Julie Steele
University of Wollongong, Medicine, Faculty Member
The dataset is generated in relation to human movement of the ankle. It contains three-dimensional kinematic data of the lower limb during single limb drop landing tasks from different take off heights ( 32 cm. and 72 cm.) and surface... more
The dataset is generated in relation to human movement of the ankle. It contains three-dimensional kinematic data of the lower limb during single limb drop landing tasks from different take off heights ( 32 cm. and 72 cm.) and surface electromyographic activity of four lower limb muscles (tibialis anterior, soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius) during the landing tasks, as well as ground force data generated during the landing tasks. The landing technique of forty eight consenting males were analysed for approximately two hours per participant in the Biomechanics Research Laboratory at the University of Wollongong to collect the data. The data was collected by PhD candidate, John Whitting, who was assisted by a team of trained research assistants, using an OptoTRAK 3020 motion analysis system to collect the kinematic data, two Kistler force platforms to collect the ground reaction force data and a Noraxon Telemyo 900 EMG system to collect the muscle activity data
Research Interests:
Dataset shows results generated in related to human movement of the leg and ankle. It includes three-dimensional kinematic data of the lower limb during a cutting and running task, surface electromyographic activity of 8 lower limb... more
Dataset shows results generated in related to human movement of the leg and ankle. It includes three-dimensional kinematic data of the lower limb during a cutting and running task, surface electromyographic activity of 8 lower limb muscles during a cutting and running task and ground reaction force data generated during a cutting and running task. The cutting and running technique of 15 males and 15 female consenting touch football players was analysed in the Biomechanics Research Laboratory at University of Wollongong, where the data was collected by BSc (Hons) candidate who was assisted by a team of trained research assistants. Data was collected for approximately 2 hours per participant to generate the datasets using an OptoTRAK 3020 motion analysis system to collect the kinematic data, two Kistler force platforms to collect the ground reaction force data and a Noraxon Telemyo 900 EMG system to collect the muscle activity data. In addition to instruments, the data was also sourced from survey responses, text, images and statistcs
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Female breasts are vulnerable to direct blows or frictional injuries during sport; however, little research has investigated breast injuries experienced by female athletes. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, causes and... more
Female breasts are vulnerable to direct blows or frictional injuries during sport; however, little research has investigated breast injuries experienced by female athletes. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, causes and perceived performance effects of breast injuries in elite female athletes across a wide range of sports. A custom-designed survey was distributed to female athletes aged over 18 years who were competing nationally or internationally in their chosen sport. The survey included questions about breast injuries sustained during training and competition and any perceived performance effects of these injuries. 504 elite female athletes from 46 different sports completed the survey. 36% of participants (n = 182) reported experiencing breast injuries and 21% (n = 37) perceived that their breast injury negatively affected their performance. Contact breast injuries were reported by significantly more athletes involved in contact or combat sports and by athletes with...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
More systematic breast biomechanics research and better translation of the research outcomes are necessary to inform sports bra designs and develop effective evidence-based strategies to alleviate exercise-induced breast pain for women... more
More systematic breast biomechanics research and better translation of the research outcomes are necessary to inform sports bra designs and develop effective evidence-based strategies to alleviate exercise-induced breast pain for women who want to participate in physical activity in comfort.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Mining work boots provide an interface between the foot and the ground, protecting and supporting miners' feet during lengthy coal mining shifts. Although underground coal miners report the fit of their work boots as reasonable to... more
Mining work boots provide an interface between the foot and the ground, protecting and supporting miners' feet during lengthy coal mining shifts. Although underground coal miners report the fit of their work boots as reasonable to good, they frequently rate their boots as uncomfortable, suggesting that there is a mismatch between the shape of their feet and their boots. This study aimed to identify whether dimensions derived from the three-dimensional scans of 208 underground coal miners' feet (age 38.3 ± 9.8 years) differed from the internal dimensions of their work boots. The results revealed underground coal miners wore boots that were substantially longer than their feet, possibly because boots available in their correct length were too narrow. It is recommended boot manufacturers reassess the algorithms used to create boot lasts, focusing on adjusting boot circumference at the instep and heel relative to increases in foot length. Practitioner Summary: Fit and comfort ra...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Reduced toe flexor strength is an independent predictor of falls in older people. However it is unknown whether strengthening programs can restore toe flexor strength in older individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether... more
Reduced toe flexor strength is an independent predictor of falls in older people. However it is unknown whether strengthening programs can restore toe flexor strength in older individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a progressive resistance training program, focused specifically on the foot muscles, could improve toe flexor strength in community-dwelling older people. After baseline testing, 85 men and women (age range 60-90years) were randomized to either a supervised, progressive resistance training (n=43) or a home-based exercise (n=42) group for 12weeks. A further 32 participants were recruited for a control group. The primary outcome measures were hallux and lesser toe flexor strength pre- and post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures were exercise compliance, components of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire and single-leg balance time. Average class attendance was 89% with 68 participants from the two intervention groups (80%) completing the follow-...
