ECG recorder (Pathfinder/Lifecard Digital CF system; Spacelabs Medical Ltd., UK) provided continuous ECG data throughout each exercise test, from which heart rate was derived. Following the rehabilitation programme, heart rate was elevated by 11%-18% during exercise and recovery states. Post-rehabilitation 2 VO  was significantly increased (p = 0.01-0.03) during the first two minutes of heavy-intensity exercise, whilst HR was reduced (p = 0.04) during this period. OUES and standard measures of respiratory performance (minute ventilation, peak 2 VO ) were unchanged following rehabilitation, whilst peak HR and work rates were significantly reduced during incremental exercise only (p < 10 −3). Pulmonary rehabilitation improved the rate of oxygen uptake during heavy-intensity exercise, despite substantially lower heart rates. This suggests that the rehabilitation programme increased systemic arterial-tissue oxygen exchange and/or influenced cardiovascular function to improve systemic oxygen delivery. We might therefore expect that individuals with IPF would find it easier to perform the activities of daily life, including those requiring substantial metabolic demands, following rehabilitation.

Ankle injuries are one of the most common occurrences in the field of sports. Weight bearing dorsiflexion range can be an effecting factor in ankle injuries. Weight bearing lunge test is used to assess weight bearing dorsiflexion. By using this test as a standard testing protocol, it is possible to minimize development of further sport related ankle injuries.  But this test for basketball players with ankle injuries has not been studied yet. The current study will aim to examine the weight bearing dorsiflexion of basketball players related to their gender, ankle injury history and leg dominance. A quasi-experimental design study was conducted. Thirty-four (34) participants were recruited and initially and two (2) were excluded. 18 participants were male and 14 were female basketball players in Colombo Blues and Kotelawala Defence University basketball teams. The average of age of the sample was 21.8 years. Demographic data, information about training time, injury history of the participants was obtained using an interview administered assessment form. The Weight Bearing Dorsiflexion was measured using digital inclinometer. Findings indicated that the weight bearing dorsiflexion range is smaller than that of males (p>0.05). There was a significant difference in weight bearing dorsiflexion and ankle injury history (p<0.01) among players. Significant differences were seen in influence in leg dominance to weight bearing dorsiflexion (p<0.05). This is the first study that is investigated weight bearing dorsiflexion among basketball players in Sri Lanka. No significant difference was found between gender and weight bearing dorsiflexion. A significant difference was determined between ankle injury history and weight bearing dorsiflexion. Furthermore, a significant difference was found in leg dominance and weight bearing dorsiflexion.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, life-limiting with an average life expectancy of 05 years following the onset of the disease, with no curative treatments. These patients need palliative care and rehabilitation is one of the methods that can be used to improve quality of life (QoL) among these patients. Yet the research conducted to assess benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in terms of improving physical activity and QoL in IPF patients remains limited. Hence this study aims to evaluate the effect of a bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation programme, on the physical, physiological and psychological parameters and improvements of QoL among IPF patients. Eleven (11) subjects with IPF received 6 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. An interviewer administered quality of life questionnaire, six-minute walking test (6MWT), Incremental bicycle exercise tests were performed, and cardiac and respiratory parameters were assessed pre-and post-rehabilitation. The 6MWT was significantly increased following training (Pre 312.55 ± 89.99; Post, 380.73 ± 59.60). A significant improvement was observed in overall QoL (2.226 ± 0.026), dyspnoea (−0.455 ± 0.004) anxiety (−2.070 ± 0.038), depression (−2.217 ± 0.027) scores. No significant changes were found in the VO 2 max and other cardiopulmonary parameters, while non-significant improvement was seen in SpO 2 at peak exercise from 85.8-86.5.

Background: Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Sri Lanka. Both intrinsic and extrinsic injury prevention and increase performance are of cardinal importance to a fast bowler to reach optimal performance. Intrinsic prevention methods may protect the fast bowler against too high level of stress experienced during bowling. In this study we aimed to assess the incidence of front foot knee pain and the associated intrinsic risk factors among first class cricket fast bowlers, to come up with recommendations to improve training regimes to prevent non-contact injury. Method: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study was conducted with 30 fast bowlers with front foot knee pain. Severity of knee pain was measured by using knee evaluation form. Q angle, Hip internal rotation were measured using a modified goniometer. Quadricep and hamstring muscle strength were measured by cuff adapted sphygmomanometer. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured by Lunge Test. Results: An insignificant, positive correlation in Ankle dorsiflexion (p=0.780, r=0.053), hip internal rotation (p=0.194, r=0.244), and quadriceps hamstring muscle strength ratio (p=0.952, r=0.012) of the fast bowlers with front foot knee pain was observed. Also, there was an insignificant negative correlation between quadriceps angle (p=0.827, r=-0.042) and front foot knee pain.

_________________________________________________________________________ Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF); Physical, Psychological, social impact on quality of life, and the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation as a mode of palliative care on Physical and Physiological markers Senanayake, Sameera P. How to cite: _________________________________________________________________________ Senanayake, Sameera P. (2019) Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF); Physical, Psychological, social impact on quality of life, and the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation as a mode of palliative care on Physical and Physiological markers. Doctoral thesis, Swansea University.