http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32849 2026-04-05T15:30:50Z 2026-04-05T15:30:50Z Ford, H Lewis, J Tyros, V Low, DC Bateman, WR Lee, Y Sakadasariya, R Rex, J Oldfield, M Davare, M Shaheen, AF http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33074 2026-04-01T02:00:50Z 2025-12-11T00:00:00Z

Title: The ExtRA Capacity Test: Reliability, validity and normative data of a new clinical tool for assessing shoulder muscle performance Authors: Ford, H; Lewis, J; Tyros, V; Low, DC; Bateman, WR; Lee, Y; Sakadasariya, R; Rex, J; Oldfield, M; Davare, M; Shaheen, AF Abstract: Objectives: Introduce The ExtRA Capacity Test, a measure for assessing shoulder muscle performance. Assess its reliability, validity and present normative scores in a large sample of asymptomatic adults. Design: Cross-sectional observational study with test–retest. Setting: Community. Participants: Volunteers (n = 344, age 20–90 years). Interventions: The ExtRA Capacity Test involves two capacity tests completed to a 30 beats per minute metronome: maximal scapular plane lateral raises to 90° abduction with 2.5 kg of external load, and maximal external rotations in unsupported prone lying with the shoulder at 90° abduction. Reliability was assessed in 30 asymptomatic participants, tested by two raters over two sessions, one week apart, using Bland–Altman analysis to determine mean bias and 95 % limits of agreement (LoA) as measures of error. Criterion validity was evaluated in 20 participants using Pearson correlation to examine the relationship between ExtRA and isokinetic dynamometry measures. A normative dataset was also established from 344 asymptomatic individuals across a range of ages, physical activity levels, and both sexes. Results: The intra-rater and inter-rater agreement for the ExtRA Capacity Test was assessed in a sample of 30 participants. The 95 % LoA for abduction and external rotation measurements ranged from 2.9 to 13.1 repetitions. In a sample of 20 participants, the abduction test showed good/moderate correlation with muscle strength measures but not with the external rotation test. Older age, female sex and not achieving the WHO activity guidelines have a negative impact on ExtRA performance. Conclusions: Within the caveats discussed in this paper, ExtRA can be considered a reasonably reliable tool for assessing shoulder strength and control in a clinical setting. The normative database will help clinicians set rehabilitation or return-to-play targets based on sex, age, and physical activity level. Contributions of Paper: • This study introduces the ExtRA Capacity Test as a reliable tool for assessing shoulder muscle performance in both sporting and non-sporting populations. • The test demonstrates clinically acceptable intra- and inter-rater reliability, with the abduction component showing a strong correlation with strength measures from Isokinetic Dynamometry. • The normative database established in this study facilitates the evaluation of shoulder performance relative to reference values stratified by age, sex, and physical activity level. • Given its high reliability, the ExtRA Capacity Test can be used to monitor performance changes over time, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and rehabilitation planning. Description: Supplementary material: Supplementary data associated with this article can be found in the online version at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031940625004067?via%3Dihub#sec0105 .

2025-12-11T00:00:00Z Pickford, Helen http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32852 2026-02-24T13:23:39Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Exploring the impact of training in psychological support for long-term injured athletes on sport psychologists’ professional development and practice Authors: Pickford, Helen Abstract: This research explores the professional development of sport and exercise psychologists in supporting long-term injured athletes. The objectives of this research were to design and deliver a theoretically grounded professional skills workshop (‘Injury informed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy’- IACT) for sport psychology practitioners and explore the practitioners’ perceptions of the impact of training on their practice. Injury is well-recognised to have significant psychological consequences for athletes, and while practitioners regularly work to support them, there is currently a paucity of training available on this important topic. The study used an applied interpretive methodology with principles of integrated knowledge translation and a practice-based approach to explore professional development. Sport psychology practitioners attended a one-day CPD workshop that aimed to equip practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to better support long-term injured athletes. The CPD was designed and developed to meet the needs of practitioners including understanding the injury journey and the associated mental health risks for athletes, ACT therapeutic skills, and evidence-based practice. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus-group interviews, and follow-up interviews with practitioners at 3- and 6-months post workshop. Results showed that the IACT workshop was effective CPD training, improving practitioners’ knowledge and understanding of the injury journey, the potential impacts on athlete mental health, and their confidence in being able to effectively support injured athletes. Results from follow-up interviews showed that practitioners perceived the workshop to have significant, wide-ranging impacts on their practice, and findings were organised into five general dimensions; ‘Self’, ‘Therapeutic Alliance’, ‘Working Alliance’, ‘Process and Organisation’, and ‘Beyond’, conceptualised as a ‘ripple effect’. This research adds important practice-based evidence and concludes that current training requirements for sport psychologists in this area are insufficient, and more training of this kind needs to be available to protect athlete wellbeing, bridge the research-practice gap, and develop the profession. Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Bailey, DP Balezdrova, NH Cheung, KL Manohar, A http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32778 2026-03-10T03:00:27Z 2026-02-18T00:00:00Z

Title: User experience and usability requirements of a physical activity smartphone application for wheelchair users with spinal cord injury Authors: Bailey, DP; Balezdrova, NH; Cheung, KL; Manohar, A Abstract: Purpose: Usability considerations for wheelchair users remain underexplored. This study evaluated usability requirements of a smartphone App (MvBii) for monitoring physical activity and sedentary behaviour in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials and methods: A mixed-methods design was adopted. Manual wheelchair users with SCI completed System Usability Scale, e-loyalty and user experience questionnaires, think-aloud sessions and scenario-based workshops. Six design and research evaluators undertook think-aloud sessions. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and mapped against heuristics. Results: Ten participants with SCI (C5-L1; three females) with a mean age of 51 ± 9 years took part. The App received positive ratings on e-loyalty (mean scores, 5.6 ± 1.51 to 6.10 ± 0.99 across items) and user experience (4.3 ± 1.03 to 5.93 ± 0.78) from participants with SCI. A novel heuristics principle was developed to explore “accessibility and inclusion” usability issues. Thematic analysis captured patterned meanings across tasks and heuristics including “Navigating with autonomy” (e.g., challenges with interface clarity and understanding terminology), “Language and representation” (e.g., simplifying using inclusive language and icons), and “Seeing progress not noise” (e.g., physical activity notifications that encouraged self-competition without external pressure). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the value of a mixed-methods approach to usability and heuristic evaluation for identifying effective, accessible and inclusive tailoring of physical activity Apps universally and for wheelchair users specifically. These findings can inform refinements to the MvBii app and provide broader insights for designing inclusive and effective mobile health Apps across diverse populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: • Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury demonstrated high intention to use the physical activity smartphone App. • Key usability issues were identified that should be considered in physical activity Apps include interface clarity, terminology, and visual accessibility. • A novel heuristic principle was proposed that will aid in effective design for accessible digital experiences. • Recommendations for physical Apps for wheelchair users include enhanced customisation, inclusivity and simplified language. Description: Data availability statement: The quantitative datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available at https://doi.org/10.17633/rd.brunel.28524245.v1. The qualitative datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available because they contain information that could compromise participant privacy and/or consent.; Supplemental material is available online at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17483107.2026.2628898# .

2026-02-18T00:00:00Z