Browsing by Author "Besomi, Manuela"
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Publication A 100-day mentoring program leads to positive shifts in girls' perceptions and attitudes towards biomechanics and related STEM disciplines(2024) Dick, Taylor J.M.; Besomi, Manuela; Coltman, Celeste E.; Diamond, Laura E.; Hall, Michelle; Maharaj, Jayishni; Kean, Crystal O.; Barzan, Martina; Mickle, Karen J.The gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is among the widest across education and professional fields, with an underrepre sentation of girls and women, particularly in engineering and biomechanics. This issue begins early in education and worsens as females progress into more senior roles. To address this gap, we designed and implemented the Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge (BRInC), a 100-day STEM program focused on mentoring and role modelling to engage high school girls and early-career biomechanists at key phases where they most commonly disengage in STEM. We evaluated the influence of the program on (i) identity and perceptions towards science, engineering, and biomechanics; (ii) attitudes towards biomechanics, maths and science; and (iii) attitudes towards gender bias, education and career aspirations in STEM, within high school girls following participation in the BRInC program. We observed significant and positive shifts in girls’ perceptions of both biomechanics and engineering. Participation in the program appeared to lead to favourable shifts in attitudes towards biomechanics, maths, and science and fostered a positive influence on girls’ education and career aspirations, igniting an interest in future research opportunities. Innovative STEM engagement programs, such as BRInC, highlight the promising potential of targeted and bespoke approaches to address the underrepresentation of females in biomechanics and STEM-related education and careers. Future programs should strive to enhance socioeconomic and cultural diversity, employ whole of life-cycle approaches by offering programs for girls and women at various phases of the STEM pathway, and prioritize impact assessments to effectively monitor progress.Publication Associations between training load, heart rate variability, perceptual fatigue, sleep, and injury in endurance athletes during a 12-week training mesocycle(2025) Sanchez, Raimundo; Nieto, Claudio; Leppe, Jaime; Gabbett, Tim; Besomi, ManuelaThis study examined associations among training load (external and internal), heart rate variability (HRV), perceptual fatigue, sleep, and injury in endurance athletes during a 12-week training mesocycle. The aims were to (i) compare these parameters between injured and non-injured weeks and (ii) assess differences between high- and low-severity injuries. Fifteen endurance athletes (80% males; median age: 36.5 years; running experience: 5.5 years) participated. Injury severity was measured using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRCH). Training load (training stress score [TSS], Session-Rate of Perceived Exertion [sRPE]), HRV, perceptual fatigue (readiness to train and wellbeing), and sleep were collected through daily and weekly assessments over 12 weeks. The weekly injury prevalence over the 12-week period ranged from 7%–40%, with 47% classified as high severity. Injured weeks were characterised by significantly higher sleep-related impairment (p=.004, Hedge’sg=0.704), while all other variables did not significantly differ. Athletes who sustained more severe injuries exhibited lower TSS (p < .001, Hedge’sg=0.84), lower sRPE (p=.029, Hedge’sg=0.705), poorer subjective wellbeing (p=.003, Hedge’sg=0.753), and lower HRV (p=.059, Hedge’sg=0.487) in the week preceding the injury. This exploratory study provides preliminary insights into the potential role of sleep-related impairment, training load fluctuations, and HRV in injury severity among endurance athletes. While findings suggest benefits of integrating these measures into monitoring strategies, the small sample size limits generalisability and should be interpreted with caution.Publication Carga de entrenamiento y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca en una exposición aguda a la hipoxia hipobárica: Estudio de caso(2023) Nieto-Jiménez, Claudio; Espinoza-Salinas, A.; Valenzuela Pérez, Diego; Sánchez, Raimundo; Besomi, ManuelaObjetivo: Analizar el control de la carga de entrenamiento en la estrategia de aclimatación empleada por dos atletas amateur (mujer y hombre) antes de una ascensión exitosa a 5460 metros. Metodología: Durante 195 días consecutivos se realizaron mediciones basales de variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (VFC). Se obtuvieron cuatro muestras de sangre durante la semana previa al evento principal (Pre), inmediatamente antes de la ascensión (Pre A), después (Post A) y una semana de recuperación (Post C). Resultados: Los registros diarios de VFC matutinos parecen ser una forma útil para monitorizar el estado de equilibrio simpático-parasimpático en montañistas antes de abordar las sesiones de entrenamiento. Se observó que ambos sujetos aumentaron sus niveles de leucocitos y neutrófilos exhibiendo variaciones sobre 60% entre las condiciones pre A y post B. Eritrocitos, hematocrito y hemoglobina presentaron tras la