The Association Between Stress and Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study Among 186 First-Year Contemporary Dance Students

The demanding environment that contemporary dance students are exposed to could result in high stress levels, which can influence injury susceptibility. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between stress and injuries. In the period between September 2016 and March 2020, four cohorts of first-year dance students (N = 186; mean age 19.21 ± 1.35 years) were followed for one academic year. Each month, general stress was assessed on a 0–100 visual analogous scale. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems was used on a monthly basis to monitor injuries. Injuries were defined as “all injuries” (i.e., any physical complaint irrespective of the need for medical attention or time-loss from dance) and “substantial injuries” (i.e., leading to moderate/severe/complete reductions in training volume or performance). Mann–Whitney tests were performed to measure differences in general stress levels between injured and injury-free students, while repeated-measures ANOVA were performed to investigate whether general stress scores increased before and during injury occurrence. The overall average monthly general stress score over all cohorts for all students was 39.81. The monthly general stress scores ranged from 31.75 to 49.16. Overall, injured and substantially injured students reported higher stress scores than injury-free students, with significant differences in 3 out of the 9 months for all injuries (September, October, March, p < 0.05), and in 5 months for substantial injuries (September, October, November, December, April, p < 0.05). Within the 3-month period before and during injury occurrence, a (marginally) significant linear effect of general stress across the time periods was found for all injuries [F(1.87,216.49) = 3.10, p = 0.051] and substantial injuries [F(2,138) = 4.16, p = 0.018]. The results indicate an association between general stress and injuries. Future research should focus on effects of varying stress levels on injury risk using higher sampling frequency, for instance by measuring weekly since stress levels are likely to fluctuate daily. Practically, strategies aiming at stress reduction might have the potential to reduce the burden of dance injuries and may have positive outcomes for dancers, teachers, schools, and companies.

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Decreased Shoulder and Elbow Joint Loads During the Changeup Compared With the Fastball and Curveball in NCAA Division I Collegiate Softball Pitchers

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211026625 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 232596712110266

Author(s):

Gretchen D. Oliver ◽

Jessica L. Downs Talmage ◽

Kenzie B. Friesen ◽

Michael G. Saper ◽

Jeffrey R. Dugas

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Injury Risk ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Division I ◽

Future Research ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Baseball leagues have implemented pitch count and pitch type restrictions based on biomechanical concepts associated with pitch type. Softball has not yet adopted these practices, although softball pitchers continue to pitch at a high volume and learn multiple pitches at a young age. Purpose: To examine shoulder and elbow kinetics between the fastball, curveball, and changeup, as well as to provide descriptive upper extremity pain data in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) softball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Study participants consisted of 27 female NCAA Division I softball pitchers (age, 20.2 ± 1.9 years; height, 175.7 ± 5.7 cm; weight, 83.6 ± 12.7 kg). The participants pitched 3 balls of each pitch type, and kinetic data were recorded. A one-way within-participants repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in kinetics and pitch speed between pitch types. Results: Results revealed a statistically significant main effect for pitch type (Wilks λ = .087; F = 36.523; P < .001). Post hoc testing showed that the changeup produced less anterior elbow force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .012). In addition, the changeup produced less shoulder distraction force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in pitch speed between all 3 pitch types ( P = .006). The curveball revealed no statistically significant kinetic differences compared with the fastball. Conclusion: The fastball and curveball placed similar stress on the upper extremity in collegiate softball pitchers. However, in comparison with the changeup, the fastball and curveball placed increased stress on the upper extremity. More research is needed to fully explain the differences seen between pitch type and injury risk. Clinical Relevance: Sports medicine professionals, coaches, and athletes should use the current study results to note these differences in shoulder distraction and elbow anterior forces between softball pitch types. The study results can be used as a reference and basis for future research investigating kinetic differences across varying pitch types.

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Incidence and prediction of ankle injury risk: a prospective cohort study on 91 contemporary preprofessional dancers

BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001060 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. e001060

Author(s):

Adinda K E Mailuhu ◽

Rogier M van Rijn ◽

Janine H Stubbe ◽

Sita M A Bierma-Zeinstra ◽

Marienke van Middelkoop

Keyword(s):

Lower Risk ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Ankle Injury ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Research Centre ◽

