Water Based Research UnitSurfingThe Gold Coast weather, geography and culture of water sports make it a truly unique aquatic recreational and sporting environment. With over 2.5 million surfers in Australia, the Gold Coast is home to a large percentage of both professional and recreational surfers (Surfing Australia, 2010). However despite these numbers there is a significant lack of research surrounding the identification of surfing injuries (both acute and chronic) and valid approaches to prevention. Why Research is neededInjury assumptions have been made around predominantly survey based studies, clinical expertise and observations. No research has identified musculoskeletal asymmetries or long term effects from surfing. Current and Future Projects- A national survey will give a global snapshot of current surf injuries, predominant location of injury, and the relationship between variables such as age, frequency of surfing, stance, and level of experience.
- Based on the above findings a musculoskeletal screening tool will be designed to identify asymmetries within surfing populations compared to non-surfers. -
- A physiological screen will be performed on various groups (long-term recreational, elite) of surfers. VO2 max, max power output and general baseline measures will be performed.
Clinical ImplicationsResearch will aid in developing a valid and reliable screening tool to identify surfers who are at risk of potential injury and to be used as a guide for future treatment strategies. Stand Up Paddle BoardingOne of the newest sports growing in popularity is Stand up Paddle boarding (SUP). SUP’s increasing attractiveness is attributed to SUP’s deemed easy to learn and that it does not always require specific surf conditions for participation. The peak body for Stand Up Paddle Surfing Australia has identified Currumbin (Gold Coast) as the highest density and center of SUP in Australia. Why Research is needed SUP websites have claimed that the benefits of SUP include improvements in strength, co-ordination, core stability and physical conditioning, however these claims remain fully unsubstantiated. Although the sport has been seen as a recreational activity clearly it has potential as an exercise training and rehabilitation tool. Current and Future Projects- Demonstrating the power output associated with a stroke & the VO2 max of an elite paddle boarder-
- ‘The physiological benefits of Stand Up Paddle boarding’.
- An analysis of an open water race.
- An analysis of muscle recruitment on unstable surfaces.
- A comparison of the benefits of stand up paddle boarding across the age groups
- ‘The health and fitness benefits of Stand Up Paddle Boarding’.
- The effect of an intensive 6 week paddle boarding program fitness, strength, balance and endurance
- ‘The potential use of Stand Up Paddle Boarding as a rehabilitative tool’.
Clinical ImplicationsProvide baseline measures for the sport, provide insight into fitness, strength and balance gains possible with this new tool, identify the efficacy of using SUP as a rehabilitation tool. Contact Details
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