Dr Brendon Ferrier

Surf Lab at Falkirk Science Festival
2024 - 2024

Description I was invited by the education specialist from Lost Shore Surf Resort to represent the Surf Lab at the 2024 Falkirk Science Festival, presenting some of the surf research I have been undertaking with Scottish junior surfers.

From the organizers, it was estimated that over 3000 members of the public attended the session over the 5 hours we attended, and manned the stall.

Research Areas Sports sciences
Physical activity
Coaching

Research Themes Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	I was invited by the education specialist from Lost Shore Surf Resort to represent the Surf Lab at the 2024 Falkirk Science Festival, presenting some of the surf research I have been undertaking with Scottish junior surfers. From the organizers, it was estimated that over 3000 members of the public attended the session over the 5 hours we attended, and manned the stall.
Research Areas	Sports sciences Physical activity Coaching
Research Themes	Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Nutrition and Athletic Performance presentation to Cargilfield School students
2024 - 2024

Description I was invited to Cargilfield school within my role at the Scottish Surfing Federation to present to the P7 form class about the importance of correct nutrition on athletic and academic performance.

Research Areas Coaching
Health and wellbeing
Physical activity
Sports sciences

Research Themes Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	I was invited to Cargilfield school within my role at the Scottish Surfing Federation to present to the P7 form class about the importance of correct nutrition on athletic and academic performance.
Research Areas	Coaching Health and wellbeing Physical activity Sports sciences
Research Themes	Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Sports Science Support for Top Junior Surfers, and National Coach at Performance Camp in Peniche, Portugal
2024 - 2024

Description In February 2024 I was invited by the national junior coach to provide sports science support at a junior performance camp funded by the Scottish Surfing Federation held in Peniche, Portugal. During the camp, i was asked to support athlete development through presentations and workshops during the 5 day camp. In addition, I was also invited to support the national and region coaches in their understanding of junior developmental needs, and application of applied sports sicence support to pre-adolescent and adolescent surfing athletes.

Research Areas Coaching
Sports sciences

Research Themes Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	In February 2024 I was invited by the national junior coach to provide sports science support at a junior performance camp funded by the Scottish Surfing Federation held in Peniche, Portugal. During the camp, i was asked to support athlete development through presentations and workshops during the 5 day camp. In addition, I was also invited to support the national and region coaches in their understanding of junior developmental needs, and application of applied sports sicence support to pre-adolescent and adolescent surfing athletes.
Research Areas	Coaching Sports sciences
Research Themes	Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Junior Athlete profile Workshop to FdSc Surf Science Students
2024 - 2024

Description During my visit in March 2024 to Cornwall College, I was invited to present to both the first and second year students on my role as Head of Performance Support with Scottish Surfing Federation. Within my role, I have been undertaking a project in testing of junior development and competitive surfers, and supporting the national coaches. Therefore, to support the FdSc Surf Science students, I presented a workshop outlining how to assess performance and development of junior level surfers. Supplementing the course content they are provided when studying the FdSc Surf Science course.

Research Themes Culture and Communities

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Description	During my visit in March 2024 to Cornwall College, I was invited to present to both the first and second year students on my role as Head of Performance Support with Scottish Surfing Federation. Within my role, I have been undertaking a project in testing of junior development and competitive surfers, and supporting the national coaches. Therefore, to support the FdSc Surf Science students, I presented a workshop outlining how to assess performance and development of junior level surfers. Supplementing the course content they are provided when studying the FdSc Surf Science course.
Research Themes	Culture and Communities
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Cornwall College External Examination Mentorship
2024 - 2024

Description Head of School at Cornwall College has invited me the opportunity to be a mentor for a new external examiner at the college for their FdSc Agriculture program. I have now taken up the role as a mentor for Elizabeth Bowes from Coleg Sir Gar college in Wales, who has started as a new externalexaminer at Cornwall College.

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	Head of School at Cornwall College has invited me the opportunity to be a mentor for a new external examiner at the college for their FdSc Agriculture program. I have now taken up the role as a mentor for Elizabeth Bowes from Coleg Sir Gar college in Wales, who has started as a new externalexaminer at Cornwall College.
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Presentation at AD Instruments Inaugral Education Technology Day
2023 - 2023

Description On the back of my published paper 'Translational Applications of Wearable Sensors in Education: Implementation and Efficacy' published in 2020, I have been invited to present at the inaugral Education Technology Day run by AD Instruments, a global technology company who develop software and hardware for the life and health sciences industry.