exposición aguda a 5460 m disminuciones, lo que coincide con las diferencias porcentuales en plaquetas entre ambos sujetos (-3% y -51%). Conclusiones: Los registros diarios de VFC matutinos y de 5 minutos de duración parecen ser una forma útil para monitorizar el estado de equilibrio simpático-parasimpático. Se observaron cambios significativos en algunas células de la serie blanca.Item Co-diseño de estrategias de cambio de comportamiento para iniciar la práctica del running: un estudio cualitativo basado en el modelo de la rueda de cambio de comportamiento(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina, 2025) Poblete Soto, José Miguel; Besomi, Manuela; Leppe, JaimeAntecedentes: En Chile, el 86,7% de la población tiene una conducta sedentaria y el 34,1% es físicamente inactiva. A pesar de los beneficios de la actividad física, existen barreras que dificultan su práctica. El running, o correr, es una alternativa accesible, pero enfrenta resistencias debido a creencias negativas relacionadas con su impacto en la salud articular. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo co-diseñar estrategias para facilitar la iniciación en el running en personas interesadas en comenzar a correr, utilizando el modelo de la Rueda de Cambio de Comportamiento (BCW). Método: Se seleccionaron 10 participantes de un estudio cualitativo previo donde se exploró los factores que influyen la decisión de comenzar a correr. Del total, 8 participantes (3 mujeres/4 hombres, 2 profesionales de la salud) participaron activamente en el proceso de co-diseño. Se llevaron a cabo cinco talleres de co-diseño entre agosto y diciembre de 2024 mediante reuniones en línea con pizarras virtuales interactivas. Siguiendo el modelo BCW, se realizaron tres etapas: (1) comprensión del comportamiento (2) identificación de intervenciones y la selección de categorías políticas, y (3) diseño y prototipado de estrategias de implementación. Resultados: Se identificaron influencias clave en el comportamiento, como la vergüenza, el desconocimiento sobre cómo empezar a correr y el miedo al dolor de rodilla. Se especificaron seis comportamientos objetivos y se seleccionaron cinco funciones de intervención (educación, incentivación, habilitación, entrenamiento y modelaje. Como estrategia principal, se propuso la creación del Centro Integral del Corredor, una comunidad de apoyo con grupos de entrenamiento guiados por mentores y asesoramiento de profesionales de la salud. Se realizó un análisis de viabilidad utilizando los criterios APEASE y se prototiparon las estrategias mediante collage. Conclusión: La aplicación del modelo BCW permitió el diseño estructurado y colaborativo de estrategias para promover el running en personas con interés en comenzar a correr. El apoyo social, la educación y la habilitación fueron aspectos clave en la propuesta de intervención. Las estrategias co-diseñadas requieren desarrollo e implementación para evaluar su efectividad en la promoción de la actividad física y el cambio de comportamiento.Publication Do the General Public and Health Care Professionals Think That Running Is Bad for the Knees? A Cross-sectional International Multilanguage Online Survey(2022) Esculier, Jean; Besomi, Manuela; De Oliveira, Danilo; Passigli, Samuele; Skovdal, Michael; Van Middelkoop, Marienke; Barton, Christian; Callaghan, Michael; Harkey, Matthew; Hoens, Alison; Krowchuk, Natasha; Teoli, AnthonyBackground: Running is a popular sport with widely recognized health benefits. Given the high rates of knee injury in runners and the growing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), it may be useful to assess perceptions about running and knee joint health. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to (1) explore and compare the perceptions of the general public (PUB) and health care professionals (HCPs) on the topic of running and knee health and (2) explore recommendations about running and knee health provided by HCPs. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: We conducted an online survey between June 18 and October 1, 2020. The questionnaire included questions on running and knee health, and HCPs were asked about their typical recommendations and level of confidence in providing recommendations on the topic. Perceptions (proportions) were compared between the PUB and HCPs using the chi-square test. Results: In total, 4521 responses (PUB, n = 2514; HCPs, n = 2007) were analyzed. A greater proportion of HCPs perceived regular running as healthy for knees (86% vs 68%; P < .001). More of the PUB than HCPs (P < .001) believed that running frequently (29% vs 13%), long distances (54% vs 45%), and on hard surfaces (60% vs 36%) increased the risk of developing KOA. Running for those with KOA was perceived by the PUB as posing an increased risk of getting more knee pain (48%) and needing joint replacement surgery (38%), more so than by HCPs (26% and 17%, respectively). The majority of HCPs reported being relatively confident in providing evidence-based recommendations about running and knee health and mostly recommended that runners with KOA modify training parameters instead of quit. Conclusion: More HCPs perceived running as healthy for knees when compared with the PUB. Most HCPs felt confident in providing evidence-based recommendations