possible, carefully define the core message and explore ways to enhance the understandability of statistics and difficult concepts related to evidence appraisal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

MP011977.

Co-design of the web-based ‘My Knee’ education and self-management toolkit for people with knee osteoarthritis

Objective

Describe the co-design process and learnings related to developing the web-based Translating Research Evidence and Knowledge (TREK) ‘My Knee’ education and self-management toolkit for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Co-design process

Stage (i): Understand and define; systematically reviewed education interventions in published trials; appraised web-based information about knee osteoarthritis; and used concept mapping to identify education priorities of people with knee osteoarthritis and physiotherapists. Stage (ii): Prototype; created a theory-, guideline- and evidence-informed toolkit. Stage (iii): Test and iterate; completed three co-design workshops with end-users (i.e., people with knee osteoarthritis and health professionals); plus an expert review.

Results

The toolkit is available at myknee.trekeducation.org. Stage (i) identified the need for more accurate and co-designed resources to address broad education needs generated during concept mapping, including guidance on surgery, dispelling common misconceptions and facilitating engagement with exercise therapy and weight management. A theory- and research-informed prototype was created in Stage (ii) to address broad learning and education needs. Stage (iii) co-design workshops ( n =  15 people with osteoarthritis and n =  9 health professionals) informed further content creation and refinement, alongside improvements to optimise usability. Expert opinion review ( n =  8) further refined accuracy and usability.

Conclusions

The novel co-design methodology employed to create the TREK ‘My Knee’ toolkit facilitated the alignment of the content and usability to meet the broad education needs of people with knee osteoarthritis and health professionals. This toolkit aims to improve and facilitate engagement with guideline-recommended first-line care for people with knee osteoarthritis. Future work will determine its effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes in this population.

Toward scientific dissemination of undergraduate thesis in physical therapy programs - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The execution of undergraduate thesis is a period in which students have an opportunity to develop their scientific knowledge. However, many barriers could prevent the learning process. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the scientific dissemination of results from undergraduate theses in physical therapy programs and verify the existence of barriers and challenges in the preparation of undergraduate thesis. Second, to investigate whether project characteristics and thesis development barriers were associated with the dissemination of undergraduate thesis results.

METHODS

Physical therapists who graduated as of 2015, from 50 different educational institutions, answered an online questionnaire about barriers faced during the execution of undergraduate thesis and about scientific dissemination of their results.

RESULTS

Of 324 participants, 43% (n = 138) of participants disseminated their results, and the main form of dissemination was publishing in national journals (18%, n = 58). Regarding the barriers, 76% (n = 246) of participants reported facing some difficulties, and the main challenge highlighted was the lack of scientific knowledge (28%, n = 91). Chances of dissemination were associated with barriers related to scientific understanding and operational factors, such as the type of institution, institutional facilities, and involvement with other projects.

CONCLUSION

Scientific knowledge seems to be a determining factor for the good development of undergraduate theses. In addition, it is clear the need to stimulate more qualified dissemination that reaches a larger audience. Changes in operational and teaching factors may improve the undergraduate thesis quality. However, the importance of rethinking scientific education within physical therapy programs draws attention.

Development and evaluation of the Cancer Exercise Toolkit: a website for exercise professionals using a co-design approach (Preprint)

Background

Access to exercise therapy for cancer survivors is poor. Professional development to support exercise professionals in delivering these interventions is needed. Few online resources exist for exercise professionals to address this issue.

Objective

To develop and evaluate a freely available online toolkit to support exercise professionals working with cancer survivors.

Methods

A 2-phase, experience-based co-design approach was used to develop and evaluate the online toolkit. The two phases were as follows: 1) needs identification and co-design of resources and platform and 2) pilot evaluation. Four co-design workshops were conducted, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to identify key elements for the toolkit. For the pilot evaluation, a customized survey (the Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire) was distributed to exercise professionals at baseline and 3 months after launch of the online toolkit to determine its usability, utility, and effectiveness in improving their knowledge, confidence, and behavior. Results were reported as the median and interquartile range and changes were calculated using non-parametric tests. Website analytics described site usage after the initial evaluation.

