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Purpose: Travel fatigue impacts cognitive and physiologic systems, but its association with elite soccer match performance is unclear. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to explore the association between travel and match outcomes in elite North American soccer. Methods: Travel data and match outcomes (team points or goals scored and conceded) and physical performance outcomes from 26 elite professional soccer teams and their players were analyzed (148 matches [team-based data] and 1252 player matches from 297 players; age 22.7 [4.5] y). Player- and match-level correlations between performance measures and both acute and cumulated travel metrics were analyzed. Results: Cumulative travel metrics were positively associated with team (travel distance [r =.20; 95% CI,.03–.25], travel time [r =.20;.06–.37], and time away [r =.20;.06–.37]) and individual player (travel distance, [r =.14;.08–.19], travel time [r =.17–.23], and time away [r =.13;.07–.18]) high-intensity running. Cumulative time away was negatively associated with team points (r = −.14; −.28 to −.001) and positively associated with goals conceded (r =.14;.01–.27); no clear association between acute travel metrics and match outcomes or physical performance was observed. Conclusions: As travel cumulated, away teams and their players ran more but for less reward (team points), although the magnitude of these associations was small. These data are exploratory and do not imply a causal relationship; however, further research should consider cumulation of travel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identify the perceptions and experiences of how UK entry-level programs educationally prepared pediatric physiotherapists for their first clinical role. Review the extent programs taught essential, recommended, and additional content as per the International Organisation of Physical Therapists in Pediatrics (IOPTP). Mixed methods design involving qualified UK pediatric physiotherapists. Forty-two physiotherapists completed an online questionnaire and nine (21%) completed a follow-up semi-structured interview. All 42 respondents felt they were "Not Well" (median 2, IQR 1.75–2.75) prepared for clinical practice. Not enough curricula emphasis was given to pediatric content (100%), with 31% (n = 13, CI 95% 19–46) reporting no pediatric content throughout their program. Only 15 (36%, 23–51) respondents experienced a pediatric placement. Themes from the follow-up interviews were (1) UK programs are adult focused; (2) placements are the only meaningful opportunity to develop competency; (3) programs lacked non-clinical content; and (4) experiencing pediatric patients was overwhelming due poor preparation. The majority of the IOPTP curriculum guidance is not embedded within UK curriculums. Respondents reported they were not well prepared for pediatric clinical practice. Some entry-level programs did not include any pediatric teaching throughout the entirety of the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies reporting flexible assessment strategies and their impact across different modes of study remain limited with little emphasis placed on the role these arrangements play in devising authentic assessment processes. This paper synthesises recent research work depicting flexible design principles and practice strategies for how educators might effectively and with confidence move assessment forward in ways that prepare students for a multitude of future possibilities. Evidence is presented for how such assessment arrangements can be created to allow for a valid and authentic representation of student performance in increasingly digital learning environments. Authentically future-facing assessment in higher education needs to be adaptable, ideally offering an element of flexibility and agency to students which helps them to continuously connect what they are learning – ideas to thinking, principles to problems, theory to practice, learning to life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: It is well demonstrated that Nordic hamstring (NH) program has poor compliance across European soccer clubs, but little is known about its implementation in Major League Soccer (MLS). The authors aimed to investigate MLS hamstring prevention practices and compliance with the NH program and understand the reasons for its inclusion or exclusion. Design: A cross-sectional electronic survey was completed by 24 of the 26 (92%) MLS top-division soccer clubs. Methods: The survey, based on the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework, was sent to team medical staff. Medical staff were also asked for opinions on barriers to implementation. Results: Eighteen clubs (75%) reported a formal hamstring injury prevention program, with eccentric exercises (94%; 95% CI [confidence interval], 74%-99%), high-speed running (94%; 95% CI, 74%-99%), and NH exercises (89%; 95% CI, 67%-97%) the most common strategies adopted. Fifteen clubs partially implemented the NH program, but only 5 (21 %; 95% CI, 9%-40%) completed the full program and were classed as compliant. A total of 20 respondents reported that player perception and muscle soreness (83%; 95% CI, 64%-93%) were barriers to the implementation of the NH program. On a 5-point Likert scale, respondents "partially agreed" (4.13 [0.80]) that the NH exercise could substantially reduce injuries and would be "effective" at their own club (3.88 [0.61]). Conclusions: The NH exercise was valued, but negative player perception and muscular soreness were identified as barriers to implementing the full program. Manipulation of volume and frequency should inform future "effectiveness" research to prospectively assess such modifications in the context of MLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish UK Physiotherapy lecturers' perceptions of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional mixed methods electronic survey of UK higher education lecturers, actively teaching pre-registration undergraduate or postgraduate physiotherapy degrees, was conducted between October 2020 and February 2021. Data was converted into proportions with a 95% confidence interval. Likert scale questions were treated as numeric variables with the mean and standard deviation calculated for combined responses. The thematic analysis reported patterns of data extracted from open-ended questions. 96 respondents completed the survey, reporting some positive attributes attached to online learning. 