about running and knee health.Publication Epidemiology and associated injury risk factors in figure skating: A systematic review(2025) Schmidt, Natasha T.; Janse van Rensburg, Dina C.; Schoeman, Marlene; Besomi, Manuela; Jansen van Rensburg, Audrey; Garnett, Daniel; Scheepers, Susan; Viljoen, CarelObjectives To identify and critically appraise the available evidence on injury epidemiology and risk factors in figure skating. Design Systematic review. Methods Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to 01 November 2023. Studies were included if they reported injury epidemiology and/or injury risk factors in figure skating. Non-English publications were excluded. Risk of Bias of included studies was assessed using the QUIPS tool (quality in prognostic factor studies). Results This systematic review identified twenty-nine studies (n = 4202 figure skaters), with an injury prevalence of 2.1 %–34 %. An injury incidence of 1.37 injuries/1000 total training hours was reported in one study (n = 8). Three significant intrinsic risk factors (older age, previous history of stress fracture and a higher body mass) and eight significant extrinsic risk factors (training more than 12 sessions per week, skipping meals, RED-s indicators, hamstring and quadriceps immobility, training rather than competing, increased time on-ice time and boot-foot length difference) were identified from individual studies. Age, as the most studied risk factor, requires careful interpretation due to study design limitations. Limitations Existing data lacks quality of evidence and current reported injury risk factors in figure skating should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions High-quality research of injuries and injury risk factors in figure skating is scarce. The inconsistent reporting of injury data across the currently available literature due to variations in injury definition and data collection methods makes it difficult to compare and draw conclusions. A critical need exists for standardized research approaches to accurately determine the true burden of injury in this sport.Publication Exploring contextual factors for management and prevention of running-related injuries: runners and experts’ perspectives(2025) Besomi, Manuela; Roa-Alcaino, Sonia; Lombardi, Angela; Vélez-Rivera, Rocío; Leppe Zamora, Jaime; Bolling, CarolineRunning is one of the most accessible and popular physical activities worldwide; however, injuries are the main barrier to sustaining running practice. While quantitative studies have explored prevalence and risk factors, a critical gap exists in understanding subjective experiences, perceptions and contextual influences on injury management and prevention. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of runners and experts regarding injury perception, management and prevention, as well as the contextual influence of these processes. Using a secondary data analysis approach, this study drew from qualitative semistructured interviews with Chilean runners (n=15) and running experts (n=6). Thematic analysis, guided by an interpretivist approach, uncovered intrinsic factors (identity, motivation, stress and self-learning) and extrinsic factors (environment, information sources, marketing, peer advice, professional guidance, racing, stereotype and clothing) that shaped runners’ behaviours. Less experienced runners associated injury risk with asphalt surfaces, faced challenges in discerning online information reliability and found motivation in peer advice. Experts emphasised the multifactorial nature of running-related injuries, including previous injuries and training-related factors. Both groups acknowledged a global tendency among runners to resist rest when discomfort arose. This research contributed to a nuanced understanding of injury perception, management and prevention, bridging scientific knowledge with individual experiences. Clinicians may use this information to enhance the therapy alliance and set realistic expectations about the runner’s rehabilitation process.Publication Exploring Lumbar Spine Posture and Movement in Sitting: A Comparison Between Laboratory and Real-World Measures(2025) Abdullah Alshehri, Mansour; Riddick, Ryan; Besomi, Manuela; Hoorn, Wolbert van den; Klyne, David M.; Hodges, Paul W.Background/Objectives: Sitting is linked to health problems, including back pain. Sitting posture is commonly measured in the laboratory, but it remains unclear how this relates to real-world spine posture. Methods: A cross-sectional study of pain-free adults conducted measurements in “laboratory” and “real-world” settings. Wearable motion sensors recorded lumbar spine angular orientation to compare lumbar spine flexion angle during sitting postures in between settings. Gaussian mixture models defined participant-specific modes and overall probability distributions of real-world sitting posture. Measures included periods of real-world sedentary/activity behaviours and trunk postural control (laboratory). Results: Laboratory measures of lumbar angle were more flexed during questionnaire (30.0◦) than upright (19.8◦) sitting. The angle in unstable sitting was intermediate (27.1◦). Spine posture in unstable sitting correlated with real-world overall mean posture (r = 0.49–0.54) and most frequent