Research Interests:
Our primary aim was to investigate the influence of turns, tube rides and aerial manoeuvres on the scores awarded in elite male professional surfing competitions. We also investigated the successful completion rate and scores associated... more
Our primary aim was to investigate the influence of turns, tube rides and aerial manoeuvres on the scores awarded in elite male professional surfing competitions. We also investigated the successful completion rate and scores associated with different aerial variations. Video recordings from all 11 events of the 2015 Men's World Championship Tour were viewed to classify manoeuvres performed by the competitors on each wave as turns, tube rides and aerials. A two-way ANOVA was used to determine any main effect or interaction of manoeuvre type or event location on the wave scores. A one-way ANOVA was used to determine any main effect of aerial type on successful completion rate. Aerial manoeuvres were scored significantly higher than tube rides and turns. A significant main effect existed for manoeuvre and completion rate. Aerial manoeuvres had the lowest completion rate of 45.4%. During the finals series (Quarterfinals, Semi-finals and Finals heats) aerial manoeuvre completion rat...
Research Interests:
Lower limb injuries are highly prevalent in underground coal mining. Wearing gumboots with inadequate ankle support was thought to contribute to these injuries. Despite the uptake of leather lace-up boots, which provide more ankle... more
Lower limb injuries are highly prevalent in underground coal mining. Wearing gumboots with inadequate ankle support was thought to contribute to these injuries. Despite the uptake of leather lace-up boots, which provide more ankle support, no recent research could be found investigating the effect of this alternative work boot in underground coal mining. Consequently, this study aimed to determine whether boot type (gumboot, leather lace-up boot) influenced work footwear habits, foot problems, lower limb pain, lower back pain, or perceptions of work boot fit and comfort in underground coal miners. Chi-squared tests were applied to 358 surveys completed by underground coal miners to determine whether responses differed significantly (p < 0.05) according to boot-type. There were no significant between-boot differences in regards to the presence of foot problems, lower limb pain or lower back pain. However, the types of foot problems and locations of foot pain differed according to ...
Research Interests: Perception, Consumer Behavior, Shoes, Low back pain, Humans, and 14 moreCoal Mining, Applied Ergonomics, Female, Male, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Musculoskeletal pain, Medical Physiology, Middle Aged, Adult, Medicine and Health Sciences, Occupational Diseases, Lower Extremity, Protective Clothing, and Choice Behavior
Research Interests:
This study aimed to compare breast volume calculated from scanning large, ptotic breasts of women while they were standing upright relative to when lying prone in order to identify the error associated with breast volume calculations.... more
This study aimed to compare breast volume calculated from scanning large, ptotic breasts of women while they were standing upright relative to when lying prone in order to identify the error associated with breast volume calculations. Breast volume and visualisation were compared in 50 women with large breasts (D(+) bra cup size) while they were scanned in three different positions. Full visualisation of both breasts occurred in 100% of participants in the prone position and only 5% of participants in either standing position. Breast volume was significantly greater (p < 0.01) in the prone position, with the percentage of underestimation in the standing position increasing as breast volume increased. Breast volume measured by three-dimensional scanning in the standing position will be underestimated by 7-10% in large, ptotic breasts. Consideration of these inaccuracies in breast volume relative to breast size can assist bra manufacturers when designing bras. Practitioner Summary:...
Research Interests: Psychology and Ergonomics
This study aimed to explore how asymptomatic athletes with a patellar tendon abnormality (PTA), who are at high risk of developing patellar tendinopathy, alter their landing technique and net patellar tendon loads generated in response to... more
This study aimed to explore how asymptomatic athletes with a patellar tendon abnormality (PTA), who are at high risk of developing patellar tendinopathy, alter their landing technique and net patellar tendon loads generated in response to fatigue. Seven asymptomatic players with a PTA performed five successful vertical stop-jump trials before and after a fatigue protocol. Fatigue protocol involved participants repeatedly performing sets of 30 submaximal jump exercises on a sledge apparatus followed by 30 s rest until the task failure criteria were reached. Three-dimensional ground reaction forces, lower limb kinematics and net peak patellar tendon force were recorded during the stop-jump task. No significant between-fatigue condition differences in net patellar tendon loading, or most secondary outcome variables were observed. Only some fatigue changes were seen during the vertical landing phase. Asymptomatic PTA participants did not modify their landing technique or net patellar te...