Results

Twenty-five exercise professionals participated in co-designing 8 key elements of the online Cancer Exercise Toolkit: the homepage and pages for getting started, screening and safety, assessment, exercise prescription, education, locations, and resources. For the pilot evaluation, 277/320 respondents (87% of whom were physiotherapists) from 26 countries completed the survey at baseline, with 58 exercise professionals completing follow-up surveys at 3 months. Exercise professionals’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in delivering exercise therapy to cancer survivors increased 3 months after baseline (items 1, 6, and 8: median score 5, IQR 3 to 6) to follow-up (items 1 and 6: median score 6, IQR 5 to 6; item 8: median score 5, IQR 5 to 7; P<.001) on a 1 to 7 Likert scale. Most participants (35/44, 80%) agreed or strongly agreed they would recommend the toolkit to colleagues. In the 6 months following the pilot evaluation, the toolkit received an average of 866 views per month.

Conclusions

The co-designed online Cancer Exercise Toolkit was a useful resource for exercise professionals that may increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence in providing exercise therapy to cancer survivors.

The Altmetric Score Has a Stronger Relationship With Article Citations Than Journal Impact Factor and Open Access Status: A Cross-sectional Analysis of 4022 Sport Sciences Articles

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship of individual article citations in the sport sciences field with (1) Journal Impact Factor, (2) each article's open access status, and (3) Altmetric score components.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

We searched the Web of Science Journal Citation Reports database in the sport sciences category for the 20 journals with the highest 2-year Journal Impact Factor in 2018. We extracted the impact factor for each journal and each article's open access status (yes or no). Between September 2019 and February 2020, we obtained individual citations, Altmetric scores, and details of Altmetric components (eg, number of tweets, Facebook posts, etc) for each article published in 2017. Linear and multiple regression models were used to assess the relationship between the dependent variable (citation number) and the independent variables (article Altmetric score and open access status and Journal Impact Factor).

RESULTS

Of the 4022 articles included, the total Altmetric score, Journal Impact Factor, and open access status respectively explained 32%, 14%, and 1% of the variance in article citations (when combined, the variables explained 40% of the variance in article citations). The number of tweets related to an article was the Altmetric component that explained the highest proportion of article citations (37%).

CONCLUSION

Altmetric scores in sport sciences journals have a stronger relationship with number of citations than Journal Impact Factor and open access status do. Twitter may be the best social media platform for promoting a research article. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(11):536-541. Epub 1 Jul 2021. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10598.

Applied sport science and medicine of women's rugby codes: a systematic-scoping review and consensus on future research priorities protocol

Women's rugby (rugby league, rugby union and rugby sevens) has recently grown in participation and professionalisation. There is under-representation of women-only cohorts within applied sport science and medicine research and within the women's rugby evidence base. The aims of this article are: Part 1: to undertake a systematic-scoping review of the applied sport science and medicine of women's rugby, and Part 2: to develop a consensus statement on future research priorities. This article will be designed in two parts: Part 1: a systematic-scoping review, and Part 2: a three-round Delphi consensus method. For Part 1, systematic searches of three electronic databases (PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost)) will be performed from the earliest record. These databases will be searched to identify any sport science and medicine themed studies within women's rugby. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews will be adhered to. Part 2 involves a three-round Delphi consensus method to identify future research priorities. Identified experts in women's rugby will be provided with overall findings from Part 1 to inform decision-making. Participants will then be asked to provide a list of research priority areas. Over the three rounds, priority areas achieving consensus (≥70% agreement) will be identified. This study has received institutional ethical approval. When complete, the manuscript will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings of this article will have relevance for a wide range of stakeholders in women's rugby, including policymakers and governing bodies.

Adapting Compassion Education Through Technology-Enhanced Learning: An Exploratory Study

PURPOSE

Compassion is central to health care. Efforts to promote compassion through educational interventions for health professionals show promise, yet such education has not gained widespread dissemination. Adapting compassion education through technology-enhanced learning may provide an opportunity to enhance the scale and spread of compassion education. However, challenges are inherent in translating such curricula for online delivery. In this study, the authors explored how technology influences the delivery of compassion education for health professionals.