Research Areas Education
Health Technologies
Pedagogy
Sensors
Sports sciences

Research Themes AI and Technologies

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	On the back of my published paper 'Translational Applications of Wearable Sensors in Education: Implementation and Efficacy' published in 2020, I have been invited to present at the inaugral Education Technology Day run by AD Instruments, a global technology company who develop software and hardware for the life and health sciences industry.
Research Areas	Education Health Technologies Pedagogy Sensors Sports sciences
Research Themes	AI and Technologies
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Contest Director for Inaugral Scottish Para Surf Championships
2023 - 2023

Description On the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of September 2023 I was contest and weekend director of the first ever Scottish Para Surf Championships. This weekend included a series of information seminars presented by myself and the Scottish National coach, informing potential para surfing athletes and support staff in performance aspects of competitive surfing. Included in the weekend was the first ever Scottish Para surf championships, of which I was the contest director. In support of the weekend, it was agreed by the Head of Research for SAS that the university support the weekend, of which the university was present on the promotion poster, which was advertised widely across Scotland.

Research Areas Sports sciences
Building Performance
Coaching

Research Themes Culture and Communities

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	On the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of September 2023 I was contest and weekend director of the first ever Scottish Para Surf Championships. This weekend included a series of information seminars presented by myself and the Scottish National coach, informing potential para surfing athletes and support staff in performance aspects of competitive surfing. Included in the weekend was the first ever Scottish Para surf championships, of which I was the contest director. In support of the weekend, it was agreed by the Head of Research for SAS that the university support the weekend, of which the university was present on the promotion poster, which was advertised widely across Scotland.
Research Areas	Sports sciences Building Performance Coaching
Research Themes	Culture and Communities
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Pre-contract wetsuit testing for Lost Shore Surf Resort
2023 - 2024

Description In 2023, as part of a £60,000 investment in wetsuits for Lost Shore Surf Resort, I was asked as part of the Edinburgh Napier University Surf Lab to assess five different brands of wetsuit to look at the thermal properties and customer warmth of the wetsuits provided. From the testing undertaken, Lost Shore Surf Resort were provided a report on the wetsuit that performed the best when tested within an extreme cold water environment.
This information was then used by the team at Lost Shore Surf Resort to inform their decision as to which wetsuit make and model they would invest the £60,000 assigned for wetsuit stock for the public to hire at the surf park.

Research Areas Health and wellbeing
Hospitality
Materials
Physical activity

Research Themes Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Description	In 2023, as part of a £60,000 investment in wetsuits for Lost Shore Surf Resort, I was asked as part of the Edinburgh Napier University Surf Lab to assess five different brands of wetsuit to look at the thermal properties and customer warmth of the wetsuits provided. From the testing undertaken, Lost Shore Surf Resort were provided a report on the wetsuit that performed the best when tested within an extreme cold water environment. This information was then used by the team at Lost Shore Surf Resort to inform their decision as to which wetsuit make and model they would invest the £60,000 assigned for wetsuit stock for the public to hire at the surf park.
Research Areas	Health and wellbeing Hospitality Materials Physical activity
Research Themes	Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Thermal Properties of Wetsuit Design for Gul Wetsuits
2023 - 2024

Description Between November 2023 and March 2024 I was invited by Gul wetsuits to assess the thermal properties and insulatory effects of their new version wetsuit based on the recommendations provided at the intial testing. Gul wetsuits provided a wetsuit model to look at the thermal properties. From this testing, we made some recommendations that Gul implemented, with which we were asked to re-test the amended version of the wetsuit to assess any changes.

Research Areas Sports sciences

Research Themes AI and Technologies

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Description	Between November 2023 and March 2024 I was invited by Gul wetsuits to assess the thermal properties and insulatory effects of their new version wetsuit based on the recommendations provided at the intial testing. Gul wetsuits provided a wetsuit model to look at the thermal properties. From this testing, we made some recommendations that Gul implemented, with which we were asked to re-test the amended version of the wetsuit to assess any changes.
Research Areas	Sports sciences
Research Themes	AI and Technologies
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Invite to review conference proceedings for 2024 International Sports Engineering Association conference
2023 - 2023

Description I have been invited by the programme committee of the 2024 International Sports Engineering Association to review three submissions to the conference. Papers ranged from digital systems to monitor sprint canoeing performance, a digital device for assessing muscle activiation and increase instability of rowing ergometers, and finally a real time open source wireless system for sensor fusion with GNSS systems. This invite was received due to a recommendation from one of the editors recommendation to the committee regarding my expertise.