Medical Attention ◽

First Year ◽

Injury Incidence ◽

Time Loss ◽

The Impact

ObjectivesThis study examines the incidence of ankle injuries and identifies ankle injury risk among contemporary preprofessional dancers.MethodsA total of 91 first-year contemporary preprofessional dancers were prospectively followed during one academic year. Self-reported ankle injuries, assessed with the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire, were categorised as all complaint ankle injuries, substantial ankle injuries or time-loss ankle injuries. In addition, ankle injuries leading to medical attention were included. Regression analyses were used to determine the association between potential risk factors (dancer characteristics, history of ankle injury in the previous year, ankle range of motion and dorsiflexion) and ankle injuries.ResultsThe 1-year ankle injury incidence proportion was 18.7% (n=17), 8.8% (n=8), 15.4% (n=14) and 7.7% (n=7), respectively, for all complaint ankle injuries, ankle injuries requiring medical attention, time-loss injuries and substantial injuries. Being male (OR=0.27; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.75) and being a student of the Bachelors in Dance and Education (OR=0.27; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.97) were univariately associated with a lower risk of an ankle injury.ConclusionAlmost 20% of first-year preprofessional dancers reported an ankle injury, with more than 80% of the dancers reporting that their injury leads to dance time loss. Males and students of the bachelors in dance and education were at lower risk of ankle injuries. As ankle injuries are common among dancers, studies with larger sample sizes, a more heterogeneous population (eg, different dance styles) and longer follow-up periods are necessary to evaluate the impact of ankle injuries in further detail.

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Power of Modified Brown-Forsythe and Mixed-Model Approaches in Split-Plot Designs

Methodology ◽

10.1027/1614-2241/a000124 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 9-22 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pablo Livacic-Rojas ◽

Guillermo Vallejo ◽

Paula Fernández ◽

Ellián Tuero-Herrero

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Statistical Power ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Covariance Structure ◽

Simulation Method ◽

Future Research ◽

Repeated Measures Design ◽

Fixed And Random Effects ◽

Split Plot ◽

High Level

Abstract. Low precision of the inferences of data analyzed with univariate or multivariate models of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in repeated-measures design is associated to the absence of normality distribution of data, nonspherical covariance structures and free variation of the variance and covariance, the lack of knowledge of the error structure underlying the data, and the wrong choice of covariance structure from different selectors. In this study, levels of statistical power presented the Modified Brown Forsythe (MBF) and two procedures with the Mixed-Model Approaches (the Akaike’s Criterion, the Correctly Identified Model [CIM]) are compared. The data were analyzed using Monte Carlo simulation method with the statistical package SAS 9.2, a split-plot design, and considering six manipulated variables. The results show that the procedures exhibit high statistical power levels for within and interactional effects, and moderate and low levels for the between-groups effects under the different conditions analyzed. For the latter, only the Modified Brown Forsythe shows high level of power mainly for groups with 30 cases and Unstructured (UN) and Autoregressive Heterogeneity (ARH) matrices. For this reason, we recommend using this procedure since it exhibits higher levels of power for all effects and does not require a matrix type that underlies the structure of the data. Future research needs to be done in order to compare the power with corrected selectors using single-level and multilevel designs for fixed and random effects.

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Fatigue Failure Analysis Using the Theory of Critical Distance

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.462-463.663 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 462-463 ◽

pp. 663-667 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ruslizam Daud ◽

Ahmad Kamal Ariffin ◽

Shahrum Abdullah ◽

Al Emran Ismail

Keyword(s):

Stress Concentration ◽

Fatigue Failure ◽

Notch Root ◽

High Stress ◽

Critical Distance ◽

Future Research ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Linear Elastic ◽

The Finite Element Analysis ◽

Elastic Fracture

This paper explores the initial potential of theory of critical distance (TCD) which offers essential fatigue failure prediction in engineering components. The intention is to find the most appropriate TCD approach for a case of multiple stress concentration features in future research. The TCD is based on critical distance from notch root and represents the extension of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) principles. The approach is allowing possibilities for fatigue limit prediction based on localized stress concentration, which are characterized by high stress gradients. Using the finite element analysis (FEA) results and some data from literature, TCD applications is illustrated by a case study on engineering components in different geometrical notch radius. Further applications of TCD to various kinds of engineering problems are discussed.

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Bridging the gap: blending spatial skills instruction into a technology teacher preparation programme

International Journal of Technology and Design Education ◽

10.1007/s10798-021-09691-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Diarmaid Lane ◽

Sheryl Sorby

Keyword(s):

Teacher Preparation ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Future Research ◽

First Year ◽

Spatial Skills ◽

First Year Students ◽

Base Level ◽

Technology Teacher ◽

And Mathematics ◽

The Impact

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a surge in research in spatial thinking across the international community. We now know that spatial skills are malleable and that they are linked to success across multiple disciplines, most notably Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). While spatial skills have been examined by cognitive scientists in laboratory environments for decades, current research is examining how these skills can be developed in field-based environments. In this paper, we present findings from a study within a Technology Teacher preparation programme where we examined first-year students’ spatial skills on entry to university. We explain why it was necessary to embed a spatial skills intervention into Year 1 of the programme and we describe the impact that this had on students’ spatial scores and on academic performance. The findings from our study highlight a consistent gender gap in spatial scores at the start of the first-year with female students entering the Technology Teacher preparation programme at a lower base level than male students. We describe how we integrated spatial development activities into an existing course and how an improvement in spatial scores and overall course performance was observed. The paper concludes by discussing the long-term sustainability of integrating spatial interventions within teacher preparation programmes while also highlighting the importance of future research to examine spatial skills as a fundamental component of technological capability.