METHOD

Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, the authors conducted semistructured interviews with 13 participants from across Ontario, Canada, from March to October 2019. The sample consisted of individuals who had experience with the design and evaluation of compassion education for health professionals. The interviews were coded and inductively analyzed to identify pertinent themes using constant comparative analysis. The study originated at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.

RESULTS

Participants provided a range of responses regarding technology and compassion education. While participants revealed concerns about the constraints of technology on human interaction, they also described technology as both inevitable and necessary for the delivery of future compassionate care curricula. Participants also shared ways in which technology may enhance compassion education for health professionals by increasing accessibility and learner comfort with vulnerability. Addressing technological ambivalence, improving facilitation, and maintaining a balance between face-to-face instruction and technology-enhanced learning were identified as elements that could advance compassion education into the future.

CONCLUSIONS

Compassion education can be enhanced by technology; however, evidence-informed adaptation may require deliberate efforts to maintain some level of face-to-face interaction to ensure that technology does not erode human connection. Further research is required to address the uncertainties surrounding technology and compassion education as identified by participants. These findings provide educators with guidance for adapting compassionate care curricula into a digital domain.

REPORT-PFP: a consensus from the International Patellofemoral Research Network to improve REPORTing of quantitative PatelloFemoral Pain studies

Patellofemoral pain is a common and often debilitating musculoskeletal condition. Clinical translation and evidence synthesis of patellofemoral pain research are compromised by heterogenous and often inadequately reported study details. This consensus statement and associated checklist provides standards for REPORTing of quantitative PatelloFemoral Pain (REPORT-PFP) research to enhance clinical translation and evidence synthesis, and support clinician engagement with research and data collection. A three-stage Delphi process was initiated at the 2015 International Patellofemoral Research Network (iPFRN) retreat. An initial e-Delphi activity (n=24) generated topics and items, which were refined at the 2017 iPFRN retreat, and voted on prior to and following the 2019 iPFRN retreat (n=51 current and past retreat participants). Voting criteria included 'strongly recommended' (essential), 'recommended' (encouraged) and uncertain/unsure. An item was included in the checklist if ≥70% respondents voted 'recommended'. Items receiving ≥70% votes for 'strongly recommended' were labelled as such. The final REPORT-PFP checklist includes 31 items (11 strongly recommended, 20 recommended), covering (i) demographics (n=2,4); (ii) baseline symptoms and previous treatments (n=3,7); (iii) outcome measures (2,4); (iv) outcomes measure description (n=1,2); (v) clinical trial methodology (0,3) and (vi) reporting study results (n=3,0). The REPORT-PFP checklist is ready to be used by researchers and clinicians. Strong stakeholder engagement from clinical academics during development means consistent application by the international patellofemoral pain research community is likely. Checklist adherence will improve research accessibility for clinicians and enhance future evidence synthesis.

Knowledge, confidence and learning needs of physiotherapists treating persistent knee pain in Australia and Canada: a mixed-methods study

Aim: To determine the knowledge and confidence of physiotherapists in managing knee osteoarthritis (OA) and patellofemoral pain (PFP); and explore their learning behaviors and preferences related to the management of these knee conditions.Methods: One hundred and sixteen Australian and Canadian Physiotherapists were recruited via social media, e-mail, and an online course. Part 1: Quantitative involved an online survey evaluating knowledge of evidence and confidence in providing treatments for knee OA and PFP. Part 2: Qualitative involved semi-structured interviews with 13 participants exploring current practice and learning needs, that were analyzed using an initial framework structured on interview questions, followed by inductive approach to identify additional themes.Results: Awareness regarding evidence supporting exercise for knee OA and PFP was good (89-96%), and qualitative themes indicated physiotherapists emphasized exercise-therapy and education. Perceived value of passive treatments and surgery varied. Preference for face-to-face workshops to address learning needs, alongside describing time and cost barriers to access them, emerged from qualitative findings. Online learning formats were viewed as convenient, but not as effective as face-to-face learning.Conclusion: Knowledge and confidence related to interventions for knee OA and PFP of Australian and Canadian physiotherapist participants broadly aligns with guidelines. Knowledge translation strategies focused on face-to-face workshops, supported by online education may help to bridge evidence-to-practice gaps.