mode (r = 0.47). Upright laboratory sitting posture correlated with real-world second most frequent mode (r = 0.54). Sitting less (r = 0.45) and walking more (r = 0.41) in the real world related to better balance performance and lumbar spine coordination. Conclusions: Spine posture in an unstable sitting laboratory task had the closest association with real-world sitting but does not replicate the diversity of spine postures adopted in real-world sitting. Wearable sensors are viable to study real-world postures.Item Frequency of Injury and Illness in the Final 4 Weeks before a Trail Running Competition(2021) Gajardo, Rubén; Monrroy, Manuel; Barría, Mauricio; Norambuena, Yessenia; Janse, Dina; Bascour, Claudio; Besomi, ManuelaWe aimed to (i) determine self-reported injury and illness frequency in trail runners 4 weeks preceding competition; (ii) compare athletes with and without injury/illness by sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and competition distance; (iii) describe mechanism of injury, anatomical region (injury)/organ system (illness) involved, consequences of injury on preparation and selfperception of injury severity; (iv) compare anatomical region (injury) and organ system (illness) by sex. A total of 654 trail runners (age 36.2, IQR 30.6–43.0; 36.9% females) participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study by completing a self-reported questionnaire. Injury and illness frequency rates were 31.3% (n = 205, CI: 27.7–35.0%) and 22.3% (n = 146, CI: 19.1–25.7%), respectively. No significant difference was found between injured vs. non-injured or ill vs. non-ill study participants by sex, age, BMI and competition distance. Regarding injuries, gradual onset (41.6%) and knee (33.2%) were the most indicated mechanism and anatomical region of injury. At least 85.4% of trail runners changed their training following injury and 79% indicated that their injury would affect their competition performance. Regarding illness, the respiratory tract was the most frequent organ system involved (82.9%). Male and female participants reported similar proportions of anatomical regions (injury) and organ systems (illness) affected. These results could help to generate education strategies and appropriate medical support before and during these competitions.Publication Implementation of physiotherapy telerehabilitation before and post Covid-19 outbreak: A comparative narrative between South American countries and Australia(2022) Michell, Antonio; Besomi, Manuela; Seron, Pamela; Voigt, Matias; Cubillos, Rodrigo; Parada, Felipe; Urrejola, Oscar; Barbosa, Thaiana; De Oliveira, Danilo; Bianca, Jéssica; Moreno, Jorge; Pinzón, Iván; Aguirre, Clara; Hinman, Rana; Bennell, Kim; Russell, TrevorThe continuous development in telecommunication tech-nologies has created opportunities for health professionals to optimise healthcare delivery by adopting digital tools into rehabilitation programs (i.e., telerehabilitation). These tech-nological advances, along with the demographic and social characteristics of each country, have made the implementa-tion of telerehabilitation a disparate process across regions. We have gathered the experience of four countries (Australia, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia) in two different regions (Ocea-nia and South America) to recompile the history pre- and post-Covid-19 outbreak until January of 2021, the barriers to, and facilitators of telerehabilitation, and outline the future challenges for these countries.Item Lumbopelvic pain, urinary incontinence and quality of life in pregnant women in a low income and social risk chilean population.(Elsevier, 2015) Mena, Maria; Roa, Sonia; Besomi, Manuela; Leppe, JaimeBackground: Urinary incontinence (UI) and lumbopelvic pain (LPP) are musculoskeletal problems prevalents during pregnancy. These disorders are associated with quality of life disturbance. In Chile, the measures of those pathologies trough the development of pregnancy have not been studied in low incomes and social risk populations. Purpose: To determine the need of musculoskeletal health care in pregnant women treated in a primary care public center with low incomes and social risk population in Santiago, Chile. The prevalence of lumbopelvic pain and urinary incontinence, and the quality of life is one way of determining that need. Methods: It was made a follow-up of a cohort group of 112 women in a primary health care community center, between years 2012 and 2014. Pregnant women between 18 and 40 years old and coursing health pregnancy with one fetus, were eligible. The recruitment was made in the first pregnancy control, after the informed consent process was developed. They answered a questionnaire which included questions about presence of LPP and UI and quality of life, who was measured with EQ-5D questionnaire. Three measures was made to each subject, one in each trimester. Results: From a total of 112 women with 3 performed measures, a 90,1% begin the pregnancy with LPP. The movement or transfer were the most affected dimensions. During the second and third trimester, the prevalences of LPP were 89% and 91% respectively. In the first trimester of pregnancy, they reported a 27,9% of UI, this percentage was increased until a 51,4% of prevalence in the