Research Interests:
Despite an increase in anterior knee laxity (AKL) during the adolescent growth spurt in girls, it is unknown whether landing biomechanics are affected by this change. This study investigated whether pubescent girls with higher AKL... more
Despite an increase in anterior knee laxity (AKL) during the adolescent growth spurt in girls, it is unknown whether landing biomechanics are affected by this change. This study investigated whether pubescent girls with higher AKL displayed differences in their lower limb strength or landing biomechanics when performing a horizontal leap movement compared to girls with lower AKL. Forty-six pubescent girls (10-13 years) were tested at the time of their peak height velocity (PHV). Passive AKL was quantified and used to classify participants into higher (HAKL; peak displacement &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 4 mm) and lower (LAKL; peak displacement &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 3 mm) AKL groups (n = 15/group). Three-dimensional kinematics, ground reaction forces (GRF) and muscle activation patterns were assessed during a horizontal leap landing. HAKL participants displayed significantly (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) reduced hip abduction, increased hip abduction moments, as well as earlier hamstring muscle and later tibialis anterior activation compared to LAKL participants. Girls with HAKL displayed compensatory landing biomechanics, which are suggested to assist the functional stability of their knees during this dynamic task. Further research is warranted, however, to confirm or refute this notion.
Research Interests:
correlations between some variables, and weak correlations between some others. Thus, all variables extracted from a given mechanical test did not deliver the same information. Care should be taken when comparing samples between studies... more
correlations between some variables, and weak correlations between some others. Thus, all variables extracted from a given mechanical test did not deliver the same information. Care should be taken when comparing samples between studies using different variables, even if the method is the same. Moreover, a given variable (computed in the same way) extracted from two distinct methods can lead to different conclusions. This could be due to the way the machines are driven (gravity or force), which should also be taken into account when comparing results from various studies. Disclosure statement
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Breast cancer is a prevalent, life-impacting disease. With increasing incidence rates and a growing number of survivors, greater efforts must be directed towards improving the physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) of women living... more
Breast cancer is a prevalent, life-impacting disease. With increasing incidence rates and a growing number of survivors, greater efforts must be directed towards improving the physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) of women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Although exercise interventions have been reported to provide these benefits, without the development of adverse events. many impediments to exercise exist (Rogers, 2007). While several psychosocial or physical capacity impediments to exercise have been investigated, a recent study found that a substantial proportion (70.3%) of women living with a breast cancer diagnosis reported experiencing bra discomfort during exercise (Gho, 2007). Furthermore, bra band "tightness" was an acute cause of this discomfort, particularly for lumpectomy patients. For this reason there exists an urgent need to determine whether it is possible to modify the bra band for post-lumpectomy patients to reduce their exercise-induc...
Research Interests:
The base of support for the musculoskeletal system during most physical activities is the feet. Feet are highly unique and flexible structures, which are required to perform extremely diverse functions, particularly during weight-bearing... more
The base of support for the musculoskeletal system during most physical activities is the feet. Feet are highly unique and flexible structures, which are required to perform extremely diverse functions, particularly during weight-bearing tasks. Although feet that are structurally sound can usually perform tasks of daily living with ease, deviations from normal foot structure or alignment can compromise foot function and, in turn, cause discomfort or pain. Extensive research has confirmed that obesity negatively affects foot structure and function. Obese individuals have been found to have broader, thicker and flatter feet; generate significantly higher dynamic plantar pressures; and alter their foot mechanics during walking relative to their non-overweight counterparts. The need for overweight and obese individuals to bear excess body mass has also been associated with the development of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in the feet, which can be severe enough to limit these individuals from participating in activities of daily living, work and recreation. As this can perpetuate the cycle of obesity, the compromised foot structure of obese individuals is deemed a major health issue. In this chapter, we review the effects of bearing excessive body mass on foot structure and function across a lifespan and, where possible, highlight the impact of this excessive weight bearing on the ability of individuals to perform activities of daily living. Based on the studies reviewed we recommend that evidence-based interventions be designed to reduce excess fat mass in overweight and obese individuals, focussing on non-weight bearing activities to relieve loading of their foot structures and, in turn, improve the quality of life of these individuals.