Meta approaches in knowledge synthesis in nursing: A bibliometric analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the bibliometric patterns of meta-approaches use in nursing research literature.

METHODS

Descriptive, exploratory and historical bibliometrics analyses were used. The papers were harvested from the Web of Science Core Collection.

FINDINGS

The search resulted in 2065 publications. The trends in using most individual meta approaches show that the use of meta-analysis is increasing exponentially, the use of meta-synthesis is increasing linearly, while the use of meta-ethnography is constant in last 6 years. Most productive countries were United States of America, United Kingdom and Peoples Republic of China. Most publications were published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, International Journal of Nursing Studies, and Journal of Clinical Nursing. Twenty-seven percent of all publications were funded. Thirty-four meta approaches were identified.

DISCUSSION

The study revealed that the trend in the literature production is positive. Research community use of meta-approaches in nursing exhibit considerable growth. Regional concentration of literature production was observed.

Rehabilitation strategies of Flemish physical therapists before and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An online survey

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the study was to investigate rehabilitation strategies of Flemish physical therapists before and after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Secondly, we aimed to investigate physical therapists' preferences on continuing education and evaluate their self-rated confidence and competence when treating patients before and after ACL reconstruction.

DESIGN

Survey-based study.

SETTING

Online survey platform.

PARTICIPANTS

Flemish physical therapists (n = 283).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The online survey consisted of a combination of 40 open- and closed-ended questions, divided across 5 sections: (1) participant demographics and clinical practice information, (2) patient population information, (3) continued education practices, (4) rehabilitation strategies, and (5) physical therapist self-rated confidence and competence to treat patients with ACL reconstruction.

RESULTS

A wide variability in rehabilitation strategies were found across the whole ACL rehabilitation continuum, which were in general not in line with best available evidence. Nevertheless, the overall self-rated confidence and competence of physical therapists treating patients before and after ACL reconstruction were high.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a need to improve rehabilitation practices before and after ACL reconstruction. Advanced research dissemination and implementation are required to achieve better rehabilitation outcomes.

Moving Health Literacy Research and Practice towards a Vision of Equity, Precision and Transparency

Over the past two decades, health literacy research has gained increasing attention in global health initiatives to reduce health disparities. While it is well-documented that health literacy is associated with health outcomes, most findings are generated from cross-sectional data. Along with the increasing importance of health literacy in policy, there is a lack of specificity and transparency about how to improve health literacy in practice. In this study, we are calling for a shift of current research paradigms from judging health literacy levels towards observing how health literacy skills are developed over the life course and practised in the real world. This includes using a life-course approach, integrating the rationale of precision public health, applying open science practice, and promoting actionable knowledge translation strategies. We show how a greater appreciation for these paradigms promises to advance health literacy research and practice towards an equitable, precise, transparent, and actionable vision.

Maximising and evaluating the uptake, use and impact of golf and health studies

INTRODUCTION

The dissemination of research, and evaluation of its impact is an increasing priority for the scientific community and funders. We take the topic of golf and health and aim to outline processes that may contribute to improved research uptake, use and impact proposing a research impact (RI) tool. We then evaluate our published research using the Research Contributions Framework (RCF).

METHODS

Building on existing research and frameworks we i) assessed the need for, ii) carried out and iii) published research, before iv) creating digital resources, v) sharing these resources widely and vi) evaluating our research.To evaluate uptake, use and impact of our three principal golf and health research outputs, we performed a contributions analysis, using the RCF first proposed by Morton.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

We developed a specific six-step Research Impact tool. Having implemented this, research uptake and use included over 300 press articles, a dedicated website and social media channels. Golf's global industry leadership dispersed information across >150 countries, embedded golf and health into curricula for industry professionals and used leading tournaments to promote health. National policy makers hosted dedicated meetings regarding golf and health and began to implement policy change.

CONCLUSION

To date, strong uptake and use can be demonstrated for these studies, while a final contribution to impact requires further time to determine.Frameworks we used aiming to maximise impact (Research Impact tool) and evaluate its contribution to uptake, use and impact (Research Contribution Framework) could potentially add value to public health/sports medicine researchers.