second trimester, and presented a value of 48,2% in third trimester. Related to quality of life, according to EQ-5D measures, the prevalences in the first, second and third trimester were 60%, 80% y 70% respectively, and there was not statistically significant difference between the first and third trimester. The dimension of quality of life that reported more problem was pain. Conclusion(s): In this population, lumbopelvic pain prevalence is higher than those values reported in literature since the first stage of pregnancy, and it keeps high. The urinary incontinence prevalence also experimented a raise through pregnancy. Despite of these prevalences, quality of life in pregnants of this group is similar to the corresponding population, being higher in the second trimester, which is consisting with the biggest prevalence of UI and with a 88,9% of prevalence of LPP. It confirms the need to develop a program to educate and give treatment to musculoskeletal dysfunctions of pregnant women. Implications: Despite that lumbopelvic pain prevalences are higher than usually reported in pregnancy, specifically at the beginning of this one, it does not seem to lead to a poorer quality of life in these women. Adult Chilean women also have high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, according to the National Health Survey 2009–2010, and they do not recognize this as a problem that affects their quality of life. Because of this, education for knowledge about the effectiveness of treatments for musculoskeletal problems, such as physical therapy interventions, should be the subject of future research and interventions.Item Measuring physical activity and sedentary behaviors in pregnancy: a comparison of accelerometry and questionnaires(Elsevier, 2015) Leppe, Jaime; Aguilar, Nicolas; Mena, Maria; Besomi, Manuela; Roa, SoniaBackground: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy may reduce the risk of maternal and fetal disorders. Few studies have validated questionnaires for use during pregnancy, a time characterized by different patterns of activity than nonpregnancy. Purpose: This study compares PA and Sedentary Behaviors (SB) using two questionnaire methods with objectively recorded physical activity using accelerometry in primary health care, in a population with low income and low educational level. Methods: The design was a longitudinal observational study of SB, PA intensity, type and duration using subjective and objective measurement methods. The women between 18 and 40 years old were recruited at primary care health. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) were used to measure PA and SB. For objectives measurement, the women wore accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X plus) for at least 7 days. The questionnaires (GPAQ-PPAQ) and accelerometry was measured in three times: first trimester between 8 and 10 weeks, second between 25 and 29 weeks and third trimester between 34 and 38 weeks gestation. Results: One hundred twelve women participated. The median (P25–P75) for Age = 26 (22–31) years, level of education = 12 (10–12) years, BMI = 27.4 (24.3–31.7). The 11% reported being married, and 63.9% have not work. PA by accelerometry and GPAQ: •According GPAQ by trimesters was median: 1◦ = 162.8 min/day, 2◦ = 107.1 min/day and 3◦ = 117.9 min/day. •According accelerometry PA level of moderate or vigorous intensity was median = 0 in all trimesters. SB by accelerometry and GPAQ: • According GPAQ by trimesters was median: 1◦= 180 min/day, 2◦= 240 min/day and 3◦= 240 min/day. • According accelerometry by trimesters was median: 1◦= 604 min/day, 2◦= 594 min/day and 3◦= 575 min/day. •The correlation between GPAQ and accelerometry was Spearman’s rho = 0.4, p < 0.01. PA and SB according PPAQ: •According PPAQ, energy expenditure associated with PA in each trimesters was median: 1 ◦ = 217 METs/hour/week, 2◦= 181 METs/hour/week and 3◦= 130 METs/hour/week. •The correlation between energy expenditure PPAQ and accelerometry was Spearman’s rho = 0.3 p= 0.03 • For SB, the correlation between PPAQ and accelerometry was Spearman’s rho = 0.3, p= 0.02. The decrease in PA according GPAQ and PPAQ during pregnancy is statistically significant p < 0.05. Conclusion(s): The objective measurement of PA shows that this group does not adhere to the recommendations PA level according American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or World Health Organization. Pregnant women overestimated the time spent in physical activities and underestimated the time spent in sedentary behaviours. Objective methods should be used where possible in studies measuring physical activity in pregnancy. Implications: This study indicates a need for more information and motivation for moderate exercise throughout pregnancy in this group. The physical therapist is the professional who can and should do health promotion in this area.Item Nivel de actividad física según GPAQ en mujeres embarazadas y postparto que asisten a un centro de salud familiar(Sociedad Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecología, 2013) Leppe, Jaime; Besomi, Manuela; Olsen, Catalina; Mena, Maria; Roa, SoniaBackground: During pregnancy and postpartum, women decrease physical activity (PA) levels despite the health benefits reported in the literature for women and the fetus. Aims: To determine PA levels and sedentary behaviour in women during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: Pregnant and postpartum women between 18 and 40 years old attending to primary care center participated. Sedentary behaviour and PA were measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results: Information was collected from 47 pregnant and 12 postpartum women. Age was P50=25 (range: 18-40 years). 