BASES Student Conference 2017

As first year Sport Rehabilitation students, we were excited to attend the BASES Student Conference for the first time. As the theme was clinical sport and exercise science, we were expecting to be out of our depth with the content. However, we found that the topics discussed were extremely relevant to our degree which gave us potential to pick up some top tips along the way.

BSc Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise students Amy Day, Becky Jacob-Harris, Heli Radcliffe & Laura Woodbridge.

Combined, we covered a number of talks, presentations and workshops to which we shared with each other over a cup of tea. 

TOP TIP #1: ALWAYS ATTEND CONFERENCES WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE MOST TALKS!

Once registered, we headed for the morning’s welcome talk and key note speaker – Professor Keith George. His ideas and research into the potential of overdosing on exercise was very insightful and put the Government’s guide lines into perspective. Perhaps little and often is sufficient?

Next up – poster sessions and oral communications. This gave undergraduate and postgraduate students from all over the country the chance to present their dissertation and research findings to fellow students and staff. There were some really interesting ideas and concepts, and as a first-year student – some inspiration to get thinking about our own dissertations.

Plymouth Marjon University Student Nikita Baker (right) with her dissertation supervisor Vicki Evans

Our workshop highlights included;

The Application of Ultrasonography in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation with Dr Gary Shum and Dr Giorgos Sakkas – during this workshop we were given a short lecture on the benefits and the theory behind using an ultrasound as well as having the opportunity to practice on each other – which we weren’t expecting to do before our third year.

Opportunities to put our Anatomy into Practice with the Diagnostic Ultrasound

 “Rocket and beetroot science: Dietary Nitrate and exercise performance” with Professor Andy Jones – despite the taste, beetroot is surprisingly good for you. Two shots (140mls) a day can improve performance, muscle efficiency, blood pressure and endurance. 

“Biomechanical risk factors for stress fracture development during Royal Marine training” with Dr Sharon Dixon – This presentation was based around the anthropometric features which may predispose recruits to stress fractures and a review of the types of footwear supplied by the Military. We found that Dr Dixon was very enthusiastic about sharing hints and tips for potential dissertation ideas.

Inspired for our Dissertations after Dr Sharon Dixon's talk

Ben Jane and Dr Saul Bloxham explored group physical activity in relation to NHS treatments, focusing mainly on back pain and cancer patients. This workshop looked into the ways of keeping individuals of all ages active, prescribing basic exercises which can easily be carried out at home when completing daily tasks. As a group, we tried a few exercises and discussed the importance of keeping individuals active through person centred care. As a result of this workshop, we gained insights into potential placement opportunities for the next Academic year!

There were a number of networking opportunities throughout the two days where we were able to meet students from all over the UK, as well as professors, doctors and other subject professionals.

Looking forward to attending Northumbria in 2018, and hopefully we can present at BASES 2019!

Plymouth Marjon University staff enjoying the BASES evening meal

Blog contribution from BSc (Hons) Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise students Amy Day, Becky Jacob-Harris, Heli Radcliffe and Laura Woodbridge.

For more information about our Sport and Health Science undergraduate and postgraduate courses please visit our website 

Blog edited by Sarah Martin, lecturer in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation and course leader for MSc Sport Rehabilitation; smartin@marjon.ac.uk.