BASRaT Conference

Staff and students travelled up to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester for the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT) conference on Friday 17^th 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