Massey Documents by Type
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294
Browse
12 results
Search Results
Item Relationship between experience and head kinematics in race riding jockeys(Springer Nature Limited, London, 2025-04-26) Legg KA; Cochrane DJ; Gee EK; Chin Y-Y; Rogers CWThoroughbred race-riding requires jockeys to attenuate horse movement and maintain postural stability whilst galloping at high speeds. This study aimed to investigate the head movement of jockeys in relation to race-riding experience. Accelerometer and heart rate data were collected from twelve apprentice and two senior jockeys during 85 exercise rides and 82 trial rides. Mean head displacements were determined for each jockey by double integrating the filtered acceleration data. A mixed effect multivariable linear regression model was used to investigate the relationship between jockey experience, physiological variables and head kinematics. The median (IQR) head displacement was higher for exercise riding (0.12 m, 0.09–0.14 m) than trial riding (0.06 m, 0.05–0.09 m). Jockey head displacement decreased with increasing speed of the horse (p < 0.001) and greater jockey experience (p = 0.007). Higher exercise load had a greater effect on head displacement with less experienced jockey’s (p = 0.02). The effect of speed was lower for trial riding than exercise riding (p < 0.001). More experienced jockeys had a greater ability to attenuate horse oscillation than inexperienced jockeys. This ability became more pronounced at higher exercise loads, reflecting a higher level of physical fitness and riding skill level. Measurement of jockey head displacement may provide a simple measure of assessing jockey race-riding ability or fitness.Item Shining a light on recovery : investigating the effectiveness of bright light therapy in mitigating fatigue after mild traumatic brain injury : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Connolly, Kathryn MarieFatigue is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by individuals following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Despite its prevalence, post-mTBI fatigue remains a challenging, and at times misunderstood condition, with a scarcity of scientifically evidenced treatment approaches. The complexity of fatigue's underlying causes in this population calls for further research. Recognising its significant impact on individuals' quality of life emphasises the need to identify effective interventions and enhance symptom management. This study aims to investigate the potential effectiveness of daily bright light exposure as a non-invasive intervention to alleviate fatigue in the post-mTBI population. While existing research has shown positive outcomes for bright light therapy in managing fatigue in broader traumatic brain injury populations, the current study focuses on individuals with injuries at the mild end of the spectrum, offering valuable insights into the efficacy of this treatment in a more targeted context. The primary objective of the research was to investigate whether daily bright light exposure effectively reduced fatigue symptoms in individuals with mTBI. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the impact of light exposure on secondary outcomes, including daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, and circadian rest-activity cycles. To address recruitment challenges, a randomised multiple baseline controlled trial design was adopted. The results revealed that all nine participants consistently experienced significant fatigue throughout the study. Fatigue levels appeared to decrease during the bright light therapy sessions suggesting a potential positive impact of bright light exposure on fatigue, although this reduction was not statistically significant across the group. Due to limitations in data, the ability to confidently demonstrate efficacy was low and this prompted a shift in focus towards assessing the feasibility of conducting research of this nature. Moving forward, future studies can benefit from an understanding of the complexities involved in implementing intensive intervention protocols. The current study demonstrates a need for close collaboration with participants to monitor adherence and potential side effects, alongside coordination with colleagues in the mTBI field to ensure access to a sufficient participant pool for achieving statistically significant results. Overall, this research provides some limited evidence of positive effects from bright light therapy for select individuals and contributes to the expanding body of evidence investigating light as a potential intervention for alleviating fatigue symptoms post-mTBI. More importantly, by shedding light on the hurdles in implementing such interventions among individuals with mTBI, it contributes to the development of targeted and potentially effective interventions for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. It is hoped that this study contributes to the broader literature aimed at facilitating better outcomes for individuals with mTBI and related fatigue symptoms.Item Daytime fatigue as a predictor for subsequent retirement among older New Zealand workers(Elsevier Inc on behalf of National Sleep Foundation, 2021-12) Myllyntausta S; Gibson R; Salo P; Allen J; Gander P; Alpass F; Stephens CObjectives There is limited information on the role of fatigue on retirement, either independently or in association with poor sleep. The aim of this study was to examine the prospective association between daytime fatigue, measured as feeling tired or feeling worn out, independently and in relation to dissatisfaction with sleep, and subsequent retirement among 960 older workers in New Zealand. Methods Data from 2 consecutive surveys (2008 and 2010) of the New Zealand Health, Work, and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used. Poisson regression was used to investigate whether feeling tired and feeling worn out in 2008, along with dissatisfaction with sleep, were associated with self-reported retirement either due to health reasons or other reasons by 2010. Results The risk for retirement due to health reasons during a 2-year follow-up was 