Staff and students travelled up to the Etihad Stadium in
Manchester for the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers
(BASRaT) conference on Friday 17th November 2017 with the theme of
Rehabilitation and Fitness for Life.
This was an interesting conference that included information on exercise prescription, exercise and cognitive function, exercise and cardiovascular health, how to get your patients moving, the role of the brain in osteoarthritic pain and the implementation of weightlifting derivatives during rehabilitation.
The keynote speaker, Professor Karim Khan opened
the conference with the reasons to exercises and how we can translate the
message to patients. There were some interesting facts that came out of this
talk, such as if an individual does not complete the required physical activity
on any one day of the week, it is equivalent to the body smoking 3 cigarettes,
the role of insulin in physical activity and how its effectiveness decreases as
we get older and its link with the ‘middle-age spread’. There is evidence of cardiovascular
and resistance training benefits the brain; long term structural changes and
the volume of brain mass increases, which has implications for preventing/reducing
the risk of developing Alzheimers and Dementia.
John Buckley also presented some interesting facts relating
to the cardiovascular system and physical activity. For every 10% increase in
aerobic fitness, there is an 8% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease
(CVD).
The risk of CVD is also higher in those who complete their
recommended physical activity. This was due to their sedentary habits the rest
of the time. It was suggested that even if an individual completes the
recommended level of activity, if they are sat for greater than 8 hours a day
then they are at risk of developing CVD by 5% (Ekelund
et al., 2016).
The final speaker of the day was Tasha Stanton and this talk
was the most interesting one. We know our brains are capable of some incredible
processes, but when dealing with pain there can be a difference in actual
structural damage and the pain that an individual is in. So as rehabilitators
we have to find a way to help reduce or manage the pain an individual is in.
Our communication is a key factor in this, if we are positive with our words
and management then the outcome could be greater than if we are negative. Another key factor is the visual input, if
patients are able to see themselves performing a movement, it can also reduce
their levels of pain.
Overall the conference gave a few insights into new topic
areas that as a rehabilitator is it worth considering for the longevity of
patient care.
“Being a 1st year rehab student, I
booked the BASRaT conference with a fairly open mind as I didn't really know
what to expect nor did I know any of the speakers. I was simply hoping to
network with other students and understand a little more about the accrediting
body of my course. Transport was arranged by Vicki and Sarah, which was
great as without this I'm not sure I would've attended. The speakers were
clearly experts in their fields and very credible. The topics covered were
really relevant and presented in a way that were easy to follow, even for a 1st
year. Outside of Uni I work as a personal trainer, so some topics
were very familiar and served as reassurance and reinforcement of my existing
knowledge. Other topics were less familiar but really relevant to my course; tendinopathy
and neuro network efficiencies with pain and their link to OA. These topics
were pitched a fairly high level but not so high I couldn't take away a few
gems and get a little ahead of the game. I would definitely go again.”
Paul Johnson. First year Rehabilitation in Sport and
Exercise Student
“I found the Karim Khan lecture on
Tendon rehab very beneficial, especially the interesting link between Scoliosis
and inflamed tendonitis. Also the pain lecture, a talk on the brains function
with regards Pain in OA, was very informative”
Karl Parish. Third year Rehabilitation in Sport and
Exercise Student
“As
far as conferences go, the BASRaT Conference far exceeded our already high
expectations. Being able to network with big names such as Karim Kahn (BJSM
editor and autor or clinical sports medicine) and Steve Aspinall is a
fantastic opportunity for any Sports rehab student. The BASRaT conference was
beneficial for all year groups as the key note speakers delivered relevant and
thought provoking research with charisma and enthusiasm.”
Helena Radcliffe. Second year Rehabilitation in Sport and
Exercise Student
“The conference was another great experience, which I feel I
have learnt great deal in relation to my course, from how to get the public
active to how pain can be perceived. Great day out, especially as it was at the
Etihad stadium!”
Laura Woodbridge. Second
year Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise Student
