2018 SMA CONFERENCE it is useful in sporting environments. The a relatively high prevalence of Achilles ABOUT THE terminology is important as it is unlikely tendon symptoms. Research was able AUTHOR screening will be able to predict an injury. to demonstrate that heel raises are just However, it can identify modifiable risk as effective as an eccentric heel-drop Myles Murphy is factors which may pre-dispose an athleteprogram in people with mid-portionan Australian to injury risk and if these are addressed Achilles tendon pain and that imaging Physiotherapy appropriately, could potentially decrease findings can be very important for some Association (APA) the risk of injury to athletes. The tool is patients, while others place little value titled sport physiotherapist still helpful if tested regularly, but the in them, which ultimately suggests it is at the Western Australian Cricket future for screening to predict an injury important to listen to what patients are Association (WACA) looking after in sport, will remain in debate. interested in. It was also discussed that the Perth Scorchers WBBL and in people with lateral hip pain, there is Western Fury state teams. He To help minimise injuries in our athletes, significant atrophy of all gluteal muscles is also a PhD candidate at The there were also workshops that shared suggesting weakness through lateral University of Notre Dame Australia training methods to assist in injury hip stabilisers. researching the mechanisms prevention. This session concentrated underlying improvement in pain on training methods of elite cricket The conference was a fantastic showcase and function when completing players. A study in this area found an for knowledge updates across the many exercise rehabilitation. eight-week resistance training program disciplines that make up SMA. As sport was effective at increasing strength but medicine is a fast-paced, competitive Myles is currently the deputy chair not ball release velocity in fast bowlers. industry, the SMA Conference is a unique for the 2019 ASICS Sports Medicine However, this increase in strength also opportunity to bring together clinicians, Australia (SMA) Conference in appeared to show a decrease in injuries academics and researchers from across Twin Waters and a member of the for cricketers. Information was also SMA’s multi-disciplinary scope to share scientific committee for the 2019 shared that pull-up strength is important new and exciting information. 6th World Congress of Science for generating a larger ball release and Medicine in Cricket. He is speed and parathyroid hormone has also a member of the Western demonstrated positive results in Australian SMA State Council and accelerating the timeframe to bone a member of the St. John of God healing. Injury risk reduction programs Health Care national scientific also appear effective at improving review sub-committee. modifiable risk factors for injury in adolescent pace bowlers. TENDONS SAVE THE DATE! Join us from the 23 – 26 October The Tendon Free Papers Session at the 2019 ASICS SMA involved learning about tendon pain. Conference at Novotel, Twin Research showed that females are more Waters on the Sunshine Coast. likely to develop bilateral plantar fascia pain than unilateral pain, while women Earlybird registrations open now: with polycystic ovarian syndrome have www.smaconference.org.au VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 3 2018 45 92ssa/segamiytteg