1.80-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-2.45) among those who felt tired and 1.99-fold (95% CI 1.34-2.64) among those who felt worn out when compared to those not tired or not feeling worn out after adjusting for several sociodemographic, work characteristics and self-rated health. The risk for retirement due to health reasons was even higher when participant experienced both tiredness and feeling worn out. Dissatisfaction with sleep did not predict retirement due to health or other reasons. Conclusions Our results highlight that workers at risk of subsequent retirement due to health reasons may be identified with rather simple questions on tiredness and feeling worn out even among generally healthy older workers.Item Neuropsychological symptoms in workers handling cargo from shipping containers and export logs(Springer-Verlag GmbH, 2022-10) Hinz R; 't Mannetje A; Glass B; McLean D; Douwes JPURPOSE: Acute poisonings of workers handling shipping containers by fumigants and other harmful chemicals off-gassed from cargo have been reported but (sub)-chronic neuropsychological effects have not been well studied. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed, using standardised questionnaires, current (past 3-months) neuropsychological symptoms in 274 container handlers, 38 retail workers, 35 fumigators, and 18 log workers, all potentially exposed to fumigants and off-gassed chemicals, and a reference group of 206 construction workers. Prevalence odds ratios (OR), adjusted for age, ethnicity, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, personality traits and BMI, were calculated to assess associations with the total number of symptoms (≥ 3, ≥ 5 or ≥ 10) and specific symptom domains (neurological, psychosomatic, mood, memory/concentration, fatigue, and sleep). RESULTS: Compared to the reference group, exposed workers were more likely to report ≥ 10 symptoms, statistically significant only for retail workers (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.9-24.3) who also reported more fatigue (OR 10.7, 95% CI 2.7-42.7). Container handlers with the highest exposure-duration were more likely to report ≥ 10 symptoms, both when compared with reference workers (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.4-11.7) and with container handlers with shorter exposure duration (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.7-32.8). The duration of container handling was particularly associated with symptoms in the memory/concentration domain, again both when compared to reference workers (OR 8.8, 95% CI 2.5-31.4) and workers with the lowest exposure-duration (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.5-30.3). CONCLUSION: Container handlers may have an increased risk of neuropsychological symptoms, especially in the memory/concentration domain. Retail workers may also be at risk, but this requires confirmation in a larger study.Item Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) for cabin crew : evaluation of the current status and future needs : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, Massey University, Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Wellington Campus, New Zealand(Massey University, 2019) Van den Berg, Margaretha (Margo)Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMSs) are a more recent approach to improving safety and increasing operational flexibility and have been utilised in the operation of Ultra-long range (ULR) flights that exceed traditional flight and duty time limits. Because ULR scheduling and FRMS processes for cabin crew are predominantly based on flight crew data, little is known about how well these work for cabin crew. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the current status of, and future needs for, FRMS for cabin crew. The sleep of 55 cabin crew was monitored throughout a ULR trip between Johannesburg and New York. On each flight, crewmembers rated their fatigue, sleepiness, and workload, and completed a 5-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Task at key times. In addition, semi-structured focus group discussions were held and thematic analysis was undertaken with data from 25 cabin crew with ULR experience. Findings demonstrate that collecting fatigue monitoring data, as for flight crew, is also feasible for cabin crew, provided that operational differences between cabin crew and flight crew are considered. Using mitigations that mirror those used for flight crew, cabin crew fatigue can be managed effectively on a ULR flight. The findings also highlight the importance of: a) considering workload, the cumulative effects of fatigue across the entire ULR trip, and the impact of the entire schedule worked, for improving the management of cabin crew fatigue associated with ULR operations, and; b) sufficient rest for adequate recovery and work-life balance in support of employees’ overall health and well-being; c) company support, in the form of fatigue-related processes and resources, effective communication and management’s engagement with cabin crew. Priority should be given to fatigue management training for cabin crew, which may also enhance perceived company support and assist with achieving a better work-life balance. Viewing fatigue as a compound hazard, the management of fatigue-related safety risks and health risks may be optimized if FRMS and OHS can be more closely linked or integrated, in support of improving cabin crews’ safety and service, and health and well-being.Item The amelioration of the impact of physical fatigue on cognitive performance by phytochemicals : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand(Massey University, 2016) McKenzie, OliviaFatigue is common in everyday life. It is experienced as either cognitive or physical fatigue, both of which are intertwined. Researchers are interested in investigating the ability of phytochemical supplementation to improve cognitive performance by diminishing the effects of physical fatigue. The results thus far have been highly inconsistent (Brisswalter & Arcelin, 1997). The present study examined the effects of phytochemical supplementation utilising a daily dose of 240 mg of blackcurrant extract, a berry fruit high in phytochemicals but under-researched compared to other berry fruits, such as blueberries. Fifty healthy participants completed two 3-hour trials, the first during Week 1 and the second 6 weeks later. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the blackcurrant supplement group, the supplement being consumed each day over the 6-week period. Each trial consisted of five cognitive tests followed by a tailored HIIT cycle test. The purpose of the HIIT was to induce physical fatigue and took less than 10 min overall. Cognitive tasks and mood questionnaires were completed pre and post consumption of the supplement at both Week 1 and Week 6. Participants received the blackcurrant supplement 1 hour before post task measurements were completed. Analyses demonstrated that the blackcurrant supplementation had no influence on cognitive performance. However, it is questionable as to whether the degree of physical fatigue induced was sufficient to negatively influence cognitive performance, even though previous studies had found it to be so. Overall, it was concluded that blackcurrant supplementation taken across 6 weeks did not facilitate cognitive performance after physical fatigue. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed, including ways for future research to move forward.Item In-flight sleep as a pilot fatigue mitigation on long range and ultra-long range flights : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2016) Zaslona, Jennifer LObjectives: Long range flights operate around the clock with long duty periods for pilots. To mitigate the effects of fatigue, these flights are operated by augmented crews, providing each pilot with the opportunity for sleep in on-board rest facilities. This thesis used a mixed methods approach to investigate the use of in-flight sleep and the factors that influence it. Methods: Retrospective survey data (291 pilots, five studies) were analysed to provide an overview of pilots’ sleep at home and investigate potential relationships with in-flight sleep. A second project monitored the sleep, fatigue and performance of 35 pilots operating a B767 flight route between Atlanta and Lagos. These projects were supplemented by thematic analysis of pilots’ logbook comments on in-flight sleep (N=123) and on the way they manage their fatigue (N=629). Results: Pilots viewed in-flight sleep as an important fatigue management strategy and actigraphic sleep monitoring confirmed that the B767 pilots made good use of their in-flight breaks for obtaining sleep. Self-ratings of in-flight sleep quality reflected ratings at home, but were usually poorer. Pilots indicated that the type, location and design of rest facilities affected sleep quality and duration, and identified strategies for minimizing sleep disturbances and improving alertness. Comments indicated that prior knowledge of inflight break allocations can influence the planning of pre-trip sleep, use of naps, and in-flight sleep. Actigraphic measures of sleep indicated that the B767 pilots obtained more sleep in the 24 hours prior to departure than during baseline days regardless of their subsequent pattern of in-flight breaks, but it is unclear when they were advised about their break pattern. Ratings of sleepiness and fatigue increased across the B767 flights, but psychomotor vigilance task performance at the start of duty and at top of descent was not associated with prior wakefulness, prior sleep duration or in-flight sleep duration. Conclusions: In-flight sleep is a well-utilized and effective fatigue mitigation strategy that may be supplemented by other strategies such as flight preparation techniques. To further reduce pilot fatigue risk on long range flights, additional research is warranted into the effects of flight preparation techniques and in-flight break patterns.Item Monitoring acute fatigue in soccer players : School of Sport and Exercise, College of Health, Massey University(Massey University, 2016) Wivell, AidanMonitoring fatigue is a key consideration when managing the workloads of elite soccer players. A number of potential fatigue markers have been proposed, however, little work has been done in order to assess the correlation between such measures and actual performance.Therefore, the objectives of this study were:(1) to examine the correlation between a range of simple fatigue tests and physical performance; and (2) to develop a model by which readiness to perform could be predicted. In order to do this 14 amateur soccer players completed a range of fatigue tests (countermovement jump, resting heart rate variability, functional soreness, and subjective wellness) and a performance test (3x 30 m repeated sprint test) before and after (24, 48, and 72 hours post) undertaking a soccer simulation protocol (Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test; LIST). Following the LIST repeated sprint performance and countermovement jump height, and heart rate variability were reduced, perceived soreness increased, and subjective wellness declined. Of the fatigue measures used, only countermovement jump height was found to be correlated with repeated sprint performance. Three models for predicting performance were developed which differed in their degree of individuality. Individual models were found to have a greater strength than the general model. For practitioners, more work is required to develop individual models, however, predictions made from individual models are likely to be more accurate. Future studies are needed to refine these models in order that they might be used in practice to make decisions about readiness to train and perform.Item Investigating the effects of energy drink consumption on student pilot fatigue and performance levels : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Aviation at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2014) Yang, LiboA limited number of studies have examined the effects of energy drink consumption on student pilot fatigue and performance in aviation. The results from these studies were inconclusive and inconsistent. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of consuming Red Bull energy drinks on student pilot fatigue and performance levels. Healthy student pilots participated in this applied Quasi-experiment, who were given either Red Bull energy drinks or bottled water. Fatigue and sleep questionnaires were administered to assess fatigue and alertness levels of the participants. The results indicated there were no significant effects of consuming Red Bull energy drinks on student pilot alertness levels, which was subjectively measured by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. At the same time, consuming Red Bull energy drinks had no significant effect on student pilot cognitive performance levels, which was objectively measured by psychomotor vigilance task. However, the performance of participants in the Red Bull energy drink group was improved compared to the performance of participants in the water group, which was measured by faster reaction times, fewer numbers of lapses and errors. Additional, higher number of correct responses and zero number of sleep attacks were also measured. More importantly, the likelihood of error detection by student pilots who consumed Red Bull energy drinks was significant, F (1,108) = 9.12, p = .003.Item Energy crisis : prevalence, severity, treatment and persistence of fatigue after mild traumatic brain injury : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2012) Norrie, JoanThe objectives of this research were to investigate the prevalence and severity of post-mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) fatigue in a non-litigant New Zealand sample and to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment programme. Subsequently, a third objective evolved – the investigation of the natural history of post-MTBI fatigue and the degree to which reliable clinically significant change occurred over time regardless of intervention type. The research took the form of two studies where analysis was based on group data followed by analysis of the Study Two data at an individual participant level. Study One, a longitudinal prospective study examined fatigue prevalence, severity, predictors and co-variates over six months post mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Participants completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPSQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey-Version 2 (SF-36v2). Complete data were available for 159 participants. Key measures; prevalence - RPSQ Item 6: severity - FSS. The effect of time on fatigue prevalence and severity was examined using ANOVA. Multiple regression analysis identified statistically significant covariates. The study found post-MTBI fatigue prevalence was 68%, 38% and 34% at 1 week, 3 and 6 months respectively. There was a strong effect for time over the first three months and moderate to high correlations between fatigue prevalence and severity. Early fatigue strongly predicted later fatigue. Depression, but not anxiety, was a predictor. Fatigue was seen as laziness by family or friends in 30% of cases. Conclusions for Study 1 were that post-MTBI fatigue is a persistent postconcussion symptom, exacerbated by depression but not anxiety. It diminishes in the first three months and then becomes relatively stable, suggesting the optimum intervention placement is at three months or more post-MTBI. Study Two was a quasi-experimental longitudinal prospective controlled study which had a two by three, treatment by time, repeated measures research design. Participants with a history of MTBI were recruited from three Concussion Clinics. Post-MTBI fatigue was identified through Item 6 of the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPSQ) and the outcome measures were the FSS, Fatigue Assessment Scale, RPSQ, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Sydney Psychosocial Re-integration Scale. All treatment group participants (N = 18) came from the same Concussion Clinic as the principal researcher, and control participants (N = 23) came from other Concussion Clinics. The question of whether the participants thought their significant others perceived them as lazy was also explored in Study Two. A 12 week manualised programme (PERT) was developed specifically for Study Two and was delivered by either a clinical psychologist or occupational therapist through a combination of personal and phone sessions. No significant time by group effect was found for any of the outcome measures. A time effect was found for all of the outcome measures. During the search for explanations for these findings it was discovered that the two conditions were more similar than expected. The majority (85.7%) of the control group had, in accordance with current rehabilitation practice, engaged in exercise and/or received interventions similar to the treatment group which presented a confound to the study. The data from the two groups was combined and analysed for information regarding reliable clinically significant change RCSC in individual participants. No significant correlations with demographic variables such as time since injury, age, gender, level of education, work type and injury type were found. Female gender was related to positive RCSC at three months post-baseline but not at six months post-baseline. Fatigue severity was significantly positively related to participants’ belief that relatives perceived them as lazy. Study Two provided no evidence to support this treatment for post-MTBI fatigue. Prevalence and severity of post-MTBI fatigue reduced over the six months of Study Two, however on examination of individual data the majority of the participants showed no reliable clinically significant change, supporting the need for further research into finding an effective post-MTBI fatigue treatment. The small sample size and the similarity of the treatment and control group conditions were major factors in confounding the findings of the study. There is a comparatively large percentage of individuals reporting prevalence and severity of post-MTBI fatigue in New Zealand samples and, although the combined psychoeducation and aerobic exercise approach could not be evaluated, the postconcussion and general literature suggests there is merit in continuing research into its effectiveness in treating post-MTBI fatigue.