Research Interests:
Military static-line parachuting is a highly tactical and hazardous activity, with a well-documented injury risk. Due to the high impact forces and rapid rate of loading when a parachutist lands, injuries most frequently occur to the... more
Military static-line parachuting is a highly tactical and hazardous activity, with a well-documented injury risk. Due to the high impact forces and rapid rate of loading when a parachutist lands, injuries most frequently occur to the lower limbs and the trunk/spine, with ankle injuries accounting for between 30 and 60 % of all parachuting injuries. Although military static-line parachuting injuries can be sustained at any time between the paratrooper attempting to leave the aircraft until they have landed and removed their harness, most injuries occur on landing. Throughout the world, various landing techniques are taught to paratroopers to reduce the risk of injury, by enabling parachute landing forces to be more evenly distributed over the body. In this chapter, we review research associated with static-line military parachuting injuries, focusing on injuries that occur during high-impact landings. We summarize literature pertaining to strategies for military paratroopers to land safely upon ground contact, especially when performing the parachute fall landing technique. Recommendations for future research in this field are provided, particularly in relation to the parachute fall landing technique and training methods. Ultimately, any changes to current practice in landing technique, how it is taught, and whether protective equipment is introduced, should be monitored in well controlled, prospective studies, with the statistical design accounting for the interaction between the variables, to determine the effect of these factors on injury rates and paratrooper performance. This will ensure that evidence-based guidelines can be developed, particularly in relation to landing technique and how this is trained, in order to minimize injuries associated with landings during military static-line parachuting in subsequent training and tactical operations.
Previous research has shown that obese children have thicker plantar fat pads compared to non-obese children. As it is uncertain how this thickness influences dynamic foot function, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between... more
Previous research has shown that obese children have thicker plantar fat pads compared to non-obese children. As it is uncertain how this thickness influences dynamic foot function, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic plantar pressures generated beneath the feet of school-aged children and their medial midfoot fat pad thickness measures. Height and weight were measured, and BMI calculated, for 252 children aged 6.0-9.9 y (mean ? SD 8.1 ? 1.0 y, 112 boys). Medial midfoot plantar fat pad thickness was quantified using ultrasonography and dynamic plantar pressure distributions were measured using a pressure platform. Data were correlated to establish the strength of the relationships among BMI, plantar fat pad thickness and medial midfoot plantar pressures. Both medial midfoot plantar fat pad thickness and medial midfoot plantar pressure were significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.401, P < 0.001 and r = 0.465, P < 0.001, respectively). Although medi...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
To determine the effects of overweight and obesity on plantar pressures generated by pre-school children during gait. Dynamic plantar pressure variables were measured for 17 overweight/obese children (age = 4.4 +/- 10.8 years; height =... more
To determine the effects of overweight and obesity on plantar pressures generated by pre-school children during gait. Dynamic plantar pressure variables were measured for 17 overweight/obese children (age = 4.4 +/- 10.8 years; height = 1.08 +/- 0.1 m; body mass index (BMI) = 18.5 +/- 1.3 kg x m(-2)) and 17 age, gender and height matched non-overweight peers (age = 4.4 +/- 0.7 years, height = 1.06 +/- 0.1 m, BMI = 15.7 +/- 0.7 kg x m(-2)). When walking, the overweight/obese children displayed significantly larger contact areas and generated significantly larger forces on the plantar surface of their total foot, heel, midfoot and forefoot compared to the non-overweight children. Despite generating these higher forces over larger contact areas, the overweight/obese children displayed significantly higher peak pressures, force-time integrals and pressure-time integrals in the midfoot compared to their leaner counterparts. Although the overweight/obese children displayed greater midfoot contact, this increased contact area was not sufficient to compensate for the high forces generated during walking, resulting in them experiencing higher midfoot plantar pressures relative to the non-overweight children. The overweight/obese children also experienced significantly higher force-time and pressure-time integrals than their leaner counterparts, suggesting that their midfoot may be exposed to increased stress and, in turn, vulnerable to bony fatigue and soft tissue damage. The impact of these greater plantar pressure variables on foot discomfort and physical activity levels of these young overweight/obese children as they develop into adults requires further investigation.