Research Areas Automation
Education
Information science
Sports sciences

Research Themes AI and Technologies

Research Centres/Groups Social Sciences Research Group

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	I have been invited by the programme committee of the 2024 International Sports Engineering Association to review three submissions to the conference. Papers ranged from digital systems to monitor sprint canoeing performance, a digital device for assessing muscle activiation and increase instability of rowing ergometers, and finally a real time open source wireless system for sensor fusion with GNSS systems. This invite was received due to a recommendation from one of the editors recommendation to the committee regarding my expertise.
Research Areas	Automation Education Information science Sports sciences
Research Themes	AI and Technologies
Research Centres/Groups	Social Sciences Research Group
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Wetsuit product testing for Lost Shore in informing purchasing practices
2023 - 2023

Description On the 2nd of August I conducted research to support the purchasing of wetsuits for Lost Shore. The project was to test the thermal design of a series of wetsuits to provide data about the efficacy of a number of wetsuits before Lost Shore invested £60,000 on a range of wetsuits for hire at the resort. The information provided the staff at Lost Shore the difference on the thermal performance of the different wetsuits to help them decide which wetsuit will provide the best warmth for the public who would like to hire wetsuits at the resort. The staff at Lost Shore felt this practical application was important to support the decision of which wetsuit product they would purchase, due to the volume they were about the order, and the impact on the publics experience a poor decision would potentially have if they purchased an under performing wetsuit.

Research Areas Sports sciences
Health and wellbeing
Hospitality
Information science

Research Themes Culture and Communities

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	On the 2nd of August I conducted research to support the purchasing of wetsuits for Lost Shore. The project was to test the thermal design of a series of wetsuits to provide data about the efficacy of a number of wetsuits before Lost Shore invested £60,000 on a range of wetsuits for hire at the resort. The information provided the staff at Lost Shore the difference on the thermal performance of the different wetsuits to help them decide which wetsuit will provide the best warmth for the public who would like to hire wetsuits at the resort. The staff at Lost Shore felt this practical application was important to support the decision of which wetsuit product they would purchase, due to the volume they were about the order, and the impact on the publics experience a poor decision would potentially have if they purchased an under performing wetsuit.
Research Areas	Sports sciences Health and wellbeing Hospitality Information science
Research Themes	Culture and Communities
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

University funded STEMfit project based at Fossoway Primary School and Kinross High School.
2023 - 2023

Description I successfully applied for internal funding for the school based Public Engagement fund. I was successful in being awarded £1350 to undertake a primary and secondary school based project introducing and incorporating the STEMfit based curriculum, introducing STEM into the school session. The project involves the students collecting personal fitness and movement based data using wearable technology, and then using the customised STEMfit Excel based software to analyse and interpret their own data during science and mathematics.

Research Areas Education
Health and wellbeing
Health Technologies
Pedagogy
Physical activity
Sensors
Sports sciences

Research Themes AI and Technologies
Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	I successfully applied for internal funding for the school based Public Engagement fund. I was successful in being awarded £1350 to undertake a primary and secondary school based project introducing and incorporating the STEMfit based curriculum, introducing STEM into the school session. The project involves the students collecting personal fitness and movement based data using wearable technology, and then using the customised STEMfit Excel based software to analyse and interpret their own data during science and mathematics.
Research Areas	Education Health and wellbeing Health Technologies Pedagogy Physical activity Sensors Sports sciences
Research Themes	AI and Technologies Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Invitation to present the creation of the 'SurfLab' at The Scottish Impact Investment Symposium
2023 - 2023

Description The Impact Investment Symposium is a day long event chaired by Bob Keiller, former chair of Scottish Enterprise and previously CEO of Wood Group. The group consists of investors, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, corporates, academics, charities and government with a focus on supporting social enterprise to scale successfully in Scotland. With some of the participants including many high profile investors within Scotland as well as organisations such as Scottish National Investment Bank and Social Investment Scotland.

Myself and Andy Hadden (CEO of Tartan Leisure and founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort) have been asked to present to the invitees about the the funding success with the BAE Pension Fund to support the bid for the development of the Lost Shore Surf Resort. But also on the development of the 'Surf Lab' research group, in partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and Lost Shore Surf Resort.