Knowledge translation and social media: Twitter data analysis of the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

Despite extensive evidence demonstrating the benefits of prenatal physical activity (PA), inefficient knowledge translation may contribute to low rates of PA during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the impact of the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy (hereafter Guideline) on knowledge transmission via Twitter.

METHODS

Tweets containing keywords regarding prenatal PA were mined using the Twitter Application Programming Interface 1 month prior to (PRE), and 2 months following (POST-Month1 and Month2) Guideline release (October 18, 2018). The volume, user and location of Tweets relevant to prenatal PA were analyzed.

RESULTS

In this 3-month period, 19,944 Tweets were collected. After randomization to select 10% of the sample, 1995 Tweets were analyzed. Tweets related to prenatal PA increased following Guideline release (PRE = 318/674 [45%]; POST-Month1 = 377/755 [50%]); however, this was not sustained into POST-Month2 (202/566 [36%]). The main users Tweeting about prenatal PA were categorized as 'General Population' (33%), whereas top users Tweeting about the Guideline were 'Academics' (25%), 'Exercise Specialists' (27%) and 'Medical Professionals' (20%). POST-Guideline, Tweets originated from users in 42 countries (PRE = 28).

CONCLUSIONS

Twitter can be an effective tool for knowledge transmission of PA guidelines to a variety of end-users around the globe.

Considerations for Health Researchers Using Social Media for Knowledge Translation: Multiple Case Study

BACKGROUND

Despite extensive literature describing the use of social media in health research, a gap exists around best practices in establishing, implementing, and evaluating an effective social media knowledge translation (KT) and exchange strategies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine successes, challenges, and lessons learned from using social media within health research and to create practical considerations to guide other researchers.

METHODS

The Knowledge Translation Platform of the Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit formed a national working group involving platform staff, academics, and a parent representative with experience using social media for health research. We collected and analyzed 4 case studies that used a variety of social media platforms and evaluation methods. The case studies covered a spectrum of initiatives from participant recruitment and data collection to dissemination, engagement, and evaluation. Methods and findings from each case study as well as barriers and facilitators encountered were summarized. Through iterative discussions, we converged on recommendations and considerations for health researchers planning to use social media for KT.

RESULTS

We provide recommendations for elements to consider when developing a social media KT strategy: (1) set a clear goal and identify a theory, framework, or model that aligns with the project goals and objectives; (2) understand the intended audience (use social network mapping to learn what platforms and social influences are available); (3) choose a platform or platforms that meet the needs of the intended audience and align well with the research team's capabilities (can you tap into an existing network, and what mode of communication does it support?); (4) tailor messages to meet user needs and platform requirements (eg, plain language and word restrictions); (5) consider timing, frequency, and duration of messaging as well as the nature of interactions (ie, social filtering and negotiated awareness); (6) ensure adequate resources and personnel are available (eg, content creators, project coordinators, communications experts, and audience stakeholder or patient advocate); (7) develop an evaluation plan a priori driven by goals and types of data available (ie, quantitative and qualitative); and (8) consider ethical approvals needed (driven by evaluation and type of data collection).

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of a comprehensive framework to guide health researchers using social media for KT, we provide several key considerations. Future research will help validate the proposed components and create a body of evidence around best practices for using and evaluating social media as part of a KT strategy.

Patient Education for Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of education interventions compared with any type of comparator on managing patellofemoral pain (PFP).

DESIGN

Intervention systematic review. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42018088671.

LITERATURE SEARCH

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for studies evaluating the effect of education on clinical and functional outcomes in people with PFP.

STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA

Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion and quality. We included randomized controlled trials on PFP where at least 1 group received an education intervention (in isolation or in combination with other interventions).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Available data were synthesized via meta-analysis where possible; data that were not appropriate for pooling were synthesized qualitatively. Interpretation was guided by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Nine trials were identified. Low-credibility evidence indicated that health education material alone was inferior to exercise therapy for pain and function outcomes. Low- and very low-credibility evidence indicated that health professional-delivered education alone produced outcomes similar to those of exercise therapy combined with health professional-delivered education for pain and function, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Health professional-delivered education may produce similar outcomes in pain and function compared to exercise therapy plus health professional-delivered education in people with PFP. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(7):388-396. Epub 29 Apr 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9400.