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653 Are Daily Variations in Sleep Quality and Quantity Related to General Stress and COVID-19-Related Anxiety?

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab072.651 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. A255-A256

Author(s):

Veronica Hire ◽

Casey Thurmon ◽

Hope Snyder ◽

Ryan Harra ◽

Jamie Walker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sleep Quality ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Subjective Rating ◽

Coping With Stress ◽

Sleep Diaries ◽

Daily Variations ◽

General Stress ◽

Stress Levels

Abstract Introduction Sleep modulates a number of psychological and cognitive processes, such as emotion regulation, executive control, and coping with stress. It is therefore not surprising that insufficient sleep quality or quantity are associated with greater self-reported stress levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a particularly stressful and unprecedented time in history. While stress has been undoubtedly high during the past year, it’s less clear to what extent sleep has affected people’s perceived stress on a daily basis. The aim of this research was to estimate whether daily variations in sleep quality and duration were associated with general stress and/or stress related to COVID-19. Methods The study used a nationally representative sample to assess daily variations in sleep and stress for a period of two weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Morning assessments were conducted using online sleep diaries. These diaries were used to estimate sleep duration (in minutes) and sleep quality (subjective rating on a 5-point Likert scale). Evening assessments were also completed online and prompted participants to rate (0 to 100) their current “general” stress level, as well as their current anxiety in relation to COVID-19. Separate mixed effects models were conducted with days (Level 1) nested within participants (Level 2). Stress variables were lagged by a day to estimate the association between sleep (AM assessment) and stress (PM assessment). TST and SQ were entered as fixed effects and intercepts were allowed to vary randomly. Results 4,048 participants (Mage = 46.3 years; 78% women) were included as part of the analyses. The results supported that lower self-reported sleep quality predicted greater general stress levels (b = -1.43, p < 0.001). Lower self-reported sleep quality also predicted greater COVID-19 related anxiety (b = -0.543, p < 0.001). In contrast, sleep duration was not significantly related to general stress or COVID-19 anxiety after controlling for sleep quality. Conclusion The present data supports that daily variations in sleep quality are related to a person’s overall stress levels and COVID-19 anxiety. These findings may have implications for the role of good sleep in mitigating the increases in stress that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

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Vicarious trauma: Strategies for legal practice and law schools

Alternative Law Journal ◽

10.1177/1037969x21999850 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1037969X2199985

Author(s):

Kelley Burton ◽

Amanda Paton

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Vicarious Trauma ◽

Health Workers ◽

Mental Health Workers ◽

Future Research ◽

First Year ◽

Helping Professionals ◽

Legal Practice ◽

Law Schools ◽

Individual Level

We examine the effect of vicarious trauma on various stakeholders in the legal profession. Criminal lawyers are likely to experience higher levels of vicarious trauma than other lawyers. Additionally, lawyers are at a heightened risk of vicarious trauma compared to other helping professionals such as mental health workers. We identify a range of strategies that can be implemented at an organisational or individual level to address vicarious trauma. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of vicarious trauma strategies and initiatives. Importantly, we argue that vicarious trauma initiatives should begin in first-year law courses and continue over a career.

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Self-Care for Nurse Leaders in Acute Care Environment Reduces Perceived Stress: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study Merits Further Investigation

Journal of Holistic Nursing ◽

10.1177/0898010116685655 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 79-90 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Susan Mac Leod Dyess ◽

Angela S. Prestia ◽

Doren-Elyse Marquit ◽

David Newman

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Acute Care ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Self Care ◽

Nurse Leaders ◽

Future Research ◽

Care Practice ◽

Meditation Practice ◽

Significant Drop

Acute care practice settings are stressful. Nurse leaders face stressful demands of numerous competing priorities. Some nurse leaders experience unmanageable stress, but success requires self-care. This article presents a repeated measures intervention design study using mixed methods to investigate a self-care simple meditation practice for nurse leaders. Themes and subthemes emerged in association with the three data collection points: at baseline (pretest), after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks (posttest) from introduction of the self-care simple meditation practice. An analysis of variance yielded a statistically significant drop in perceived stress at 6 weeks and again at 12 weeks. Conducting future research is merited.

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