Research Areas Sports sciences

Research Themes Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland

Org Units Business School
School of Applied Sciences

Description	The Impact Investment Symposium is a day long event chaired by Bob Keiller, former chair of Scottish Enterprise and previously CEO of Wood Group. The group consists of investors, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, corporates, academics, charities and government with a focus on supporting social enterprise to scale successfully in Scotland. With some of the participants including many high profile investors within Scotland as well as organisations such as Scottish National Investment Bank and Social Investment Scotland. Myself and Andy Hadden (CEO of Tartan Leisure and founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort) have been asked to present to the invitees about the the funding success with the BAE Pension Fund to support the bid for the development of the Lost Shore Surf Resort. But also on the development of the 'Surf Lab' research group, in partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and Lost Shore Surf Resort.
Research Areas	Sports sciences
Research Themes	Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland
Org Units	Business School School of Applied Sciences

Cornwall College FdSc & CertHE Surf Science External Examiner
2023 - 2026

Description I have been invited by Chris Selvey (Program Manager for FDSc Surf Science and BSc Marine Sports Science at Cornwall College) to sit as the external examiner for the new validated program for the next 3 years.

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Description	I have been invited by Chris Selvey (Program Manager for FDSc Surf Science and BSc Marine Sports Science at Cornwall College) to sit as the external examiner for the new validated program for the next 3 years.
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Academic lead and consultant at inaugral coach education camp for Scottish surfing coaches
2023 - 2023

Description Between the 22nd and 26th of February 2023 I was invited by the Scottish Surfing Federation to participate and present at the first coach education camp at Peniche Portugal. The camp involved all Scottish coaches involved with athlete development, along with the top 6 Scottish surfers participating in a focussed camp looking at coach development. The camp also included the UK Olympic team coach and strength and conditioning lead supporting coach development. I was invited to support the education of the coaches, and present the current research published on performance based surfing.

Research Areas Coaching
Injury and sports medicine
Sensors
Sports sciences

Research Themes Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	Between the 22nd and 26th of February 2023 I was invited by the Scottish Surfing Federation to participate and present at the first coach education camp at Peniche Portugal. The camp involved all Scottish coaches involved with athlete development, along with the top 6 Scottish surfers participating in a focussed camp looking at coach development. The camp also included the UK Olympic team coach and strength and conditioning lead supporting coach development. I was invited to support the education of the coaches, and present the current research published on performance based surfing.
Research Areas	Coaching Injury and sports medicine Sensors Sports sciences
Research Themes	Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Guest interviewee on Ep. 84 of 'The UK Surf Show' podcast
2023 - 2023

Description Upon the creation of the Surf Lab and official announcement of Lost Shore, I was invited by the Scottish representative of the UK Surf Show podcast to be interviewed for their podcast. My invite came about as the co-founder and academic lead for the Surf Lab, and based around my current and past research within the surf science field.

Research Areas Coaching
Education
Health and wellbeing
Public health
Sports sciences

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	Upon the creation of the Surf Lab and official announcement of Lost Shore, I was invited by the Scottish representative of the UK Surf Show podcast to be interviewed for their podcast. My invite came about as the co-founder and academic lead for the Surf Lab, and based around my current and past research within the surf science field.
Research Areas	Coaching Education Health and wellbeing Public health Sports sciences
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

The Effect of Ball Pressure on Head Acceleration During Purposeful Heading in Adult Football Players
2022 - 2022

Description I have been invited to externally assess this Honors project by a final year student at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia.

Abstract:
The objective of this study was to explore the effect of ball pressure and neck strength on head acceleration during purposeful heading in adult football players. Seventeen football players were included in this repeated measures crossover design study. Participants attended one familiarisation session to determine baseline neck strength, followed by two experimental sessions where they randomly trialed two conditions at least 72-hours apart. The conditions included 20 rotational headers with a low-pressure ball (8.5 psi) and 20 rotational headers with a high-pressure ball (15 psi). The results revealed a statistically significant difference between ball pressure and both peak linear acceleration (F=15.2; p= <0.001) and peak angular velocity (F=5.71; p= 0.018) of the head during purposeful heading. The low-pressure ball demonstrated a 12% reduction in peak linear acceleration and a 6% reduction in peak angular velocity when compared with the high-pressure ball. Additionally, neck strength significantly predicted head acceleration during purposeful heading in adult football players (p = <0.05). These findings suggest that lower ball pressure and greater neck strength reduces head acceleration during heading in adult football players. This may better inform future football guidelines to help mitigate the risk of a heading related injury.