61% were overweight. Daily PA time was P50=154 (range: 0-960 min/day) for pregnant women and P50=190 (range: 24-411 min/day) during postpartum. Leisure time PA was P50=0 (range: 0-540 min/day) for pregnant women and P50=3 (range: 0-86 min/day) during postpartum. Sedentary behaviour was P50=180 min/day (range: 0-720 min/day) for all women. According to WHO criteria, only 20.3% of women are physically active, adjusting by BMI and educational level the reported PA in GPAQ. There was no association between the variables age, nutritional status, educational level, family income and reported level of PA. Conclusion: Leisure time PA could be susceptible to PA promotion interventions. The reported level of PA is higher than those from similar studies in other countries. Validation studies are needed to determine possible overestimation of the results due to measurement bias.Item One year follow-up with heart rate variabiality in trail runnres(2021) Nieto, Claudio; Sánchez, Raimundo; Besomi, Manuela; Olavide, PabloThis study aims to analyze HRV measures to provide reference values for UltraTrail Running (UTR) athletes. Sixteen Chilean UTR (12 men and 4 women) weremonitored over one year follow up. These are baseline records for each participant over a full year, during which they maintained their usual training, competitive, and rest activities. The variable use to evaluate the parasympathetic activity was, the square root of the mean value of the sum of the squared differences of all successive RR intervals (RMSSD). Additionally, Stress Score (SS) was calculated from the Poincaré's scatter plot as an indicator of sympathetic activity. This study provided baseline HRV values for UTR athletes through a percentile distribution, both in time domain measurements and the Poincaré scatter plot, for a population of UTR athletes from daily 5-minute baseline records in the supine position upon waking up.Item Perception of musculoskeletal health and knowledge about physical activity among pregnant women with low income and low educational level.(Elsevier, 2015) Roa, Sonia; Mena, Maria; Besomi, Manuela; Leppe, JaimeBackground: Urinary incontinence (UI) and lumbopelvic pain (LPP) are prevalent musculoskeletal problems during pregnancy, yet few women consult for treatment. Additionally women report low levels of physical activity (PA) neglecting their musculoskeletal health. In Chile, the vulnerable population has limited information about musculoskeletal health. Purpose: To determine the perception of “normality” of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in pregnancy and knowledge about physical activity in a population of vulnerable women attending a primary health care center. Methods: It was made a follow-up of a cohort group of 112 pregnant women in a primary health care center between years 2012–2014. It was made a follow-up of a cohort group of 112 pregnant women in a primary health care center between years 2012–2014. Pregnant women between 18 and 40 years old and coursing healthy pregnancy with one fetus, were eligible. The recruitment was made in the first pregnancy control, after the informed consent process was developed. They answered a survey which included questions about presence/absence of LPP and UI, perception of “normality” about LPP and UI, and their knowledge about recommended dosis of PA during pregnancy. Three measures were made to each subject, one in each trimester. Health information was extracted from the clinical record. Results: From a total of 112 women with 3 performed measures, on average 81.5% of women considered “normal” the LPP, (72.1% 1st trimester, 81.7% in the 2nd and 90.7% in 3nd). The UI was considered “normal” on average 57.1%. The prevalence of LPP was 92% on average and for UI was 42,5%. The recommended dose for PA more reported was “30 minutes, 3 times per week”, the words more used to identify intensity were “moderate”, “medium” (50%), Other answers were “light”, “soft” and “I don’t know”. On average 70% of the studied population had overweight. Conclusion(s): Almost all pregnant women considered “normal” for the presence of LPP during pregnancy and nearly half feel “normal” to have urine leakage during pregnancy. The perception of “normality” of both conditions was increased by the third trimester. Both conditions correspond to common pathological disorders in pregnancy, however, people confuse the term “common” to “normal”. LPP and UI were prevalent in this group. Women did not clear the recommended amount of physical activity during pregnancy and they were overweight. Implications: This study identifies the need of planning effective education strategies for the population of pregnant women for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders as a means of promoting self-care, mainly clarifying the difference between conditions that are “common” but not “normal”. The physical therapist is the professional of health team who should educate to the population about musculoskeletal health issues and promote his clinical role.Item Propiedades clinimétricas del cuestionario Índice de Recuperación y Lesión en Running de la Universidad de Wisconsin en español (UWRI-S) en corredores chilenos que sufrieron una lesión musculo-esquelética relacionada al running.