The relationships between rugby union and health: a scoping review protocol

Introduction

Rugby union is played by over eight million people across the world and is considered a form of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Consequently, playing rugby may confer health benefits; however, to date, the principal focus of research has been on associated injuries and potential detrimental long-term health sequelae. This protocol outlines the methods behind studying any potential associations between rugby union and both physical and mental health.

Methods and analysis

Best practice methodological frameworks (Arksey and O'Malley, Levac et al and the Joanna Briggs Institute) and previously published scoping review protocols in sport informs the methodology of this protocol. This protocol enables us to map the key concepts and evidence available, summarise and share existing research findings, and identify research gaps in the current literature. A three-step search strategy will identify reviews, original research, and published and grey literature. An initial search will identify suitable search terms, followed by a search using keyword and index terms. Two reviewers will independently screen identified studies for final inclusion.

Dissemination

When publishing the scoping review, we will map key concepts and evidence both numerically and thematically, as well as identify key research priorities for further studies. The review will subsequently be disseminated to stakeholder groups, practitioners and policymakers through a variety of peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications, conferences and via multimedia platforms.

Ten Tips to Hurdle the Injuries and Illnesses During Major Athletics Championships: Practical Recommendations and Resources

Participating or winning a medal in major track and field (athletics) competitions is the goal of every athlete. However, health problems can impair sports performance and affect this dream. Therefore, we present ten tips to help hurdle the challenges of illness/injury at major athletics championships: (1) Prepare for travel (medical checking, vaccine, time-zone, jet lag, culture, food habits…), (2) Respect athlete characteristics and discipline specificity (sex, endurance/explosive), (3) Educate athletes and their entourages regarding prevention, (4) Vigilance of painful symptoms and subclinical illness markers, (5) Avoid infection risk (washing hands, safe food and drink, avoid contact with sick people…), (6) Train appropriately and optimally (physical conditioning, technical training, load management, and psychological preparation), (7) Health status (history of previous injuries, well-being in the month before championships), (8) Lifestyle (good sleep, regular hydration and nutrition with safe water/food, regular fruits and vegetables, improve recovery strategies…), (9) Environmental considerations (heat, cold, air cleaning, changes or climatic conditions…), (10) Safety (equipment, rules, own-practice in athletics, and extra-sport activities). These ten tips “PREVATHLES” are based on our field experience in addition to existing epidemiological and experimental literature in athletics and other sports. Although there is currently no scientific evidence for their efficacy, sound judgement, and logical practice provide a strong basis, and given the low risk of using them in the benefit/risk balance, we suggest athletes and those around them follow these ten tips to limit the impact of injury/illness on championship performance.

How should clinicians rehabilitate patients after ACL reconstruction? A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with a focus on quality appraisal (AGREE II)

OBJECTIVES

To summarise recommendations and appraise the quality of international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

DESIGN

Systematic review of CPGs (PROSPERO number: CRD42017020407).

DATA SOURCES

Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and grey literature databases were searched up to 30 September 2018.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

English-language CPGs on rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction that used systematic search of evidence to formulate recommendations.

METHODS

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to report the systematic review. Two appraisers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to report comprehensiveness, consistency and quality of CPGs. We summarised recommendations for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

RESULTS

Six CPGs with an overall median AGREE II total score of 130 points (out of 168) and median overall quality of 63% were included. One CPG had an overall score below the 50% (poor quality score) and two CPGs scored above 80% (higher quality score). The lowest domain score was 'applicability' (can clinicians implement this in practice?) (29%) and the highest 'scope and purpose' (78%) and 'clarity of presentation' (75%). CPGs recommended immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training. Early full weight-bearing exercises, early open and closed kinetic-chain exercises, cryotherapy and neuromuscular electrostimulation may be used according individual circumstances. The CPGs recommend against continuous passive motion and functional bracing.

CONCLUSION

The quality of the CPGs in ACL postoperative rehabilitation was good, but all CPGs showed poor applicability. Immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training should be used. Continuous passive motion and functional bracing should be eschewed.