Research Interests:
Falls, the leading cause of injuries in older adults, typically occur during ambulation. As such, gait and balance abnormalities are frequently cited as falls risk factors. During normal gait, the foot is the only source of direct contact... more
Falls, the leading cause of injuries in older adults, typically occur during ambulation. As such, gait and balance abnormalities are frequently cited as falls risk factors. During normal gait, the foot is the only source of direct contact with the ground and, therefore, it plays a substantial role in maintaining stability and balance. Foot pain has been found to impair
Research Interests:
This study aimed to establish whether the peak plantar pressures generated by overweight and obese school-age children during walking were associated with their objectively measured physical activity. Physical activity levels of a subset... more
This study aimed to establish whether the peak plantar pressures generated by overweight and obese school-age children during walking were associated with their objectively measured physical activity. Physical activity levels of a subset of 73 overweight/obese children from a randomized controlled trial (mean ± SD: age, 8.3 ± 1.1 yr; 47 girls; body mass index z-score, 2.7 ± 0.7) were objectively measured using accelerometers. Plantar pressure distributions were also quantified as the participants walked over a pressure platform. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the strength of the relations between the peak plantar pressures generated during walking and the physical activity levels for overweight/obese children. Peak pressures generated beneath the forefoot during walking were inversely correlated with time spent in different intensity levels of physical activity. Moderate-intensity (r = -0.321, P = 0.007), vigorous-intensity (r = -0.326, ...
Research Interests:
The Intelligent Knee Sleeve is a device capable of providing immediate audible feedback to the wearer pertaining to knee flexion angle during human movement. The Intelligent Knee Sleeve was used in a landing training program to determine... more
The Intelligent Knee Sleeve is a device capable of providing immediate audible feedback to the wearer pertaining to knee flexion angle during human movement. The Intelligent Knee Sleeve was used in a landing training program to determine whether providing subjects with this form of feedback was able to effect a change in knee flexion angle during dynamic landing tasks. Preliminary results suggest that the feedback modality is effective in correcting landing technique. However, advancements in the Intelligent Knee Sleeve design would produce a more robust system leading to more effective biofeedback for the athlete.
Research Interests: Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction, Textiles, Polymers, Medicine, and 14 moreSports, Library and Information Studies, Humans, Clothing, Wearable Technology, Biofeedback, Feedback, Wearable Computer, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Knee injuries, Ambulatory BP monitoring, Knee Joint, and Biomechanical Phenomena
Hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities are highly prevalent foot problems in older adults, affecting up to 74% of this population. One suggested cause of these toe deformities is inadequate strength of the intrinsic flexor muscles of... more
Hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities are highly prevalent foot problems in older adults, affecting up to 74% of this population. One suggested cause of these toe deformities is inadequate strength of the intrinsic flexor muscles of the toes [1]. Adequate toe flexor strength is essential to control body weight shifts, propel the body during gait and assist in shock absorption during repeated impacts. Furthermore, a previous study using a qualitative measure of toe flexor strength reported associations between poor toe flexor strength and poor performance in balance and functional tests in elderly people [2]. Of further concern, in a sample of retirement home dwellers, fallers were more likely to have severe hallux valgus and fail a clinical test of toe-flexor strength more often than non-fallers [3]. However, this association has not been investigated in community-dwelling older people or assessed using a quantitative method of toe flexor strength. Therefore, the purpose of this ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
OBJECTIVES: Outcomes of childhood obesity interventions are rarely reported beyond 1 year. We hypothesized that the impact on the BMI z score from a child-centered physical-activity program in combination with a parent-centered... more
OBJECTIVES: Outcomes of childhood obesity interventions are rarely reported beyond 1 year. We hypothesized that the impact on the BMI z score from a child-centered physical-activity program in combination with a parent-centered dietary-modification program would be greater than either program conducted alone at 24 months' after baseline. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A total of 165 overweight prepubertal children (68 boys, aged 5.5–9.9 years, mean BMI z score: 2.8) were randomly assigned to either a child-centered physical-activity program, a parent-centered dietary-modification program, or both conducted together in an assessor-blinded 6-month intervention. RESULTS: Using linear mixed models, all groups reduced their mean (95% confidence interval) BMI z score at 24 months from baseline (P < .001) (the activity and diet group: −0.24 [−0.35 to −0.13]; the diet-only group: −0.35 [−0.48 to −0.22]; activity-only group −0.19 [−0.30 to −0.07]). There was a significant group-by-time int...
Research Interests:
Abstract of paper that presented at the 2012 Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Meeting, Aucklan, New Zealand, 18-20 October