(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina, 2020) Bunster Guzmán, Josefina; Besomi, ManuelaObjetivo: Determinar la validez de constructo y confiabilidad del cuestionario Índice de Recuperación y Lesión en Running de la Universidad de Wisconsin en español (UWRI-S) en corredores mayores de 18 años que se encuentran en proceso de rehabilitación producto de una lesión relacionada al running. Diseño de estudio: Observacional, transvesal analítico, de validación. Método: Se reclutaron corredores por medio de centros de rehabilitación y clubes de running. Los participantes contestaron el cuestionario Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), Global Rating of Change scale (GROC), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) y UWRI-S. Este último fue respondido nuevamente vía online entre 48 a 72 horas. La validez de constructo se determinó a través de correlaciones de Spearman entre UWRI-S y LEFS, PSFS, NPRS, GROC, número de sesiones de kinesiología y semana de rehabilitación. La confiabilidad fue evaluada entre dos sesiones (test-retest) mediante coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y el error de medición estándar. La consistencia interna fue evaluada a través de alpha de Cronbach (α). Nivel de significancia fue del 5%. Resultado: Se incluyeron 43 participantes (63% hombres, mediana de edad 34 [28-38] años). UWRI-S obtuvo correlación moderada y positiva con el cuestionario LEFS (r=0.65; p<0.05), débil positiva con GROC (r=0.45, p<0.05), débil negativa con NPRS (r=-0.3; p=0.075) y nula y positiva con PSFS (r=0.25; p=0.1). UWRI-S demostró tener una buena confiabilidad test-retest (CCI=0.87; 1 [95%IC; 0.73-0.93]), con un EME 1,6 y una consistencia interna α=0.87. Conclusión: UWRI-S es una herramienta válida y confiable para evaluar la recuperación funcional de los corredores chilenos.Item Running motivations within different populations of Chilean urban runners(Taylor & Francis Online, 2017) Besomi, Manuela; Leppe, Jaime; Martínez, M.J.; Enriquez, M.I.; Mauri Stecca, Manuel; Sizer, PhillipIn the past decade, the number of urban runners has considerably increased, specially considering its health-related benefits. In Chile, running has been reported as the third most commonly used physical activity (11.9%) after soccer and physical fitness among physically active adults. Motivation, a driving force to achieve personal goals, has been linked to exercise adherence and to the capacity of keeping a healthy life. Many investigations have been conducted to study running motivations across runners through different domains, such as health, personal goals, self-esteem, competition; founding a tendency from internal towards external factors among different experienced runners. Even though running is an easily accessible activity, the knowledge of underlying motivational factors among runners could enhance promotion of physical activity participation, regarding that urban life may reduce an individual’s motivation for pursuing a better physical lifestyle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse motivations for sustaining a consistent running routine in different runner populations from Santiago de Chile using the Motivations of Marathoners Scales (MOMS-34). This is the first study examining the specific values of motivation in different runner groups in South America.Item Running Profiles And Their Associated Behaviors: A Proposal For Chilean Runners(American College of Sports Medicine, 2017) Besomi, Manuela; Leppe, Jaime; Mauri Stecca, Manuel; Sizer, PhillipPURPOSE: Identifying different runner profiles may improve running-related injuries (RRIs) prevention, education, and management. The aim of this study was to determine Chilean runner’s profiles according to socio-demographic characteristics, motivations, training factors and behaviors associated with running during 2015-2016. METHODS: An email and web-based online cross-sectional survey were conducted. Runners from six different competitions and other running circuits were recruited. The survey collected information on 6 dimensions: (1)socio-demographics; (2)health; (3)motivations; (4)training factors; (5)behaviors associated with running; and (6)beliefs and perceptions. Profiles’ construction was performed through a two-step cluster analysis using Bayesian Information Criterion and linear discriminant analysis to correctly assess subject classification. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS22 with a significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: A total of 821 runners (46% females), aged 36.6 (±10.0) years were analyzed. Cluster analysis allowed the generation of 4 groups (n=752) according to years-of-running-experience, volume (km/week) and hours of training (hrs/week). Main variable for runners’ classification was years-of-running-experience: “Beginner”(n=163); “Basic”(n=164); “Intermediate”(n=160); and “Advanced”(n=265). Statistically significant (p<0.05) and clinically relevant variables among the 4 groups were: sex, age, years-of-running-experience, training factors, previous injury(PI) and technological implements used for running practice. Beginners were mainly females (63.2%), aged 28.5 (±8.4) years, having less than 1 year-of-running-experience, 32.5% reported PI, and accumulated a training volume of 18.3 (±12.7) km/week. Advanced runners were mainly males (65.3%), aged 37.4 (±10.9) years, 63.4% with more than 7 years-of-running-experience, 44.2% reported to have PI and accumulated a training volume of 38.2 (±20.8) km/week. CONCLUSION: Advanced runners accumulate greater training load per week, were older, and with higher PI proportions when compared with Beginners. Future work should include a differentiated classification of runners, in order to identify clinically specific risk factors related to running injuries.Item SeRUN® study: Development of running profiles using a mixed methods analysis(2018) Besomi, Manuela; Leppe, Jaime; Di Silvestre, Maria; Setchell, JennyObjective: To determine profiles of urban runners based on socio-demographic, health, motivational, training characteristics and running-related beliefs and behaviours. Methods: Mixed, exploratory, sequential study with two stages: 1) quantitative, using an online survey; and 2) qualitative, using semi-structured interviews with runners from the previous stage. Participants were recruited via: running routes commonly attended by runners, eight races, previous databases and social media networks. The survey collected information on six dimensions: (1) socio-demographic; (2) health; (3) motivations; (4) training characteristics; (5) running-related behaviour; and (6) beliefs and perceptions about health. Profiles were identified using a two-step hierarchical clustering analysis. Subsequently, 15 interviews were conducted with participating runners across each of the identified profiles. Qualitative analysis complemented the profiles characterization, explaining motivations to start and continue running, beliefs about risk factors and injury prevention, and the physical therapist's role in rehabilitation. Statistical analysis from stage one was conducted using SPSS 22 with a confidence level of 5%. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic and content analyses. Results: A total of 821 surveys were analysed (46% female), mean aged 36.6±10.0 years. Cluster analysis delineated four profiles (n = 752) according to years of running experience, weekly running volume and hours of weekly training. Profiles were named "Beginner" (n = 163); "Basic" (n = 164); "Middle" (n = 160) and "Advanced" (n = 265). Profiles were statistically different according to sex, age, years of running experience, training characteristics, previous injuries and use of technological devices (p<0.05). There were identified motivations to start and continue running. Beliefs about risk factors vary among stretching, footwear, training surface and overload. Runners identified the physical therapist as a specialist, involved in the rehabilitation process and showing empathy towards the patient. The identification of these profiles allows the generation of future prospective studies and clinical trials to evaluate risk and prognostic factors targeting specific populations of runners, with the ultimate aim of reducing running-related injury.Publication Soleus muscle and Achilles tendon compressive stiffness is related to knee and ankle positioning(2022) Cruz, Carlos; Besomi, Manuela; Acevedo, Nicolás; Cares, Kevin; Bustamante, Alejandro; Guzmán, Benjamín; Tapia, Claudio; Sanzana, Rodolfo; Calatayud, Joaquín; Méndez, GuillermoChanges in fascicle length and tension of the soleus (SOL) muscle have been observed in humans using B-mode ultrasound to examine the knee from different angles. An alternative technique of assessing muscle and tendon stiffness is myometry, which is non-invasive, accessible, and easy to use. This study aimed to estimate the compressive stiffness of the distal SOL and Achilles tendon (AT) using myometry in various knee and ankle joint positions. Twenty-six healthy young males were recruited. The Myoton-PRO device was used to measure the compressive stiffness of the distal SOL and AT in the dominant leg. The knee was measured in two positions (90° of flexion and 0° of flexion) and the ankle joint in three positions (10° of dorsiflexion, neutral position, and 30° of plantar flexion) in random order. A three-way repeated-measures ANOVA test was performed. Significant interactions were found for structure × ankle position, structure × knee position, and structure × ankle position × knee position (p < 0.05). The AT and SOL showed significant increases in compressive stiffness with knee extension over knee flexion for all tested ankle positions (p < 0.05). Changes in stiffness relating to knee positioning were larger in the SOL than in the AT (p < 0.05). These results indicate that knee extension increases the compressive stiffness of the distal SOL and AT under various ankle joint positions, with a greater degree of change observed for the SOL. This study highlights the relevance of knee position in passive stiffness of the SOL and AT.