81% (n = 78, 95% CI 72–88) agreed that students developed their digital skills and were able to learn conveniently at their own pace (n = 75, 78%, 95% CI 69–85). However, 62.5% (n = 60, 95% CI 23–72) of respondents felt that students were overall disadvantaged with online learning, with 72% (n = 69, 95% CI 62–80) reporting that online learning was not comparable to face-to-face to teaching. The reasons for perceived student disadvantage were categorised into three themes; 1) a lack of ability in sessions to practice handling techniques, 2) the inability to gauge student understanding and check practical skill competence and 3) the lack of student self-directed practice time. UK physiotherapy lecturers did indicate they would continue to incorporate online learning in the future (n = 84, 87.5%, 95% CI 79–93). Such responses were based on two key themes; an improved work-life balance and the perception that online learning was no more challenging than traditional on-campus delivery. UK physiotherapy lecturers reported that students were disadvantaged with online learning delivery compared to face-to-face teaching. Lecturers indicated a willingness to continue with aspects of online learning across the curriculum, despite suggesting it had a negative impact on students subject understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to explore new United Kingdom (UK) graduate physiotherapists' perceived preparedness for clinical practice to provide valuable information to support curriculum development. An online, mixed method cross-sectional questionnaire was used. Newly qualified UK physiotherapists completed a survey, capturing how physiotherapy degrees prepared them for practice against (1) UK proficiency standards and (2) cross-discipline physiotherapy related clinical skills. Respondents were asked for reflections of their degree course including teaching and effectiveness. Data were converted into proportions with a 95% confidence interval. Likert-scale questions were treated as numeric variables with the mean and standard deviation (SD) calculated for combined responses. Thematic analysis reported patterns of data extracted from open-ended questions. Of a total of 376 respondents, 365 were included in data analysis. Overall respondents perceived that courses prepared them 'well' against 12 of the 15 standards, on a Likert scale of 1–5. Respondents reported that perceived competence was 'indifferent' for manual therapy skills (mean 3.14 ± SD 1.13), red flag (3.45 ± 1.11) and clinical flag management (2.92 ± 1.16). Exercise prescription (2.42 ± 1.35), psychosocial skills (2.27 ± 1.23) and patient management (2.41 ± 1.12) were areas identified for further teaching focus. Placements were the preferred teaching method most applicable to practice followed by practical seminars. Respondents felt sufficiently prepared for practice against UK proficiency standards but not physiotherapy related clinical skills. Areas for curricula development included exercise prescription, psychology and pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Players involved in the various football codes compete throughout the calendar year around the world. Therefore, environmental stressors such as temperature and altitude should be considered in preparation for, and during, matches. We aimed to systematically review the observational and quasi-experimental studies that have been specifically designed to quantify the effects of temperature (hot or cold) high altitude on in-match physical performance indicators. A search of electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed/MEDLINE) was conducted, with 19,424 papers identified as relevant. Following sifting in relation to the eligibility criteria, 12 papers were deemed directly relevant. The reviewed studies scored 6–9 (on a 0–9 scale) for quality assessment using a previously used scale. The major outcome variables relevant to the current review were total distance (m), high-speed running (m) and high-speed runs (count) measured during matches. Standardized effect sizes (ES) were heterogeneous across studies for total distance (ES: −0.96 to −0.14) and high-speed running (ES: −0.69 to 0.12) for >1000 m vs sea-level, time spent at the given altitude being a putative factor for this heterogeneity. Heat had mainly detrimental effects on performance, but ES were, again, heterogeneous across studies (ES: −1.25 to 0.26), dependent on temperature. Given the small number of studies that involved mostly male athletes, and large heterogeneity across studies, more research needs be conducted on physical performance in these environmental conditions, with attention paid to standardizing outcomes and broadening the approaches of studies to guide future decision-making in professional sporting environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The aims of the study were two-fold 1) to explore the treatment modalities musculoskeletal physiotherapists are utilising and the underlying reasons why and 2) report current continuing professional development (CPD) practises and their perceived effectiveness. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional questionnaire, musculoskeletal physiotherapists in the United Kingdom (UK) were invited to complete an online survey. The survey captured respondents' professional characteristics and their main reason for selecting a range of treatments sub-grouped into three broad categories; Manual Therapy, Treatment Modalities and Education Based Approaches. Respondents were asked to report their CPD practises and their perceived effectiveness. Data was converted into proportions with lower and upper limits of the 95% confidence interval (CI). Likert scale questions were treated as numeric variables with the mean and standard deviation (SD) calculated for combined responses. RESULTS: Of the 414 responders, 408 were eligible for analyses. The most common reason for treatment selection, based upon a combined total of 9792 responses across all treatment modalities, was content taught in 'entry-level training' (n = 2010, 20.5%, 85% CI 20 to 21), followed by 'practice related courses or CPD events' (n = 1241, 12.7%, 95% CI 12 to 13). 'Self-reflection' was the most common form of CPD (n = 404). All forms of CPD were considered 'effective' for developing knowledge and skills except 'clinical audit' and 'journal clubs' which were rated as 'indifferent' by respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment technique depends heavily on skills taught in entry-level training. Despite research articles amongst the most utilised forms of CPD, a disconnect exists in its implementation as the main driver of treatment selection. A wide range of CPD activities were undertaken by participants and rated as 'effective' for acquiring and applying physiotherapy related skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]