Research Areas Injury and sports medicine
Physical activity
Sports sciences

Research Themes Health

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	I have been invited to externally assess this Honors project by a final year student at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore the effect of ball pressure and neck strength on head acceleration during purposeful heading in adult football players. Seventeen football players were included in this repeated measures crossover design study. Participants attended one familiarisation session to determine baseline neck strength, followed by two experimental sessions where they randomly trialed two conditions at least 72-hours apart. The conditions included 20 rotational headers with a low-pressure ball (8.5 psi) and 20 rotational headers with a high-pressure ball (15 psi). The results revealed a statistically significant difference between ball pressure and both peak linear acceleration (F=15.2; p= <0.001) and peak angular velocity (F=5.71; p= 0.018) of the head during purposeful heading. The low-pressure ball demonstrated a 12% reduction in peak linear acceleration and a 6% reduction in peak angular velocity when compared with the high-pressure ball. Additionally, neck strength significantly predicted head acceleration during purposeful heading in adult football players (p = <0.05). These findings suggest that lower ball pressure and greater neck strength reduces head acceleration during heading in adult football players. This may better inform future football guidelines to help mitigate the risk of a heading related injury.
Research Areas	Injury and sports medicine Physical activity Sports sciences
Research Themes	Health
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Griffith University PhD Proposal Confirmation External Examiner
2022 - 2022

Description I was invited by Dr Steven Duhig from the School of Health Sciences and Social Work at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia to act as an external examiner for Ricky Dan's PhD confirmation seminar on the 18th of March 2022. This required me to log in virtually during Ricky's PhD proposal presentation and discuss and confirm the project to be at an appropriate level for PhD research. I was approached by Dr Duhig as Ricky's PhD is based around my research area in representative task learning and adaptation to teaching surfing.

Affiliated Organisations Griffith University

Research Areas Sports sciences

Description	I was invited by Dr Steven Duhig from the School of Health Sciences and Social Work at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia to act as an external examiner for Ricky Dan's PhD confirmation seminar on the 18th of March 2022. This required me to log in virtually during Ricky's PhD proposal presentation and discuss and confirm the project to be at an appropriate level for PhD research. I was approached by Dr Duhig as Ricky's PhD is based around my research area in representative task learning and adaptation to teaching surfing.
Affiliated Organisations	Griffith University
Research Areas	Sports sciences

Student led SRFace Wetsuit Project
2022 - 2023

Description I was approached by SRFace, a wet suit company in the Netherlands to provide some R&D support in their wet suit design. We have arranged for the company to provide a range of wet suits to be used for final year student projects to help with there R&D and marketing for prospective purchasers of the wet suit. Three fourth year students have benefitted from this project, looking at physiological, biomechanical and psychological aspects when wearing different models of the SRFace wetsuit range.

This project is an initial project to help with future proposed R&D projects with SRFace, and allowed for under graduate students to be involved in real world studies and industry.

Research Areas Art and design
Sports sciences

Research Centres/Groups Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Description	I was approached by SRFace, a wet suit company in the Netherlands to provide some R&D support in their wet suit design. We have arranged for the company to provide a range of wet suits to be used for final year student projects to help with there R&D and marketing for prospective purchasers of the wet suit. Three fourth year students have benefitted from this project, looking at physiological, biomechanical and psychological aspects when wearing different models of the SRFace wetsuit range. This project is an initial project to help with future proposed R&D projects with SRFace, and allowed for under graduate students to be involved in real world studies and industry.
Research Areas	Art and design Sports sciences
Research Centres/Groups	Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Using the Modified Illinous Agility Test and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on healthy older adults to assess agility test appropriateness and tDCS effectiveness
2022 - 2022

Description I have been invited to be the external examiner for an MSc project by Dr Andrew Lavender, within the School of science, Psychology and Sport at Federation University in Ballarat in Victoia Australia.

Abstract: Background: The use of agility tests within the older population is a commonly used practice, although such tests like the Timed-up and Go (TUG) or The Ten Step Test (TTST) are designed to target certain pathological conditions. Therefore, healthy older adults are thought to be not suitable for such tests as they are at a higher functioning level of physical ability. Additionally, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for research into brain plasticity has undergone a resurgence in recent times. Researchers are investigating this method of non-invasive electrical brain stimulation in various populations for the purpose of improving motor function. Previously, tDCS has been shown to reliably provide modulation of the cerebrocortical function to produce short or long-term, yet reversible, shifts in excitability. Previous research has not addressed the use of tDCS for improving agility in older adults.

Aim: This study examined the appropriateness of the agility test for functional assessment in the clinical setting, as well as the effectiveness of tDCS via a Halo Sport Device on agility in healthy older adults.

Methods: Fourteen participants (male = 7, female = 7) aged 57 to 81 years (mean = 69.4, SD = 7.46) were recruited from the Ballarat Community. Participants performed the MIAT twice during each testing session. A Halo Sport Device was used for transcranial direct stimulation in either an Active or Sham condition for 20 minutes, at 2mA. Participants were required to undertake a familiarisation session, followed by two randomised test sessions where each received either the ‘Active’ or ‘Sham’ stimulation before performing the Modified Illinois Agility Test (MIAT).

Results: A student’s t-test was used to compare times to complete the MIAT between the Active and Sham conditions. No significant difference between the two conditions were found (p =0.477, Active: 20.1sec ± 6sec, Sham: 19.8sec ± 6.7sec). Subsequentially, a two-way ANOVA with replication was utilised to compare the four test scores individually, with no statistically significant difference found (p = 0.984). A further analysis of the scores recorded from each participant’s trial 1 (first attempt for week 1 + first attempt for week 2) compared with trial 2 (second attempt for week 1 + second attempt for week 2) was conducted. Participants significantly improved on their second attempt (p <0.001). Movement type was also recorded, having 71.4% of participants running (jogging), and 28.6% walking, all participants movement types were the same for all trials recorded.

Conclusion: The current study found the Halo Sport Device did not improve performance on the Modified Illinois Agility test in older adults. Also, time to complete the test improved wit the second attempt compared with the first regardless of condition.

Research Areas Physical activity
Physical health recovery
Sports sciences

Org Units School of Applied Sciences

Description	I have been invited to be the external examiner for an MSc project by Dr Andrew Lavender, within the School of science, Psychology and Sport at Federation University in Ballarat in Victoia Australia. Abstract: Background: The use of agility tests within the older population is a commonly used practice, although such tests like the Timed-up and Go (TUG) or The Ten Step Test (TTST) are designed to target certain pathological conditions. Therefore, healthy older adults are thought to be not suitable for such tests as they are at a higher functioning level of physical ability. Additionally, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for research into brain plasticity has undergone a resurgence in recent times. Researchers are investigating this method of non-invasive electrical brain stimulation in various populations for the purpose of improving motor function. Previously, tDCS has been shown to reliably provide modulation of the cerebrocortical function to produce short or long-term, yet reversible, shifts in excitability. Previous research has not addressed the use of tDCS for improving agility in older adults. Aim: This study examined the appropriateness of the agility test for functional assessment in the clinical setting, as well as the effectiveness of tDCS via a Halo Sport Device on agility in healthy older adults. Methods: Fourteen participants (male = 7, female = 7) aged 57 to 81 years (mean = 69.4, SD = 7.46) were recruited from the Ballarat Community. Participants performed the MIAT twice during each testing session. A Halo Sport Device was used for transcranial direct stimulation in either an Active or Sham condition for 20 minutes, at 2mA. Participants were required to undertake a familiarisation session, followed by two randomised test sessions where each received either the ‘Active’ or ‘Sham’ stimulation before performing the Modified Illinois Agility Test (MIAT). Results: A student’s t-test was used to compare times to complete the MIAT between the Active and Sham conditions. No significant difference between the two conditions were found (p =0.477, Active: 20.1sec ± 6sec, Sham: 19.8sec ± 6.7sec). Subsequentially, a two-way ANOVA with replication was utilised to compare the four test scores individually, with no statistically significant difference found (p = 0.984). A further analysis of the scores recorded from each participant’s trial 1 (first attempt for week 1 + first attempt for week 2) compared with trial 2 (second attempt for week 1 + second attempt for week 2) was conducted. Participants significantly improved on their second attempt (p <0.001). Movement type was also recorded, having 71.4% of participants running (jogging), and 28.6% walking, all participants movement types were the same for all trials recorded. Conclusion: The current study found the Halo Sport Device did not improve performance on the Modified Illinois Agility test in older adults. Also, time to complete the test improved wit the second attempt compared with the first regardless of condition.
Research Areas	Physical activity Physical health recovery Sports sciences
Org Units	School of Applied Sciences

Dr Brendon Ferrier's Recognition (48)